How would you change Castaway Club Levels

[TXDCLfan]

We would love to see the levels change.

 

[Trera]

As long as DCL can keep filling ships and being able to charge a premium price I don’t see them making any changes to do anything that would cost them money.

That said I agree that the plan needs to be changed from something strictly based on just number of sailings. To me it makes no sense that someone who spends over $10K for a med or Alaska cruise earns the same as someone that books a 3 night GTY cruise.

what about the family that does a 3 or 4 night cruise and has 4 kids so they need 2 staterooms vs. a couple sailing on a med or Alaska cruise. Just because the cruise is shorter, doesnt mean that family didnt make a significant investment also.

 

[RAD]

what about the family that does a 3 or 4 night cruise and has 4 kids so they need 2 staterooms vs. a couple sailing on a med or Alaska cruise. Just because the cruise is shorter, doesnt mean that family didnt make a significant investment also.

Then that's where basing the levels on something then just number of sailings, like how much you've spent.

 

[gismo1554]

Under the scheme in point 1 I would be Titanium and currently only just Platinum as travelling from the UK I would much rather a longer cruise. I have always thought this was a little bias towards shorter cruises which I appreciate have a higher per night cost in general but its a bit annoying. I just think that they need to add more options i.e. you can choose your reward based rather than giving them. Some of the rewards I'd rather not bother with over others. By having options that would give more freedom to choose. For example it could be a welcome gift but maybe a choice of gifts to give people variation. Having 10 of the same bags isn't very useful and actually wasting DCL money. I would much rather a glass of wine

 

[CM Dad]

what about the family that does a 3 or 4 night cruise and has 4 kids so they need 2 staterooms vs. a couple sailing on a med or Alaska cruise. Just because the cruise is shorter, doesnt mean that family didnt make a significant investment also.

Since everyone gets credit towards their Castaway Club level, would you calculate the cost/person for the family with 4 kids and two staterooms? Would you take the actual reservation charges for guest 1-n plus the charges allocated to each individual?

 

[gismo1554]

Since everyone gets credit towards their Castaway Club level, would you calculate the cost/person for the family with 4 kids and two staterooms? Would you take the actual reservation charges for guest 1-n plus the charges allocated to each individual?

That's very true actually if they did costs because for me I spend the same as 2 people but on just myself as travel solo on DCL. There is a small price difference because of the port fees but not much

 

[Karin1984]

Left or right, you will never find a system that makes everyone happy and benefits the company as well.

Whatever the system, they will have to make it more difficult to become Silver, Gold and Platinum. The gap between each tier will have to be bigger. And to make it sustainable they will have to get rid of the for life status for new Platinum members.

Once that is established then you can have a look at the benefits.

 

[bbel]

Personally, I dont take life seriously enough to have to be the next level up just for the free stuff I might get...

I dont know how you could make it fair for reaching the next level, because for someone it wont be fair.

However, once you're onboard DCL doesnt really have any perks anyway. The opening day booking is only a big deal because that's what Disney make it, other cruise lines add to it gradually (as in not everything is added at the exact same time), the same with getting onboard, DCL seem to make it such an issue, after working for a different cruise line theirs seem so smooth, and yes like DCL everyone wants to get on as soon as.

And then once your on, what, another bag? One free palo?

In my opinion other lines have better perks once onboard, 3 free drinks every evening.
Free, decent coffee. Private lounge. Private dining area. Sailiaway parties from ports on the helipad. Dedicated crew member for your questions concerns. Sit down lunch with officers. Reserve seating at shows, maybe not always the best seats, but at least you dont have to queue outside or rush to get there. Private areas on their islands. Internet packages. Laundry packages.

Most of these cost nothing, especially with what Disney charges...

And sure, some of you are going to say you dont need them, but I bet you wouldn't say no to them either.

 

[Trera]

Since everyone gets credit towards their Castaway Club level, would you calculate the cost/person for the family with 4 kids and two staterooms? Would you take the actual reservation charges for guest 1-n plus the charges allocated to each individual?

I am not sure the best way but total dollars spent, including all excursions, merchandise, drinks, etc doesn't seem like it would be unfair for anyone. It rewards those that spend more for concierge, those that take longer cruises, those that take high demand cruises (Europe, Alaska and Hawaii), those that book multiple cabins for their family, and those that spend a ton once they are on the ship.

To me, DCL rewarding based on this would only be a slower way up the levels for small parties taking short and inexpensive cruises.

 

[Snowwhyt]

I understand wanting free things on the ship(drinks, dinner or new ice cream station). Imagine if they could give nice DCL logo luggage as a person moves up.
Imagine a his and her golf shirt set with a tasteful logo.
Imagine a nice Light weight jacket with logo. Maybe a packable rain coat for Alaska?
I think Sophisticated nice gifts that have the DCL logo offer tasteful advertising.
I’m not going to say when these should be offered in the plan.
I’m a Gold now and get my first gold gift in January. They do make me happy so far. I need to find a frame for my pictures, both small and very large.
Everyone likes different things though. It’s so hard to please everyone. So it will be fine whatever I get.

