Castaway Club Members - Are we Really Worth Less?

[KSDisneyDad]

Some random thoughts about this thread....

Any change will make some upset. Who moved my cheese anyone?

I recall that when DCL first went to the tiered system, those who were gold or platinum were quite happy with the new tiered system and told the silver members to not worry about the perks, but be thankful just to be sailing and that they had sailed XX number of times without the tiered program and were fine. Many threads were closed when a Silver member complained about the CC program (i.e. no more party, not using # of days instead of # of sailings, not factoring in amount spent, etc.). Fast forward a few years and these same tiered members are now complaining about the same thing that they preached against a few years ago.

For those of you who complain about boring itineraries, I'm not sure whether I should be envious that you've cruise so much that you now think the itineraries are boring or to be sad for you that you have so much in life that a trip to Castaway Cay, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii, etc. is boring.

FWIW: On our sailing last month, the Gold CC reception did have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. At the end, they handed out mickey head rice krispy treats. All of the officers spent a lot of time talking to us one-on-one including the Captain. Overall, it's not that much different than the first reception we attended in 2006 as Silver CC members.

It seems that there will always be something to complain about but just sit back and look at what it is you're complaining about to see if life is really that bad. I'm not saying that you shouldn't complain or don't have any right to complain, but you should also be aware of how it looks to others when you post like this on a public forum. I agree with those who say if you don't like the program or itineraries, sail on another cruiseline. To me, that's the only way to speak to Disney that they will understand. If enough of you do so, Disney will change to try to draw you back. If only a few people do so, why would Disney change?

JMHO

 

[Douvres Family]

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.

Agreed 100% And yes...you will always come across an unsatisfied customers.
We dont go back for the freebies...we LOVE the Cast Members...they become like part of our family. And remember, CM are ppl, not servants...treat ppl with respect and courteousness and get the same back.
Keep in mind, you get what you pay for...if guests want more freebies and give-aways, I hope Disney doesn’t sacrifice "quality" to meet guests needs.
Maybe they should try other cruise lines which are known for giving more upgrades and free gifts.

 

[jlwhitney]

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.

How would that work when the magic/wonder already run two seatings in the morning for breakfast. To go to 4 seatings would make some have way early breakfast and others having to wait till almost lunch to eat breakfast. That would add more hours to the crews already long days.

Plus they only run them on sea days, so they don't interfer with peoples port days, can you imagine how mad someone would be if they got scheduled for a port day and they had an excursions and had to miss it.

There would be no way to make it work to accomadate everyone.

 

[Douvres Family]

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.

From one Castaway Member to another...I am truly very sorry to hear that.
It just doesnt seem right. I dont understand. I witnessed so much of the ooposite towards other guests. And when we went this year for our 16th Anniv and we got so many "congratulations".

I'm confused as well...

 

[jlwhitney]

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.

I agree with you in the sense that first timers get last pick of everything. I believe Carnival does it when you are paid in full you book excursions/spa.etc.

I personally like that, it gives you an incentive to get paid in full, which makes the cruise line happy since they have your money and its more fair, not perfect for last min bookings, but anywhere you book last min there will be less choice.

 

[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.

AGREED!!!

 

[RedSox68]

Sorry, I must have missed something in skimming through this thread -- but why doesn't the 7-day Fantasy cruises have character breakfast? If they can do it on the Wonder and Magic, and make the schedule work, why not on the Fantasy?

 

[jlwhitney]

What I don't get it is everyone complains about what DCL does or does not give you.

That you pick hotels/cruise lines based on the loyalty programs.

But....

When you stay at disney at a disney hotel for a week every year to every few years you don't complain they don't have a loyalty program, they don't give you anything for being a returning guests...I wonder why this is...and its what makes me think DCL needs to get rid of it.

If there is nothing there, there is nothing to change and no one to make mad.

Personally I get tired of the castaway/dvc gifts because after 1 I really have no need for it, and sometimes don't even want it in the first place...and feel guilty throwing them out but I hate clutter in my house.

