Captains Circle Tiers

[Z0nker]

3 hours ago, d9704011 said:

Doesn't the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card go a long ways towards addressing this?

For sure. Good point. And so does any other rewards card if you use it to pay for your cruise and related expenses. 

[SCX22]

4 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Every year, or so, these "Oh my life has no meaning because I have reached Elite level and can't move up any higher" threads pop up here.  The proposed solution to this crisis is always the same--Princess has to create a higher tier and give us more free stuff.   A few years ago I made a suggestion that was, pretty much, roundly criticized.  The bruises have healed, and, since I am a slow learner, I am going to give it another go.

 

Many here on Cruise Critic refer to the Captain's Circle as a Loyalty program.  Many refer to those who have reached the Elite level as Princess' best customers.

 

I'm not sure Princess thinks that way.  To Princess the Captain's Circle is a marketing program.  Anybody who has worked in or near sales know that their best prospects for future business is your customer base.   So, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, supermarkets drug stores, you name it, have all created these affinity groups to maintain contact with (i.e., sell to) their customers.  Also, I am pretty sure that Princess feels that their best customers are the ones who spend the most money.

 

So, why wouldn't Princess enhance the Captain's Circle to encourage people to spend more money?

 

My proposal is to add to the Captain's Circle program by allowing Elite level passengers to accumulate "Elite Points."  Every dollar spent on a Princess cruise earns a point.

 

I am ready to bet that there are very few (None, maybe?) people on this board who do not have a credit card (or two or three) that awards points for every dollar charged to that card,  So, everybody here understands how it works.  Elite Points could be earned for anything the passenger buys:

• Passage ticket
• Excursions
• Drinks
• Spa services
• Specialty dinners
• Wi-Fi
• Ship store purchases.
• Art Auctions
• Sanctuary reservations

I think casino losses should not be included in this program.  This could be a liability problem for Princess.

 

So, what could a person do with accumulated points?

 

Redeem them for onboard goods and services.  The mechanics could work different ways. 

• Prior to a cruise, the passenger could redeem Elite Points for OBC.  Then, he could use it however he wants.
• Princess could create a schedule of rewards (e.g., complimentary drinks, complimentary specialty dinners, complimentary spa treatments cabin upgrades) which a passenger can claim by redeeming points.

Personally, I would prefer the OBC thing, but my selfish view may not be the same as others--particularly, Princess.

 

When I originally proposed this several objections were immediately raised.

• You're creating a class system.  
  Yup.  Are you suggesting there isn't a class system, today with Suite Breakfasts, Reserve Class Dining, Suite Concierge, free laundry for Elite level passengers, special benefits for Princess Plus and Princess Premier passengers?
• How would it handle passengers' OBC? 
  Easy.  Ignore it.  Elite points would only look at the debit side of the ledger--not the credit side.
• What about Crew Appreciation?
  It counts.  If it is removed during the cruise, then, obviously, it earns no points.

What do you think?

 

Princess can't even get a functioning App.  What makes you think that they will be successful in implementing this?

[BamaVol]

On 12/27/2023 at 5:45 PM, Jadn13 said:

Hotel loyalty levels are always growing and changing, Princess could do the same.

Loyalty programs have been watered down for years. The only time a new tier is added, benefits at lower levels are reduced. There is no advantage to Princess adding another level and increasing benefits. Don’t hold your breath. Ships are sailing full. 

Edited December 31, 2023 by BamaVol

[Steelers36]

10 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

Totally agree and I've said it for years.  They need a new level above Elite.  Way too many Elites now.  30 cruises or 300 days sounds fair to me too.  Even just one more small perk added would be nice.

Will it do any good to have the same number of upper tier guests split into two groups?

[capriccio]

This discussion led me to look up how other cruise lines structure their loyalty programs and what rewards are offered.  The Points Guy has a very thorough and informative article:  https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-loyalty-programs/

[ExPhotog]

On 12/28/2023 at 11:03 PM, SargassoPirate said:

"All the status levels show is that you've spent a lot of money".

 

As former crew ‘black cards’ were never worth up-selling to as they'd already done (or prebooked) the extras they wanted. 🤣 

 

Blue card in a suite however…

[skynight]

XBGuy. I'm not in favor of the points for $$ spent system. You can already buy your way to most benefits with booking a full suite and the plus or premier fares.

In the end it's the onboard experience, especially the quality and ease of dining, which attracts return passengers.

[Grego]

To all those that are negative about Princess changing its loyalty program........stay tuned for a major announcement to be made within the month! I understand it will be exciting.

