Carnival's New Rewards - My take

 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...

Platinum requires meeting 50,000 minimum points in the 2 years. Qualified spending is cruise and on board purchases. Non Qualified spending is fees and taxes.  Each dollar spent equals 3 points.  Straight forward right? 

OK 50,000/3 = $16,666.67 dollars spent in 2 years or about $8,333.34 per year. 

That's per member I believe, so if I book a cruise for my wife and myself do we split those points or do I get them all as the one booking? Does the Platinum person get a companion perk for things like priority embark and debark? If no the other perks sound less and less appealing. 

Either way, for a couple, it will take $33,333.34 in that 2 year period (assuming don't have the Carnival credit card to help) just to meet Platinum. If I understand it right and those numbers are right, I don't see getting back to that level once June 2028 hits. I'm not interested in another credit card. 

What I do see is loyal Carnival cruisers who can't spend that much a year being "less loyal" . The pay for priority option if still available when 2028 mid year hits will become more popular. We haven't been on Royal Caribbean in 22 years, don't even compare now. That may have to change if the reason not to can no longer be met. 

What do you think?  


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