JH hints again that changes to loyalty program changes are coming

[pinto18]

5 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

One (1) complimentary specialty coffee, soda or alcoholic beverage with a value no greater than $16.00 + 18% gratuity. Redeemable at any venue. Will be automatically applied to the first transaction once onboard. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed by adults of applicable legal drinking age.

 

Ya I see that, it's just when this first came out it was, you can now get the free drink at any time at any bar ...yes! much less restrictive than the "only at seaday brunch"...but now its back to being kind of restrictive as far as Im concerned in that it has to be the first transaction.

[silvercrikhix]

Finally got a free cabin casino offer this month. Right after my 5 digit casino loss. I have actually ‘pre-paid’ for that ‘free’ booking. I have never won more than squat in a Carnival casino. Neither has my DH. We have got other discounted casino offers and used them. But again, not enough to make up the losses.  We also book many suites or a balcony at least. Don’t worry Blerk we’re not getting anything free. lol 

Edited July 21 by silvercrikhix

[jimbo5544]

7 hours ago, silvercrikhix said:

Finally got a free cabin casino offer this month. Right after my 5 digit casino loss. I have actually ‘pre-paid’ for that ‘free’ booking. I have never won more than squat in a Carnival casino. Neither has my DH. We have got other discounted casino offers and used them. But again, not enough to make up the losses.  We also book many suites or a balcony at least. Don’t worry Blerk we’re not getting anything free. lol 

Sounds like a fun time…..

[silvercrikhix]

3 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Sounds like a fun time…..

 It is fun or we wouldn’t do it!  We do have a great time. And don’t bet more than we can afford to lose. 

[jimbo5544]

17 minutes ago, silvercrikhix said:

 It is fun or we wouldn’t do it!  We do have a great time. And don’t bet more than we can afford to lose. 

Different strokes for different folks. My limited time in casinos confirms you are not alone.

Edited July 21 by jimbo5544

[kwokpot]

13 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

Yes, free cruises do accumulate points, but nothing is earned and Carnival doesn't owe anyone anything. Carnival has wrecked their loyalty program by allowing them to be accumulated.

 

As I;m sure I have said, gamblers are fickle and Carnival isn't interested in a bidding war.

 

I don't like RCL but have taken a free Celebrity cruise. They keep sending me some offers, but I don't care for their casinos, but do like the smoke free part.

I've been away from these boards due to other more pressing matters, but as someone that has sparred with you and others on this I'll add some additional thoughts.

Virgin Voyages has done what many have said should be the case and comped casino rates don't count towards their loyalty program AND you won't get loyalty level benefits on any comped casino cruise.

Celebrity and NCL has made major changes to their Casino players programs. In Celebrity's case free drink packages will no longer be part of higher tier levels of the casino players program. What is being substituted is the existing benefit of free drinks while actively playing in the casino, which is a benefit for ALL passengers, and not just those who are part of the casino program.  In NCL's case they took away free drinks in the casino for allwho are on a casino comp rate and only the higher casino loyalty tier gets a free drink package. So there's definitely been changes with the cruiseline casino player programs. 

[Colorado Beach Bum]

31 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

I've been away from these boards due to other more pressing matters, but as someone that has sparred with you and others on this I'll add some additional thoughts.

Virgin Voyages has done what many have said should be the case and comped casino rates don't count towards their loyalty program AND you won't get loyalty level benefits on any comped casino cruise.

Celebrity and NCL has made major changes to their Casino players programs. In Celebrity's case free drink packages will no longer be part of higher tier levels of the casino players program. What is being substituted is the existing benefit of free drinks while actively playing in the casino, which is a benefit for ALL passengers, and not just those who are part of the casino program.  In NCL's case they took away free drinks in the casino for allwho are on a casino comp rate and only the higher casino loyalty tier gets a free drink package. So there's definitely been changes with the cruiseline casino player programs. 

Interesting.  It’s all cyclical and benefits change depending on cruise lines need. I’m sure there’s an appropriate balance that drives casino spend and reduces cost.  This is true for both loyalty and casino benefits. 

[jimbo5544]

33 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

I've been away from these boards due to other more pressing matters, but as someone that has sparred with you and others on this I'll add some additional thoughts.

Virgin Voyages has done what many have said should be the case and comped casino rates don't count towards their loyalty program AND you won't get loyalty level benefits on any comped casino cruise.

Celebrity and NCL has made major changes to their Casino players programs. In Celebrity's case free drink packages will no longer be part of higher tier levels of the casino players program. What is being substituted is the existing benefit of free drinks while actively playing in the casino, which is a benefit for ALL passengers, and not just those who are part of the casino program.  In NCL's case they took away free drinks in the casino for allwho are on a casino comp rate and only the higher casino loyalty tier gets a free drink package. So there's definitely been changes with the cruiseline casino player programs. 

Sounds like a home run decision to me.

