As someone who usually books pretty late, I can't really see any benefits to being Gold/Platinum at all. I don't get to take advantage of early bookings, first day to book excursions / Palo, I don't need lots of discounted souvenirs on my 10th cruise, I already have the bags they give out. I'm about to make Platinum on my upcoming cruise but I can't tell that it'll be any different except maybe a different colored lanyard. I wish there was at least SOME benefit.