Castaway Club Members - Are we Really Worth Less?

[lubyshell]

We have sailed CCL but that was a few yrs ago but are looking at the new ship lately, we are going on the Fantasy in August and looking fwd to it immensely !!
It is sad that Disney is doing away with many perks that ppl look fwd to, we went on Norwegian last year to Bermuda and loved it, half the price is nice too, we are going back in march also, only thing we did not like was freestyle cruising, lines are huge !!! Go figure everyone wants to eat dinner at 6:00 !!!! we will sail Disney again, I will probably book it on board but hopefully they will bring back some of the perks and fun to the ships !!!
Happy sailing !!!

 

[OrcaPotter]

I'm sure the focus on the first-time guest is high because they tend to spend more. It was only recently (within the past year or two) that WDW started the monthly payment plan for FL residents on their annual passes. Prior to that, it was just the "Wild" pass that gets you 3 one park days for $99. Parking has increased dramatically in a few years. But man, those Brazilians bring the cash! So let's push for more international tour groups and offer discounts year round to keep the parks at uncomfortable levels. You used to be able to go to the parks in October and have low crowds. Now it's another high season time. WDW has always been about the out-of-towner, and never really the local. Whenever I'm asked, "Where are you from?" and I reply "Orlando", I get an annoying variety of either "oh well you don't matter" type of reactions to "confused" because the CM/employee now has nothing to have idle chatter about.

It seems the only perk to be a Castaway Club member is when you're back on board, you get the 10% off and 10% down perk for your next cruise. But that hardly put a dent in the sailing we wanted to do (I'm a teacher and can only cruise during peak times) and we passed. It seems if they really valued their return cruisers, we'd get an email with special discounts or other incentives. But the ships are staying full ... so honestly, what reason do they need to do anything more than what they already do? We got a better deal waiting for a VGT, which got us on DCL to begin with.

I don't think DCL has to work too hard to bring in new people because they have their strong brand name behind them. Much less for repeat cruisers.

 

[kcashner]

But the ships are staying full ...

so honestly, what reason do they need to do anything more than what they already do? We got a better deal waiting for a VGT, which got us on DCL to begin with.

No, this is part of the problem--the ships are NOT staying full On our May cruise they had 3400 guests on a ship that holds 4000 and many empty cabins. That was after offering the VGT/OGT/IGT deals in an attempt to fill up. They've been offering all kinds of deals for the last year or so to try to fill ships.

However, it is correct that in general a repeat cruiser spends less on board than a first timer. Repeaters are more likely to view the ship as the destination and spend our time enjoying the ship. Of course, that can mean big KTTW charges, but statistically newbies spend more per person. Getting us onto the ship is only part of the concern. And the more comfortable we become with particular ports, etc. the more likely we are to do an excursion thru a private company or on our own.....

 

[DMMarla07860]

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 have to agree with getting ride of it all together, they will never make everyone happy. I really can't complain about anything, as long as I get to cruise I'll be happy, I know lots of people who can't cruise or don't go on many vacations, so I count myself lucky to just be going places

 

[DMMarla07860]

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.

They seemed to add more flavors on the magic as well, I was on Magic in June and same flavors were on the Dream and Fantasy and Magic this year, I loved that

 

[Mr and Mrs Mouse]

After taking our first DCL cruise, my fiancee and I decided we would love to have our wedding on DCL. Talk about not caring about return customers, during our wedding cruise, absolutely no "pixie dust". We couldn't even get an autograph of the captain during the four day event. I'd like to think we are valued customers (booked 12 additional cabins on our wedding cruise). When we return the following year for 1st anniversary, not even one "congratulations" from a CM. Even when our TA made a note on the reservation. As much as we try to love DCL, more than likley we will cruise with a line that appreciates loyal passengers.

 

[johnlatte]

We cruise on RCL more than Disney and believe me cutbacks are across the industry. Just look out the port hole and the economy is in the crapper. As grandma use to say " be grateful for the little things"....

Thank you capenta! I am amazed at the sense of entitlement the pixie dusters have. Disney has hung on to these perks longer than most cruiselines, now when they start cutting back, the dusters are getting their ears in the twist. What..silvers can't go to the party No free booze at same said party Same old tire state room gift My flip flop rice crispie treats are stale Won't let me go to the head of the line and check in Ivo and Pohoo didn't do back flips when they saw us even though we just sailed 2 years ago geeeeeeze

 

[chateau]

Check in--the web site still says that Platinum cruisers check in at the same desk as concierge cruisers. OK, I get it--at SOME times, there may be too many people in a line. But that doesn't excuse a supervisor (Susan at MCO....I will mention her name every time I get a chance) from rudely sending me to the "regular" line when there was no one at her station...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. It's the fact that DCL doesn't make me feel like the powers that be want my business. Most of the individual CMs on board are great...but the power structure doesn't seem to get it. I guess they'll just have to keep cutting costs to get newbies on board.

