Why Loyalty To One Cruise Line?

[MicCanberra]

I like them both, a few things we'd love to take from Celebrity and put on Princess.

 

Aqua Spa Cafe (Mrs Gut just loved)

 

Cans of soft drink instead of gun stuff

 

Loved the cafe (but yet to sail a Princess ship with IC, but that changes soon)

 

Sofa in a balcony cabin (once got that with Princess)

 

Hated the round ended beds on Celebrity.

 

I'll sail with either based on timing price and itinerary, I do wish Celebrity had a bigger presence here.

 

Agreed, From Princess to X, the pizza.

[MicCanberra]

Wow, that's pretty cool? Curious if they pay you to cruise, how much are you paying Carnival to gamble? Do you come out ahead still?

 

My hubby is intrigued!

 

I would be cashing out, although I am not even sure if that is possible.:D

[murfturf]

We had previously only sailed Royal, and due to staying in Jr. Suites our status jumped to Emerald on RCI.

 

We've taken the kids on 2 out of our 5 cruises. When looking for trips, we would like to leave out of Galveston and 5 day options work best for during the school year for me, and Carnival was the only one to offer that. So, we are giving Carnival a try for the first time on a pretty decently priced cruise. Our thoughts are to try it out and see if we like it - then we might bring the kids on future ones and we could afford to go on more since we won't be paying for flights.

 

I personally love Royal, and have had very few complaints for my 5 cruises but I have no comparison so far. Our first cruise was the same week as our friends first cruise (also for their 10 year anniversary. We even ended up in Cozumel the same day.) They continue to cruise Carnival and love it, same with us and Royal.

 

The things I will be comparing the most: Food, Comfort, Service

[Zubsin]

DH & I have our favorites for sure - Princess, Celebrity, NCL but two colleagues of mine are fiercely loyal to "their" cruise lines... one is Princess only and one is RCL only. I think it's because they like feeling special & the "recognition" of the "platinum colored" room card.

[MicCanberra]

DH & I have our favorites for sure - Princess, Celebrity, NCL but two colleagues of mine are fiercely loyal to "their" cruise lines... one is Princess only and one is RCL only. I think it's because they like feeling special & the "recognition" of the "platinum colored" room card.

 

The perks for loyalty can make a bit of a difference in price, so I can understand why some people don't want to leave a cruise line they are happy with. If they do they would certainly miss some of the perks, if not the extra expense.

[JimAOk1945]

We are not loyal to any cruise line. Sometimes we cruise for the itinerary, sometimes it's just to get away and relax. So far, we have cruised on Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean.

 

This summer we will be on Holland America for the first time. We picked HAL for its 14 day Alaska itinerary. We will enjoy a few places we have visited on our two previous cruises, but we will see several new ones. It will also give us the opportunity to try a new cruise line.

 

You will never know the difference between the lines unless you try a new one occasionally.

[navybankerteacher]

Wow, that's pretty cool? Curious if they pay you to cruise, how much are you paying Carnival to gamble? Do you come out ahead still?

 

My hubby is intrigued!

 

Having some professional experience with the "gaming" industry, I can safely wager that anyone who plays enough is virtually certain to NOT ultimately come out ahead.

 

Yes, I know that there are people who insist that they always do - and there may be a few, but certainly not as many who boast that they do.

 

Casinos are businesses run by people who know how to run them -- comps are given not to be nice, but to lure in people who will, virtually certainly, ultimately give up more in gambling losses than they will gain in freebies.

[MicCanberra]

Having some professional experience with the "gaming" industry, I can safely wager that anyone who plays enough is virtually certain to NOT ultimately come out ahead.

 

Yes, I know that there are people who insist that they always do - and there may be a few, but certainly not as many who boast that they do.

 

Casinos are businesses run by people who know how to run them -- comps are given not to be nice, but to lure in people who will, virtually certainly, ultimately give up more in gambling losses than they will gain in freebies.

 

The house wins more often than not, other wise they wouldn't be in business.

[cruzeluver]

DH & I have our favorites for sure - Princess, Celebrity, NCL but two colleagues of mine are fiercely loyal to "their" cruise lines... one is Princess only and one is RCL only. I think it's because they like feeling special & the "recognition" of the "platinum colored" room card.

 

I see folks like that all the time. They crack me up. Congratulations. Very impressive that you spent thousands of dollars so your room key could change colors.:p

[Hlitner]

Brand Loyalty is human nature for many folks. Many folks will stick with the same brand of automobile their entire lives. If they spend a week at the shore, it will be at the same town every year. And it is the same with cruise lines. On one of our many cruises (with 14 cruise lines) we recall having dinner with a couple who told us they were tired and bored of cruising. It turned out that they had only been on a single cruise line (HAL). They complained that the menus were the same, entertainment did not change, etc. When we suggested that perhaps they were bored with the same cruise line and should expand their cruise horizons they looked at us like we were nutz.

