New Castaway Club Benefits Announced

[tink1970]

Just wondering why I NEVER get these emails, being platinum with all the correct info : (

Because you're on the same list I am

 

[RAD]

Because you're on the same list I am

A lowly gold but on the same mailing list. If it wasn't for my travel agent I'd never know about when dates were opening up.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Just wondering why I NEVER get these emails, being platinum with all the correct info : (

I don't know. My husband got the email, but I didn't.

 

[Justacruiser]

I hadn't heard that they did away with Platinum lanyards. That is a huge example of todays society. They (Disney) want everyone to be treated the same, same with the bags for return guests (only in the bag is different for now). I think that taking these and other perks away, while setting everyone and everyone the same, takes away from folks trying to get those GOLD or PLATINUM levels. I think they feel that those who are not GOLD or PLATINUM feel inferior to those that are. I don't think these changes have anything to do with $$$, but a world full of entitled people. What they are missing that people that haven't cruised much actually want the GOLD and PLATINUM lanyards, thus $$$$$. I think I will take our Platinum lanyards on our next cruises in a couple of weeks.

Sad, sad state of affairs.........

 

[closetmickey]

Ok, I haven't cruised yet, so bear with me. I'm confused.

I understand (somewhat) being upset about not getting something you're used to getting...but...if your main motivation to go to a reception is the Rice Krispie treats, how can it really be a loss you'd be upset about? They're really easy to make at home...easier than cookies.

Well.... we can also swim in our backyard, eat out at favorite restaurants in our neighborhood, even go to the beach or catch a movie or a show close by....doesn't mean we don't love and look forward to doing all of these things on DCL.

Oh, and yes, I've made many Rice Krispie treats in my day.

 

[closetmickey]

You know what would be really nice is if they just had a "Gold/Platinum" welcome back luncheon on embarking day at one of the restaurants. It could be more of a drop in/Open house thing, for the lunch duration, and it would be nice and casual w/o having to compete with the buffet or other lunch destinations. They could have a character or 2 milling about and officers could show and have lunch with the passengers. No formal presentation, just a hey, welcome back! We appreciate your returning to spend your dollars with us. The food could be the same as everywhere else so no special prep is necessary, and sure, hand out the rice krispy treats if that is what everyone is looking for. I think that would be a nice thing to look forward to and wouldn't seem to cost much more.

Love this idea!

 

[lucas]

We sailed on the Magic in March and already noticed changes for Platinum members. They didn't have Platinum lanyards for us and we were told they were no longer giving those out. Then the Castaway Club bag was the same for silver, gold and platinum - NO distinction between the levels. The only difference was what was inside the bag...I know these are minor, but it always made us feel special when people asked us how many cruises we had been on when they saw our Platinum items. And yes, we are very disappointed in DCL doing away with the reception...maybe just do on 7 or more day cruises - 8 is like a slap in the face.

I hate that the CC bags are all the same now with no distinction!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Ok, I haven't cruised yet, so bear with me. I'm confused.

I understand (somewhat) being upset about not getting something you're used to getting...but...if your main motivation to go to a reception is the Rice Krispie treats, how can it really be a loss you'd be upset about? They're really easy to make at home...easier than cookies.

And how is the presence or lack thereof of this reception a motivation to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise? I mean, if this is what you were looking forward to, you could spend $50-$100 to buy a bottle of wine, some snacks, ingredients to make Rice Krispie treats, and hire someone to make them and serve it all to you. Waaaaaaaay less than the cost of a cruise. So what am I missing?

Because really, if this reception is the big motivation to keep cruising with DCL, maybe I'm spending money that I could do other things with for the upcoming cruise that we've booked.

As far as I understand, any company that offers a loyalty program does so in order to gain repeat customers. They usually offer substantial rewards toward the beginning of offering their product because people aren't as familiar with it. As more people buy into their marketing, the rewards scale back because it becomes less cost effective to offer them to the masses of people who are now returning because of the quality of their product.

When I was a massage therapist and just starting out, I charged less than other competitors and sold package deals. When I was starting to book out several weeks in advance, I raised my prices. Eventually I no longer offered packages or discounts of any kind. The simple reason was: I no longer needed to. I had a solid client base because I offered a solid product. It sounds to me like DCL is following a similar model.

