how would YOU re-vamp Captain's Club?

[geoherb]

We took one of the short cruises on Century last month (4 nights). They had an afternoon tea for elite Captain's Club members but not for those of us who had not sailed as many times. It was listed in the daily newsletter as for elite Captain's Club members only. I did not try to crash the party.

I guess the intent of publishing info about the afternoon tea was in case someone who qualified missed getting an invitation. But to me, it was tacky of them to advertise it in the schedule. Each person who qualified should have received a written invitation in their stateroom.

[Ma Bell]

They have a list of events in your cabin when you board and then remind you in the daily.

[Project_gal]

My husband and I are only humble Select members but, in a Celebrity Suite, we were treated to some of the Elite perks on our last cruise. The perks were pretty underwhelming but, only having sailed Celebrity, we were none the wiser until we took a family cruise with NCL in one of their penthouse suites [roughly on a par with a Celebrity Suite]. The difference was incredible.

NCL made us feel really special. We always had priority treatment. The "VIP Day Lounge" [actaully just one of their speciality restaurants] provided a very special breakfast and lunch each day [and the rest of our party, not in a suite, were also allowed to use]. This was never crowded. The concierge was ever present and always on hand to smooth the way. We had real access to ship's officers who sought out our views and made a point of remembering us.

I am unsure if this was available to guests with loyalty club points but it was made clear to us that guests "known" to officers were treated as VIPs alongside suite guests.

I know that this is longwinded but my point is that, by being made to feel special, made us consider saling NCL again although we really did not like the basic offering one little bit! If we were treated like that on Celebrity and/or Azamara we would NEVER consider using another cruise line. Although I love the "laundry bag challenge" [and I am sure I could be the winner], isn't that what loyalty programmes really should be about?

Sue

[tokathy]

I too was looking forward to a roll out of improved CC perks......but now am concerned about the possible loss of a perk that us RCL shareholders currently enjoy. Does this change mean that we can no longer receive onboard credit for booking while on a cruise and also receive our shareholder credit??? What is your take on the following message that was added to a recent email I rec'd from the Shareholders Onboard Credit dept??

**PLEASE NOTE*** The shareholder onboard credit benefit has changed as to its combinability with other discounts or onboard credit offers. This pertains to NEW reservations made on or after 1/01/09 and Next Cruise reservations that are confirmed with ship and sailing date on or after 1/01/09. If you have a reservation confirmed to or before 12/31/08, all eligible benefits will still be applicable to the reservation. For more information please visit the website: [url]www.rclinvestor.com[/url].

[JFontaine]

On my Century cruise last week the Captain's Club party was at 5:15; meaning anyone with late seating had to be dressed for dinner by then. No thanks. They should have had the party between the two seatings. Having it so early said to me that they just weren't interested in us attending. Also - do I recall correctly that there was a senior officer reception for Elite passengers? There was none on this cruise.

[snausman]

[quote name='MLevine']On my Century cruise last week the Captain's Club party was at 5:15; meaning anyone with late seating had to be dressed for dinner by then. No thanks. They should have had the party between the two seatings. Having it so early said to me that they just weren't interested in us attending. Also - do I recall correctly that there was a senior officer reception for Elite passengers? There was none on this cruise.[/quote]


On our Dec. 20th sailing the senior officer reception for Elite passengers was at 11 am on a sea day. It was very nice, everything was just lovely and we enjoyed it very much but only around 10 people were there. We did get a lot of one on one attention at it. Everyone else was out enjoying the beautiful weather. So you tell me which is worst a party at 5:15pm or 11:00am?

Laura

[raudacruise]

[quote name='Project_gal']

I am unsure if this was available to guests with loyalty club points but it was made clear to us that guests "known" to officers were treated as VIPs alongside suite guests.


Sue[/quote]

NCL is sort of a different creature in that it rewards its casino patron's through its Casino At Sea program. Drop 5 figures in the casino and you probably will get comped a free cabin (at least inside) and get the VIP designation.

Keep in mind that NCL and Harrahs (very large casino operator) are both majority owned by Apollo Management. There are some hazy linkages between NCL and Harrahs (Harrahs offers tiered discounts to anyone with a gambling card on NCL but some have said the discounts are better dealing directly with Casino At Sea) but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't try to clear that up in the future.

I'm sure I've been remarkably clear on this ;).