What's your opinion of being a Castaway Club member?

[FigmentSpark]

Best thing about getting "status" this trip was the lanyard. It was like winning the medal in the 5k! That said, I had a lanyard from last time, when I had to buy one (since I was a non-status newbie), so didn't need one. I needed one the first time I cruised.

 

[Deb T.]

As Platinum, I truly appreciate being able to book a cruise on opening day, booking excursions/spa/dining/etc. early, the Concierge Check-in Desk, boarding with Group 1, the small box of 3 chocolates, the return cruiser gift, the Palo meal, the CC reception (now only on the 7+ night cruises) and the shop discount. Having sailed with Disney since their inaugural year, I've witnessed them going from not having a return cruiser club at all - to offering more benefits - to scaling back benefits.

Personally, I would LOVE to see them also add a complimentary Internet plan and some onboard laundry credit like some other cruise lines offer. Maybe they would consider these additional perks for the "next level" if and when they add another level.

No, we don't sail on Disney just for the Platinum perks, but they sure do add convenience and value to my cruise, which I really appreciate.

 

[DCLCrazy64622]

Obviously there are the tiers we all know... None, Silver, Gold, Platinum.

I'm curious to hear from others here: What value do you place on Castaway Club? Is it a benefit you really utilize much? Or if Disney dumped it would you not really care?

I'm only Silver, but I really don't find it to be that valuable or beneficial. Is there a different opinion from Gold/Platinum members out there?

Ethan

I can see why you would feel like there is no benefit to being a Castaway member while on silver. Just hang in there, Gold brings a discount in the shops and platinum brings free Palo and quicker boarding. Not to mention free champagne or a fruit basket upon embarkation. I do wish they would have another level. It’s not fair that the same people who have travelled 21 cruises get the same things as those who have traveled 11 cruises.

 

[DCLCrazy64622]

Best thing about getting "status" this trip was the lanyard. It was like winning the medal in the 5k! That said, I had a lanyard from last time, when I had to buy one (since I was a non-status newbie), so didn't need one. I needed one the first time I cruised.

I was so excited to become platinum to receive the lanyard that had platinum stitched in to it. (This as when i started cruising DCL in 2013) Then when I finally got to platinum in 2018, they changed it and now it’s just a black lanyard that says Castaway club. How lame! It’s so generic. I was so disappointed not to get my special lanyard.

 

[WishUponAStarryNight]

I wish they would switch to a days sailed based system as opposed to # of cruises. I have taken two 7, one 12 and one 10 night cruise and I am still only Silver. That is 36 nights. Someone could sail 10 3 night cruises and be Platinum.

For me, the “benefits” don’t amount to much, so the calculation method is a moot point. Now, if DCL were ever to modify the program so there were real benefits associated with each level, then I agree that a calculation that takes into account all of days, dollars and sailings would be a more fair approach.

 

[Billinaz]

DCL has about the worst loyalty program among cruise lines. As Platinum the only benefit we use is the free meal at Palo. It's nice having the option of booking on new itineraries first, but we typically book 3-6 months out, so that's no use to us. The Platinum gift (fruit, candy, or wine) is pretty much a waste for us (you can get fruit in the buffet, also desserts, and we don't drink wine).

Returning Gold & Platinum cruiser reception - well, that's only on cruises longer than 7 nights now.

I probably wouldn't miss it if they didn't have the Castaway Club. But we probably wouldn't go to Palo as often.

I do use the booking perk because we book as soon as the opening happens. The receptions... Meh.

Id never go to Palo if it were not for that perk. We dont drink wine so get the tiny box of chocolate.

 

[Billinaz]

Concierge check in desk, yes. But, often we've found the "regular" line is quicker. We've even used the first time cruisers check in faster than the Concierge/Platinum check in line, on occasion.

Not really a benefit.

Its actually a detriment for the Concierge guests. They can not use the other desks, and it is so small that it only takes a couple of people to make it a long wait.

 

[NancyIL]

On Princess your level is determined by days cruise OR cruises taken, whichever you get to first. Gold upon completion of first cruise. Ruby from your 4th/5th cruise OR 31-50 cruise days. We just did our 4th Princess cruise (but only 21 days completed after 3) and we were Ruby.

Holland America is number of days cruised.

I stand corrected. I should’ve checked HAL’s site rather than assume!

 

[DCSWO]

I was so excited to become platinum to receive the lanyard that had platinum stitched in to it. (This as when i started cruising DCL in 2013) Then when I finally got to platinum in 2018, they changed it and now it’s just a black lanyard that says Castaway club. How lame! It’s so generic. I was so disappointed not to get my special lanyard.

You can always get one from E-bay for few bucks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are platinum and thoroughly enjoy dinner at Palo and the
Bottle of wine.

I miss the Gold Platinum receptions with the captain. I would like a more varied loyalty gift in the cabin.

 

[cruiser21]

I was so excited to become platinum to receive the lanyard that had platinum stitched in to it. (This as when i started cruising DCL in 2013) Then when I finally got to platinum in 2018, they changed it and now it’s just a black lanyard that says Castaway club. How lame! It’s so generic. I was so disappointed not to get my special lanyard.

I hear yah. They can't even give platinum members a lanyard that says platinum anymore. The only loyalty I have to DCl is the loyalty I have to my son. In 4 years he'll be 18. I'll probably branch out from DCL and never look back. There is nothing dcl offers that would keep me loyal to them. The only thing they offer me now is my kids enjoyment. My dh and I would be happy on any cruiseline.
I'm actually excited to become platinum on another cruiseline that offers real benefits.

 

[quickcat]

We are platinum and love the option to not have to get a boarding number. We also use the store discounts a lot! I would love it if it would increase to a higher discount but I will take what I can get!