[MissP22]

11 hours ago, BamaVol said:

Loyalty programs have been watered down for years. The only time a new tier is added, benefits at lower levels are reduced. There is no advantage to Princess adding another level and increasing benefits. Don’t hold your breath. Ships are sailing full. 

Until the day comes that their ships are sailing partially filled, there's no chance of any changes in level status. It was only meant to attract repeat business anyway which isn't of much concern lately. 

[Jadn13]

29 minutes ago, Grego said:

To all those that are negative about Princess changing its loyalty program........stay tuned for a major announcement to be made within the month! I understand it will be exciting.

Hmmm… 

[Iamcruzin]

21 hours ago, coo359a2 said:

300 still to low for adding a new  top level.  Maybe 500.  Agree with days only

At 500 days, life support would have to be a perk. If you can afford and have the free time for 500 days why are you nickel and diming the cruise line for for a lot about nothing perks? If you are looking for a challenge sail another line and start from scratch. You may enjoy it better.

[d9704011]

1 hour ago, Grego said:

To all those that are negative about Princess changing its loyalty program........stay tuned for a major announcement to be made within the month! I understand it will be exciting.

Return of the coffee card?!

[BamaVol]

13 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

Return of the coffee card?!

Free earplugs for the Piazza?

[skynight]

33 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said:

At 500 days, life support would have to be a perk. If you can afford and have the free time for 500 days why are you nickel and diming the cruise line for for a lot about nothing perks? If you are looking for a challenge sail another line and start from scratch. You may enjoy it better.

I have more than 500 days. Believe me, I'm not on life support yet. These days were accumulated over the last 20+ years. It's nice to have the comped laundry and the priority tender boarding when there happens to be a tender port. Beyond that I don't use the other benefits very much at all. I have been on other lines. Princess so far provides the experience I enjoy. 

[Iamcruzin]

12 hours ago, capriccio said:

This discussion led me to look up how other cruise lines structure their loyalty programs and what rewards are offered.  The Points Guy has a very thorough and informative article:  https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-loyalty-programs/

Thanks. I have sailed Celebrity, Royal, Carnival and Princess. That just pointed out just how lame Princess rewards are.  Honestly most the the free perks don't amount to much but I do know that on Royal they like to wear their status pins. 

[Yehootu]

19 minutes ago, skynight said:

I have more than 500 days. Believe me, I'm not on life support yet. These days were accumulated over the last 20+ years. It's nice to have the comped laundry and the priority tender boarding when there happens to be a tender port. Beyond that I don't use the other benefits very much at all. I have been on other lines. Princess so far provides the experience I enjoy. 

We are only at 200 days but cruise Princess for the experience rather than the Loyalty benefits. The laundry service has ruined pants that were sent in just for pressing so we don't bother with the "free" laundry anymore. We do like the self laundry so that's a Princess plus. The priority tender service is a nice perk and my wife likes the 10% off in the boutiques. Getting a little back on ship excursions is nice, but we tend to book our own excursions. We have over 100 days on the books coming up and booked for the itineraries. Just like you, Princess provides the experience we enjoy.

[2 cruises a year]

1 hour ago, Iamcruzin said:

 

 

1 hour ago, Iamcruzin said:

At 500 days, life support would have to be a perk. If you can afford and have the free time for 500 days why are you nickel and diming the cruise line for for a lot about nothing perks? If you are looking for a challenge sail another line and start from scratch. You may enjoy it better.

 

31 minutes ago, skynight said:

I have more than 500 days. Believe me, I'm not on life support yet. These days were accumulated over the last 20+ years. It's nice to have the comped laundry and the priority tender boarding when there happens to be a tender port. Beyond that I don't use the other benefits very much at all. I have been on other lines. Princess so far provides the experience I enjoy. 

@BamaVol, affordability is relative and cruising is about priorities.  Like @skynight, we've been cruising for over 20 years.  I was " Union, Blue Collar", paid well, but not a millionaire by any means.  (another sign of my age, to me a millionaire is tops, a multi-millionaire exceptional, now we have multi-billionaires)  Our  cars are 14 and 20 years old, we didn't move into a bigger house (mortgage) every time I got a raise. not a lot of fancy clothes,  We've lived comfortably, don't feel like we've sacrificed, and since retirement have been able to take re-positioning cruises from ports all around the world back to the U.S. for a short flight home.  Laundry and priority tendering are also our favorite perks.  We are happy with those.  (ps: this "new category" subject comes up regularly, I personally don't think it will ever happen)  We don't have any fancy tangible things to show off, but the memories, experiences and fun we've had were the best choice for us.

