Platinum members, your benefits are next...

[midwestman]

How sad of Carnival. The continual cost-cutting moves every year. I can remember not that long ago when all it took to be invited to the past guest party was one previous cruise. Now I read all the platinum and diamond members applauding the new restrictions on the past guest party, saying it is overcrowded now.

 

I would encourage you to look at your list of benefits and compare it to the benefits for Gold and Red. There is a lot there that Carnival can modify and take away. And considering all the areas Carnival has cut from over the past 5 years or so, I would like that list looks awfully cushy right now.

 

This move by Carnival shows how much they appreciate the return business. It surely is not what it used to be. And to take away a benefit from Gold members that they have already earned, and probably utilized is nothing short of insulting.

[love my grandkids]

This diamond member is not applauding and thinks it is wrong.

 

They could have made past guest as three parties if they wanted this is just another cost cutting move.

[gtalum]

Perhaps.

 

On the other hand, they had no choice but to significantly reduce the size of the past guest party. On many sailings they exceeded the capacity of even the main lounge.

 

The laundry is the one perk I'd miss, but I'd still do what I always do: compare the full value proposition to other cruise lines when selecting a sailing.

Edited May 8, 2015 by gtalum

[eponym]

Perhaps.

 

On the other hand, they had no choice but to significantly reduce the size of the past guest party. On many sailings they exceeded the capacity of even the main lounge.

 

The laundry is the one perk I'd miss, but I'd still do what I always do: compare the full value proposition to other cruise lines when selecting a sailing.

 

I have no idea where people get the supposed, actual numbers from. Anywhere?

[SadieN]

I have no idea where people get the supposed, actual numbers from. Anywhere?

 

 

We always ask how many platinum and diamonds are onboard. The check in people know. So too does guest services and casino cage.

 

At the party it is always announced.

 

Standing room only is a good indicator also.

Edited May 8, 2015 by SadieN

[NCTribeFan]

Well, we certainly needed yet another thread about it, right? :rolleyes:

 

Seriously, people. They're perks that they do NOT have to grant. To anyone.

 

I don't use the free laundry. I don't eat the chocolates delivered to the room. I usually give away my free gift. The only Platinum perks I enjoy are early boarding and maybe 1 or 2 visits to the service desk during a week-long cruise. I don't even know if the priority tender is worth it since the last time I used it (Pride last May), the blue-card FTTF people were a virtual stampede to be first on the tender (which then sat for about 10 minutes while it filled with other people).

 

That's it. Would I just have a hissy-fit meltdown if those were taken away? No, I would not.

 

It would be just like it was before I was Platinum. I'd arrive at the port fairly early and I'd board fairly early.

 

As I've said in a few of the other threads, if it bothers everyone so much, then spend your vacation dollars elsewhere. It's your money. You have the right to spend it wherever you want. If you think you'll be more appreciated elsewhere, then go!

 

Carnival will have no problem filling your berth with a new cruisers who will purchase FTTF, buy ship excursions, buy tons of photos, play bingo, etc.

 

As a shareholder, I have no problem with them keeping costs in line and keeping cruise fares at a very reasonable level. My cruises now cost less, in real dollars, than they did when I started cruising in 2001. Can people say the same about anything else? Costs rise. To continue to provide a very good vacation value, something has to give. A degree in economics isn't needed to understand these things! ;)

[bassmaster150]

I think we all have to remember...at the end of the day, Carnival is a business....as costs go up, they have one of two changes they can make....reduce perks, or increase prices. They remain rather competitive in their pricing, so something has to change. I am platinum on Carnival and frankly I could care less about the past guest party. When I book a cruise, I look at the itinerary and the ship that we will be on....as far as all the other stuff I would say that if we get perks, then cool...if not, it is not going to affect me in any other way. All other lines have had to make similar cuts, so can someone please tell me what the big deal is all about?

[eponym]

We always ask how many platinum and diamonds are onboard. The check in people know. So too does guest services and casino cage.

 

At the party it is always announced.

 

Standing room only is a good indicator also.

 

Oh, I understand.

 

With nearly 800 parties per year, attendance and observations at one or two does not make for a valid dataset.

[Anyislandwilldo]

I did not sign up for continuous sailings with Carnival based on the perks I would get from them. I signed up for the value of the trip. Every week I go to Walmart and they don't give me perks for continuing to shop with them on a weekly basis. But I still go back. The gas station on the corner doesn't give me any perks either but I continue to go back and fill up with them every week.

 

We should all count our lucky stars that we can afford to go on a cruise and not worry about getting compensated for those blessings.

 

BTW, we have never attended a past guest party in the last 7 years of cruising.

[elliair]

How sad of Carnival. The continual cost-cutting moves every year. I can remember not that long ago when all it took to be invited to the past guest party was one previous cruise. Now I read all the platinum and diamond members applauding the new restrictions on the past guest party, saying it is overcrowded now.

