FIRST Platinum cruise questions

[momof3cruisers]

Hello all. My son and I are sailing on Paradise on Feb 6th and the lucky boy gets to accompany me on my first Cruise as platinum. 
 

I know they have reinstated the priority line but since we are in the first arrival window, I’m guessing that won’t matter much. 
 

These are the other things  I know:

We can drop our carry one in our cabin when we board (will the door be locked though? The only carry one we bring are medication and electronics) 

I have to get my pin and I think the gift at Pixels

I get the bottle of water at any bar

i will receive an invite to the party (5 day cruise) 

We could do laundry but I don’t see us needing it

 

I know there is something to do with chocolate and a casino tournament or free play or something but not sure how those are handled. 
 

Anything I’m missing? 
 

Also, we are going to Grand Turk. How does the priority tender thing work? 

 

[groundloop]

I'm on my second cruise as Platinum, the first was at Christmas.  On that one, out of Port Canaveral, they called all Platinum guests to board at the same time (after Suites and Diamonds).  On this current cruise (out of New Orleans) they called Diamonds, Suites, and then Platinums by boarding group.

 

As for dropping off your carry-ons that seems to vary from ship to ship.  On Magic I tried to drop off my stuff but the cabins were locked.  I probably should have chased down a cabin steward to let me in but I figured they were plenty busy getting everything ready.  On this current cruise on Glory all the cabins were standing open so I just placed my stuff in the closet and went on our way.

 

The 'chocolate thing' is called Chocolate Delight and it's a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a few other treats.  You'll just call room service and ask for it.

 

And Grand Turk isn't a water shuttle (that's the currently accepted official term 😁 ) port, they have a pier.  Were you maybe thinking of Grand Cayman? 9We'll be stopping in Grand Cayman on this cruise but we have Carnival excursions booked so it will be just as easy to meet up in the theatre and go on the water shuttle when our excursion is called.)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 23, 2023 by groundloop

[johnboy036]

For the casino free play just go to the casino cashier and hand them your sign and sail card and they will add the $25 to your account and you use your free play when playing the slot machines. On my cruise last summer in Europe out of Dover the casino gave you $25 in cash instead of free play. You are also able to get $25 in free play chips to use at the tables if you prefer that to the slot free play.

 

I find the free laundry the best and most useful platinum benefit and use it most every cruise.

[CruizinSusan70]

For future cruises that you may decide to use the laundry perk, be aware that the wash is done in hot water, so be prepared with certain clothing items that hot water may be detrimental to.

[txcruiser1234]

Complimentary beverage at Seaday brunch (on ships where brunch is not available, complimentary beverage at breakfast or lunch in Main Dining Room)

 

The first time, we thought this was every sea day brunch.. it's just one though. You don't have to sit down for a meal, you can just ask for bar service from the dining room desk if you prefer to just grab and go.

[groundloop]

6 hours ago, txcruiser1234 said:

 

 

The first time, we thought this was every sea day brunch.. it's just one though. 

 

If it's just one then I view it as a downgrade (or at least not an upgrade) from the Gold perk which is one drink at the final day's dinner.  (I'd thought it meant every brunch also, but don't really care for a drink to start my day)

[marshhawk]

I think the last time we cruised with Platinum, we could use that drink voucher at the coffee shop.  Since we dont drink, it was a good option for us.  And I agree with @johnboy036, the laundry is the best perk!  Even if it's a 5 day cruise.  It's nice to go home with clean laundry, then know that's the first thing you have to do when you get home.  Have a great cruise!

[HappySails4U]

On 1/23/2023 at 12:03 AM, groundloop said:

The 'chocolate thing' is called Chocolate Delight and it's a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a few other treats.  You'll just call room service and ask for it.

What are the options for "a few other treats"?         DH is allergic to strawberries.

[BroadwayGirl]

8 hours ago, HappySails4U said:

is called Chocolate Delight and it's a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a few other treats.  You'll just call room service and ask for it.

I've seen little chocolate bon bon type things and ive also seen macarons on the plate.  

[mz-s]

9 hours ago, HappySails4U said:

What are the options for "a few other treats"?         DH is allergic to strawberries.

