Castaway Club Members - Are we Really Worth Less?

[shburks]

In the end a sucessful business does not need to give away free things to make people come back. A first time guest is just as much value if not more than a repeat. A repeat they already convinced the to come back a first timer they need to wow.

No matter what they do no one will be happy, I am too the point that I think they should just get rid of it all together...apparently it just makes people grumpy. The only real perk I see to it is the booking window, but not all the time based on what I want to do, but at times I think the booking window is completly unfair.

and in the end it comes down to one thing they are a business....they really don't care what we think and do as long as we come back.

I certainly will not voice an opinion on Castaway Club perks since we have yet to take our first DCL cruise, but I do agree with the PP. Don't we see this time and time again? NEW customers are courted by cell phone companies but when it's time to renew your contract, no perks! NEW customers get great deals on internet/cable for the first two years and after that? Your rate automatically increased $30 per month and nothing you can do about it...you WANT that cell phone service or you NEED that internet service.

I also think that the brand of Disney sells itself in many instances and for many families, sailing on Disney is timely--meaning it's more applicable to those with young kids want good kids clubs and then fun/characters that Disney brings.

Regardless, it's always hard when a company gives you a special perk for any reason and then takes it away. It is, unfortunately, the trend in our country though, isn't it? Companies, for the most part, do not work with customer service or concern themselves with repeat customers...

 

[Silverfox97]

Since DCL doesn't serve alcohol at all its gold/platinum party, maybe they could provide a drink coupon (even Norwegian has copious free drinks at its welcome parties) at Pirate's or the sail-away?.

Small point, I guess *but* I just wanted to say that I thought the CC reception on the Fantasy was great!!! They met me at the door with free drinks - a Bellini or a mimosa (alcoholic) and a non-alcoholic option as well (sparkling apple juice with a maraschino cherry), we sat down, and as the officers mingled, they came around serving fruit (yes, the same fruit you can get all over the ship, but still). Then, the CD (Ray) did his little diddy & introduced a couple on their 50th sailing, and then introduced Captain Mickey while they began serving little appetizers (shrimp, salmon, etc) & offering more drinks. After Mickey came the Captain (Tom), & he DID do a Q&A. They played the DCL video & as we walked out, got our beloved rice krispie treats.

I thought it was very nice......,

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[NancyIL]

Quite a few of you have dropped A LOT of money on DCL over the years, and I can understand the feeling that DCL ought to be more appreciative of your loyalty. I have a WDW annual pass, and I've been reading similar complaints from others who feel Disney doesn't appreciate its annual passholders.

I have limited experience in the Castaway Club because I've sailed only 3 times with DCL. My 4th cruise will be on the Fantasy in December, but my 5th cruise (currently booked on the May 2013 TA) will probably get pushed back to 2014. The reason I don't cruise with DCL more often is because of their high prices and limited itineraries, and not because DCL doesn't value my past business.

I enjoy sailing with other cruise lines as much as (if not more than) DCL. I have the most "status" on Royal Caribbean, and I also get to enjoy Elite status on Celebrity because of my Diamond status with RCI. While the gifts have been cut back - I really like getting free internet (30 minutes on RCI and 90 on Celebrity) and free or reduced price laundry. (There are no self-service laundry facilities on RCI or Celebrity.) Both RCI and Celebrity have a complimentary Happy Hour most evenings from 5-7 for their Diamond and Elite passengers, and I've been invited to numerous "welcome back" parties. I usually avoid both because I don't drink, but those who do appreciate the perk. So, even with the cutbacks - I still feel appreciated by Royal Caribbean!

 

[ilovetexas]

Here's one more thing for you to worry about. Currently DCL is almost alone (if not alone) in using number of cruises as opposed to days at sea in order to determine your tier status. The other cruise lines have switched in order to prevent people who take 10 three day cruises from being the same "status" as those who've taken 10 seven day cruises.

Platinum status on CCL just went from 10 cruises (potentially as low as 30 days at sea) to 75 days at sea. If/when DCL goes to this format....get ready for the yelling!