 

We do know one person (who is actually a Mod for CC) who once told us he prefers to cruise with one cruise line because the frequent cruiser perks (really not that much) made him feel "special." We now get perks on nearly every major cruise line but those little benefits and recognition have absolutely no weight in our cruise booking decisions. For us, it is usually a matter of itinerary (been to 6 continents on cruises) and sometimes the actual ship.

 

Hank

[Iluvcruising2]

We cannot underestimate the psychological element. It applied to me too, until the prices of certain cruises got quite crazy and we saw itineraries on other cruise lines that looked good.

 

So now we don't have much loyalty.

 

Actually, the major cruise lines are all more similar than different. Go try and enjoy them all!

[kimlovesfl]

Frankly, it doesn't appear as though the perks are all that great to keep absolutely loyal to one line.

[cbr663]

Labels are very important to many people, especially labels that have perceived positive attributes. Just check a Princess or a Celebrity board and you quickly read posters who constantly refer to themselves as "Elite". In both cases, "Elite" is simply in reference to the label that is attached to a passenger reward membership level, but it has become much, much more.

 

Fact is that labels work. Some people want to and love feeling that they are part of a group that implies superior quality or a level of status. Exclusivity is desired, or more to the point, the sense of exclusivity.

 

What easier way is there to feel special than to buy your way into it?

[teamflames]

Labels are very important to many people, especially labels that have perceived positive attributes. Just check a Princess or a Celebrity board and you quickly read posters who constantly refer to themselves as "Elite". In both cases, "Elite" is simply in reference to the label that is attached to a passenger reward membership level, but it has become much, much more.

 

Fact is that labels work. Some people want to and love feeling that they are part of a group that implies superior quality or a level of status. Exclusivity is desired, or more to the point, the sense of exclusivity.

 

What easier way is there to feel special than to buy your way into it?

 

 

This is definitely true, one DE said he posts on TripAdvisor to get the badges!!

 

 

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[iancal]

We find that as time passes most cruise lines simply do not deserve our loyalty.

 

Their product can be so inconsistent from one cruise to the next. It seems to be the only attribute that is consistent.

 

And we do not like being taken for starry eyed aspirational cruisers. A few bottles of water, a pin, a medal, some cookies or strawberries is not the way to earn our loyalty.

[navybankerteacher]

We find that as time passes most cruise lines simply do not deserve our loyalty.

 

Their product can be so inconsistent from one cruise to the next. It seems to be the only attribute that is consistent.

 

And we do not like being taken for starry eyed aspirational cruisers. A few bottles of water, a pin, a medal, some cookies or strawberries is not the way to earn our loyalty.

 

Well put: the benefits given as "loyalty" rewards are generally pretty trivial. Sure, all other things being equal, getting some free internet time or laundry service is nice; but timing, itinerary and fares generally far outweigh such goodies. Of course, there are certain aspects of given lines which appeal (or repel), such as decor, activity level, demographic, etc. so there remains some logic in staying with certain lines --- but it always should be for what seems to be offered on a given itinerary rather than reaping such minor benefits.

[Iluvcruising2]

Well put: the benefits given as "loyalty" rewards are generally pretty trivial. Sure, all other things being equal, getting some free internet time or laundry service is nice; but timing, itinerary and fares generally far outweigh such goodies. Of course, there are certain aspects of given lines which appeal (or repel), such as decor, activity level, demographic, etc. so there remains some logic in staying with certain lines --- but it always should be for what seems to be offered on a given itinerary rather than reaping such minor benefits.

 

The benefits of Diamond on Royal is something I don't find trivial. Access to the D-lounge is a wonderful perk.

[YOUTUBE]C0XiSD6V6kU[/YOUTUBE]

 

But I do agree that other factors must be taken into consideration too. For that reason, we have been sailing with various cruise lines, though my upcoming cruise will be with Royal.

[kimlovesfl]

Likewise, if two cruises with differing lines are evenly priced but on one of them the perks give you priority boarding and tendering and access to free drinks as opposed to none of that on the other, I know which one I would choose.:D

 

I haven't cruised enough with any cruise line to really get beyond Gold on Princess. Our first cruise was with Celebrity, and we loved it, but their prices to the Caribbean are higher than Princess, and I only booked my first Princess cruise last year because I found an unbelievable deal, and we loved them enough to go again this year. Celebrity has better prices and itineraries in the Med, so I booked them for my September trip, but used that $1 deposit special on Monday to book our January 2017 Caribbean cruise on Princess. Hoping to go to Hawaii in 2 years, will use NCL; also want to go to Alaska, will definitely use Princess. Perhaps the Greek Isles in a few years, whoever has the best price for the itin I want. Loyalty is nice, but I'm on a budget and getting free dry cleaning and internet minutes isn't a huge deal. Now, if you got amazing discounts or free specialty dining, I would change my mind.