The other stuff we could take it or leave it.
If they added more tiers and more things available the higher the tier, I would definitely welcome that.

 

[DisneyHelen]

I guess the main benefit is being able to book earlier for cruises. I am disappointed no more captain reception for Gold.

 

[rescuetink]

I guess my thought is that Disney has generally not made any business decisions based on what other cruise lines are doing. And they have fireworks, all the characters, beautiful ships, amazing island, etc that allow them to charge top dollar.

At this point we cruise Disney because our DD loves everything Disney and we find the service to be outstanding and the boats to be clean................so it is worth extra money to us. The lack of a casino we feel keeps the cruise time a bit more wholesome as it invites a different crowd sometimes.

As far as a loyalty program, they dont have to offer anything if they dont want to so I will just take whatever that is that they are giving. If that is only early boarding, free Palo, early bookings, and a box of chocolates..............so be it.

As my grandfather used to say............something is better than nothing.

just my opinions.

As Platinum, I truly appreciate being able to book a cruise on opening day, booking excursions/spa/dining/etc. early, the Concierge Check-in Desk, boarding with Group 1, the small box of 3 chocolates, the return cruiser gift, the Palo meal, the CC reception (now only on the 7+ night cruises) and the shop discount. Having sailed with Disney since their inaugural year, I've witnessed them going from not having a return cruiser club at all - to offering more benefits - to scaling back benefits.

Personally, I would LOVE to see them also add a complimentary Internet plan and some onboard laundry credit like some other cruise lines offer. Maybe they would consider these additional perks for the "next level" if and when they add another level.

No, we don't sail on Disney just for the Platinum perks, but they sure do add convenience and value to my cruise, which I really appreciate.

You have both said it all for me so no need to reiterate!! Anything is better then nothing, and we'll continue to sail DCL till my kids don't care anymore!

 

[xiphoid76]

They don't have platinum lanyards anymore? Ugh. This will be our first platinum cruise in July...it was supposed to be in Sept last year , but Hurricane Irma canceled that one...I know its stupid, but I really wanted that stupid lanyard that said "platinum" - not the generic black one I see online. I went on ebay and could not find any of the old ones...any other ideas where I could buy one?
Oh well, I know it definitely isn't the reason I cruise with Disney

 

[Ravenne]

While that was true in the past, it's not so much now. Disney's recent mantra is "we're just falling in line with what others are doing". Evidence of that - changing the alcohol policy. And the recent change at WDW to charge resort guests for parking.

They're lowering their standards, but still charging premium prices for it.

Oh, they're sooooo the follower now. They're no longer the leader, and innovator they used to be, making guests wondering "just why am I paying these premiums?" I suppose Disney can go by the thought that kids are often hooked on the franchise and characters through merch, shows, etc, and figure parents will pay any price to make their lil prince and/or princess happy, but kids grow up.

With that said, Castaway Club is meh to me. I mean, it's ok. Something is better than nothing. WDW resorts have nothing. But it doesn't entice my loyalty. I do appreciate the CC gifts though. The lanyards were very mildly a status symbol onboard, and cool for all about a few hours. I hated them. The plastic clip was scratchy and hurt. I end up using my own lanyards that don't have the plastic clips.

 

[Dug720]

Oh, they're sooooo the follower now. They're no longer the leader, and innovator they used to be, making guests wondering "just why am I paying these premiums?" I suppose Disney can go by the thought that kids are often hooked on the franchise and characters through merch, shows, etc, and figure parents will pay any price to make their lil prince and/or princess happy, but kids grow up.

With that said, Castaway Club is meh to me. I mean, it's ok. Something is better than nothing. WDW resorts have nothing. But it doesn't entice my loyalty. I do appreciate the CC gifts though. The lanyards were very mildly a status symbol onboard, and cool for all about a few hours. I hated them. The plastic clip was scratchy and hurt. I end up using my own lanyards that don't have the plastic clips.

And then there are those of us who cruise to cruise, who do NOT want floating amusement parks, and who appreciate the environment and service on Disney. Bigger isn't always better for everyone.

 

[Otimon]

Long overdue for levels, and an extra perk or two, for loyal cruisers above Platinum! The higher the levels go, fewer number of folks will need to be accommodated. Prices today
do not let as many folks afford and reach higher levels thus reducing the # of perks, etc. and cost to Disney while at the same time keeping those lucky guests happy.

Personally speaking, would be nice to see a Double Platinum level at 20 cruises and maybe a Titanium level at 30, etc. as an example. Additional perks could include a second complimentary Palo dinner or brunch reservation during the cruise; complimentary Remy dinner; complimentary spa reservation; complimentary mixology reservation, etc. Any additional that now cost a guest extra $ could be used as a perk for higher levels.

 

[rcchello]

From a business perspective perks should be based on $$$$ spent! I think it would probably upset some of You if the levels were based on >$500 silver >$10000 good and >$25000 for platinum. This would mean some cruisers would hit platinum after a couple of cruises. I think number of cruises or days is just a rough estimate of $$$ and if it didn't cost so much for software changes and they thought enough people cared they would change it.

Using $$$ spent would also mean cruisers getting discounts (Florida residents, military, etc) would take longer.

People always want more for free, so if they gave free meals at Remy, someone would be asking why it did not include the wine pairing! How about front of line for character pictures? What about a free sailing for every 10 you purchase?

 

[Doingitagain]

Best thing about getting "status" this trip was the lanyard. It was like winning the medal in the 5k! That said, I had a lanyard from last time, when I had to buy one (since I was a non-status newbie), so didn't need one. I needed one the first time I cruised.

Do people still wear lanyards? We stopped long ago. Since we carry our phones to use the app, we have phone cases or attachable pouches for our stateroom key.