 

The chocolate delight comes with chocolate covered strawberries, macarons, and truffles. There are two options with the chocolate delight - take it or leave it.

[Eli_6]

On 1/23/2023 at 7:51 AM, groundloop said:

 

If it's just one then I view it as a downgrade (or at least not an upgrade) from the Gold perk which is one drink at the final day's dinner.  (I'd thought it meant every brunch also, but don't really care for a drink to start my day)

Do you not still also get the free drink on the last evening?  I thought platinum g9t everything gold got.  

[shof515]

11 minutes ago, Eli_6 said:

Do you not still also get the free drink on the last evening?  I thought platinum g9t everything gold got.  

nope, platinum free drink is limited to just brunch only during brunch hours in the dinning room . i hate it and it sucks. its more restrictive compare to the gold coupon that work everywhere and can be used for other drinks like coffees and milkshakes 

[mz-s]

7 minutes ago, shof515 said:

nope, platinum free drink is limited to just brunch only during brunch hours in the dinning room . i hate it and it sucks. its more restrictive compare to the gold coupon that work everywhere and can be used for other drinks like coffees and milkshakes 

 

The gold drink on the last night was added to the program when gold guests were eliminated from the past guest party. Platinum gets the plat/diamond party which (on most ships anyway) is better than the single drink that gold gets on the last night.

[shof515]

1 hour ago, mz-s said:

Platinum gets the plat/diamond party which (on most ships anyway) is better than the single drink that gold gets on the last night.

the plat/diamond party is only 5+ day cruises. if you do the the shorter 3-4 day cruises there is no party

[mz-s]

2 minutes ago, shof515 said:

the plat/diamond party is only 5+ day cruises. if you do the the shorter 3-4 day cruises there is no party

 

And the gold free drink is likewise only on 5+ day cruises.

[momof3cruisers]

On 1/23/2023 at 12:03 AM, groundloop said:

 

 

And Grand Turk isn't a water shuttle (that's the currently accepted official term 😁 ) port, they have a pier.  Were you maybe thinking of Grand Cayman? 9We'll be stopping in Grand Cayman on this cruise but we have Carnival excursions booked so it will be just as easy to meet up in the theatre and go on the water shuttle when our excursion is called.)

 

 

 

 

 

I did mean Grand Cayman. 
 

Anyone want to tell me how to use the water shuttle? Lol

 

thank you all for all of the answers and info.

 

Are the gifts at the picture place like the pins? 

[CruizinSusan70]

15 hours ago, mz-s said:

 There are two options with the chocolate delight - take it or leave it.

That is of course that you remember to order it.   To eliminate waste, Carnival now makes you order things that previously were just automatically delivered to your cabin.

[txcruiser1234]

4 hours ago, momof3cruisers said:

Are the gifts at the picture place like the pins? 

Yes

 

4 hours ago, momof3cruisers said:

Anyone want to tell me how to use the water shuttle? Lol

It's ship/port specific - the general idea is that you will get a flyer in your cabin a day or two prior to the tender port day that gives you a meeting place and time for the priority tender(s)

[shari1737]

14 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

That is of course that you remember to order it.   To eliminate waste, Carnival now makes you order things that previously were just automatically delivered to your cabin.

How do you order it?  Do you do it before the cruise or while you cruising?  

[shof515]

10 minutes ago, shari1737 said:

How do you order it?  Do you do it before the cruise or while you cruising?  

While you are cruising you need to call room service 

[Elaine5715]

3 minutes ago, shof515 said:

While you are cruising you need to call room service 

This was the last one I got so I don't bother.  

[Eli_6]

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

This was the last one I got so I don't bother.  

That looks like someone already licked the chocolate off the strawberries.  

[CruizinSusan70]

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

This was the last one I got so I don't bother.  

Great quality control with that plate, LOL.

[momof3cruisers]

2 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

This was the last one I got so I don't bother.  

Oh now, that’s just a slap in the face. Seriously. 

[Elaine5715]

2 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

That looks like someone already licked the chocolate off the strawberries.  

I know, right?  It wasn't even flaked off, just gone.