VIFP Points vs. Cruise Day Points

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

YOUR VIFP POINTS BREAKDOWN

OK - it's been a couple of years since I've sailed Carnival, but I wonder if there had been any talk about the possibility of Carnival finally doing something to differentiate these two numbers or not. It just seems pointless to have both up there, if they're forever to be the same.

 

What I'm referring to is having some increase (potential) to the VIFP points owing to... I don't know... booking promotional sailings, category sailed in, heck - phase of the moon, I don't know !  LOL    When I spoke to someone at the Diamond Desk yesterday, the only thing that they had heard floating around was perhaps, eventually, maybe have a higher level than Diamond one day...

 

BTW - Just booked a couple quick return sailings over the next several weeks - if only to try out the new Steakhouse menu !!

 

THANKS,

 

Tom

[PhillyFan33579]

Not sure I understand your post. VIFP points are equal to the number of cruise days you have.  What is it you want to differentiate?

[xDisconnections]

12 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Not sure I understand your post. VIFP points are equal to the number of cruise days you have.  What is it you want to differentiate?

When the VIFP Club was introduced in 2012, there were Cruise Days and VIFP Points. The brand ambassador stated when asked that not all Cruise Days would net you VIFP Points and there would be additional VIFP Points Earning Opportunities in the future. Your loyalty status is based on your VIFP Points... not days sailed.

 

The speculation at the time on Cruise Critic was 100% comped cruises would not count and you may have received a bonus for sailing solo or in a suite. As this was speculation, it was never completely rolled out as fact but nothing far from what other cruise lines offered. Should Carnival wish to roll something like this out, the infrastructure is already there for a revenue model and a solo/suite bonus.

 

This discussion was a long time ago... it’s always nice to see you around, @Tom-n-Cheryl.

Edited June 18, 2019 by xDisconnections

[Djptcp]

Maybe the OP is referring to the different numbers we have on Holland America. We are 3-Star Mariners on HAL and our accounts show the number of actual sea days plus a total which includes the number of extra days we have received for booking Neptune Suites (twice the number of sea days - 7 day cruise in a Neptune receives 14 sea days) and the number of days we receive for onboard spending (we usually receive 3-4 extra days for this). These extra days we have received for booking Neptune Suites (have had 5 out of 8 HAL cruises), plus the extra days for the amount of onboard spending really help in getting us to be 4-star Mariners with more perks.

[PhillyFan33579]

2 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:

When the VIFP Club was introduced in 2012, there were Cruise Days and VIFP Points. The brand ambassador stated when asked that not all Cruise Days would net you VIFP Points and there would be additional VIFP Points Earning Opportunities in the future. Your loyalty status is based on your VIFP Points... not days sailed.

 

The speculation at the time on Cruise Critic was 100% comped cruises would not count and you may have received a bonus for sailing solo or in a suite. As this was speculation, it was never completely rolled out as fact but nothing far from what other cruise lines offered. Should Carnival wish to roll something like this out, the infrastructure is already there for a revenue model and a solo/suite bonus.

 

This discussion was a long time ago... it’s always nice to see you around, @Tom-n-Cheryl.

 

Got it, now I understand the point the OP was conveying. I am guilty of having the one day = one point mentality engrained  in my mind when it comes to Carnival. 

[xDisconnections]

Just now, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

Got it, now I understand the point the OP was conveying. I am guilty of having the one day = one point mentality engrained  in my mind when it comes to Carnival. 

Haha no worries- this was actually a pretty big deal here on CC a long time ago... back when I actually was a fan of Carnival.

 

It’s just their infrastructure being built for changes they may or may not decide to implement at a later date. 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

22 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:

Haha no worries- this was actually a pretty big deal here on CC a long time ago... back when I actually was a fan of Carnival.

 

It’s just their infrastructure being built for changes they may or may not decide to implement at a later date. 

 

Yep - that was back when James Berra was Chief Marketing Officer at Carnival. Really nice guy - he replied to an after cruise letter I wrote back then, and we discussed a few things. Then... he jumped ship (w/Royal now, same position). So I guess it was a work in progress, that nobody has seen fit to work on since, nor dispose of entirely.

 

THANKS

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

34 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:

...

 

This discussion was a long time ago... it’s always nice to see you around, @Tom-n-Cheryl.

 

You must have had a different screen name back then !  🙂

 

Tom

[xDisconnections]

Just now, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Yep - that was back when James Berra was Chief Marketing Officer at Carnival. Really nice guy - he replied to an after cruise letter I wrote back then, and we discussed a few things. Then... he jumped ship (w/Royal now, same position). So I guess it was a work in progress, that nobody has seen fit to work on since, nor dispose of entirely.