 

I would encourage you to look at your list of benefits and compare it to the benefits for Gold and Red. There is a lot there that Carnival can modify and take away. And considering all the areas Carnival has cut from over the past 5 years or so, I would like that list looks awfully cushy right now.

 

This move by Carnival shows how much they appreciate the return business. It surely is not what it used to be. And to take away a benefit from Gold members that they have already earned, and probably utilized is nothing short of insulting.

 

Book more cruises like we did and reach the platinum status. I just booked a Carnival cruise today to fill in between two Princess cruises we have planned. I don't begrudge anyone who has spent their hard earned dollars on anything when they get a perk I don't get. I don't get all the whining about someone having a little more than some one else. I also get tired of organizations asking me to donate money. I now tell them that I donate to my cruising fund as I'm the one really in need of therapy.:p

[jiggs]

How sad of Carnival. The continual cost-cutting moves every year. I can remember not that long ago when all it took to be invited to the past guest party was one previous cruise. Now I read all the platinum and diamond members applauding the new restrictions on the past guest party, saying it is overcrowded now.

 

I would encourage you to look at your list of benefits and compare it to the benefits for Gold and Red. There is a lot there that Carnival can modify and take away. And considering all the areas Carnival has cut from over the past 5 years or so, I would like that list looks awfully cushy right now.

 

This move by Carnival shows how much they appreciate the return business. It surely is not what it used to be. And to take away a benefit from Gold members that they have already earned, and probably utilized is nothing short of insulting.

 

you joined 5 years ago and posted 3 times..? Everything changes, everything.

 

I had a bunch of stuff typed out that I just deleted...because when it comes down to it, if ships continue to sail full, it doesn't matter. You will see the product be devalued until people stop sailing. Demand outweighs supply in the cruise industry. You don't think Plats or Diamonds are smart enough to figure out things can be cut from them as well?

[richfret]

I will repeat my single post that I did on the main announcement that so far has 18,559 hits and 539 replies in just a couple days. Note though, that there are a few who posted 20 or more times and just cannot let it go.

 

"OK now, lets get control of ourselves! All you Gold cruisers, get a chair and sit on the left. All you Platinum and Diamond cruisers, sit on chairs on the right. .................. Order please! No talking or interrupting. ..................... You heard me, QUIET!

 

I have been to these parties and have had "A" drink, an hor d'oeurve and then cheered each time a picture came up of a Carnival ship I had sailed. That's it! Nothing more and nothing less! So it is no big deal! .................. Order please .................... Just keep quiet and listen!

 

So Carnival is trying to resolve a difficult situation. One they put themselves in. Some one had to do the announcement so keep John Heald out of it. Let's give it a chance and see how it goes. If it still bothers you, then write Carnival and tell them what you think. I don't think I would go as far as changing lines but do what pleases you.

 

Now lets shake hands and leave as cheerful cruisers with a big smile on your face like when you hear the ship's horn blow as you exit the harbor. There .................. that's better.

 

Glad that is over with!"

 

Unfortunately, it did little to settle the situation.

 

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Last edited by richfret; May 6th, 2015 at 10:26 PM.

[elliair]

I did not sign up for continuous sailings with Carnival based on the perks I would get from them. I signed up for the value of the trip. Every week I go to Walmart and they don't give me perks for continuing to shop with them on a weekly basis. But I still go back. The gas station on the corner doesn't give me any perks either but I continue to go back and fill up with them every week.

 

We should all count our lucky stars that we can afford to go on a cruise and not worry about getting compensated for those blessings.

 

BTW, we have never attended a past guest party in the last 7 years of cruising.

 

While what you say may be true, there are stores now that offer "repeat" customer perks. I use my Discover card and get anywhere from 5% to 10% cash back on items I purchase. I use it specifically for the cruises and the perks are really good. Book with Southwest and pay $12.50 to get on board first, that's a perk. I shop at a certain grocery store and I earn money back on every purchase plus coupons for free stuff. All you have to do is sign up and use your card. It's available to anyone who shops and wants those perks. Far too many people are living the "entitlement" mentality without earning it. JMHO.

[SMSACE6]

While what you say may be true, there are stores now that offer "repeat" customer perks. I use my Discover card and get anywhere from 5% to 10% cash back on items I purchase. I use it specifically for the cruises and the perks are really good. Book with Southwest and pay $12.50 to get on board first, that's a perk. I shop at a certain grocery store and I earn money back on every purchase plus coupons for free stuff. All you have to do is sign up and use your card. It's available to anyone who shops and wants those perks. Far too many people are living the "entitlement" mentality without earning it. JMHO.

 

So you are in favor of FTTF? just curious.

