Never seen this many plats and diamonds on a cruise

[shof515]

that new gift is horrible, looks like old stock after they ran out of fanny packs. they was suppose to some kind of new bag for the gift like a tote bag

[ninjacat123]

50 minutes ago, Rudyard said:

I think, as do a lot of others, that Carnival will add a new tier between Plat and Diamond. I see some Plat perks going away such as the welcome back party and maybe the free gift, but probably not early embarkation. They've already done away with early cabin entry and I don't see that coming back at all. If they feel there are too many Plats I could see Carnival doing away with the free laundry. I think the new tiers to keep people from reaching the top tiers too quickly will be...

 

Gold- 35 days (not much of an increase but saves Carnival a little money on pins and bottles of water)

Plat- 100 Days

Plat Plus- 200 to 250 Days

Diamond- 500 Days

 

Existing VIFP levels would be grandfathered in and something like 60 days notice may be given so that those that are close can get in those last couple of cruises to reach a higher level. I don't see Carnival losing a lot of people over this, and if they do then they save in the long run because they won't need to give out gifts, etc. to the new blue and red cards that take the place of those leaving. 

 

These are just my thoughts and I'm sure a lot of you have way different ideas as to how this may play out. 

DH and I were discussing the same issue but my "new" tiers would be:

Gold - 40 (because 40 is the new 20)

Platinum - 100 (do away with the gift and laundry)

Platinum emerald (oooooh a new color!) 175

Diamond - 250 (500 days might mean a lot of babies being brought on board to rack up days)

I know we don't have any control over this but it's fun to hypothesize 😉

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by ninjacat123
being silly ;)

[Butterbean1000]

14 hours ago, Tapi said:

I became platinum back in the days when all you needed were 10 cruises (no matter if they were 3 or 10 day cruises). I remember the free slot tournaments, and the unlimited laundry, and checking in at a VIP lounge that truly felt exclusive since you were the only one in there. 
 

The changes that have happened since then have diluted those perks, but they didn’t make me want to sail on another cruise line (I chose to broaden my horizons and look at other cruise lines for other reasons). I still appreciated what Carnival offered, even if it wasn’t as generous as when I first joined the ranks. 

On my first cruise, I remember seeing the special lounge for 10 and over cruises.  I thought to myself, why would anyone cruise that much.  After that cruise, I have been cruising as often as I can.  I turn platinum on our next one. 

[BlerkOne]

I am amused by those who complain about having to pick up a free gift, and then complain about the gift. 

[Illbcruzn4life]

3 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

I am amused by those who complain about having to pick up a free gift, and then complain about the gift. 

you mean BRIBE! Let's be consistent now!

[Sailor75]

On 9/23/2023 at 12:35 PM, Tapi said:

Seeing this makes me wonder if the loyalty program will get “revamped” to make it harder to obtain certain perks and thin out “the herd”. When too many people qualify for perks, they stop being perks.

I was just on the Freedom in August and there was a Carnival employee attending the diamond lunch (at least he claimed to be). He said he was working with a group on a new level, black diamond; he thought this level would start at 400 days but it was still being discussed and nothing was final yet. He was basically getting feedback from us on the new level, but this was before he told us about it. According to him, Carnival will not be removing any current benefits each level gets, Carnival will instead add new benefits to the new level (I told him I didn't believe that and Carnival only knows how to subtract, not add). He said one new benefit being discussed was free drinks and that was all he mentioned; then he quickly left.

[jimbo5544]

5 hours ago, ray98 said:

I really don't think Carnival has as much angst over their loyalty program as the internet does.  The vast majority of the things they offer as perks cost them little to nothing.  The percentage of platinum/diamonds will only continue to increase.  Cruising exploded in popularity years ago and many of those passengers are still around.  It is what it is.