I told DH last night that if we're going to continue to cruise, we need to consider RCI/Celebrity more often for the reasons that NancyIL just mentioned.

 

[cyclenut]

I have a different perspective that I have complained about before. Too many of the perks that are offered to returning cruisers make the first timers feel like second class citizens. The early booking options for excursions and the like reduce the experience for those ... Less experienced. I am not a frequent cruiser on any line but I was a returning cruiser for the first time on RCCL this past June. This is when I started to really notice the perks. They had some nice little things they offered that didn't make others feel shut out.

I will be a returning cruiser on the Wonder in September and I actually got a palo brunch time. None were available on our first cruise when our booking window opened.

Point being, the DCL loyalty program is all messed up. Returning cruisers are unhappy with what is offered and first time cruisers are unhappy with how it affects them. Changes are needed ... Big time.

 

[TDC Nala]

Agreed, the true way to let Disney know you don't feel appreciated is to try another line, and let DCL know why you're trying another line.

 

[piglet33]

I'm a DVC member and have been since 1994. However, I have sailed on Royal Carribean and Princess.

Royal Carribean is a far cry from Disney as far as service and food and accomodations and staff. Princess however, is not. It is half the price of Disney and the service, food and accomodations are pretty much equal depending on the cat. you book.

I did a 7 day Eastern on Princess with a room almost exact to a veranda the cost for 2 adults $2,100.00, plus I had the use of FREE robe (one less thing to pack!) I gave my daughter & her husband for their Honeymoon a 4 day veranda room $3,600.00 really !?!?!?

In my opinion Castaway nor DVC members get anything special (however, they are starting to offer discounted cruises) but there is no "special pricing" or special upgrades for loyality. Which the others offer, I don't need another tote bag, key chain, water bottle, or lanyard. They can keep their 2.00 gifts, give me a discount for being loyal or and automatic upgrade, now that shows appreciation!!!

I almost forgot one perk of Castaway is you can book an overpriced spa service before anyone else; WOW isn't that great...mean while when you get on the ship and they offer specials on the same services. Now that's a perk!!

One other point off topic:

I had approached an "officer" on my last cruise regarding the lack of a casino. His response was "our guests don't want one". I said that's because the guests who do want a casino won't sail on Disney, he looked at me puzzeled. He further stated a "family environment" is what Disney provides, really I said....BINGO for money is gambling and we even let the little tykes engage in that. The pushing of alcoholic beverages, sail away drink, park the boat drink, special island drink, and if you stay long enough on the island you can get 2 for 1!! there are more bars on Disney Ships than any other I've been on. So Mommy and Daddy liquored up is a nice family environment.....

They could easily put a casino in one of the bars in the bottom of the ship that not to many people even venture into, the children would have no reason to even be down there, they don't now ......It would give the adults something to do at night instead of walking a ghost ship unless of course you go to the bar....

A cast member told me years ago and I quote " Remember Disney and FREE don't go together!!!"

Just my opinion.......

I really hope they don't ever put a casino on a Disney Cruise Ship. I wouldn't sail with DCL again if they did that.

 

[BethC1952]

I'm a Platinum cruiser. I had my 13th cruise in June, have two more booked right now and by the end of the day I will add one more.

I have seen the Castaway Club perks change over the years. I'm not looking for gifts, I'd like a bit of appreciation for the fact that I keep coming back. I do like the boarding privileges and I have made full use of the Palo meals! I enjoyed the "Platinum Experience" twice, and I thought that was the best perk they had ever offered. Our first "Experience" was a backstage tour at the Walt Disney Theater on Magic, and our second was a "behind the scenes" visit to Castaway Ray's on Castaway Cay while we were on Dream. Those two experiences were better than any backpack or note cards could have been. I must admit, however, that I make very good use of all the keychains!

I have to agree with many of the previous posters. Those of us who have been on the ship so many times don't spend as much money on the ship as DCL would like, especially if you don't take advantage of all the alcohol. DH and I don't drink very much at all, so they're certainly not making money on us that way. We have every souvenir that we could want, and only buy things now if they are new/different/useful. On our last few cruises the Castaway Club reception has conflicted with other things we were doing, so we haven't been to one since they stopped serving food.