Edited December 31, 2023 by 2 cruises a year

[Cruise Raider]

12 hours ago, capriccio said:

This discussion led me to look up how other cruise lines structure their loyalty programs and what rewards are offered.  The Points Guy has a very thorough and informative article:  https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-loyalty-programs/

That 50% off solo supplement perk sounds fantastic!  I am, of course, just dreaming but would love that perk to be adopted by Princess.  

[coo359a2]

1 hour ago, Iamcruzin said:

At 500 days, life support would have to be a perk. If you can afford and have the free time for 500 days why are you nickel and diming the cruise line for for a lot about nothing perks? If you are looking for a challenge sail another line and start from scratch. You may enjoy it better.

I never said I was looking for more perks from Princess.  Satisfied with what there is now.  Maybe you need to pick a cruise line with better perks since you consider the Princess perks to be nothing. Working hard, saving money and growing old gives a person lots of free time to cruise if that's what makes them happy. .  Happy New Year.

[Ombud]

22 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Every year, or so, these "Oh my life has no meaning because I have reached Elite level and can't move up any higher" threads pop up here.  The proposed solution to this crisis is always the same--Princess has to create a higher tier and give us more free stuff.   A few years ago I made a suggestion that was, pretty much, roundly criticized.  The bruises have healed, and, since I am a slow learner, I am going to give it another go.

 

Many here on Cruise Critic refer to the Captain's Circle as a Loyalty program.  Many refer to those who have reached the Elite level as Princess' best customers.

 

I'm not sure Princess thinks that way.  To Princess the Captain's Circle is a marketing program. SO TRUE WHICH IS WHY I SAID THEY AREN'T LISTENING Anybody who has worked in or near sales know that their best prospects for future business is your customer base.   So, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, supermarkets drug stores, you name it, have all created these affinity groups to maintain contact with (i.e., sell to) their customers.  Also, I am pretty sure that Princess feels that their best customers are the ones who spend the most money. Yup

 

So, why wouldn't Princess enhance the Captain's Circle to encourage people to spend more money?

 

My proposal is to add to the Captain's Circle program by allowing Elite level passengers to accumulate "Elite Points."  Every dollar spent on a Princess cruise earns a point.

 

I am ready to bet that there are very few (None, maybe?) people on this board who do not have a credit card (or two or three) that awards points for every dollar charged to that card, YES, I just take CA$H back on my 1 So, everybody here understands how it works.  Elite Points could be earned for anything the passenger buys:

• Passage ticket
• Excursions
• Drinks
• Spa services
• Specialty dinners
• Wi-Fi
• Ship store purchases.
• Art Auctions
• Sanctuary reservations

I think casino losses should not be included in this program.  This could be a liability problem for Princess.

 

So, what could a person do with accumulated points?

 

Redeem them for onboard goods and services.  The mechanics could work different ways. 

• Prior to a cruise, the passenger could redeem Elite Points for OBC.  Then, he could use it however he wants.  ❤
• Princess could create a schedule of rewards (e.g., complimentary drinks, complimentary specialty dinners, complimentary spa treatments cabin upgrades) which a passenger can claim by redeeming points.

Personally, I would prefer the OBC thing, but my selfish view may not be the same as others--particularly, Princess.

 

When I originally proposed this several objections were immediately raised.

• You're creating a class system.  
  Yup.  Are you suggesting there isn't a class system, today with Suite Breakfasts, Reserve Class Dining, Suite Concierge, free laundry for Elite level passengers, special benefits for Princess Plus and Princess Premier passengers?
• How would it handle passengers' OBC? 
  Easy.  Ignore it.  Elite points would only look at the debit side of the ledger--not the credit side.
• What about Crew Appreciation?
  It counts.  If it is removed during the cruise, then, obviously, it earns no points.

What do you think?

Random thoughts inserted in red

[XBGuy]

21 hours ago, d9704011 said:

Doesn't the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card go a long ways towards addressing this?

 

Yes and no.

 

From the card issuer's point of view, it encourages the credit card holder to use that card.  I am sure that Princess derives benefit also.  Princess may very well think, "Hey, it gets those people to use that card, what can we do to get more passengers to spend more money with us?"

 

From the passengers point of view he can think, "Hey, I can get points on my credit card, and I can also get points from Princess.  It's like double dipping."

[XBGuy]

18 hours ago, SCX22 said:

 

Princess can't even get a functioning App.  What makes you think that they will be successful in implementing this?

 

I was thinking of this while I was composing.  Yes, it is up to Princess executives to hold their CIO's feet to the fire. 

[XBGuy]

5 hours ago, skynight said:

XBGuy. I'm not in favor of the points for $$ spent system. You can already buy your way to most benefits with booking a full suite and the plus or premier fares.

In the end it's the onboard experience, especially the quality and ease of dining, which attracts return passengers.