While it may be a little bit of a bummer to lose a perk you've grown accustomed to, it seems unrealistic to expect things to stay the same as more and more people become repeat customers. After all, no matter what we like to think, no company truly exists for the benefit of its consumers. They exist to make money. So, from the sounds of it, DCL has found that it no longer makes sense from a money or time standpoint to offer this reception on most itineraries. They will most likely phase it out completely. It's a prettily normal practice in most companies in this point of their business, not just a nefarious characteristic of Disney.

Now I fully expect to have a lot of people arming their rotten tomato arsenals at this post of mine, but come on. A free drink, fruit and a Rice Krispie treat taken away and you no longer want to cruise this line? What am I missing?

I'm confused why you quoted me. I'm only sad that I won't be able to do something when I go on my 6th cruise. I have been on 4 DCL cruises in the past 2 years, and I'm going on my 5th this summer. Nothing is stopping me from cruising DCL right now. I understand that Disney is a business. When they take something away, I'm not one to stop going to the parks or going on their cruise ships. I'm to much of a Disney fanatic to stop.

 

[mom4fun]

I hadn't heard that they did away with Platinum lanyards. That is a huge example of todays society. They (Disney) want everyone to be treated the same, same with the bags for return guests (only in the bag is different for now). I think that taking these and other perks away, while setting everyone and everyone the same, takes away from folks trying to get those GOLD or PLATINUM levels. I think they feel that those who are not GOLD or PLATINUM feel inferior to those that are. I don't think these changes have anything to do with $$$, but a world full of entitled people. What they are missing that people that haven't cruised much actually want the GOLD and PLATINUM lanyards, thus $$$$$. I think I will take our Platinum lanyards on our next cruises in a couple of weeks.

Sad, sad state of affairs.........

Can I borrow your lanyards when I get to be platinum? Lol. Seriously, it is kind of a big deal to me like getting a new girlscout badge, makes you feel a little special.

 

[BCV23]

We received platinum lanyards on the 4/15 sailing of the Fantasy. Perhaps the Magic had just run out of platinum lanyards and the agent assumed they had been discontinued?

Someone mentioned the bags are the same for all levels now. Those bags have been the base gifts for about two years it seems to me. Although I find them attractive, I am very allergic to them. Return it to the host or give it away as soon as I can. Really hope that gift changes soon!

 

[PurplePencil]

We received platinum lanyards on the 4/15 sailing of the Fantasy. Perhaps the Magic had just run out of platinum lanyards and the agent assumed they had been discontinued?

Someone mentioned the bags are the same for all levels now. Those bags have been the base gifts for about two years it seems to me. Although I find them attractive, I am very allergic to them. Return it to the host or give it away as soon as I can. Really hope that gift changes soon!

Have you tried asking your host if perhaps they have anything else? (Especially on the Wonder or Magic) I feel like DCL doesn't want an allergic reaction to there bags

 

[lucas]

I don't know. My husband got the email, but I didn't.

Neither dh or myself got the email.

 

[lucas]

We received platinum lanyards on the 4/15 sailing of the Fantasy. Perhaps the Magic had just run out of platinum lanyards and the agent assumed they had been discontinued?

Someone mentioned the bags are the same for all levels now. Those bags have been the base gifts for about two years it seems to me. Although I find them attractive, I am very allergic to them. Return it to the host or give it away as soon as I can. Really hope that gift changes soon!

Yes, it has been a couple of years since the new bags came out. Didn't like them then - still don't.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes, it has been a couple of years since the new bags came out. Didn't like them then - still don't.

Hmmm... I guess we just missed them. Our last DCL cruise was 2015. Unfortunately, unless something changes in the next month, we'll get one.

 

[Mighty Mouse Mama]

I'm confused why you quoted me. I'm only sad that I won't be able to do something when I go on my 6th cruise. I have been on 4 DCL cruises in the past 2 years, and I'm going on my 5th this summer. Nothing is stopping me from cruising DCL right now. I understand that Disney is a business. When they take something away, I'm not one to stop going to the parks or going on their cruise ships. I'm to much of a Disney fanatic to stop. Have a magical day.

