Platinum perks?

[lbgraves]

They held the 2008 EBPC CC reception on deck 9 also. Closed down the Goofy pool and had chairs on the cover that afternoon. The Fantasy MV was rediculous. There were many platinums who couldn't get reservations they wanted to Palo/Remy and excursions at midnight on day 120. Anyone who was gold or silver didn't even bother trying.

 

[StephenKay]

Hi there,

We have just reached Platinum and haven't yet experienced a cruise since Christmas however we are 5000 miles and 2 or 3 days travelling away. We have completed some 79 days on board with only one 3 day cruise and to be honest I dont really think that the CC is no longer fit for purpose. The large ships seem to have changed our experience of DCL and many of the gifts or perks never really see the light of day when we get home. It would be nice if the could do something to make you feel at least they value there business as I am sure like many on here we have spent 10's of thousands of Disney dollars with them in the last 15 years of WDW,DCL,DVC.

That said we have some 21 days booked for this year and 26 for next year, blame my wife!!!! she is an Disney addict. Maybe they could offer a Grumpy cruise for a us "suffering" non Dis addit husbands with a few perks.

 

[clten]

I just can't get excited about a 'free tour' when I have an entire listing of things to do.

Yes, well, we've been sailing w/ DCL since the beginning and have completed 30 cruises with them. Most of that entire listing of things to do have remained relatively unchanged since the early days so it is kinda hard to get excited about some of that long list of activities. (And the ones that are sales pitches from the Spa, Shutters, and DVC I don't really count as activities.) So the opportunity to do something new was one of the best perks I thought they had added. It may not seem like much but when all the cruise activities run together, having one special activity can really differentiate a cruise. Like on one of the TransAtlantic cruises on the Magic we did a in depth "galley tour" that included the below deck storage areas and a really descriptive tour by the manager/officer who orders supplies. Really set that cruise apart. And really all it cost them was the time of that officer (I'm sure he enjoyed a break from the routine too), the recipe booklets they put together for each of us and the champagne and rice krispie treats that I don't think anyone would have missed if they weren't there.

So to each his own. We do have 6 cruises booked for 2013 and 3 for 2014. Not as confident as we had been in years past that we will actually sail all these booked cruises. Starting last year we have been much more seriously considering slowing down on the DCL cruising and picking up more cruises on another line just for new experiences. The fact that this corresponds with the elimination of these platinum tours is not a coincidence for us.

 

[tinkerone]

Yes, well, we've been sailing w/ DCL since the beginning and have completed 30 cruises with them. Most of that entire listing of things to do have remained relatively unchanged since the early days so it is kinda hard to get excited about some of that long list of activities. (And the ones that are sales pitches from the Spa, Shutters, and DVC I don't really count as activities.) So the opportunity to do something new was one of the best perks I thought they had added. It may not seem like much but when all the cruise activities run together, having one special activity can really differentiate a cruise. Like on one of the TransAtlantic cruises on the Magic we did a in depth "galley tour" that included the below deck storage areas and a really descriptive tour by the manager/officer who orders supplies. Really set that cruise apart. And really all it cost them was the time of that officer (I'm sure he enjoyed a break from the routine too), the recipe booklets they put together for each of us and the champagne and rice krispie treats that I don't think anyone would have missed if they weren't there.

So to each his own. We do have 6 cruises booked for 2013 and 3 for 2014. Not as confident as we had been in years past that we will actually sail all these booked cruises. Starting last year we have been much more seriously considering slowing down on the DCL cruising and picking up more cruises on another line just for new experiences. The fact that this corresponds with the elimination of these platinum tours is not a coincidence for us.

I guess its what you make of it. if the listings no longer excite someone then maybe it is time to move on. if the same ole, same ole just doesn't do it look else where. there's lots of cruise lines out there and plenty of great ships so if the perks are what keeps people, well, see what the others are offering.
me, i'll stay with dcl and love every minute. with or without perks.
now this is just imo and I know its not the popular one but i'm just sayin.....some of us are happy without the 'things'.
hope Disney listens to you all and you get the response you would like.

 

[woody73]

I've been on the Hawaii cruise where nearly half the passengers were platinum cruisers. They had to hold the gold/platinum reception on the pool deck. . .

I've also been to a Castaway Club reception held on the pool deck. It didn't seem very special, since anyone could attend.

I like the way HAL, Princess and RCI handle their receptions. They continue to recognize guest loyalty, even when the numbers grow.

On HAL and RCI, if the group is too large for one reception, they'll have multiple receptions. On HAL, they had a nice champagne brunch in a main dining room, and guests received an invitation to one of two dates. HAL also had a cocktail reception with the Captain in a large lounge. Again, they had two dates.