If they want to restructure the Castaway Club program that's their right, of course. I will be upset, however, if they decide to strip those of us who have already made Platinum of our benefits. We have followed their rules, and spent plenty of money to book our cruises. Restructuring should happen on a "from now on" basis.

We had decided a while ago that perhaps our days of Disney cruising were coming to an end. We were tired of the itineraries, and while Castaway Cay is lovely, neither of us can sit out in the sun for hours on end, DH can't swim, we don't sit at the island bars, so our day at CC isn't as long as many other people's might be, and we would never cruise just because the ship will stop there. THEN we decided to try the Canada itinerary because it was new. Loved it, and will be booking another one this afternoon. We also booked the Eastbound Panama Canal cruise (one of those bucket list items which just happened at the right time and the right price). When the Eastbound Transatlantic was offered, that was another good opportunity. But we've decided that we won't be returning to the same old itineraries unless the price is REALLY good. If they decide that Platinum cruisers no longer deserve any reward for loyalty, then we'll start building our loyalty on another line.

Beth

 

[vakamalua]

IMHO, DCL won't have to worry about too many CC members if they continue these BORING itineraries and HIGH prices.

 

[NancyIL]

Here's one more thing for you to worry about. Currently DCL is almost alone (if not alone) in using number of cruises as opposed to days at sea in order to determine your tier status. The other cruise lines have switched in order to prevent people who take 10 three day cruises from being the same "status" as those who've taken 10 seven day cruises.

Platinum status on CCL just went from 10 cruises (potentially as low as 30 days at sea) to 75 days at sea. If/when DCL goes to this format....get ready for the yelling!

I told DH last night that if we're going to continue to cruise, we need to consider RCI/Celebrity more often for the reasons that NancyIL just mentioned.

Royal Caribbean changed their Crown & Anchor program in early 2011, and they switched from giving points for each cruise (1 per cruise, an extra point for 12 nights or longer, an extra point for suites) to points equivalent to the number of days cruised. (Originally - after 1 cruise you were Gold, with 5 cruise points you were Platinum, and with 10 cruise points you were Diamond.) They had a formula for changing existing accounts so that no one lost their current status - although there were complaints from those who needed only one more 3-night cruise to become Diamond C&A members!

 

[jfahome]

Since we're all sharing opinions, here's mine.

We are only Silver members, but after our trip in 3 weeks will be Gold. I like the gifts and benefits we get from previously sailing, BUT it's not going to make or break my decision to sail DCL. I love the ship, people, entertainment, kids clubs, dining, atmosphere etc....

I love sailing on DCL and always have the BEST time. Do I want perks for being a repeat guest...OF COURSE, but it will not stop me from booking another cruise while on board.

I was very excited about our OBC going up when changing levels, but not going to happen...oh well.

Again, JMO

Happy Sailing..

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

The bottom line for me is that with recent changes combined and the same old itineraries I now feel inspired to look at other cruise lines. I have a Disney cruise booked and will sail on it, but I did cancel a dummy reservation. I'm pretty sure the next cruise I book will be on a different line. Will I sail Disney again after my next booked one? Maybe. Maybe not.

Before, I would have said definitely.

 

[RedSox68]

I have not read through this whole thread yet, but wanted to post a quick fyi.

I agree with much of the OP's comments, and do get frustrated that the levels aren't based on number of days cruised instead of number of cruises.

Interesting fact about Holland America on this topic: we took our very first HAL cruise in May. It was a cruisetour -- 7 days on the ship and 12 days on land. When HAL sent me our welcome package as Mariner Club members, they had already raised me to a level two instead of the new cruiser level one. When I called to ask why we got two stars, they said their levels are based on a point system that includes type of stateroom, number of days on the ship and the added land portion!

 

[ragdoll]

IMHO, DCL won't have to worry about too many CC members if they continue these BORING itineraries and HIGH prices.

