how would YOU re-vamp Captain's Club?

[cruisestitch]

It seems to me that there are two kinds of benefits, the ones that don't cost X anything, and the ones that do. In the first category are things like, reservations at alternative dining locales, or priority tender use. The second category includes both outright freebies given to CC passengers (I got a rose delivered to my cabin) and "discount with purchase" offers (the "coupon" book and its most recent replacement, the single sheet of paper with about a dozen coupons on it).

 

So, what would YOU like to see in each category? What is working, and what should be dropped? What would you like to see added? Maybe if we provide some specific things, X would like to know the results. We know they monitor this board......

[FinelyCruising]

Aside from a Concierge Lounge...

 

I can mention that we did receive an incredible benefit for in a particularly significant hand written discount invitation for the spa. We did purchase several cruise line excursions on that cruise, and I believe there was a personal recognition of that among other things, included with our past enjoyment of the spa. We were quite pleased.

[Aquahound]

First, I would like to see a combined loyalty program for all RCI lines, instead of just reciprocity. That way, you still earn credits when crossing the gunwales.....like what Hilton Honors does with all Hilton owned hotels.

 

But a lesser request would be to have free airport transfers added to the Elite/Diamond level.

[Sky Sweet]

I would like to see elite benefits that are comparable to RCCL's diamond ones.

 

A concierge lounge

 

Stand alone discount coupons that don't require you to buy something you don't want in order to beneft from them

 

Discounts for people who book balcony cabins and suites. The current program only helps those who book inside and outside cabins.

 

I would also like to see elite members get a free upgrade when a ship is not fully booked close to its sail date, and have Celebrity sell its lower level cabins at last minute prices.

[C 2 C]

This is not an original idea but:

 

Have a loyalty plan based on points for either days cruised or dollars spent. Allow these points to be used for stuff on board or immediately accessible by booking on board for your next cruise. The more you cruise or the more you spend, the greater the benefits that can be earned whether it's for bottles of wine on board, specialty restaurant, laundry, soda packages, photographs free bingo card(s), casino credit. Many travel agents give OBC, why can't the cruise line?

[Infi]

RCI's concierge lounge sounds nice, but I don't like hearing about how crowded it often gets with so many members aboard - that would be my only hesitation in Celebrity adding that perk.

After years of loyalty to Celebrity, we sailed Princess for Christmas and absolutely loved the free internet perk at Platinum level. It was 250min ($100 credit) for a 10day sailing and it was great. At elite level (15+ cruises), one receives a 10% discount in boutiques and free laundry services, which I wouldn't mind receiving either. I would say that was the only place where Princess surpassed our beloved Celebrity - loyalty perks! Even Princess' platinum level was better than our elite on Celebrity. But I think we are all in agreement that CC is in desperate need of a re-vamp! ;)

[gillianrose]

After years of loyalty to Celebrity, we sailed Princess for Christmas and absolutely loved the free internet perk at Platinum level. It was 250min ($100 credit) for a 10day sailing and it was great.

 

We are Platinum level with Princess, and we USED TO GET a much better deal: UNLIMITED free internet.

 

THAT was great. The current Princess perk is a significant DOWNGRADE. :(

[Cruise Junky]

We are Platinum level with Princess, and we USED TO GET a much better deal: UNLIMITED free internet.

 

THAT was great. The current Princess perk is a significant DOWNGRADE. :(

 

Significant? Really? We both received 270 minutes of free internet on a 12 day cruise. We used it every day and had left over minutes. I really don't consider the packages that they currently provide free to be that significant of a downgrade.

[cruisestitch]

I am the original poster, and I forgot to write my idea.