All facts here

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, Sailor75 said:

I was just on the Freedom in August and there was a Carnival employee attending the diamond lunch (at least he claimed to be). He said he was working with a group on a new level, black diamond; he thought this level would start at 400 days but it was still being discussed and nothing was final yet. He was basically getting feedback from us on the new level, but this was before he told us about it. According to him, Carnival will not be removing any current benefits each level gets, Carnival will instead add new benefits to the new level (I told him I didn't believe that and Carnival only knows how to subtract, not add). He said one new benefit being discussed was free drinks and that was all he mentioned; then he quickly left.

Was there a space ship he left in?  

Edited September 24, 2023 by jimbo5544

[Frank12]

15 hours ago, glrounds said:

I also became platinum during this period, although most of  mine were on 7 day cruises. There were "newbies" talking about a month of 3 and 4 day cruises to acquire the 10 cruises and qualify for platinum in a month ! 😗

I'm a few cruises away from Diamond and I hope it doesn't sound like SOUR GRAPES, but I see very little difference between platinum and diamond. Number of FREE laundry uses, which I've seldom taken advantage of anyway. I usually give away my pin or little jack-in-the-box gift to younger cruisers.  I've always loved Carnival and will continue to cruise with them no matter what happens to the loyalty program, although, of late, Princess has some great priciing,  when you consider that some of their cruises have a SOLO adjustment that is guite nice. 

 

Right there with ya!

[Sailor75]

21 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

Delta is clearly sucking up to the business traveler. If anything, Carnival would add/beef up the lower levels and leave Platinum/Diamond alone. Carnival knows who butters their bread.

I don't know if this is entirely true. My first few cruises, I did a shore excursion at every port, played bingo, drank a lot, spent a lot of money; now, I rarely do excursions or activities. In fact, I will stay on the ship while in many ports and I know a number of other people who do the same thing. The cruise and ports just get very repetitive; but, I enjoy the relaxation and time away from work and a cell phone. I have also heard other diamonds brag about not having a bill other than maybe gratuities. It's just my opinion but it seems to me blue cards spend the most money.

[jimbo5544]

4 minutes ago, Sailor75 said:

I don't know if this is entirely true. My first few cruises, I did a shore excursion at every port, played bingo, drank a lot, spent a lot of money; now, I rarely do excursions or activities. In fact, I will stay on the ship while in many ports and I know a number of other people who do the same thing. The cruise and ports just get very repetitive; but, I enjoy the relaxation and time away from work and a cell phone. I have also heard other diamonds brag about not having a bill other than maybe gratuities. It's just my opinion but it seems to me blue cards spend the most money.

New cruisers spend WAY more than “experienced” cruisers as a rule. 

Edited September 24, 2023 by jimbo5544

[Sailor75]

13 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Was there a space ship he left in?  

No, it was a black Audi headed to Miami. It's not a far stretch to add a new level, Carnival already added 2, red and diamond. I've heard talk for years about adding a new level, but that was just talk, this guy had concrete details. Yes, he could've just been blowing smoke up our ... But, who knows?

[jimbo5544]

1 minute ago, Sailor75 said:

No, it was a black Audi headed to Miami. It's not a far stretch to add a new level, Carnival already added 2, red and diamond. I've heard talk for years about adding a new level, but that was just talk, this guy had concrete details. Yes, he could've just been blowing smoke up our ... But, who knows?

Apparently not even Carnival.  This subject has been on the docket for over 10 years.  They brought in an outsider who was known for loyalty programs for a major hotel chain.  After several years and much effort, they abandoned the project.  No idea why, but the obvious reason would be complexity of any future program and grandfathering existing levels in.  Things like changing to money spent vs just days, and bonus for cabin types like suites, and difference in cabins purchased vs discounted comps for Ultra and Elite and on and on and on. 

 

My personal thoughts are is that it HAS to change as before long the vast majority of the majority of ship will be plat and diamond.  Even at 400 days, I do not see them giving free drinks or anything like that.  Of course there a ton of options they COULD do, but I will believe it when it is announced.  

 

 

[stobe1]

I think this whole "Carnival doesn't want Plats/Diamonds" narrative is a CC created urban legend. 

 

Blues vs Plats/Diamonds.