Completely agree!

 

[solfan68]

So maybe they need separate lines...one for Platinum, one for Concierge. And BOTH lines should take the next guest from the normal line when they don't have anyone in their line!!!! Again, no cost to do this except a sign.

This DOES seem like a no-brainer. It would keep the repeat cruisers happy and process everyone in a smoother fashion.

 

[RedSox68]

This DOES seem like a no-brainer. It would keep the repeat cruisers happy and process everyone in a smoother fashion.

Speaking of which -- HAL's embarkation process in Vancouver is something Disney could benefit from in PC. We were in the terminal, processed and onboard in 20 minutes! And this was at 11:30 -- rooms were ready by then!

When you check in, a HAL rep takes you to a separate area where you are seated in a row of chairs. There are dozens and dozens of rows and they fill up each row from end to end. Then within five minutes they come in and start taking the rows in order. It was wonderful -- no quagmire boarding or at the embarkation picture area, and no jam up on the bridge or through the doors. We didn't have to roam around the port or try to get through a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd to reach the doorway. I loved this process!

 

[magicimaginear]

This is a little harsh.....

Character Breakfast on Fantasy is not because they don't want to, there is no way to do it and offer it ever guest. Yes you could make it paid, or by reservation but you know that will make most people grumpy when the can't get a slot.

Tea with Alice...not sure the reason there...might be due to the increased meet and greets throughout the day.

The cookie dough ice cream has been long gone and the reason I heard was it clogged the machines...which I could easily see. They did add more flavors of soft serve on board the Fantasy.

Mickey Bars....Supply Issues was probably right, it happens to food products all the time. They are made by nestle not Disney.

Photos have pretty much been the same since we started cruising in 2008, and it is not something you have to do....with the fact that so many people buy this price won't change.

Things will always change.

They could still do the Character Breakfast since the Fantasy is a 7 day ship. Just split each dinning group in half the early seating at the late seating would still go at separate times but instead of filling the whole dinning room only fill half of it. So day 1 and 2 would each have half of the guest from group 1 Day 3 and 4 would each have half from group 2 and day 5 and 6 would each have half from group 3.

 

[Douvres Family]

I'm a DVC member and have been since 1994. However, I have sailed on Royal Carribean and Princess.

Royal Carribean is a far cry from Disney as far as service and food and accomodations and staff. Princess however, is not. It is half the price of Disney and the service, food and accomodations are pretty much equal depending on the cat. you book.

I did a 7 day Eastern on Princess with a room almost exact to a veranda the cost for 2 adults $2,100.00, plus I had the use of FREE robe (one less thing to pack!) I gave my daughter & her husband for their Honeymoon a 4 day veranda room $3,600.00 really !?!?!?

In my opinion Castaway nor DVC members get anything special (however, they are starting to offer discounted cruises) but there is no "special pricing" or special upgrades for loyality. Which the others offer, I don't need another tote bag, key chain, water bottle, or lanyard. They can keep their 2.00 gifts, give me a discount for being loyal or and automatic upgrade, now that shows appreciation!!!

I almost forgot one perk of Castaway is you can book an overpriced spa service before anyone else; WOW isn't that great...mean while when you get on the ship and they offer specials on the same services. Now that's a perk!!

One other point off topic:

I had approached an "officer" on my last cruise regarding the lack of a casino. His response was "our guests don't want one". I said that's because the guests who do want a casino won't sail on Disney, he looked at me puzzeled. He further stated a "family environment" is what Disney provides, really I said....BINGO for money is gambling and we even let the little tykes engage in that. The pushing of alcoholic beverages, sail away drink, park the boat drink, special island drink, and if you stay long enough on the island you can get 2 for 1!! there are more bars on Disney Ships than any other I've been on. So Mommy and Daddy liquored up is a nice family environment.....

They could easily put a casino in one of the bars in the bottom of the ship that not to many people even venture into, the children would have no reason to even be down there, they don't now ......It would give the adults something to do at night instead of walking a ghost ship unless of course you go to the bar....