Similarly, on RCI, we received an invitation to attend one of two Captain's receptions with served drinks.

Recently on Princess, there were so many repeat guests, the welcome back reception was held in the main theatre. Bar service would have been a real challenge with so many people. So the ushers gave out certificates for free drinks that were good at any time at any venue on board.

It's too bad DCL doesn't make the same effort to properly recognize it's loyal guests.

Woody

 

[lilpooh108]

Maybe they could offer a Grumpy cruise for a us "suffering" non Dis addit husbands with a few perks.

My husband isn't grumpy about my Disney addiction but with all our WDW/DLR Aps, DVC and DCL, he'd join you on that grumpy cruise to lament about our financial sponsoring of the Disney Enterprise

 

[BethC1952]

As I've posted before, I'm a Platinum cruiser with 15 DCL cruises, with 81 nights at sea, and one more 7 night cruise booked for September 2 (Alaska). I haven't decided about future cruises yet, but will have thought about it before we board the ship in Vancouver so that we can rebook onboard if that's what we decide to do.

We were originally booked on the TA sailing this May on Magic, but had to cancel due to a work commitment. Instead, we're branching out a bit and sailing on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, also a TA, leaving April 21. This cruise has more port stops and ends in Southampton, which is good because we had planned to spend some time in London anyway!

I am very interested in seeing how this cruise compares to our previous cruises. While I love my Disney cruises, I'm planning to have an absolutely wonderful vacation. I plan to enjoy everything the ship has to offer, including some ports that I haven't seen yet. I'll be looking for a "value for my $$$" comparison, not a "minute by minute" comparison. I won't be saying "If only I were on DLC...", because it was my choice not to be there.

One of the things I will be considering in choosing my next few cruise vacations will be how repeat cruisers are rewarded. There are lots of other considerations too, including itineraries, service, food, entertainment. We're an older couple, and couldn't care less about not having the Disney characters on board. We've seen all the shows DCL offers, except the "signature" show on Fantasy since we haven't sailed on her yet, and are looking forward to some different types of entertainment. We do enjoy the Disney quality and attention to detail, which is why we've cruised so often.

I plan on posting a trip report somewhere once I get back. It will contain information about our impressions of the comparison between the two lines. I'm hoping I can be objective about the whole thing!

Beth

 

[lilpooh108]

As I've posted before, I'm a Platinum cruiser with 15 DCL cruises, with 81 nights at sea, and one more 7 night cruise booked for September 2 (Alaska). I haven't decided about future cruises yet, but will have thought about it before we board the ship in Vancouver so that we can rebook onboard if that's what we decide to do.

We were originally booked on the TA sailing this May on Magic, but had to cancel due to a work commitment. Instead, we're branching out a bit and sailing on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, also a TA, leaving April 21. This cruise has more port stops and ends in Southampton, which is good because we had planned to spend some time in London anyway!

I am very interested in seeing how this cruise compares to our previous cruises. While I love my Disney cruises, I'm planning to have an absolutely wonderful vacation. I plan to enjoy everything the ship has to offer, including some ports that I haven't seen yet. I'll be looking for a "value for my $$$" comparison, not a "minute by minute" comparison. I won't be saying "If only I were on DLC...", because it was my choice not to be there.

One of the things I will be considering in choosing my next few cruise vacations will be how repeat cruisers are rewarded. There are lots of other considerations too, including itineraries, service, food, entertainment. We're an older couple, and couldn't care less about not having the Disney characters on board. We've seen all the shows DCL offers, except the "signature" show on Fantasy since we haven't sailed on her yet, and are looking forward to some different types of entertainment. We do enjoy the Disney quality and attention to detail, which is why we've cruised so often.

I plan on posting a trip report somewhere once I get back. It will contain information about our impressions of the comparison between the two lines. I'm hoping I can be objective about the whole thing!

Beth

Sounds great! Please post a TR with comparisons!

 

[Four Swampers]

i'm the minority here. I think its nice when I walk into my cabin and find anything they leave, anything is a bonus. obc are nice but if they didn't offer them I would still book and not notice. I just can't get excited about a 'free tour' when I have an entire listing of things to do. cocktail party? been to one, don't think it was worth my time to get a free drink and rice krispy treat. never went back, better things to do. don't get me wrong, if I get the discount at the shops, well, bonus. I just don't plan for it cause if its not there, oh well.
i'm not on the ship for freebies, i'm on it for the pure joy! if I get anything extra, thanks mickey!!

I do think all of your points are quite valid. Also, you have a very upbeat and positive attitude, which is awesome.