 

If I were Carnival, would I want that 1 Plat/Diamond that cruises several times per year (like we do) and maybe doesn't have as much on board spend vs. that 1Blue/Red that cruises once every 2 to 5 years and spends a little more on board. I would want the sheep that I can keep shearing multiple times as opposed to the one I can skin. But that's just me... 

[Sailor75]

54 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Apparently not even Carnival.  This subject has been on the docket for over 10 years.  They brought in an outsider who was known for loyalty programs for a major hotel chain.  After several years and much effort, they abandoned the project.  No idea why, but the obvious reason would be complexity of any future program and grandfathering existing levels in.  Things like changing to money spent vs just days, and bonus for cabin types like suites, and difference in cabins purchased vs discounted comps for Ultra and Elite and on and on and on. 

 

My personal thoughts are is that it HAS to change as before long the vast majority of the majority of ship will be plat and diamond.  Even at 400 days, I do not see them giving free drinks or anything like that.  Of course there a ton of options they COULD do, but I will believe it when it is announced.  

 

 

I think Carnival hasn't added anything above diamond yet because they probably plan to add some new benefits and cut some benefits from current levels, but they're afraid of enraging people; they already cut gold out of the party and made it platinum diamond only. As far as free drinks, he didn't say an open bar for the entire cruise and RCL already gives free drinks to people who only have 80 days sailed.

[RD64]

2 hours ago, Sailor75 said:

I don't know if this is entirely true. My first few cruises, I did a shore excursion at every port, played bingo, drank a lot, spent a lot of money; now, I rarely do excursions or activities. In fact, I will stay on the ship while in many ports and I know a number of other people who do the same thing. The cruise and ports just get very repetitive; but, I enjoy the relaxation and time away from work and a cell phone. I have also heard other diamonds brag about not having a bill other than maybe gratuities. It's just my opinion but it seems to me blue cards spend the most money.

Agreed - Carnival and the other cruise lines do not want the veteran cruiser that truly does not contribute to the bottom line. There are so many cruisers who brag about not paying anything additional - and honestly - I am going to make the assumption that they stiff on gratuities as well. All those people claiming that they tip the waiter and the bar tender $5 per drink is just an urban myth created by keyboard warriors. The cruise lines do not want the veterans who want every possible freebie - and live to get an elusive free bag of laundry. They want the newbies who will spend freely at the spa, shops, cabanas, excursions, bars, etc - as these are the true profit centres.

 

I have a friend that lives in Miami - 700+ sailing days - only on Carnival - because for whatever reason being diamond / gold/ pinnacle / etc will tell you that she never has - and has no intention of - spending more than her basic fare which is often last minute. I have no doubt that she is not the only one in this situation.

Edited September 24, 2023 by RD64
Additional

[stobe1]

26 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Agreed - Carnival and the other cruise lines do not want the veteran cruiser that truly does not contribute to the bottom line. There are so many cruisers who brag about not paying anything additional - and honestly - I am going to make the assumption that they stiff on gratuities as well. All those people claiming that they tip the waiter and the bar tender $5 per drink is just an urban myth created by keyboard warriors. The cruise lines do not want the veterans who want every possible freebie - and live to get an elusive free bag of laundry. They want the newbies who will spend freely at the spa, shops, cabanas, excursions, bars, etc - as these are the true profit centres.

 

I have a friend that lives in Miami - 700+ sailing days - only on Carnival - because for whatever reason being diamond / gold/ pinnacle / etc will tell you that she never has - and has no intention of - spending more than her basic fare which is often last minute. I have no doubt that she is not the only one in this situation.

 

Respectfully, your assumption would be wrong.

Edited September 25, 2023 by stobe1

[RD64]

16 minutes ago, stobe1 said:

 

Respectfully, your assumption would be wrong.

Respectfully - it is all about maximizing profits - Economics 101. Your loyalty means nothing to Carnival unless you are willing to back it up with significant onboard spending + prepaid gratuities of course.

 

Would Carnival want one of the die-hard loyalists that spend $xxx dollars for a cabin and nothing else - or $xxx for the cabin plus $500 per person in onboard spending?