 

I understand, @skynight.  I was trying to put myself in the position of the Princess executives who might have the ability to change the program.  After 40 years in the corporate world, I quickly learned that proposed programs had to have a some sort of demonstrable payback in order to get support from the upper levels of the company.  I thought that an enhancement whose aim is to improve future Princess revenues would have the best chance of getting executive support.

[Ken the cruiser]

22 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Every year, or so, these "Oh my life has no meaning because I have reached Elite level and can't move up any higher" threads pop up here.  The proposed solution to this crisis is always the same--Princess has to create a higher tier and give us more free stuff.   A few years ago I made a suggestion that was, pretty much, roundly criticized.  The bruises have healed, and, since I am a slow learner, I am going to give it another go.

 

Many here on Cruise Critic refer to the Captain's Circle as a Loyalty program.  Many refer to those who have reached the Elite level as Princess' best customers.

 

I'm not sure Princess thinks that way.  To Princess the Captain's Circle is a marketing program.  Anybody who has worked in or near sales know that their best prospects for future business is your customer base.   So, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, supermarkets drug stores, you name it, have all created these affinity groups to maintain contact with (i.e., sell to) their customers.  Also, I am pretty sure that Princess feels that their best customers are the ones who spend the most money.

 

So, why wouldn't Princess enhance the Captain's Circle to encourage people to spend more money?

 

My proposal is to add to the Captain's Circle program by allowing Elite level passengers to accumulate "Elite Points."  Every dollar spent on a Princess cruise earns a point.

 

I am ready to bet that there are very few (None, maybe?) people on this board who do not have a credit card (or two or three) that awards points for every dollar charged to that card,  So, everybody here understands how it works.  Elite Points could be earned for anything the passenger buys:

• Passage ticket
• Excursions
• Drinks
• Spa services
• Specialty dinners
• Wi-Fi
• Ship store purchases.
• Art Auctions
• Sanctuary reservations

I think casino losses should not be included in this program.  This could be a liability problem for Princess.

 

So, what could a person do with accumulated points?

 

Redeem them for onboard goods and services.  The mechanics could work different ways. 

• Prior to a cruise, the passenger could redeem Elite Points for OBC.  Then, he could use it however he wants.
• Princess could create a schedule of rewards (e.g., complimentary drinks, complimentary specialty dinners, complimentary spa treatments cabin upgrades) which a passenger can claim by redeeming points.

Personally, I would prefer the OBC thing, but my selfish view may not be the same as others--particularly, Princess.

 

When I originally proposed this several objections were immediately raised.

• You're creating a class system.  
  Yup.  Are you suggesting there isn't a class system, today with Suite Breakfasts, Reserve Class Dining, Suite Concierge, free laundry for Elite level passengers, special benefits for Princess Plus and Princess Premier passengers?
• How would it handle passengers' OBC? 
  Easy.  Ignore it.  Elite points would only look at the debit side of the ledger--not the credit side.
• What about Crew Appreciation?
  It counts.  If it is removed during the cruise, then, obviously, it earns no points.

What do you think?

A couple of thoughts. The first one that comes to mind is that HAL has been doing something similar to this for years to allow guests to move up in Mariner status.

 

Mariner Society

 

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re automatically enrolled in our Mariner Society®. As a member, you’ll earn Cruise Day credits for every day you cruise and for each purchase you make onboard. Earn bonus credits when you pay a published fare for a suite or penthouse and for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases.*

 
The other thing that comes to mind is why should Princess limit this “spending money onboard” idea to only apply to Elites? Why not allow it to apply to all passengers, creating an incentive for someone to book another PCL cruise, regardless of their loyalty status, in order to take advantage of the “spending money onboard” points they accumulated from previous cruises?
 

 

[Ombud]

8 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

A couple of thoughts. The first one that comes to mind is that HAL has been doing something similar to this for years to allow guests to move up in Mariner status.

 

Mariner Society

 

When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re automatically enrolled in our Mariner Society®. As a member, you’ll earn Cruise Day credits for every day you cruise and for each purchase you make onboard. Earn bonus credits when you pay a published fare for a suite or penthouse and for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases.*

 
The other thing that comes to mind is why should Princess limit this “spending money onboard” idea to only apply to Elites? Why not allow it to apply to all passengers, creating an incentive for someone to book another PCL cruise, regardless of their loyalty status, in order to take advantage of the “spending money onboard” points they accumulated from previous cruises?

Sounds like a better idea than the current 'entry ticket into bonus drawing for each purchase over $100' program. Maybe the 'powers that be' will add that as both HAL & PCL are the same branch in CC, aren't they?