I personally cruise for the cruise, not for the extras. On the other hand, after having cruised DCL 7 times, I have tried most of the food and seen all of the shows. At that point, DCL has to do something to encourage me to come back. Most important would be new ports. They are falling down there. 2014 sees a rearranging of 2013 med ports: I can do Greece out of Venice. 2014 also sees a few southern carribean cruises that occur when my kids are in school. So with no viable new itineraries for me and the fact that I have had the good fortune to do a lot of the stuff on the ships, I become tempted to try another line.

With a different line, I can see and experience new sights both on and off the ship, and I can do it a lower cost. If DCL can fill their ships without my repeat business, then they certainly don't need to offer me something. If they want me in a room, they have to provide some reason to go back: a new show, some new food choices, new ports, or perhaps a platinum cruising perk beyond fruit in the room and boarding 15 minutes before everyone else.

Again, not boycotting DCL, and I love the Disney cruise experience. I will just probably concentrate my planned vacation dollars elsewhere, and take last minute DCL markdowns if they happen to work with my schedule.

 

[bengals01]

I was disappointed with my 50th disney cruise. The year before a couple had their 50th cruise. and at the reception they had them at a table up front, said their name and got a golden mickey's trophy. I did get a cake brought to my table. It was sent from the dining room manager because I have known her for years when she was a head server.

 

[jrabbit]

We just completed our last cruise and we took the survey (online) that they e-mailed and one of the questions was about the Castaway Club Perks. Almost every answer we gave was very good or excellent, except for the CC Perks which we rated very low.

With only 4 ships to fill and many repeat cruisers, DCL I believe will continue to offer minimal perks for several more year. I HOPE THAT I AM WRONG!

Speaking of the survey - what's up with the question about adding an ATM on board. More fees for DCL to collect and no longer having to carry a lot of cash on board I guess.

 

[IrishCowboy]

I think DCL had a change in marketing philosphy over the past few years. I think that the DCL marketing mindset now believes that they do not have to do any special for the cruiser who has sailed 10+ times on DCL. They figure that most of those folks are going to sail on DCL over other lines no matter what is offered, so why not focus our marketing energy and $$ on attracting new customers.

I also miss the extra OBC ($350 vs $200) for 7 day cruises and the behind the scenes tours, but the changes have not kept me from sailing on DCL.

I think that the entire Castaway Club program could use a good makeover.

 

[neg58]

We just completed our last cruise and we took the survey (online) that they e-mailed and one of the questions was about the Castaway Club Perks. Almost every answer we gave was very good or excellent, except for the CC Perks which we rated very low.

With only 4 ships to fill and many repeat cruisers, DCL I believe will continue to offer minimal perks for several more year. I HOPE THAT I AM WRONG!

Speaking of the survey - what's up with the question about adding an ATM on board. More fees for DCL to collect and no longer having to carry a lot of cash on board I guess.

I'd like an ATM on board because I'd feel more comfortable using one there than on the streets of any port. I'm a planner and I usually have more than enough money, but I'd be okay with paying a service fee of $3-4 to use an ATM I knew was safe (or at least safer).

Nancy

 

[collectoraholic]

ITA with this response! In most cases, the CMs who answer the phone at DCL's 800# have not been on the ship so don't know the reality on the ships.

Yeah, case in point...I called to get a date about booking excursions for the Med, as my parents are Silver and we're Platinum. I wanted them to know when they could book, so I called. The CM I spoke to tried to tell me that if I linked our reservations, my Silver parents would be able to book everything during the Platinum window b/c they're sailing w/ us. Um...no! That's not how it works. Srsly. DCL needs to properly educate their phone CMs. The giving out of misinformation is terrible. Luckily I knew better, but what if I didn't.

 

[castmbr]

I suspect it might be hard to keep an ATM stocked with cash what with the ship being out in the middle of the ocean. It would have to be owned and operated by a bank.

 

[scrapycruiser]

Totally agreed. I checked out NCL prices for the Greek Islands for 2014 and was shocked at how reasonable the prices are. We might do a DCL transatlantic and combine it w/a cruise from another line.

Regarding last minute fares--- We grabbed an IGT fare to Alaska last summer and it was a great deal...much cheaper than if we had booked it on day 1 of price release the year before; and comparable to what we would have paid w/Holland America for 3 of us.

Funny you mentioning NCL's Greek cruise! We just booked a 2014 Greek cruise, verandah cabin for 2, 7 nights embarking from Venice for $2550 on the NCL Jade. We've been on 2 DCL Med cruises and 2 Baltic cruises.This time ,going to Eurpoe, i just want a bed and meals. We're platinum but tired of Disneys prices and attitude ! We've been cruising sense 1976.

