Castaway Club level question

[TheForceIsWithMe]

Other than the stateroom gift, which I understand is now everyone gets the same bag but Gold and Platinum get a couple of extra goodies like a game tin and a photo album, what else to returning cruisers get on board? I think I have seen that you get a lanyard and key card holder. I saw something about getting to check in at port on a different line (but I don't remember the line being bad on our first cruise). Something about a different design on your Key to the World card based on CC level? Is there anything else?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Platinum cruisers get a free meal at Palo. Gold and platinum also have a reception.

 

[southerngirl528]

There is a separate line for Golds & Platinums at the ports as I recall. But when we just went on the Hawaii cruise out of Honolulu on the 17th, the line was actually shorter in the general line so though I am Gold, I just hopped in the general queue. It pays to stop and take a quick look. Once you are Platinum you can check in at the Concierge line.

I am one cruise shy of Platinum and we did not get a board game. We got a pretty nice tote bag and a very nice photo album as gifts for the Hawaii sailing last month. You are correct that lanyards are given at checkin if you are Silver, Gold or Platinum (each colored appropriately to the category of CC membership). I have had them forget to give them to me but I just stop and ask a CM in the port.

If you are a DVC member you can also get a DVC lanyard either from the DVC CM's in the port terminal or at their kiosk onboard. Happy sailing!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

There is a separate line for Golds & Platinums at the ports

There is a separate line for all CC levels. And a separate line for Concierge & Platinum CC level. 3 lines in total. But, as you point out, it's quite possible for the "regular" first timer line to be shorter than the Castaway Club line.

It seems the current gift is the (a) bag as the base gift. Add on that I've read about is only the photo album. Although some cruisers have reported umbrellas. The game tin & write on/wipe off board haven't been given out since late last year.

 

[southerngirl528]

Thanks for saying what I THOUGHT I said, Shmoo! I didn't make the distinction very clear when I said, "there is a separate line for Golds & Platinums".

 

[timrousbeastie]

It's truly amazing to me that DCL has been so successful that they can get away with pretty much not having a rewards program. I was just adding up what I've received through my frequent flyer, hotel, and credit card loyalty programs in the past 12 months:

* 5 free transatlantic flights on Economy
* 1 free transatlantic flight on Business
* 7 free transatlantic flight upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy
* 1 free transatlantic flight upgrade from Premium Economy to Business
* 13 free nights in a regular room at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, Manhattan
* 6 free nights in an executive suite at the Marriott Marquis -//- (though I had to pay a fee for the upgrade)
* 5 free nights at the Brussels Marriott
* 14 free one-way flights from New York to Orlando on Economy
* 3 free one-way flights from New York to Orlando on First Class
* 6 free one-way flights from Orlando to Cancun on Economy
* 5 free one-way flights from Cancun to New York on Economy
* 4 free one-way flights from Orlando to Chicago on Economy
* 3 free one-way flights from Orlando to Chicago on First Class

That is in addition to welcome gifts (food, bottle of wine) every time I check into a hotel, lounge access (as in AmEx Centurion lounge or the equivalent) everywhere I fly, and a lot of other nice little gifts.

Suffice to say that I am not a DCL customer because of my Silver Castaway Club benefits.

 

[Saamh]

Gold and Platinum CC members also get 1 day advance booking opportunity on new releases. Sometimes prices increase after the first day due to demand so this is a benefit I've appreciated.

In order to add to the perks, I think they would need to restructure the program so someone who sails only 3 or 4 night cruises isn't rewarded the same as someone taking 7 night or longer cruises.

 

[gismo1554]

In order to add to the perks, I think they would need to restructure the program so someone who sails only 3 or 4 night cruises isn't rewarded the same as someone taking 7 night or longer cruises.

Unfortunately you then get people who say that some longer cruises are cheaper than the shorter ones and then they should be penalised (I know because I've said about this before and that's the standard DIS line). Personally I think we should have a "or" option so you do Gold as 5 cruise or X days for example then this covers the problem. It will never happen though as this has been something suggested since they started the levels and they have never restructured it.

Other cruiselines manage to offer better perks at similar structures such as Free Wi-fi, Free specialty restaurant meals etc. What you find is that people spend the money elsewhere on the cruises as you feel you are getting something for nothing.

 

[Anisum]

I was under the impression each level got to book excursions at an earlier date (based on level) from everyone else. Had that changed?

 

[gismo1554]

Oh yes they do - Platinum 120 Gold 110 and then Silver 90 is it I think? Someone will confirm

 

[n2mm]

10% merchandise discount.

 

[Bear3412]

And in easy to read chart form;
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/cruise-planning/castaway-club-benefits/
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/cruise-planning/castaway-club-benefits/

 

[mmouse37]

I think only Concierge have a different KTTW card design/color. I don't recall each CC level getting a different color/ design.

MJ

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Oh yes they do - Platinum 120 Gold 110 and then Silver 90 is it I think? Someone will confirm

Platinum is 120 days; Gold is 105 days; and Silver is 90 days. So you were close.

 

[over50visits]

I was under the impression each level got to book excursions at an earlier date (based on level) from everyone else. Had that changed?

Oh yes they do - Platinum 120 Gold 110 and then Silver 90 is it I think? Someone will confirm

Almost perfect, just it's 105 days before your departure date for Gold. And 75 days for first time cruisers. Those lead times are both for online checkin as well as all reservations, such as Palo, spa, cabanas, port excursions, choosing part arrival time, etc.

 

[southerngirl528]

It's truly amazing to me that DCL has been so successful that they can get away with pretty much not having a rewards program. I was just adding up what I've received through my frequent flyer, hotel, and credit card loyalty programs in the past 12 months:

Your list of perks/earned vacation travel is impressive but you have listed perks from multiple airlines, hotels and credit card programs, yes? That great list is not from just ONE company, correct? I would be much more interested if you had chosen just one of your loyalty programs you like and listed what that ONE company has done for you.

I have elite status with only one airline, American Airlines. It is certainly not the highest status but I do enjoy the perks I get. I don't feel they are a ton better than what I get with DCL and honestly many of the perks are because I have their AA CC. And I use their company WAY more than I do DCL. I have spent a total of about 3 months at sea with DCL and have one more cruise to go before I am Platinum. For me the perk of being able to snag adult dining, spa services and excursions in advance alone is a pretty sweet perk. I rarely hear of anyone anymore that is super happy with their FF or any other kind of loyalty program. But hey, we all travel and spend differently for many different reasons. What I love, many others may not. And vice versa. Do I think DCL could do a tad better with their CC program? Yep. I sure do.

 

[steves100]

We are platinum, would be nice if you got an email about new literariness and sail dates. NOT!!!

Kind of ridicules that DCL doesnt notify preferred guests.

 

[southerngirl528]

I agree with you Steves. I though Golds and Platinums were supposed to be notified of such, but I don't seem to get those notifications either though I have signed up for "updates" a few times.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I agree with you Steves. I though Golds and Platinums were supposed to be notified of such, but I don't seem to get those notifications either though I have signed up for "updates" a few times.

I have been getting an email before bookings open (at least the last two times that bookings opened). Don't have one currently in my emails, but I believe I recall them having date and itinerary information in them.

 

[southerngirl528]

That's good to know, Shmoo. I do occasionally get updates from DCL but I don't recall seeing one about the new release dates.