 

[SirDuff]

I am not sure the best way but total dollars spent, including all excursions, merchandise, drinks, etc doesn't seem like it would be unfair for anyone. It rewards those that spend more for concierge, those that take longer cruises, those that take high demand cruises (Europe, Alaska and Hawaii), those that book multiple cabins for their family, and those that spend a ton once they are on the ship.

To me, DCL rewarding based on this would only be a slower way up the levels for small parties taking short and inexpensive cruises.

Unless you are calculating the cost per person, it would significantly benefit those who book as larger groups.

 

[ScooterScott44]

I am not sure the best way but total dollars spent, including all excursions, merchandise, drinks, etc doesn't seem like it would be unfair for anyone. It rewards those that spend more for concierge, those that take longer cruises, those that take high demand cruises (Europe, Alaska and Hawaii), those that book multiple cabins for their family, and those that spend a ton once they are on the ship.

To me, DCL rewarding based on this would only be a slower way up the levels for small parties taking short and inexpensive cruises.

And remember that while some of the longer cruises are more overall many of the longest cruises are repositioning cruises and may actually be cheaper. So a cost per day may actually hurt some of your guest booking the longest and sometimes harder to fill cruises.

It really seems changes need to balance three things 1) number of cruises 2) cost - Duration of cruise, season (peak vs non-peak), stateroom class, location (Europe, Alaska, caribbean) and 3) Longevity - lifetime vs some renewal period.

 

[thndrmatt]

Look to the airline industry for how it may change... Major airlines in recent years have added a requirement for $ spent per year in addition to the normal accumulation of miles/points. This ensures they are rewarding the people who spend the most, the customers they want to keep the most. Also helps them control the size of each level, by adjusting the dollar amounts. Caused ripples and complaining as it was rolled out, but it's now the standard.

Otherwise over time the quantity per level would continue to grow and grow, so that's not sustainable. Casino industry is another example, they don't care how many days or hours you play, or whether it's penny slots or high limit, just how much money you're giving them across x time period in total, and that's how they determine your "status." Food industry with "spend x dollars via the app this year get x status" is another area that has rolled out that style of "encouragement."

For the cruise industry it would make the regularly brought up discussion of number of nights/cruises/cost per night irrelevant and encourage people to spend more money on cruising in general to "level up" which is the whole point from the cruise line's perspective. Top be honest I'm surprised DCL hasn't shifted to something like that yet. Or maybe that's the "coming changes"...

 

[CM Dad]

If they start using money spent on cruises, can I get credit for the two cruises my wife and I booked last fall that we had to cancel at the last minute due to health issues and forfeit 100% of the cruise cost? . DCL got to keep our money but didn't have any expenses to feed, etc us

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If they start using money spent on cruises, can I get credit for the two cruises my wife and I booked last fall that we had to cancel at the last minute due to health issues and forfeit 100% of the cruise cost? . DCL got to keep our money but didn't have any expenses to feed, etc us

I understand what you're asking. Good point. Credit for cruises booked, but canceled at 100% penalty? IMO, I don't think so.

Now, at least one cruise line gives credit for onboard purchases, and that includes the costs of excursions booked and paid for pre-cruise (most other cruise lines require payment for excursions at time off booking them). I could get behind that concept.

 

[Karin1984]

If they start using money spent on cruises, can I get credit for the two cruises my wife and I booked last fall that we had to cancel at the last minute due to health issues and forfeit 100% of the cruise cost? . DCL got to keep our money but didn't have any expenses to feed, etc us

Going by Airline loyalty program standards? No cruise = No credits. You got a refund. The time your money was banked, it was probably not long enough to build up to something substantial.

You can argue there weren't any expenses to feed you etc. But they might have been preparing/training your crew, maintaining the ship etc. which did cost money.

Now, at least one cruise line gives credit for onboard purchases, and that includes the costs of excursions booked and paid for pre-cruise (most other cruise lines require payment for excursions at time off booking them). I could get behind that concept.

That is also something airlines are starting with. On certain airlines you can earn points on the money you spend on seats, meals, baggage etc. So, most likely this is the next trend in loyalty program.

That makes me think, should DCL have 2 types of earning? One to contribute to your tier, and a second to earn points to save up for rewards? To be spend on cruises, upgrades, excursions, spa treatment etc.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

That makes me think, should DCL have 2 types of earning? One to contribute to your tier, and a second to earn points to save up for rewards? To be spend on cruises, upgrades, excursions, spa treatment etc.

Let's not make this any more complicated than it needs to be.

 

[fhtpdw20]

What about single cruisers that have to pay double for one cruise?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What about single cruisers that have to pay double for one cruise?

Yes, on other lines, single cruisers, as well as, suite cruisers, get double credits.

Now, I don't know that being single, or having the ability to pay extra for a suite makes anyone more loyal.

 

[Karin1984]

Yes, on other lines, single cruisers, as well as, suite cruisers, get double credits.

Now, I don't know that being single, or having the ability to pay extra for a suite makes anyone more loyal.

Not for singles, but for suites: That's how it works for most airlines, those who pay for business or first get more credits towards their status than those who pay for economy. More money = more loyal.
But that probably also has to do that the staff/treatment in business and first class is usually better than economy, good service makes you want to come back.