[jimbo5544]

Just now, Colorado Beach Bum said:

Interesting.  It’s all cyclical and benefits change depending on cruise lines need. I’m sure there’s an appropriate balance that drives casino spend and reduces cost.  This is true for both loyalty and casino benefits. 

I would be interested in why you feel that way about loyalty, do not see the tie.

[Colorado Beach Bum]

2 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

I would be interested in why you feel that way about loyalty, do not see the tie.

As has been discussed, it’s all marketing. Both loyalty and casino.  Both can be adjusted to fill the needs of the business. Neither are done just to do something.  They both should be used to drive additional revenue.  If not, why do them?

[jimbo5544]

11 minutes ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

As has been discussed, it’s all marketing. Both loyalty and casino.  Both can be adjusted to fill the needs of the business. Neither are done just to do something.  They both should be used to drive additional revenue.  If not, why do them?

None of that says why they should be combined together.  Can you combine all marketing programs together?  To answer your last question, they deserve merit on their own.

[kwokpot]

https://www.cruisehive.com/celebrity-cruises-adjusts-blue-chip-club-clarifies-after-guest-feedback/139771?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR35FY-VLeTwYStTjeXJaWRp-QjRGluGNW6__53iELrllHkAMt2T9BMj2gQ_aem_NdfLbrRpLeu8_-ABKxKehw

[Colorado Beach Bum]

55 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

None of that says why they should be combined together.  Can you combine all marketing programs together?  To answer your last question, they deserve merit on their own.

I wasn’t combining anything.  Only that both are marketing programs. Never said to combine everything. But I am in the camp that casino comped cruises should earn loyalty points.  But that’s two separate programs. 

[Elaine5715]

16 hours ago, silvercrikhix said:

Finally got a free cabin casino offer this month. Right after my 5 digit casino loss. I have actually ‘pre-paid’ for that ‘free’ booking. I have never won more than squat in a Carnival casino. Neither has my DH. We have got other discounted casino offers and used them. But again, not enough to make up the losses.  We also book many suites or a balcony at least. Don’t worry Blerk we’re not getting anything free. lol 

I got a "free" casino offer after my $400 loss.  

FYI-offers are not the result of wins nor losses.  Offers are not a reward or thank you.  They are a calculation based of collected data on your potential future spending.   

[BlerkOne]

48 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

I got a "free" casino offer after my $400 loss.  

FYI-offers are not the result of wins nor losses.  Offers are not a reward or thank you.  They are a calculation based of collected data on your potential future spending.   

Some think they earned, or deserve a free cruise. No, they really don't. As other have said, it is a marketing promotion. Nobody prepaid for a cabin.

 

When a gambler loses money it is exactly that. They can't win "their" money back. It is back to square one - they are trying to beat the casino, and the odds are exactly the same as when they lost the first time.

[Elaine5715]

34 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Some think they earned, or deserve a free cruise. No, they really don't. As other have said, it is a marketing promotion. Nobody prepaid for a cabin.

 

When a gambler loses money it is exactly that. They can't win "their" money back. It is back to square one - they are trying to beat the casino, and the odds are exactly the same as when they lost the first time.

Don't forget the value of the brag.  As a shareholder, I encourage folks to spend 5 figures to get a three figure cruise. 

[DallasGuy75219]

On 7/19/2024 at 10:34 AM, mz-s said:

The biggest question is, will I still get my fanny pack?

If you don't, you can have mine.

[silvercrikhix]

3 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

I got a "free" casino offer after my $400 loss.  

FYI-offers are not the result of wins nor losses.  Offers are not a reward or thank you.  They are a calculation based of collected data on your potential future spending.   

 

So it’s just a coincidence that on our 10th Carnival cruise we spent more than we ever have before in the casino and finally got a ‘free’ cruise offer?  After always spending plenty of time in there?  So it’s just a coincidence that my daughter spends a lot in the casino her last 3 Carnival cruises and gets a ‘free’ offer before disembarking on each of these 3 also?  It’s just a coincidence that her Fiancé just took his 1st Carnival cruise, spent tons in the casino and got a ‘free’ offer also?   Riigghhhtttt…. I did not say it was offered because of a win or loss. Nor did I state they are a reward or a thank you. Don’t put words in my mouth. My DH was in finance for 43 years. And we know very well how it “works” and certainly don’t need your advice or elementary lesson.   Sheezzz. 🤷‍♀️ 

[Tiger0613]

If you are cruising out of New Orleans, will you have to pay sales tax on that free drink if you use it on the first day?  Sales tax is charged on the value of the vifp water if you redeem it on day 1.  That is why I wait until day 2 to get the vifp water.  I believe the tax on zero should be zero.

[Old Fart Cruisers]

22 minutes ago, Tiger0613 said:

If you are cruising out of New Orleans, will you have to pay sales tax on that free drink if you use it on the first day?  Sales tax is charged on the value of the vifp water if you redeem it on day 1.  That is why I wait until day 2 to get the vifp water.  I believe the tax on zero should be zero.

