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.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.
Then that's where basing the levels on something then just number of sailings, like how much you've spent.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?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?
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.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.
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.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.
I understand what you're asking. Good point. Credit for cruises booked, but canceled at 100% penalty? IMO, I don't think so.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.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
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.
Let's not make this any more complicated than it needs to be.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.
Yes, on other lines, single cruisers, as well as, suite cruisers, get double credits.What about single cruisers that have to pay double for one cruise?
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.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.