perqs needed for CC cruisers

[Miss Eeyore]

I posted this this morning before heading off to school, but it didn't appear...or else it was removed for some reason. It is just an observation and suggestion on my part, so don't know why it even might have been removed.

What got me thinking about this post was a brochure that arrived yesterday from Princess. They regularly send out offers to their Captain's Circle. Now don't get me wrong, I love DCL and cruise with them at any chance I can, using my DVC points. The offer from Princess today was for either of their three brand new ships, in Alaska or the Caribbean. We were offered a 10-day Western, going clear down to South America, in a full verandah cabin for LESS than we paid for our March Eastern cruise in an ocean-view cabin. That is a significant savings.

Now I know that with only 2 ships, Disney does not have the luxury of extra cabin inventory to sell at $$$$ savings, but they do have the aability to build customer loyalty using means that would cost very few dollars. I do appreciate the stateroom gift we receive as return passengers, but there needs to be more recognition for loyalty.

These are my two suggestions, programs that could only build good will, with little effect on the DCL bottom line. The boarding registration benefit has become a joke. As many have stated, many times the line at the CC desk can be longer than the others. Why can't DCL take this desk one step further to encourage product loyalty? I would suggest that DCL allow CC members priority boarding. Once the long line of CC's were aboard, they could proceed with the rest. And if CC members arrived after the first big rush, they should be allowed access via a cattle pen to the front of the line, where CMs could kind of blend them in with the rest.

Another potential benefit would be the ability for CC members to pre-book Palo and spa reservations. Again, little if any cost to DCL, but a tremendous for product loyalty.

By the way, in both of the other frequent cruiser programs that we belong to we get BOTH of the above options, in addition to large discounts.

What do you think? Maybe one of the lurking CMs will pass this on.

 

[Cruisin]

Miss Eeyore:

Your original post was not removed but you may have posted it in the wrong spot because I think I saw it up in the Cruise Meet section at the top of this board.
Have a look up there and see.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Great ideas, but the bottom line (pardon the pun) is that DCL doesn't need to extend (well didn't until the 2005 price list came out) any perks to CC cruisers because demand is already high. Most cruises are fully booked, or cruisers are buying upgrades at port, and DCL is ever increasing prices upto cruise day, which cruisers are still paying.
Once demand begins to drop-off, then maybe we've a chance at perks they should have started long ago. JMHO.

 

[minniemouse1]

I definately agree that they need to increase any kind of perk for repeat cruisers. We have another cruise booked in 2005 but I am seriously considering cruising with another line because of the $$$$. We have never cruised with any other ship so we really have no idea if this is the best for our money. Also after our next cruise and DCL not having any other itineraries available that we haven't been on I don't think I will return to DCL until they add something new.

 

[disneygal58]

I agree that DCL should consider offering some type of perk to repeat cruisers. We are scheduled for # 6 in February- our first Eastern Itinerary. After that we may have to consider looking elsewhere. My parents have sailed almost every other cruiseline and after much discussion (and pleading) my mother decided to join us. One month later (and several emails from Princess), she cancelled and said that she couldn't justify paying the price required by Disney when she could sail another line in a higher category for more days for fewer dollars. I love all things Disney and will gladly board in 10 weeks. I simply wish that we felt as though our loyalty was as valued by DCL as repeat cruisers seem to be on alternate lines. We love the towels, but a category upgrade or similar perk would be much more appreciated.
Dawn Hope