Should DCL change how you get Castaway Club tiers?

[jrapps]

While I absolutely agree with what you are saying, I do think it's a problem that they aren't providing what they said they would. We didn't decide what would be offered at each tier - they did. At this point they just need to provide what they promote.

Agree....I just wish they'd bring back boarding group 0, that is the perk I miss the most. Some perks they flat out changed (like removing the onboard reception for sailings less than 8 nights, that one hurt a lot, my kids used to LOVE those rice crispy treats. But if you go to their site, they still "claim" you get preferred Port Arrival, just that it is "paused". I'd really like to know what exactly they are waiting for before bringing that back.

Anyone want to take bets what happens first, bring back preferred port arrival, or adding a new tier above Platinum?

Introducing Castaway Club Titanium! Includes all perks in Platinum, plus...complimentary "I'm a sucker" lanyard, Arrive anytime to the port (after 2pm only), Special Titanium phone # (wait times typically 30min longer than standard line). Complimentary bread with any Palo reservation (Palo cost not included), Note: Titanium users are charged an extra $99 Titanium fee on each future sailing

 

[mocodis]

How about another tier that includes free wifi

 

[Lilsia]

How about another tier that includes free wifi

Like the idea but they will never do that.

 

[Intr3pid]

Unlike airlines., hardly any of the cruise line's tiers are worth pursuing solely for loyalty reasons.

The benefits are OK at best, and you miss out on so much by not experiencing what else is out there.

 

[Cheburashka]

The only way to make it truly fair would be to make it based on dollars spent per passenger. That's too much like an airline mileage program, though, so I'm fine with counting cruises. Number of nights rewards people with flexible schedules who can sail the long spring and fall cruises when school is in, and as a teacher who has to pay through the nose to cruise over school holidays, I'm opposed to that. Same thing with stateroom category: an inside during Christmas week can cost as much as concierge in September or October, so there's nothing fair about that.

Now, if they'd only go back to giving the same perks they used to, at least...

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I suppose the question is - Is "loyalty" measured by how many times you use a product? Or by how much money you spend on a product?"

 

[Kwami]

The only way to make it truly fair would be to make it based on dollars spent per passenger.

But that would reward wealth instead of loyalty. Disney markets this as a loyalty program, so counting cruises is better.

 

[Cheburashka]

But that would reward wealth instead of loyalty. Disney markets this as a loyalty program, so counting cruises is better.

I said I'm fine with counting cruises.

Other people want to change that to make it more "fair". I pointed out in response that the only way to be actually fair is to base it on dollars spent. You don't have to be wealthy to spend more dollars. I'm an underpaid schoolteacher who saves and works extra to be able to afford our cruises, not wealthy at all. I have to pay the school holiday premium which can be crazy. I do think it would be more fair to be rewarded for dollars spent, because if you shell out more you deserve more benefits, and where your money is, so is your loyalty. I wouldn't pay these prices if I didn't value the brand.

 

[Cheburashka]

Introducing Castaway Club Titanium! Includes all perks in Platinum, plus...complimentary "I'm a sucker" lanyard, Arrive anytime to the port (after 2pm only), Special Titanium phone # (wait times typically 30min longer than standard line). Complimentary bread with any Palo reservation (Palo cost not included), Note: Titanium users are charged an extra $99 Titanium fee on each future sailing

Love the lanyard idea, in particular. It could be decorated with actual candy suckers. Very colorful. People would be rightly embarrassed to wear it.

 

[DCLMP]

Unlike airlines., hardly any of the cruise line's tiers are worth pursuing solely for loyalty reasons.

The benefits are OK at best, and you miss out on so much by not experiencing what else is out there.

I agree with that. I've never cruised DCL for the fruit bowl or sparkling wine. I chose it because it because my kids loved it. My youngest just turned 18 and, going forward we'll be cruising more for itinerary and price. That may eliminate Disney on most cruises. I'm hopeful we can find a deal now and then because I do love DCL.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Well, why what on the conversation? Why don’t we talk about what we’d like to see in enhance benefits for castaway members, who achieve platinum and beyond:

- Exclusive 30 minutes shopping opportunities before the general public in merchandise shops.