Edited September 25, 2023 by RD64
Additional

[stobe1]

31 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Respectfully - it is all about maximizing profits - Economics 101. Your loyalty means nothing to Carnival unless you are willing to back it up with significant onboard spending + prepaid gratuities of course.

 

Would Carnival want one of the die-hard loyalists that spend $xxx dollars for a cabin and nothing else - or $xxx for the cabin plus $500 per person in onboard spending?

Show me data and I will believe you. Otherwise it's all hyperbole.

[RD64]

3 minutes ago, stobe1 said:

Show me data and I will believe you. Otherwise it's all hyperbole.

Here is your data - would you - personally - rather have $5 in your pocket or $25? Now imagine that on a much larger scale. Ask any Business / Accounting Economics professors- which I am - marginal profit and profit maximization is what it is all about. # Truefacts

 

If you are happy with the $5, please feel free to send me the Marginal $20 which I will gladly take off of your hands.

Edited September 25, 2023 by RD64
Additional

[mz-s]

36 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Respectfully - it is all about maximizing profits - Economics 101. Your loyalty means nothing to Carnival unless you are willing to back it up with significant onboard spending + prepaid gratuities of course.

 

Would Carnival want one of the die-hard loyalists that spend $xxx dollars for a cabin and nothing else - or $xxx for the cabin plus $500 per person in onboard spending?

 

What you're missing in that equation is Carnival's cost to acquire a new customer. How much advertising does it cost for Carnival to get a new cruiser?

[RD64]

I would say less than other companies because for middle America -Carnival, RCL, and Princess are top of mind (from the view of a marketing professor. Others such as MSC (in North America), and Holland America would have a much higher cost. But regardless, when the newbie is onboard they will spend$$$$$$ - the veterans who are waiting with bated breath for that free bag of laundry - not so much.

 

An example - I met a couple on a 14 day cruise to Alaska last month. This was their third Alaskan cruise since May - proudly told anyone and everyone that they were booked in the smallest inside room and on all three cruises left the ship without having incurred one additional $1 in charges. They were upset because they still did not have enough days for free laundry. Booked a 17 day cruise to Hawaii at the minimum rate just to get the free laundry. Not exactly what exactly they are contributing to the overall profitability, especially when last minute Alaska cruises were going for rock bottom rates - barely even to cover fixed costs I would think.

[jimbo5544]

59 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Respectfully - it is all about maximizing profits - Economics 101. Your loyalty means nothing to Carnival unless you are willing to back it up with significant onboard spending + prepaid gratuities of course.

 

Would Carnival want one of the die-hard loyalists that spend $xxx dollars for a cabin and nothing else - or $xxx for the cabin plus $500 per person in onboard spending?

Me thinks u r missing the point.  That die hard loyalist sails with them 3 to 5 times a year, the rookie once every five years.  That is Economics 102.

Edited September 25, 2023 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

On 9/23/2023 at 8:09 PM, glrounds said:

I always mentally compare these posts with the "good ole days". Back when PLATINUMS got a free entrance into the slots tournament (not buy one, get one free), I always asked the teller at the casino cage how many PLATINUMS were onboard because she always had a list right there for handiing out free slot tickets. Usually the number was 20 to 35 depending on how new the ship was. At the port in Long Beach a separate building by the DOME housed all the PLATINUMS complete with coffee, croissants, and orange juice. That red PRIORITY stamp on your boarding pass got you to the front automatically of every kind of line.

 

All watered down now, I see major changes into any kind of "loyalty" program.

.

 

….and we have another bingo winner

 

[stobe1]

23 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Here is your data - would you - personally - rather have $5 in your pocket or $25? Now imagine that on a much larger scale. Ask any Business / Accounting Economics professors- which I am - marginal profit and profit maximization is what it is all about. # Truefacts

 

If you are happy with the $5, please feel free to send me the Marginal $20 which I will gladly take off of your hands.

So you have no data. Just more assumptions.

 

And your assumption about us Plats/Diamonds failing to tip generously still has no merit.