 

I'd like a menu of perks from which to choose. For instance, I don't play Bingo, so a couple of free cards don't mean anything to me. I do use the Internet, so free minutes would be good. I don't gamble, so the casino perks are wasted on me, but I'd use free laundry. So a menu from which I could choose perks that matter to me would be a good thing. Something like "after five cruise credits, choose five items from a list", then after 10 cruise credits, there could be more, and better things added to the menu. That way I could personalize my CC benefits. Instead of giving me 10 coupons, of which I am only interested in three things, let me choose 3 somewhat better things I can use. Or maybe even assign the perks a point value. If I really want an airport transfer, I could use all my points to get it, and forego the Internet.

[shofer]

After 6 cruises w/Celebrity, we did 2 Princess cruises because of the itinerary and the price. On our second trip we received a nice upgrade from our basic guaranteed balcony cabin. With X, we always get exactly what we book. Not once an upgrade or any significant reward for loyalty.

 

Celebrity has customers w/lots more cruises than we do and they don't get much either. If they want to maintain customer/brand loyalty, they had better step up to the plate. I could care less for the CC lounge but some small token as a "welcome back" would make you feel appreciated.

 

We feel that Celebrity is superior to Princess in product delivered but they sure make you feel welcome.

[agathasmum]

We travel with teens and book them a separate cabin. Minors are not allowed to be in Captains Club. How about giving parents 2 credits instead of 1 in this case. On our last cruise the kid cabin cost more than ours as my husband got a senior rate.

[dkjretired]

We travel with teens and book them a separate cabin. Minors are not allowed to be in Captains Club. How about giving parents 2 credits instead of 1 in this case. On our last cruise the kid cabin cost more than ours as my husband got a senior rate.

 

My kids have been in the Captains club since they were 7 and 9 years old. I still have their cards from years ago. When they turn 18 they can get their own cards and will be fully credited with all cruises taken..

[dkjretired]

At a minimum they should have a Concierge Lounge. I have also stated in the past that the cruise lines could follow some of the things that the land based casino's use for comps.

[cruisestitch]

Not being a casino goer, I don't know what kinds of perks they offer their frequent visitors. I'm trying to compile a list of specific things Captain's Club members would like. dkjretired, what kinds of things do casinos offer that you would like X to add?

[Cruise Junky]

Not being a casino goer, I don't know what kinds of perks they offer their frequent visitors. I'm trying to compile a list of specific things Captain's Club members would like. dkjretired, what kinds of things do casinos offer that you would like X to add?

 

You earn comp. which can be used basically for anything at the hotel, spa's, restaurants, bars, free rooms, etc.

[hcat]

I would like to see elite benefits that are comparable to RCCL's diamond ones.

 

A concierge lounge

 

Stand alone discount coupons that don't require you to buy something you don't want in order to beneft from them

 

Discounts for people who book balcony cabins and suites. The current program only helps those who book inside and outside cabins.

 

I would also like to see elite members get a free upgrade when a ship is not fully booked close to its sail date, and have Celebrity sell its lower level cabins at last minute prices.

 

That;s pretty much my list too!

 

also as someone else noted--some recog. of money spent onbaord...you get the same credit whether it's an inside or an expensive cabin whether you spend nothing on board or alot--some perk could be attached to that--esp for jewely, spa, wine & casino... even a small gesture would be nice!

[dkjretired]

Not being a casino goer, I don't know what kinds of perks they offer their frequent visitors. I'm trying to compile a list of specific things Captain's Club members would like. dkjretired, what kinds of things do casinos offer that you would like X to add?

 

Cruisestitch:

 

Fair question and as I think of them I will post them. Let me take first the Diamond Lounges at Harrahs hotels in Atlantic City. Vegas diamond lounges stink compared to Atlantic City's just for info.

 

At the Diamond lounges which are for Diamond Players and above, they have a smaller buffet than that in the regular buffet. All drinks are free as well as the food. It is a nice room, usually not crowded and you don't feel rushed.

 

I very frequently go to a casino and get upgraded for free. I realize this can be a different problem on a cruise ship but if something is open why not give it to your better customers. I have also come back t0 my room and found a plate of cheese and small finger sandwiches as well as some soda's etc. Didn't ask for them, they were just delivered becasue they appreciate you coming. This is a minimal cost and could be done for your better customers..