The other day I tossed two of the black and red totes since they just sit there. Sometimes while onboard we meet a new cruiser and give it to them.

 

[CruznLexi]

Between 3 lines I have close to 40 cruises. Mostly 7 nights. I would feel certain that days verses cruises will be coming. We used to cruise RCI have not since 2007 after a horrible Hawaii cruise. The cruise itself was fantastic the ship and crew had issues. We have also cruised on Carnival too. Last year was the last straw with them. We love DCL do wish the prices were not so high. I am thankful for any gift I get. Yes since we started cruising with Disney things have changed but they have changed on all cruise lines too. I work as a nurse and have many patients that feel they are entitled to have excellent service. You are in a hospital not a 5 star resort. We have created this in the lifestyles we live in. I treat everyone the same. I had a great cruise on the Wonder and Dream this year. I will continue to cruise them. Be thankful you are able to cruise.

 

[Silverfox97]

Some random thoughts about this thread....

Any change will make some upset. Who moved my cheese anyone?

For those of you who complain about boring itineraries, I'm not sure whether I should be envious that you've cruise so much that you now think the itineraries are boring or to be sad for you that you have so much in life that a trip to Castaway Cay, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii, etc. is boring.

FWIW: On our sailing last month, the Gold CC reception did have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. At the end, they handed out mickey head rice krispy treats. All of the officers spent a lot of time talking to us one-on-one including the Captain. Overall, it's not that much different than the first reception we attended in 2006 as Silver CC members.

It seems that there will always be something to complain about but just sit back and look at what it is you're complaining about to see if life is really that bad. I'm not saying that you shouldn't complain or don't have any right to complain, but you should also be aware of how it looks to others when you post like this on a public forum. I agree with those who say if you don't like the program or itineraries, sail on another cruiseline. To me, that's the only way to speak to Disney that they will understand. If enough of you do so, Disney will change to try to draw you back. If only a few people do so, why would Disney change?

JMHO

I'm with you 100%. We cruise DCL twice a year, this year three times. I am not complaining that I go on a western, than an eastern, then repeat. Would I like to see a southern Caribbean for variety? Sure. Will it stop me from cruising DCL? Nope. I know I can go to the Southern Caribbean on another line if I so desire. I also know that I could cruise four or five times a year if I just drove 20 min to the Port of Tampa on much cheaper cruise lines rather than driving 2 hours and paying twice on DCL. I certainly am not complaining.

KSDisneyDad, our CC reception on the Fantasy in June mirrored your experience.

Getting less happens. Let's take my job. Five years ago, excellent health insurance. Major illness. Amazing benefits. Fast forward to now. No more major illness benefit given to us - you have to buy up short term disability & it's only 66.7% of our pay instead of 100%. Health insurance costs waaayyyyy more & coverage is a joke. Guess you could say I'm paying more & getting less. I realize it's not a direct correlation, but it's just a comparable example. Paying more on DCL & getting less "perks." It happens.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Douvres Family]

I'm with you 100%. We cruise DCL twice a year, this year three times. I am not complaining that I go on a western, than an eastern, then repeat. Would I like to see a southern Caribbean for variety? Sure. Will it stop me from cruising DCL? Nope. I know I can go to the Southern Caribbean on another line if I so desire. I also know that I could cruise four or five times a year if I just drove 20 min to the Port of Tampa on much cheaper cruise lines rather than driving 2 hours and paying twice on DCL. I certainly am not complaining.

KSDisneyDad, our CC reception on the Fantasy in June mirrored your experience.

Getting less happens. Let's take my job. Five years ago, excellent health insurance. Major illness. Amazing benefits. Fast forward to now. No more major illness benefit given to us - you have to buy up short term disability & it's only 66.7% of our pay instead of 100%. Health insurance costs waaayyyyy more & coverage is a joke. Guess you could say I'm paying more & getting less. I realize it's not a direct correlation, but it's just a comparable example. Paying more on DCL & getting less "perks." It happens.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Agreed...