If I am reading it correctly, according to JH, you won't be charged tax, on the free drink.  Unless I am reading it wrong, when he says "please know that this does NOT apply to your complimentary WELCOME ABOARD – WELCOME HOME drink."  Exactly what doesn't apply - the restriction or the complimentary beverage benefit itself?

 

"you are entitled to your complimentary beverage and so will not charge you anything at all. "

 

"For people sailing from Galveston and New York where there is a restriction on Cheers etc not starting until day two, please know that this does NOT apply to your complimentary WELCOME ABOARD – WELCOME HOME drink."

 

GOLD, PLATINUM AND DIAMOND 
COMPLIMENTARY DRINK UPDATE

So as you are aware today marks the start of cruises where guests no longer have to wait until the last day of the cruise and the previous restrictions on being served their complimentary drink and it was brilliant to see how most were very, very pleased.

Having read all the comments the beards and I saw that some of you had some questions about how the bartenders and bar waiters will know etc and so we have made an operational decision which will make things easier. 

 I will therefore list below all the information for you.

The complimentary drink will now become the  WELCOME ABOARD – WELCOME HOME beverage. 

So if you are Gold, Platinum or Diamond the bartenders and bar waiters will see from your Sail and Sign card ( or boarding pass if you haven’t collected it yet from outside your cabin)  that you are entitled to your complimentary beverage and so will not charge you anything at all. 
So please, make that first drink something special and raise a glass to the start of the Fun you deserve so much.

The complimentary drink can be used at the Java Blue so if your first drink is a specialty coffee or milk shake then that’s all covered for you.

For people sailing from Galveston and New York where there is a restriction on Cheers etc not starting until day two, please know that this does NOT apply to your complimentary                     WELCOME ABOARD – WELCOME HOME drink.

So there you go – make that first drink something you really have been looking forward to and whether it is a , a pint of cold beer, a virgin Pina Daiquiri, a Mo Heat O ,  a Martini with olives and grits or 
 a Kiss on the Cucumber Sunset it will I am sure mark the start of another massive dollop of FUN

cheers

PLEASE SHARE  - PLEASE SHARE

Edited July 21 by Old Fart Cruisers

[Elaine5715]

1 hour ago, silvercrikhix said:

 

So it’s just a coincidence that on our 10th Carnival cruise we spent more than we ever have before in the casino and finally got a ‘free’ cruise offer?  After always spending plenty of time in there?  So it’s just a coincidence that my daughter spends a lot in the casino her last 3 Carnival cruises and gets a ‘free’ offer before disembarking on each of these 3 also?  It’s just a coincidence that her Fiancé just took his 1st Carnival cruise, spent tons in the casino and got a ‘free’ offer also?   Riigghhhtttt…. I did not say it was offered because of a win or loss. Nor did I state they are a reward or a thank you. Don’t put words in my mouth. My DH was in finance for 43 years. And we know very well how it “works” and certainly don’t need your advice or elementary lesson.   Sheezzz. 🤷‍♀️ 

Not a coincidence.  The casino marketing bots have a huge amount of information on everyone who play in the casino.  The bots use census tract information, status at all major land player's clubs, status at hotel/airlines/rental cars, what form of payment used, professional affiliations, professional licenses, overall onboard spending and a 1000 other data points to determine who fits their targeted guest profile.  If your DH worked in Finance for 43 years, why he spending money where the house always wins...Sheezzz.  

[silvercrikhix]

11 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

Not a coincidence.  The casino marketing bots have a huge amount of information on everyone who play in the casino.  The bots use census tract information, status at all major land player's clubs, status at hotel/airlines/rental cars, what form of payment used, professional affiliations, professional licenses, overall onboard spending and a 1000 other data points to determine who fits their targeted guest profile.  If your DH worked in Finance for 43 years, why he spending money where the house always wins...Sheezzz.  

We’re well aware of that, but thanks, teach.
why? Because it’s entertainment, plain and simple. We don’t do it to make money that’s a given.

Cruises do leave lots of free time, so we’re glad there are casinos to play in to fill some time!

[jhubba]

Personally, I would like to see something like what MSC has for their rewards program.  If you don't cruise on a Carnival ship within 3 years, you drop a reward level.  For instance, If you are diamond and don't cruise on Carnival for three years you drop down to platinum.  Another 3 years and you drop to gold.  I think that might winnow some of the locked in diamonds and platinums if they don't cruise every 3 years.  If they do, then they have nothing to worry about in losing status.  I would also like to see a tier between platinum and diamond (maybe emerald or something).  Makes sense to me.

[Old Fart Cruisers]

3 minutes ago, jhubba said:

Personally, I would like to see something like what MSC has for their rewards program.  If you don't cruise on a Carnival ship within 3 years, you drop a reward level.

 

Why would MSC even care if you don't cruise on a Carnival ship?

[jhubba]

I am not talking about MSC perse'.  I was just refrencing how their rewards system works and how Carnival should implement something like a time limit on their tier rewards, so that you have to actually be loyal to Carnival to maintain status.