A cast member told me years ago and I quote " Remember Disney and FREE don't go together!!!"

Just my opinion.......

Though I agree with most of your comments I have to disagree in regards to the $$ fo the spa services...maybe because I use the spas in NYC and Westchester County...NY is known for being overpriced. I found the caliber of the sevices at the spa were premium and payed 50% of what I normally pay at the spas in NY.

Also, I have to agree with the Cast Member about casinos. We take Disney Cruises to have fun as a family...we are not drunks so we dont get "liquored up"...but we do drink enough to feel "nice". I love the fact that we dont have to cut through a casino section in the cruise that smells like an ash tray.

We do take other cruises w/out our son...those would be non DCL. But, again the choices for dinning included in the fare of the cruise are no comparison...

 

[Douvres Family]

I really hope they don't ever put a casino on a Disney Cruise Ship. I wouldn't sail with DCL again if they did that.

I'm with you!!!

 

[Silverfox97]

IMO, maybe someone at DCL looked at what happened to the parks. DLR in California has around 1 million annual passholders (figure estimate from Miceage), and they are clogging the parks. Disney was extremely aggressive when they first introduced the Southern California and Select passes, offering monthly no interest payments, just to pack to parks. I have seen on more than a few occasions DLR being treated like a local shopping mall or park, just a place to hang out. The parking structure is closed by mid-morning on busy days, as when it was built, they estimated 3-5 people per car - however, lots of cars with a single driver would park. Trying to get by a group of people, just hanging out in the middle of the street, they don't move over, or several families making their own sandwiches, eating food from outside of the park at the restaurant tables, camping out for Fantasmic hours before the show starts, and staying for two shows. It has had an effect on the out of town guest, that spends more, is not on top of things, and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth. February 29th was the one more Disney day promotion, surrounding freeways and streets were gridlock for hours. I know none of these things can happen on cruise ships. Now, Disney raised all the prices across the board on admission, with the highest percentages on annual passholders. It was like their punishment for clogging the parks, and trying to lessen the crowd, making way for new families, tourists, etc. Bottom line: they wanted the guest that spends more, and the new 'uneducated' guest. I know this is like comparing apples to oranges, but maybe they're trying to get newer 'green' guests onboard, they can pitch all their spa treatments, products, etc. and ones who are less critical of their ships, practices, etc.?

I think this is true.

I don't think local AP holders here in FL are treated quite like that, but it's a lot different than DL, and WDW doesn't have that "mall crowd/hang out" activity going on.

And, admittedly, as an FL resident AP holder (going to Typhoon Lagoon this afternoon in fact), some of the above is true - we don't spend what a "newbie," or even the yearly visiting guest spends. We always bring out Thermoses with water & don't buy drinks, we do bring a few snacks, and we only buy one meal while there (we usually eat breakfast at home, go for the day, & buy a late lunch/early dinner). We do have Tables in Wonderland, so we do eat at TS restaurants, but we go to the cheaper/better food Earl if Sandwich more. We *rarely* buy anything from a store - and when we do, its almost always a special event Annual Pass pin & that's it. Living by the outlets, there is no reason to buy retail!!!!

As far as DCL, I'd say we spend about the same as anyone. We even get something from the shops here & there. As a Gold CC member who has sailed on 6 cruises (with 3 more & 2 dummy dates booked, putting us at 11 cruises at the end of 2014), I enjoy the OBC that pays for my tips & Palo (combined with my TA OBC). I like the CC reception, the gift is nice but not necessary, but my favorite thing? Booking early, whether it be when new cruises are announced or booking Palo & excursions for my cruises. This costs DCL nothing.

We cruise DCL because we like the ships & the service. I do not argue that there is not good service on other ships; I believe everyone that there is. I don't cruise for food, etc. I am still coming back. I cruise the same ports because if the easy drive to PC & not having to pay airfare - it limits us & what we see, but it's our personal choice.

When the restructure the CC levels, I do hope they grandfather us in, but if they don't, not a deal breaker. We'll still keep cruising DCL

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