I agree with the OP that the Platinum benefits are so small, they should honor the ones that they have.
The family does not have to be split up. Period. Just board together when everyone is allowed, instead of feeling wronged that some didn't get early boarding that they were not due.I guess that's one way to look at it. Rules are rules, even if a nuclear family must be split up to follow them.
I had to read the OPs first post twice because I couldn't believe what I was reading. There is no way, no how I would trade two cabins in order to be able to board with the platinum group. At most, we are talking about boarding 15 minutes earlier compared to an entire cruise of being on top of each other? Am I missing something? I have boarded as a Concierge guest, as a platinum guest, and a Castaway Club guest and a regular old guest. Once boarding begins, it all goes very quickly. When I arrive upstairs, I scan the lines. Often the first time guest lines are shorter than the Castaway Club lines.
When you arrive early, you spend time just standing around waiting for boarding to start. If you are concierge, you get to wait in a special spot. As platinum you are at the front of the line. But its chaotic and noisy no matter who you are!! The kids are excited and exploding with energy with no where to go! I find it difficult to keep them controlled. If you arrive about 11:30 or just as guests are beginning to board, you basically complete your paperwork and walk right on the ship. TIP - most people eat first so instead of eating get your meet and greet tickets, make Palo reservations, check on dining options FIRST and then eat afterwards. We find it works better to split up to accomplish these tasks. One adult and one kid. You get everything done in half the time and since cell phones are still working its easy to meet back up.
I know it's not that big a deal, and I am highly unlikely to change my cabin configuration over it. However, the point was that the only way to fix it would be to deprive DCL of the money I spent on the extra cabin (though they would likely be able to sell it to someone else), and my family of the extra space.
As for the routine of boarding the ship, and what it is like, and so on, please remember that I have already been on ten cruises, so I know what it is like.
I don't know guys. I'm platinum and have been for a long time. Half the time I check in the regular line. No biggie to me. It goes fast. I, also, don't get worked up over "perks". Entitlement just isn't worth the worries and stress. Maybe that's just me.
No, I don't want them to allow everyone traveling with one platinum member on at the same time.
But, they could accommodate immediate family members in adjoining cabins.
I realize they have to have a policy. One of the interesting things I have noted, is that many of the responders seem to think that Disney's policies are sacrosanct.
If that were the case, there would be no need for surveys, customer relations, etc.
I was unable to book my 20 year old daughter into a stateroom on her own previously, I had to book my husband in that room with her. It may have been because there was also a 9 year old booked into that room though.
Oh.... That is why. It was the same for us. Thanks.I was unable to book my 20 year old daughter into a stateroom on her own previously, I had to book my husband in that room with her. It may have been because there was also a 9 year old booked into that room though.
DCL does allow a guest to book at age 18. As long as everyone traveling in the stateroom is at least 18, yes they can book and travel on DCL. CMs are eligible to do this and they have quite a few in that 18 to 20 age bracket.Well, it's fair for all the others who are platinum behind you, isn't it?
Things get odd in cruise-land. I'm not sure of DCL's policy, but with Royal, pretty much unless you're married, 18 is NOT an adult who can book on your own.
Totally agree.
"Entitlement" seems to be Key word here...
True. It is also very clearly defined in advance on the list of Platinum perks that those Platinum perks are for Platinum members and those booked IN a cabin with a Platinum member. To "share" a cabin and its perks means to be booked in that cabin, not an adjoining one. Guests should be aware of that prior to booking if they bother to read the details of their CC level. And before anyone jumps on me for not wanting to budge the rules - I too have sailed as both Platinum and Concierge many times with family and friends who were not and resided in different cabins, including adjoining. I never considered asking for benefits to which we were not entitled, and our cruises were still amazing!It's like the 18 and over policy. It's a simple fact that is easy to determine. You are over 18 or not. You are in the room of a Platinum member or not. There's no long drawn out decision process, arguments over gray areas, lots of data to plow through all during a chaotic boarding process. It's a policy that's easy to implement, make decisions on, fact based, unbiased and quick.
But, they could accommodate immediate family members in adjoining cabins.
Entitlement? Seriously?
Some days when I read this forum I just have to shake my head. This is supposed to be a place to post questions, share information without feeling like you are going to be attacked, Shame on you people!