 

Another perk might be free use of Specialty restaurants.

 

Just a couple of things for thought...

[FinelyCruising]

We travel with teens and book them a separate cabin. Minors are not allowed to be in Captains Club. How about giving parents 2 credits instead of 1 in this case. On our last cruise the kid cabin cost more than ours as my husband got a senior rate.

 

Some of us parents have lamented that desire for a long time. ;)

[Karynanne]

You earn comp. which can be used basically for anything at the hotel, spa's, restaurants, bars, free rooms, etc.

 

Celebrity Casinos do have a "Blue Chip Club". You are rated based upon play at the tables and slot machines.

 

If there are significant bets placed...or dollars into the slots, then one could receive casino credit to be used on their next cruise...or quite possibly an invitation for a free cruise.

 

You need to contact the Casino Host/Hostess to ask to be rated.

[dutchess43]

1- A conceierge lounge would be great crowded or not it a great perk.

 

2- Some type of free internet minutes.

 

3- At least one free something with the laundry(pressing or washing of a garment).

 

4- One night free in an specialty restaurant.

 

5- Some sort of wine package or discount.

[TravelerThom]

1- A conceierge lounge would be great crowded or not it a great perk.

2- Some type of free internet minutes.

3- At least one free something with the laundry(pressing or washing of a garment).

4- One night free in an specialty restaurant.

5- Some sort of wine package or discount.

They did briefly have coupons [circa 2004 in the Quarterly Captains Club offerings] for a free visit to a specialty restaurant, but that didn't last long.

[cruise orlando]

If they are looking for ideas they don't have to look far. RCCL perks are great. As a select Capt. Club member I was treated as Platinum on a cruise last September and was very pleased. Got a discount on a Jr. suite and a much better senior officer coctail party. One more cruise and I will be a diamond and look more closely at RCCL sailings. The service was every bit as good as Celebrity, the food not quite but still fine.

[Aquahound]

RCI's concierge lounge sounds nice, but I don't like hearing about how crowded it often gets with so many members aboard - that would be my only hesitation in Celebrity adding that perk.

 

That problem was fixed when the Freedom Class was introduced. The concierge lounge is for suite guests only. A separate Diamond Lounge was created for Diamond members.

[Strumsong]

On my second Celebrity cruise I was invited to a free wine tasting.That hasn't happened since. I did enjoy it, though.

[Andy]

Hi Everyone !

 

I know this subject has been a sore point for many of us, for a long time. I have dozens of ideas on how to make Captains Club the best program in the industry. I'd throw out much of what currently exists, as it brings very little to the table. We all agree that Celebrity must make improvements. Celebrity is well aware of this. It is my understanding they are hard at work on the enhancements. I know that we expected updates from Celebrity by now. I am guessing this miserable economy briefly put this project on the back burner. I expect that we will hear from Celebrity in the first quarter of 2009, but this is strictly a guess.

 

I strongly feel Celebrity should have at least one or two additional levels beyond Elite. No disrespect meant to Elite Members, I'm one of them. Currently, Celebrity has so many Elite Members, that it dilutes the value of being Elite. My preference is to see 2 new levels added. One, for 12-25 Cruises, and another level for those above 25 Cruises. I'd like to see many new benefits added for the new levels, while benefits for current levels would be much improved. What I have in mind, would make Celebrity's best passengers very happy. Quite a few of my ideas would not cost Celebrity a great deal of money. Being creative works well too !

 

My concern is, that it takes a tremendous amount of money to roll out a new program... something most Cruise lines would not care to spend in a recession. I wonder just how much Celebrity might wish to tackle at this time. My thinking is, I would go for the revamp, as I feel that you must do everything possible to hold on to your best passengers, and keep them happy. With that said, as the economy is a mess right now, I can understand some resistance from Celebrity. It is a real Catch 22.

 

Let's hope we hear some good news from Celebrity soon !