 

[clten]

I think DCL had a change in marketing philosphy over the past few years. I think that the DCL marketing mindset now believes that they do not have to do any special for the cruiser who has sailed 10+ times on DCL. They figure that most of those folks are going to sail on DCL over other lines no matter what is offered, so why not focus our marketing energy and $$ on attracting new customers.

I also miss the extra OBC ($350 vs $200) for 7 day cruises and the behind the scenes tours, but the changes have not kept me from sailing on DCL.

I think that the entire Castaway Club program could use a good makeover.

I think what got DCL into this pickle was their change in marketing a couple of years ago when they developed the different levels. Maybe they panicked and thought they needed to do it with two new large ships coming up that had to be filled. They may have analyzed how many people they had and where to split them to have X% be platinum and X% be gold but they weren't forward thinking enough that in a couple of years these %'s would be way more than they allowed for. Or maybe they have seen how the ships are filling and as you said, decided that the extra club perks weren't needed or the best value for their marketing money. It's their recent changes that have been the about face. They built the club and now don't have a graceful way to back off. I'm hoping they were cutting the benefits on the existing levels to build a new top level that will have some value. I'm hoping it's so tough to reach that even we, with 30 cruises, can't make it in or barely make it in when it's first opened. That would mean it would be exclusive for quite some time!

me, i'll stay with dcl and love every minute. with or without perks.
now this is just imo and I know its not the popular one but i'm just sayin.....some of us are happy without the 'things'.

I don't know how many DCL cruises you have been on but I'm glad you are enthusiastic and positive about your cruising experiences and will remain enthusiastic after doing the same activities any number of times. It's not that we need the perks and "things" and I'm sure most people are like us and are not making their decisions solely on what we're going to get as a gift. We sailed many times before the introduction of CC levels and got whatever random gift they left in our cabin and were, quite honestly, very happy about it every time -- even if it was a bag we already had 6 of.

And just because we are discussing that we would like some of the promised perks doesn't make us "unhappy" as you imply. What has made us disappointed was the program DCL themselves set up then took away without notice. They established the rules of the game. If you booked a cruise because part of the marketing was that they offered 3 broadway-type stage shows on every cruise and when you showed up, the theater was closed for the whole cruise, wouldn't you feel like you weren't given the full experience you paid for? Well, when I booked the 4 cruises I took last year and the 6 I'm scheduled for this year, all those platinum perks/experiences were part of the deal.

 

[slg]

Very well said Clten. I love DCL and all things disney, but also like to feel appreciated (just like I love my DH but also like to feel appreciated by him too).

It does get rather old when you have only same shows to look forward to and honestly, the behind the scenes tour was something my DH was REALLY looking forward to being that he works in Theatre. These little extras do add up and most companies know that loyalty programs work.

Yes, most people will keep cruising DCL, but some won't. And why lose your best, most supportive people over a few dollars? Its not good marketing sense. Every time I rave about Disney, that does more for someone booking a cruise than an add in the paper. And believe me, I rave about DCL. Would I like to get thanked for being loyal? Yes, I most certainly would. Do I feel entitled? No, I don't.

This is just a conversation. And its great to get everyone's feedback. If enough of us feel the same way and express our feelings, perhaps DCL will listen.

They make mistakes and change the way they do things all the time. If the program isn't working, they will change it.

 

[lbgraves]

The disappointment is more about what DCL offered at one time then took away as an option. The OBC decrease had the largest impact for those who were already receiving the higher amount. We are going on our last cruise that is grandfathered as a gold and will have the $275 OBC. Was looking forward to the $350 on the next one and knowing it will only be $200 is a bit of a disappointment.

 

[anna08]

Oh a free upgrade would be SUPER NICE for DIAMOND cruisers. I bet that people would book higher than usual just get a really great upgrade.

I wish I worked for DCL. I could give them quite a few suggestions...

So listen up DCL, make us feel special. It doesn't have to cost a lot.

I agree! We've never gotten an upgrade, and are in the camp that dedicates a very substantial amount of money to Disney yearly in many different arenas. I won't even begin to say how much was dropped on my birthday celebration four years ago. I'm really surprised they don't have some better way of acknowledging their best customers. When compared to other resorts that we've been loyal customers, Disney is far behind. Mostly it is the personal interaction with the staff at these other vacation spots that makes us feel special. Even FedEx has little personal notes about your address so every driver knows something about you (or your dogs) before they walk to your door.

It does make a difference - we have gone down to one dummy booking and are now planning a ski trip instead of a cruise at the holidays. I would think now that they have four ships to fill, they would be having the OPPOSITE approach and be offering greater incentives to their loyal base.