Your "Susan" remarks always make me laugh.

It's also about making me "feel" important.... doesn't have to be much, throw me a bone! I've said it before, here on DIS....don't give then take away. It's real bad PR. MODIFY (and make me believe it's better), but don't take away.

 

[wendyoconnor]

I was initially disappointed that silver CC don't get to go to the reception but after hearing about all the cutbacks I'm not sad anymore that we didn't get to go on our third cruise in 2012, I would have been disappointed in the menu. The CC reception on our second cruise in 2005 was a highlight, loved the coconut shrimp and it wasn't too crowded either.

I do kinda like the number of days over number of cruises because we take longer cruises, 7 nighters. We would have been gold if those 7 nighters had been the 3/4 b2b. Nights put those who take 1 7 night equal with those who take 3/4 b2b.

I am wondering how magical my birthday celebration really will be next year. In 205 we were celebrating our 1st anniversary and the surprises were wonderful at Palo and the dinning room with the plate that had Happy Anniversary in chocolate and a special desert to enjoy in our stateroom wrapped in a tin foil rose.

I also missed the midnight desert buffet.

 

[toontoy]

I don't think its a sense of entitlement. All other lines have had cutbacks but the prices have dropped, Disney's have increased and are still well above the industry average,, Our 11B Fantasy cruise in September cost more than my parents 12 night concierge balcony on princess in the Med. Funny thing is the price dropped after they were paid in full and they received an additional upgrade and a refund.

On our Wonder cruise in January to Mexico my parents asked why we cruise Disney when Princess offers more and costs less. We like disney but for us the value prop is dropping and with the cutbacks to the castaway club its no small treat. We will be gold and my parents are gold on princess and we compared the benefits and its a night and day difference. You look at these plus the costs and well it makes you wonder thats for sure

 

[chateau]

changed my mind

 

[Orlando Disney Guy]

Why do Castaway Club Members think they are entitled to anything at all besides a "thank you." We sail on Disney because it is Disney not because we feel we are owed something for giving them our buisness. Let's face it I will not switch cruise lines just because I did not get a backpack or an invite. If that is why you choose a cruise line then you have issues. I am preparing for my second trip on ther Dream this year. I don't feel like I am entitle to anything. When I go into a theme park I don't expect gifts and discounts because I have been there 200 times before! DCL will not loose anything if they got rid of the Castaway Club. Just like DVC Memebers they think the should get all these perks and act lie they own the place, in fact what they really own is an over priced room for a week or so. Guess what I stayed in your room last week and spent a heck of a lot less!

Sorry just had to rant a moment. Okay. I'm done.

 

[rosermama]

Thank you capenta! I am amazed at the sense of entitlement the pixie dusters have. Disney has hung on to these perks longer than most cruiselines, now when they start cutting back, the dusters are getting their ears in the twist. What..silvers can't go to the party No free booze at same said party Same old tire state room gift My flip flop rice crispie treats are stale Won't let me go to the head of the line and check in Ivo and Pohoo didn't do back flips when they saw us even though we just sailed 2 years ago geeeeeeze

You know I think everyone has a right to.complain and for most of us this is our soapbox, we still sail we still hope and we still dream that DCL will be the better company they always were.
I think that people have made some valid points about the perks. Many other lines have cut back thier perks and thier prices to match. Yes everyone is having trouble filling the ships lately. But it would be nice and I dont think many woulf complain if I got a VGT rate for the veranadah I paid for if I got the refund im OBC. Or would be nice if they rewarded loyal cruisers with sales and it doesnt have to be for already booked cruises it could be like book this extra vacation at a great rate and come back and see us again.

People pay extra for DCL because they want the experince that the reputation of Disney was built on... A little magic for everyone. For most just that little extra goes a long way.

 

[TDC Nala]

Since DCL doesn't serve alcohol at all its gold/platinum party

Yes they do. Not the strongest drinks but they do serve alcohol. I woudn't go if they didn't.

Personally I don't want a lot of cute gifts to take home and I don't believe all we got on the Hawaii cruise was napkins, We got a print, too. But personally I don't need to take a bunch of stuff home and don't want cute gifts every day.

 

[toontoy]

You know I think everyone has a right to.complain and for most of us this is our soapbox, we still sail we still hope and we still dream that DCL will be the better company they always were.
I think that people have made some valid points about the perks. Many other lines have cut back thier perks and thier prices to match. Yes everyone is having trouble filling the ships lately. But it would be nice and I dont think many woulf complain if I got a VGT rate for the veranadah I paid for if I got the refund im OBC. Or would be nice if they rewarded loyal cruisers with sales and it doesnt have to be for already booked cruises it could be like book this extra vacation at a great rate and come back and see us again.

People pay extra for DCL because they want the experince that the reputation of Disney was built on... A little magic for everyone. For most just that little extra goes a long way.