 

[TDC Nala]

Sorry, I must have missed something in skimming through this thread -- but why doesn't the 7-day Fantasy cruises have character breakfast? If they can do it on the Wonder and Magic, and make the schedule work, why not on the Fantasy?

there have been two reasons set forth:

1) The dining room on the Fantasy is too large, the characters would not be able to get around to everyone, and they can't logistically schedule multiple breakfasts to have the room at partial capacity.

2) The tables are too close together for the characters to circulate.

When you stay at disney at a disney hotel for a week every year to every few years you don't complain they don't have a loyalty program

I've seen lots of complaints on this board that Disney resorts don't have a loyalty program. They don't have one because they don't need one, there isn't sufficient competition for what they offer. If WDW guests start going offsite in droves they may need something like that, but right now they don't need it.

 

[ruley3]

Wow I am amazed at people getting so grumpy! Don't you choose your vacation? I know I choose mine and I choose my price and I choose how long and what I want to make a wonderful experience for my family. Always you can go elsewhere and try it out but realize everyone is in a time of cutback! I love Disney because everytime I go we enjoy each other and relive moments with characters and my children make me smile. I can buy rice krispy flipflops anywhere or even a bookbag off ebay... I go to make memories and I could go to Cozumel every year !!! For example I go to my local Science Museum many times and will keep exploring it with my children. Happiness is within and sorry people feel so shafted but just go elsewhere if you can have better experiences!!!

 

[jlwhitney]

Wow I am amazed at people getting so grumpy! Don't you choose your vacation? I know I choose mine and I choose my price and I choose how long and what I want to make a wonderful experience for my family. Always you can go elsewhere and try it out but realize everyone is in a time of cutback! I love Disney because everytime I go we enjoy each other and relive moments with characters and my children make me smile. I can buy rice krispy flipflops anywhere or even a bookbag off ebay... I go to make memories and I could go to Cozumel every year !!! For example I go to my local Science Museum many times and will keep exploring it with my children. Happiness is within and sorry people feel so shafted but just go elsewhere if you can have better experiences!!!

I 100% agree with you . I don't pick a vacation based on a loyalty program or a free gift (typicall any free gift is being paid for in your rate) so it is really not free.

I vacation in a place that I want to see, that has something I want to do and to make memories. We do cruises with Disney because we know we will like it, that is about it.

 

[NancyIL]

What I don't get it is everyone complains about what DCL does or does not give you.

That you pick hotels/cruise lines based on the loyalty programs.

But....

When you stay at disney at a disney hotel for a week every year to every few years you don't complain they don't have a loyalty program, they don't give you anything for being a returning guests...I wonder why this is...and its what makes me think DCL needs to get rid of it.

I usually stay at the Swan or Dolphin when I go to WDW, and those non-Disney-owned hotels DO have a loyalty program: Starwood Preferred Guest: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/index.html

For those of you who complain about boring itineraries, I'm not sure whether I should be envious that you've cruise so much that you now think the itineraries are boring or to be sad for you that you have so much in life that a trip to Castaway Cay, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii, etc. is boring.

Alaska, Canada, and Europe are NOT boring! (I'm sure Hawaii and the Panama Canal aren't boring, either, but I haven't been there.) DCL's itineraries to Alaska and Canada are rather weak, and their Europe itineraries are quite expensive. However, the itineraries many of us have complained about are the fall 2013 itineraries on the Magic and Wonder from Miami and Galveston. There was a lot of potential there for longer cruises and/or new ports, but DCL chose to return to the same old ports. I think the only people excited about the cruises from Galveston are those who live in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana!

 

[jilljill]

Once again this topic is on the boards and being beaten to death. The only way to get anything done is to write to DCL and express your concerns/complaints to them.

Closing this thread since, technically it's restarting a topic that has had many threads that have been closed.