[Iluvcruising2]

There was one year we tried Celebrity and I must say that our cruise was enhanced by the fact that we had reciprocal Elite status (as we were Royal Diamond). The evening cocktail hour and morning coffee were good.

http://guitar123foodandtravel.blogspot.sg/2013/12/celebrity-silhouette-elite-social.html

 

That said, we didn't book this Celebrity cruise just because we would have gotten Elite status. The price was reasonable and the itinerary was attractive.

[sparks1093]

The benefits of Diamond on Royal is something I don't find trivial. Access to the D-lounge is a wonderful perk.

C0XiSD6V6kU

 

But I do agree that other factors must be taken into consideration too. For that reason, we have been sailing with various cruise lines, though my upcoming cruise will be with Royal.

 

There are some perks on each line that aren't trivial but to strive to obtain that level just for the sake of that benefit may not be worth it if other factors are considered (not to mention that the perk may disappear by the time you get to that level). We usually decide when and where we want to cruise and then find a cruise that fits the budget, so if two cruise lines are close in price and we haven't sailed with one of them we would choose that one just to try something new. We aren't at the point where we want to spend significantly more for a new experience though (one day, maybe).

[Flamencacha]

I am a relatively novice cruiser, with only seven Caribbean cruises experienced.

 

 

 

I will never reach diamond, platinum, or any level....

 

because I find no compelling reason, to stay loyal to only one cruise line. Granted, there are "perks", for attaining such levels. However, I have the curiosity to at least, "experience", multiple cruise lines-at least once. How can one possibly "know what's out there", if don't have a sense of adventure?

 

 

 

First cruise was on Celebrity; too formal, "stuffy for my liking". Next five cruises on RCCL; which I prefer. And one cruise on Carnival.

 

 

 

Our next cruise is Carnival Magic; family group of 10, some never cruised before.

 

 

 

So, I remain flexible when selecting which cruise line.

 

 

 

*** I am not questioning the mentality, of those devoted, loyal cruisers to one cruise line. I am sure there are some who love Carnival's product, to such an extent, that they have no desire to experience anything else. That is absolutely fine; their choice.

 

 

 

But I am not at that point, to exclusively book one line.

 

If RCCL offers me a better military discount, for example, it would tilt my selection, in their favor.

 

 

 

I thought it would be interesting, to hear WHY some loyal veteran cruisers, remain that way? I'm not challenging them in any way.

 

 

I have been on 4 cruises and 4 different cruise lines. This year I am scheduled for two 12 day cruises, repeat lines.

 

I don't really consider myself that much of a novice. [emoji38]. I have looked at loyalty programs and doubt that I will ever reach the level I would like.

 

I have enjoyed all my cruises. Each time I have cruised my choice was based on different reasons, price, sometimes itinerary, sometimes convenience( close port) and time of year.

 

I believe you get what you pay for. I am choosing a cruise that does the free style thing, which I don't care for. However I get a balcony Cabin and a drink package with no single supplement. A perk like that I can overlook the free style thing. So it's all relative I guess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[jackalope12]

We took our first cruise ten years ago, and chose Princess because of The Love Boat. Ten cruises later, they have done nothing to lose our business. I see no reason to experiment. Plus, the rewards add up over time.

[NurseDave]

My wife had a bad experience on Princess and swore she would never cruise again. I had a good experience on Disney and told her it was totally different and talked her into cruising again. She thought Disney was wonderful and we did a 2nd one with the kids that time. She was impressed with how spotless everything was and when we pulled into ports across from other cruise ships you could see rust on their hulls, plastic deck chairs, etc... She was set to only stick to Disney. But with the prices differences and this time I wanted something that sailed from the west coast during one specific week, we're trying NCL. I'm apprehensive as well given the service we're use to and classy look of the ships, but we'll see how it goes. I think price might be deciding factor in us branching out to new lines.

[teamflames]

My wife had a bad experience on Princess and swore she would never cruise again. I had a good experience on Disney and told her it was totally different and talked her into cruising again. She thought Disney was wonderful and we did a 2nd one with the kids that time. She was impressed with how spotless everything was and when we pulled into ports across from other cruise ships you could see rust on their hulls, plastic deck chairs, etc... She was set to only stick to Disney. But with the prices differences and this time I wanted something that sailed from the west coast during one specific week, we're trying NCL. I'm apprehensive as well given the service we're use to and classy look of the ships, but we'll see how it goes. I think price might be deciding factor in us branching out to new lines.

 

 

Not surprised to hear that about Disney, we visited their theme parks last year and the cleanliness was simply amazing. We got an early pass one day and their was an army of employees cleaning and polishing every pavement and post. Very impressive

 

 

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[Cruisin' Chick]

After six cruises on Carnival, we tried Princess. And found it had what we wanted. A relaxing experience (few or no stupid pool games, few PA announcements about that umpteenth final bingo contest), a minifridge in every cabin, no matter the category, self service laundry rooms, plenty of activities, including daily trivia...