In a sign that crew shortages are easing a bit, Carnival Cruise Line is now able to bring back popular loyalty holidays for its Diamond and Platinum Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) guests. This will surely be a welcome announcement to many passengers, as the holidays are a highlight of the cruise for many past guests.
Returning VIFP parties
In an announcement on his Facebook page on Friday, June 24, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald said, “On sailings starting today, we will be returning to the Diamond Luncheon/Event and the VIFP Diamond and Platinum Party.”
These events are highly anticipated by many loyal Carnival cruisers, and often include complimentary drinks and appetizers, visits from the ship’s officers, and a signature video showcasing every Carnival cruise ship from the line’s founding in 1972 to the newest and future ships. .
During the video, it’s traditional for passengers to cheer for their favorite ships, or any ships they’ve sailed on or may be booked to enjoy in the near future.
of VIFP events were temporarily canceled in mid-May due to short staffing on Carnival ships, and guests were offered various compensations in lieu of missed events. Diamond-level guests, the highest tier of Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program, were offered $50 in onboard credit, while Platinum-level guests were offered two free drink vouchers.
Parties are only available on sailings of five nights or longer.
Alleviating staff shortages
A large number of visa applications to process was part of the cause of the cruise line’s staff shortage, and Carnival Cruise Line has been working with representatives from the US government to relieve the remaining cargo and return the thirsty crew members to their ships.
“Thanks to the hard work and diligence of many beards and the wonderful assistance of United States Customs and Border Protection, these challenges have been somewhat reduced.” Heald said. “[The challenges] are not completely over, but by allowing crew members with expired visas to return to the ship, the situation on our ships has certainly improved.”
Other changes were also made to Carnival ships due to staff shortages, including the temporary closure of two popular eating places – the renowned Italian restaurant Cucina Del Capitano and the elite dining experience, Chef’s Table.
At this time, Heald stated that those locations will remain closed, but hopes they will reopen soon.
There is no word yet on the return of other popular VIFP benefits and onboard experiences. For the time being, Diamond and Platinum priority boarding privileges remain suspended and Faster in Entertainment the program cannot be offered yet.
Similarly, the onboard Seuss at Sea Breakfast as well as the exclusive Behind the Fun tours are still on hiatus.
Many of these events, while popular with guests, can only serve a limited number of passengers. By removing them temporarily, individual ships are able to reassign crew members to other duties that will benefit more passengers and provide better service to a larger number of guests.
Personnel issues throughout the cruise industry
Carnival Cruise Line is not the only cruise line affected by staff shortages. In recent months, various cruise lines have had to reduce capacity on some ships, cancel cruises and adjust onboard activities and events to compensate for short-staffed crews.
Princess Cruises, for example, has been forced to cancel Alaska cruise tour options that include its popular Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge due to lack of staff to operate the lodge. Similarly, Holland America Line has also canceled a variety of its popular Alaska cruises due to lack of staff.
Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family.