 

THANKS

 

Tom

He also held the position at Starwood prior to joining Carnival. He developed with Starwood what I considered one of the best loyalty programs in existence. I still miss that SPG Amex earning potential but it was nice while it lasted.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

20 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:

He also held the position at Starwood prior to joining Carnival. He developed with Starwood what I considered one of the best loyalty programs in existence. I still miss that SPG Amex earning potential but it was nice while it lasted.

 

Yep - that's why there was hopes of ways to earn extra points. I'm guessing that he was not given full latitude, which might explain his departure. 

Carnival has long resisted things which would help reward some of their loyal, and/or, revenue generating guests. I was pleased to see that they're finally giving a big nod to nice aft (especially) and forward corner suites on the Mardi Gras - along with a suites only area. Obviously not going as far as either Royal or Celebrity have done, but it's something! Hence, our return at getting to that 75th Milestone point with Carnival - we'll probably find a sailing that will take full advantage of all that OBC, either on the Mardi Gras or the next ship in the line. BTW, also pleased to see them being built in Finland (just as a nod to the Spirit class ships we've enjoyed)!

 

Tom

[maryred]

Actually it's true about free casino cruise days not always being part of your VIFP total. My mom has 105 VIFP points but has cruised a 112 days with Carnival (difference being a free 7 day casino offer for taxes and fees that were almost covered by casino cash). Not sure it's reflected on her VIFP banner, so now I'm curious.

[Sparky2]

On 6/18/2019 at 8:03 AM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

YOUR VIFP POINTS BREAKDOWN

OK - it's been a couple of years since I've sailed Carnival, but I wonder if there had been any talk about the possibility of Carnival finally doing something to differentiate these two numbers or not. It just seems pointless to have both up there, if they're forever to be the same.

 

What I'm referring to is having some increase (potential) to the VIFP points owing to... I don't know... booking promotional sailings, category sailed in, heck - phase of the moon, I don't know !  LOL    When I spoke to someone at the Diamond Desk yesterday, the only thing that they had heard floating around was perhaps, eventually, maybe have a higher level than Diamond one day...

 

BTW - Just booked a couple quick return sailings over the next several weeks - if only to try out the new Steakhouse menu !!

 

THANKS,

Can't really answer your question, Tom, but "hi" to you and Cheryl from Mary & Ken on 2010  or 2011 Miracle cruise.

 

Quote

 

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Sparky2

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

4 minutes ago, Sparky2 said:

Can't really answer your question, Tom, but "hi" to you and Cheryl from Mary & Ken on 2010  or 2011 Miracle cruise.

 

 

 

Hi back at you!! Hope you two are doing well.

 

Man, how time flies !

 

Tom

[JaniceB]

Hi Tom and Cheryl, believe we met on the Breeze when it was the newest Carnival ship.  Welcome back and looking forward to hearing about your cruises to the 75th milestone.  

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

4 hours ago, JaniceB said:

Hi Tom and Cheryl, believe we met on the Breeze when it was the newest Carnival ship.  Welcome back and looking forward to hearing about your cruises to the 75th milestone.  

 

HI THERE !

 

Yes - your screen name sounds familiar!  We've met so many great folks over the years. Cruise Critic is like an extension of the family !!

 

Tom

[FTLCruiseGal]

On 6/18/2019 at 2:09 PM, maryred said:

Actually it's true about free casino cruise days not always being part of your VIFP total. My mom has 105 VIFP points but has cruised a 112 days with Carnival (difference being a free 7 day casino offer for taxes and fees that were almost covered by casino cash). Not sure it's reflected on her VIFP banner, so now I'm curious.

This is odd because I cruised with my friend a few times on her free casino cruises, and those days show up in my total VIFP points.  Maybe because we always upgraded from the interior to an ocean view.

[Webecruzen]

Looking forward to your wonderful reviews.  

[xDisconnections]

3 hours ago, FTLCruiseGal said:

This is odd because I cruised with my friend a few times on her free casino cruises, and those days show up in my total VIFP points.  Maybe because we always upgraded from the interior to an ocean view.

Your upgrade fee was flagged as room revenue which prompted the points.

[leedm]

Tom, since you have been off the Carnival CC board Carnival has said little about any improvements or changes to their Loyalty Program. Haven't missed a thing

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

9 minutes ago, leedm said:

Tom, since you have been off the Carnival CC board Carnival has said little about any improvements or changes to their Loyalty Program. Haven't missed a thing

 

I kind of suspected as much  😄

 

Tom

[FTLCruiseGal]

17 hours ago, xDisconnections said:

Your upgrade fee was flagged as room revenue which prompted the points.

Ah......  kind of figured.