Carnival Cruise Line shares update on loyalty program
Carnival Cruise Line probably did not expect the level of anger its new loyalty program caused with its passengers.
The cruise line shared a program that eliminated lifetime loyalty levels that was based on dollars spent, not nights stayed. Many cruisers saw that as a money grab.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line suddenly cancels sailing
Others were simply crushed that they had spent years, decades in some cases, building up loyalty status only for the new program to not recognize that.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald had no say in creating the new program. He has, however, spent most of his time answering questions about it since it was released and he admits he does not have all the answer.
Heald also has shared that the Beards, his term for Carnival leadership, will be examining the program. He recently shared a letter to explain everything he knows and what's happening next.
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Heald shared a letter on his popular Facebook page on June 26:
Heald may not have all the answers, but he remains an ally to Carnival passengers. He serves as their link to upper management and he takes that job very seriously.
In addition, Heald deals with near-endless insults, often over things he has no control over.
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Over 1,500 people commented on Heald's post. Many were kind to him, but angry about the changes.
"Booked my first Royal cruise for next year. It's not bye bye permanently,I just am now open to trying all lines," Helena Hall wrote.
Rene Chapman was more harsh.
"Carnival said 'you get what you get and you'll be happy about it,'" she wrote.
Not everyone was kind to Heald.
"I dont like that you keep saying a year, as if hoping we will forget. Almost makes me think the Beards want us to forget about it completely, posted Baxter DeBerry.
Beth Sanders Young wants to believe the company will do the right thing in the end.
"I think many of us are holding our breath hoping that the beards have realized how a big chunk of the loyal customer base feels about this and they are busy revamping it so that it remains a 'loyalty' program with an added rewards program for those who can spend the big bucks (or at the very least grandfathering us in). Most of us are grateful for you and what you do everyday, even when the going gets tough," she wrote.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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