Time 2 Cruise

 Having a conversation with friends about cruising and the state of the Carnival fan base now that it has been a week since the new Rewards Program was announced brought up some interesting questions. First,  "what is the definition of loyal"?   Does this mean NEVER cruising with another brand, or simply you keep coming back?  Or is it some where in between. Our group came to our own conclusion that its in between, but closer to most of your cruise time and dollars go to one brand.  We are all Platinum (for now) with Carnival, but have also done MSC, Royal, Princess, and even Disney at least once in the last 30 years.  One to two cruise on each of those to 20+ Carnival.  Notice that its not 60 Carnival over 30 years?   Its because while loyal to Carnival for cruising none of us are loyal to cruising as the sole vacation option.  Much of our time in the last 10 years has been spent on land based vacations.  I cant say what cause...

 Carnival is now stating that the reason they released it now is so that they can get feedback before it goes live in June of 2026.  No one believes that.  If it were true, they would have said something to that with the announcement.  Or better yet, put it out not as coming soon but as a poll asking for feedback.  If Carnival would have just asked for input before, they would have realized MANY of their mistakes before they became the "hold my beer" to Southwest now charging for bags. Will they backtrack.  I think yes and no.  They will make tweaks, but this made to far up the food chain in the corporation for them to admit full defeat.  Look for something "honoring loyalty" as an olive branch, but I do not see them doing much more than that unless they realize the Carnival customer base is not that of the Cunard line or even Princess.   The definition of "discretionary spending" is the non essential wants for a household, not the needs...

 Carnival's new reward program doesn't even start until June 1st of 2026 and it has been received so badly that people are canceling upcoming cruises. Socials are filled with angry "loyal" customers looking for answers. But John Herald even admitted on his Facebook page that the kinks aren't worked out. Some angry people have stooped to name calling and threats. That only makes things worse and never helps any situation. But, would other cruise lines follow this new strategy? Yes and no, and not yet.  Trust me, they are all watching closely and it's going to take at least a year (until when this plan starts) or even 2 to see if people really leave Carnival or accept it. What could happen? Carnival ignores the haters and plows forward like they found the next best thing to sliced bread, OR they cave a little and tweak the plan to feel more like it actually cares for the title "loyalty". I am guessing the latter.  Carnival should (needs to) find that s...

 Carnival released the details of the new Rewards Program on June 18th 2025. It will replace the current VFIP starting June 1st 2026. I have seen many people say it's bait and switch, scam or a money grab(this one has some merit). Personally, I think it's just poorly thought out and rolled out.  Where Carnival got it right. Well, other than half heartedly trying to be transparent, nowhere. They haven't even been able to answer questions. The FAQ page is full of "captain obvious" questions and answers.  Carnival was "somewhat" transparent on why they are doing it. There are so many Platinum and Diamond level members now that the perks aren't "special" anymore. But we all know if this new program works, it will be a huge money maker for them assuming people chase the status.  Beating a dead horse. It will now be Point based(called stars) and time limited. I am not opposed to this, and trust me other Cruise lines are watching carefully to see ...

 Two days ago Carnival made a huge announcement on their new Rewards Program.  The reactions are pretty much what I was expecting.  What Carnival does with this is anyone's guess at this point.  Sounds like they did not think through that people can do math.  In fact, John Heald, had to answer over 500 questions on his Facebook page yesterday alone, and that's not going to end anytime soon for him I believe. One question John answered, which I even mentioned in my last post was on how points get split if one person in the cabin is paying for everything (which I would assume is the norm most of the time) for a couple.  He said that the total will be split between those in the cabin.  I am going to assume that's true if more that 2 people are in the room. Now remember to obtain and maintain Platinum (just double everything for Diamond basically) you have to reach 50,000 stars before the 2 year window to do so is up.  From the time you reach that thr...

 First I need to say that I understand and agree that with how many Platinum level cruisers are on board, that some perks have been lost recently, but not to the point I would complain. That being said, the new system seems expensive to maintain (from the cruisers side) if I understand it correctly.  A VERY basic breakdown on the new Rewards Program Platinum status from reading through everything. I chose platinum because my wife and I have been this status since the inception of the VFIP in 2012. First: It's very like airline points and Carnival admits that. The big difference is it's 2 years of acrural and a minimum of 2 years (more time if you meet level early) to use the perks of that level. I am fine with this breakdown and length altho with my occupation, 3 years would be more preferable  Second: Perks change slightly and I'm fine with this too. 2 free drinks instead of a party is going to upset some people, but I'm okay.  Now my confusion and not so happy part...