- Exclusive character meet and greet featuring all of the Disney crusie ship friends!

- Lounge for platinum and above members where small treats and ONE drink per member is served.

- Disney crusie branded robes in the room for use on your cruise.

- exclusive Disney cruise line pass magnet per platinum guest featuring a different character each year I.e. Captian Mickey Minnie.

- Reserved seating for the pirates show and fireworks area for platinum members.

- one half hour in the nursery free of charge for adults to experience Disney crusie line child care services.

- Reserved seating in the first rows for theater shows and performances in the Disney theater.

- One free serving of popcorn for Disney platinum members while enjoying a move in the Walt Disney theater. Subsequent refills at a discounted rate.

- Photo opportunities with DCL entertainers for pirate night

I tried to hit them all without breaking the bank and feeling special

 

[PrincessShmoo]

- Reserved seating in the first rows for theater shows and performances in the Disney theater.

Well, that won't work for me. I prefer a bit further back in the theater.

But the rest sounds pretty good.

 

[serrem2]

The problem, as I see it, is they've added a tier above platinum called "Concierge". No matter how high your castaway club status or how early you book excursions or other activities, concierge guests get there first. Which is why even castaway club platinum members can't book cabanas and now (on the Wish class with 120+ concierge cabins) are having problems booking Palo and enchante.

There should be a new tier, perhaps beginning at 15 or 20 cruises, where castaway club members get privileges equal to concierge.

 

[Lilsia]

Well, that won't work for me. I prefer a bit further back in the theater.

But the rest sounds pretty good.

Or they can just let Platinum guests in first to pick their seats. I though concierge had something like that.

 

[mousefan73]

My thoughts are Castaway club doesnt really give members any real onboard benefit. The main benefit is for DCL committed customers to have access to book before others either the sailing with opening day priority and/or activites. Granted platinum get a Palo and maybe in the past disembarkation benefits; a cocktail. If you want true status and onboard benefits, you need to book concierge.

Recently we booked our first MSC cruise and they do status matches.. OMG it was the easiest thing to do.. MSC phone number I called 2x. got a person each time within 4 minutes. super nice and helpful. did the online form and in 48 hours had a digtial Gold card status for MSC. This gives me % on future sailings and some free onboar gift/drink stuff and one hour free SPA ( rainbor room type place). IMO more benefits than DCL and I didnt have to earn it.. Status is only valid for 3 years. I need to sail within that frame to keep it. Fair enough.


The issue with DCL is that so many FL residents do short discounted 3 nights and quickly gain status vs. the family that has to fly in or those who book longer cruises for 10x the price. I am actually surprised DCL allows credit for FL, industry, DVC rates.. but then again there really is no cash out or discounts or free sailings based off of accruals sailings ( kinda like airline miles that have an actual fiscal value).

It would be hard to status based on paid value as how would you split value amoung a stateroom of 4 people? 2 pay more while the other 2 are discounted.. Number of nights seems to me like a more fair calculation.. Seeing that a 7 night equal one credit where a B2B of 3 and 4 two..

 

[mousefan73]

I see the value in Airline loyalty and Hotel loyalty programs, the cruise ones in general I find difficult to justify “chasing”. Disney’s is actually the easiest to “chase”, and has very limited benefits. I think that makes it very compelling, and they should just leave it alone.

You cant compare airline miles to cruise programs. Airline miles have an actual fiscal/accounting value.. It's like cash.

when covid hit, airlines were considering selling billions of miles they had on their books.

 

[Jhondy]

I think they should just get rid of loyalty programs. I think everyone should have the same chance to book things. I just think it’s crazy that a family who may save for a long time and finally get to go on their one and only cruise may not get to do things because someone who is going on their 20th cruise wants to do it again.

Maybe it’s cause I’m not platinum and don’t know if I ever will be cause I book the cruise based on if it is a good fit for my family or not and not cruise loyalty status. I actually haven’t been on DCL in 15 years but I now have a 3 yr. Old and we are going on a Disney cruise on Sat. I have a cruise booked for next year with Disney too but this one will determine if it is a good fit or if I will switch us to a RCCL cruise next year. I expect Disney will be the better fit for now due to my kids age.

