Pay for Perks
Aug 8, 2012 | 10:05 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Phila, PA
Posts: 891
Aug 8, 2012 | 11:57 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 57,029
Another "enhancement"...
Taking a page from the airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines is testing a new program that allows passengers to pay for perks such as priority embarkation, early cabin availability and express luggage delivery.
The new "Faster to the Fun" pilot program is being tested on two ships beginning later this month: the Carnival Imagination starting Aug. 20, and the Carnival Liberty on Aug. 25.
For $49.95 per cabin, regardless of the number of occupants, all passengers in that cabin will receive Faster to the Fun benefits, which also include priority dinner seatings and tender availability, choice of early or late debarkation, and express access to the ships' guest services desk for assistance during the cruise.
The new "Faster to the Fun" pilot program is being tested on two ships beginning later this month: the Carnival Imagination starting Aug. 20, and the Carnival Liberty on Aug. 25.
For $49.95 per cabin, regardless of the number of occupants, all passengers in that cabin will receive Faster to the Fun benefits, which also include priority dinner seatings and tender availability, choice of early or late debarkation, and express access to the ships' guest services desk for assistance during the cruise.
Aug 9, 2012 | 8:18 am
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
As a normal person I don't possibly see how that stuff would be worth the price unless I had a very early flight. The rest of it just has no interest to me.
If I was an elite member or whatever they call it and it was free, while I probably would still not use any of those services, I would maybe feel like I was getting something for free others were paying for.
If it's a way to open the door to start snowballing on charges ($5 to walk down the right side of the ship reserved for those who paid or walk on the left with everybody else) that's a different story and it will go with what the market bears.
Every time cruise prices drop, they need to figure a way to keep the amount they collect the same, and that's going to be fees like this.
If I was an elite member or whatever they call it and it was free, while I probably would still not use any of those services, I would maybe feel like I was getting something for free others were paying for.
If it's a way to open the door to start snowballing on charges ($5 to walk down the right side of the ship reserved for those who paid or walk on the left with everybody else) that's a different story and it will go with what the market bears.
Every time cruise prices drop, they need to figure a way to keep the amount they collect the same, and that's going to be fees like this.
Aug 9, 2012 | 5:59 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 5,212
It's important to note too that the entire program in capacity controlled, so that if a larger number of Platinum and Diamond cruisers book a cruise, they will sell less or no "faster to the fun" passes. And they are saying that Platinum and Diamonds will still get in line first for the other various perks.
I'm not sure I would pay for this either. First, I would want to know the priority embarkation actually means something. My last few cruises, out of Baltimore (Carnival) and Ft Lauderdale (Royal Caribbean terminal 25), the priority only kicked in after you cleared security. Everyone still lined up outside to clear security though. Once inside, the lines all moved steadily and we were on the ship in minutes. I did have to laugh in Baltimore though that the VIP checkin counter was down at the far end of the terminal from where the gangway was, so we ended up ahead of the VIP's who were in line ahead of us. At the Princess terminal at Ft Lauderdale, their Captains Circle entrance is separate from the rest, so you actually do get ahead.
I'm not sure I would pay for this either. First, I would want to know the priority embarkation actually means something. My last few cruises, out of Baltimore (Carnival) and Ft Lauderdale (Royal Caribbean terminal 25), the priority only kicked in after you cleared security. Everyone still lined up outside to clear security though. Once inside, the lines all moved steadily and we were on the ship in minutes. I did have to laugh in Baltimore though that the VIP checkin counter was down at the far end of the terminal from where the gangway was, so we ended up ahead of the VIP's who were in line ahead of us. At the Princess terminal at Ft Lauderdale, their Captains Circle entrance is separate from the rest, so you actually do get ahead.
Aug 10, 2012 | 5:27 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
I've opted out of the mass market cruising race to the bottom. Many people assume all-inclusive luxury cruises are "too expensive" and "overpriced" without doing the math. The premium on tangible items is not significantly higher than what is paid after being nickel and dimed by the mass market lines. Throw in the intangibles and subjectives such as no lines, smaller ships experience, no waiting for tenders, better crew to pax ratio, and a high level of service for everyone makes up the difference in cost for me.