[elliair]

Now lets shake hands and leave as cheerful cruisers with a big smile on your face like when you hear the ship's horn blow as you exit the harbor. There .................. that's better.

 

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Only better for me, now I can find a place to sit!:D

[ANGELSwithANGLES]

Sadly I think you're right. First Gold downgraded, and probably platinum is next. Just makes it easier to branch out to other lines, and see how they appreciate you just by coming back a second time.

[Green Boy]

I did not sign up for continuous sailings with Carnival based on the perks I would get from them. I signed up for the value of the trip. Every week I go to Walmart and they don't give me perks for continuing to shop with them on a weekly basis. But I still go back. The gas station on the corner doesn't give me any perks either but I continue to go back and fill up with them every week.

 

We should all count our lucky stars that we can afford to go on a cruise and not worry about getting compensated for those blessings.

 

BTW, we have never attended a past guest party in the last 7 years of cruising.

 

totally agree !!! LIKE, LIKE, LIKE.

[CruiseReg]

I'm Platinum and I totally could care less. I wouldn't (or won't) be up in arms over this if/when it comes to pass. There is not a *single* moment in time when my family is looking at or considering cruises that our status/perks enter into the decision making process.

 

I can't even count the number of chocolate covered strawberries or worthless (to me) "gifts" I've thrown away or given away. So yeah, I don't care at all.

[Topo Gigio]

Why don't you guys get over it? there are more important things in life. Btw there are plenty of choices out there with much better perks.

[winddawn]

Book more cruises like we did and reach the platinum status. I just booked a Carnival cruise today to fill in between two Princess cruises we have planned. I don't begrudge anyone who has spent their hard earned dollars on anything when they get a perk I don't get. I don't get all the whining about someone having a little more than some one else. I also get tired of organizations asking me to donate money. I now tell them that I donate to my cruising fund as I'm the one really in need of therapy.:p

I don't begrudge anyone either elliair. There are always plenty of people allowed to board an airplane before I am. I don't begrudge them that benefit or think any less of them because of their status. And I certainly don't wander around the boarding area moaning and groaning about the airline.

[drosphot]

I'm Platinum and I totally could care less. I wouldn't (or won't) be up in arms over this if/when it comes to pass. There is not a *single* moment in time when my family is looking at or considering cruises that our status/perks enter into the decision making process.

 

I can't even count the number of chocolate covered strawberries or worthless (to me) "gifts" I've thrown away or given away. So yeah, I don't care at all.

 

Same here, the only perk I care about is priority boarding.

[MrMileStoner]

The Diamond isn't applauding and still doesn't care about the "loyalty" program.

 

Other Diamonds I know cruise a lot more than 1 or 2 times a year. Including us. We were Platinum before there was a Platinum and Diamond before there was a Diamond and will be whatever the next level, if ever. Just doesn't matter.

[bakersdozen12]

Oh brother. I'm so sick of hearing people complain about this. You don't want Carnival to cut costs? Oh really? Well news flash: costs always go up. It's called inflation. (Take a business class if you want to understand the term better.) Carnival's cost on everything they have to purchase in order to put on a cruise will continue to go up, so they have two choices: 1) look for ways to cut costs, or 2) raise prices. I, for one, would much rather them keep prices down if at all possible.

 

And also, Carnival specifically stated in their press release that the driving factor was the complaints they were getting from the Platinum and Diamond members. So if you are so mad, why don't you blame them? This situation isn't about costs so much as it is about exclusivity. The fact remains that these parties were probably started for a small group of people, whereas now it ends up being half the ship.

 

Carnival needs to change their points system anyway. Rewards should be based on how much money you spend, not on how often you cruise. I'll bet there are a lot of Platinum and Diamonds who reached that status by paying for cheapo interiors, whereas there may be others who have sailed only half as much but have spent way more by booking balconies and suites.

Edited May 8, 2015 by bakersdozen12

[tigereye]

Hey, I like my Chocolate covered strawberries, my free laundry, my early boarding and tendering and my glass of wine(or 7) at the past guest party. Please don't take my Platinum perks away. If you do that will just be another part of the conversation as we discuss whether to cruise or one of our many other vacation choices.

[saharaga]

I have been pricing cruises for quite a while and it looks to me like they have done both. They are reducing perks and increasing prices.

 

I think we all have to remember...at the end of the day, Carnival is a business....as costs go up, they have one of two changes they can make....reduce perks, or increase prices. They remain rather competitive in their pricing, so something has to change. I am platinum on Carnival and frankly I could care less about the past guest party. When I book a cruise, I look at the itinerary and the ship that we will be on....as far as all the other stuff I would say that if we get perks, then cool...if not, it is not going to affect me in any other way. All other lines have had to make similar cuts, so can someone please tell me what the big deal is all about?