Idk I guess I am just happy that I get to take DD on a cruise (and many more) and that I’ve been on multiple DCL and RCCL cruises.

 

[missapril82]

I think they should just get rid of loyalty programs. I think everyone should have the same chance to book things. I just think it’s crazy that a family who may save for a long time and finally get to go on their one and only cruise may not get to do things because someone who is going on their 20th cruise wants to do it again.

Maybe it’s cause I’m not platinum and don’t know if I ever will be cause I book the cruise based on if it is a good fit for my family or not and not cruise loyalty status. I actually haven’t been on DCL in 15 years but I now have a 3 yr. Old and we are going on a Disney cruise on Sat. I have a cruise booked for next year with Disney too but this one will determine if it is a good fit or if I will switch us to a RCCL cruise next year. I expect Disney will be the better fit for now due to my kids age.

Idk I guess I am just happy that I get to take DD on a cruise (and many more) and that I’ve been on multiple DCL and RCCL cruises.

I see both sides. If I'm doing something for the first time, I want the full experience to be able to do all the things others have done dozens of times. But also, if I'm constantly giving someone my money, I want to be rewarded for loyalty. I don't think there is a right answer here, at all.

 

[jrapps]

I see both sides. If I'm doing something for the first time, I want the full experience to be able to do all the things others have done dozens of times. But also, if I'm constantly giving someone my money, I want to be rewarded for loyalty. I don't think there is a right answer here, at all.

I think as long as you're not excluding anybody, it's appropriate to reward loyalty.

Everyone gets to the board the ship, but the frequent repeat cruisers get to board sooner.

Everyone can call Disney Cruise line to book but platinums get a dedicated line that should be faster. (Lol)

The only area is where first time cruisers potentially get excluded is when there's limited availability for something, like a cabana or Palo reservation. Of course for those two specific examples even loyalty isn't rewarded as concierge gobbles them all up first. Only money is rewarded.

For the cabanas there really isn't anything that can be done there's limited space for them, Disney charges a fortune for them, and those sailing in concierge are already forking over a ridiculous amount of money compared to the rest of us, if they want to add a cabana to that, I don't really mind cuz I probably wouldn't have booked it anyway.

The only area I think Disney really messed up is not making more or larger upscale dining venues. Again this is really due to their focus on the three and four night cruising markets and first time cruisers. Everyone wants to experience all three restaurants in the dining rotation at least once. I would wager even without Platinum benefits, repeat cruisers are far likelier to book an upscale dining night because they've already been to the main dining room before. That said I really think Disney is missing the mark here. Other cruise lines are putting upwards of a dozen upscale dining venues on their ships. And a bare minimum they should have made Polo on the wish two to three times the size to accommodate all the extra concierge, ever growing Platinum cruisers, as well as reserving space for boarding day to accommodate first time cruisers.

Unfortunately Disney's philosophy is if you want to guarantee that you can do whatever you want, fork over the money for concierge

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

I think they should just get rid of loyalty programs. I think everyone should have the same chance to book things. I just think it’s crazy that a family who may save for a long time and finally get to go on their one and only cruise may not get to do things because someone who is going on their 20th cruise wants to do it again.

Maybe it’s cause I’m not platinum and don’t know if I ever will be cause I book the cruise based on if it is a good fit for my family or not and not cruise loyalty status. I actually haven’t been on DCL in 15 years but I now have a 3 yr. Old and we are going on a Disney cruise on Sat. I have a cruise booked for next year with Disney too but this one will determine if it is a good fit or if I will switch us to a RCCL cruise next year. I expect Disney will be the better fit for now due to my kids age.

Idk I guess I am just happy that I get to take DD on a cruise (and many more) and that I’ve been on multiple DCL and RCCL cruises.

I am Platinum and fully agree. We choose to cruise DCL because we like it not because of some perk or to get another step closer to a loyalty level.