I quoted you because you said that not having the reception would affect the speed of your booking your next cruise. It sounded from you saying this that the loss of the reception actually would be a factor in choosing to book your next cruise. I'm sorry if you were offended by my quoting you. There's no need to wish me a magical day though. (I'm new to DCL, but have friends who were CM. I know what they mean when they say that to each other.)

 

[heapies926]

This makes me (slightly) less likely to cruise Disney again just because I feel like they don't reward loyalty. I'm used to seeing companies trying to cut costs, but they're cutting something that some of their most loyal customers looked forward to.

I emailed disney and got below response. They make it sound like maybe our comments make a difference, so email to if you're bummed about it!

"Thank you for your comments regarding the Castaway Club program.

We regularly evaluate our Castaway Club benefits and make updates from
time to time. Guest feedback and utilization play an important part in
these decisions. Our Officers and Crew enjoy meeting with our Castaway
Club Guests and continue to do so throughout each and every sailing.

We are always looking at ways to enhance our shipboard experiences and
will continue to do so into the future.

Again, thank you for your comments."

 

[tigerlily2009]

This makes me (slightly) less likely to cruise Disney again just because I feel like they don't reward loyalty. I'm used to seeing companies trying to cut costs, but they're cutting something that some of their most loyal customers looked forward to.

I emailed disney and got below response. They make it sound like maybe our comments make a difference, so email to if you're bummed about it!

"Thank you for your comments regarding the Castaway Club program.

We regularly evaluate our Castaway Club benefits and make updates from
time to time. Guest feedback and utilization play an important part in
these decisions. Our Officers and Crew enjoy meeting with our Castaway
Club Guests and continue to do so throughout each and every sailing.

We are always looking at ways to enhance our shipboard experiences and
will continue to do so into the future.

Again, thank you for your comments."

Why do I have a feeling I will get the same automated response?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Why do I have a feeling I will get the same automated response?

What's interesting is that they already have a automated response set up.

 

[RAD]

This makes me (slightly) less likely to cruise Disney again just because I feel like they don't reward loyalty. I'm used to seeing companies trying to cut costs, but they're cutting something that some of their most loyal customers looked forward to.

I emailed disney and got below response. They make it sound like maybe our comments make a difference, so email to if you're bummed about it!

"Thank you for your comments regarding the Castaway Club program.

We regularly evaluate our Castaway Club benefits and make updates from
time to time. Guest feedback and utilization play an important part in
these decisions. Our Officers and Crew enjoy meeting with our Castaway
Club Guests and continue to do so throughout each and every sailing.

We are always looking at ways to enhance our shipboard experiences and
will continue to do so into the future.

Again, thank you for your comments."

My response was:

Thank you for contacting Disney Cruise Line.

I sincerely regret the disappointment you have expressed in regards to
the change to the Castaway Club Program. It is not our intent to upset
our loyal Disney Cruise Line Guests.

We regularly evaluate our Castaway Club benefits and make updates from
time to time. Guest feedback and utilization play an important part in
these decisions. Our Officers and Crew enjoy meeting with our Castaway
Club Guests and continue to do so throughout each and every sailing.

We are always looking at ways to enhance our shipboard experiences and
will continue to do so into the future.

Again, thank you for your comments.

Looks like the old cut and paste of response #4 was busy today

 

[jrabbit]

Declining by Degrees.

in the book: Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell - one of his principles while a VP at WDW was every year all of his managers had to find ways to cut costs (including the little things that "no one" noticed) AND increasing revenue. the subtitle of the book is something to the effect "lessons learned from a life at Disney" - I think that most of US know more than he does about Disney and customer relations - he only worked at Disney for 7 years!!! (that's a short life).

The dropping of this reception would fall under the "cost savings" mandate - because you know that this event does not cost them much of anything. Now like someone said, on the long 14 night cruises (TA and PC) where 60% of the cruisers are Gold / Platinum - there IS a cost with those - Lots of servers, Lots of Drinks (well they will probably do away with those) and more nibbletts (appetizers). And a few times we've been to one of these events, they block off the the Goofy Pool area - and this potentially upsets the other 40% of the guests that want to be up by the pool / funnel vision.