I agree,

I think lots of people choose hotels for the loyalty programs and cruises are very similar, IMHO

 

[kcashner]

Why do Castaway Club Members think they are entitled to anything at all besides a "thank you." We sail on Disney because it is Disney not because we feel we are owed something for giving them our buisness. Let's face it I will not switch cruise lines just because I did not get a backpack or an invite. If that is why you choose a cruise line then you have issues. I am preparing for my second trip on ther Dream this year. I don't feel like I am entitle to anything. When I go into a theme park I don't expect gifts and discounts because I have been there 200 times before! DCL will not loose anything if they got rid of the Castaway Club. Just like DVC Memebers they think the should get all these perks and act lie they own the place, in fact what they really own is an over priced room for a week or so. Guess what I stayed in your room last week and spent a heck of a lot less!

Sorry just had to rant a moment. Okay. I'm done.

Not sure repeat cruisers feel that they are owed something--we did LOTS of cruises when the only "perk" was a small gift in the stateroom (for years it was a beach towel).

The problem is that DCL started a system of rewarding frequent cruisers and is now markedly reducing that deal. Sorry, but in the 2 1/2 years it was in effect, it did lead to some expectations.

 

[valbob89]

I don't think its a sense of entitlement. All other lines have had cutbacks but the prices have dropped, Disney's have increased and are still well above the industry average,, Our 11B Fantasy cruise in September cost more than my parents 12 night concierge balcony on princess in the Med. Funny thing is the price dropped after they were paid in full and they received an additional upgrade and a refund.

On our Wonder cruise in January to Mexico my parents asked why we cruise Disney when Princess offers more and costs less. We like disney but for us the value prop is dropping and with the cutbacks to the castaway club its no small treat. We will be gold and my parents are gold on princess and we compared the benefits and its a night and day difference. You look at these plus the costs and well it makes you wonder thats for sure

My point was not the physical 'gifts' but the value DCL places on their loyal return guests. That is what they represent to me.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Can't everyone just be thankfully they get to cruise? Lol. Be upset when you can't go on cruise not by cutbacks, cutbacks are no big deal at all, at least I think. It's not like they are saying you can't cruise again

 

[Otimon]

Thank you capenta! I am amazed at the sense of entitlement the pixie dusters have. Disney has hung on to these perks longer than most cruiselines, now when they start cutting back, the dusters are getting their ears in the twist. What..silvers can't go to the party No free booze at same said party Same old tire state room gift My flip flop rice crispie treats are stale Won't let me go to the head of the line and check in Ivo and Pohoo didn't do back flips when they saw us even though we just sailed 2 years ago geeeeeeze

You are right on! Just enjoy whatever it is that you have and stop complaining about what you have not!

We've been Platinum CC for 8 cruises now (#9 will come up in Oct.). While it's wonderful to have perks it's added icing on the cake. Take them away and we'll continue to cruise Disney just because we love being there! It's the choice one decides to make.

 

[DVCNuts]

We are two cruises from Platinum, and have 4 currently booked. We hit Gold before it existed in 2002, and took a long break until our kids graduated HS in 2010. We were on the inaugural Baltic cruise in June 2010, we were Gold, and had no idea what that meant. We skipped the reception, didn't book any excursions, spa or adult dining in advance. Yeah, we got the lanyards and never wore them. And we didn't visit the DIS board at all in advance of that cruise. Coincidence?

Our next cruise was in April this year, MR on the Wonder. We were Gold and we KNEW IT! I spent a lot of time here, getting prepped for that cruise. We had a blast. Went to the reception, met all the senior officers, and watched a Platinum (with > 38 cruises) complain during that reception that she could only re-book one new cruise during each cruise. Skillfully deflected by CD Christiaan, but we were a little stunned that she would be so upset! We were tickled that we were Gold, got the discount in the shops, and got the rebooking discount. We couldn't wait to be Platinum, get the adventures, the concierge check-in and other stuff that has since been discontinued.

FF to June this year, 5 night on the Dream. No effort by officers to meet and greet everyone. CC reception was over and done in 20 minutes. Captain spoke, joked about the number of towels, lanyards, backpacks etc that we had received over the years, and took off when they played the video. No Q&A. At least we got the Mickey Head rice Krispy treats. Soon after we walked out, we heard the Captain on the speaker announce that he would be in White Caps, available for pictures and autographs. That would have been nice in the CC reception. We left our lanyards and note cards in the room. We'll get more next time. We kept the backpacks until we got back to WDW, and left them there.

I personally would appreciate more attention and recognition in the form of "free" things like early boarding, early booking, thank yous, special attention from officers, private tours, etc. I don't need another towel, lanyard, bag or key chain. Actually, I want the Platinum lanyard.

All that said, we love cruising DCL. We don't go for the perks, but I admit I am looking forward to the early booking window so we have a better shot at getting a pricey cabana, and we like the early boarding time. Please don't take that away!