Carnival Cruise Line is bringing back one of the most requested benefits for its Diamond and Platinum loyalty guests. As of November 3, 2022, priority boarding for those guests will be available again.
Priority boarding to return
In a short post on social media, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald confirmed that priority boarding for Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests will resume on Thursday, November 3, 2022.
Priority boarding includes special lines at the cruise’s embarkation terminals so that guests can have faster check-in regardless of when they may arrive for their cruise, as well as boarding as soon as the ship is ready to embark, in instead of waiting with the later boarding groups.
“Priority boarding will be restored on November 3rd for Diamond and Platinum guests.” Heald said. “I want to say a massive thank you to all of you, our most loyal guests, for your patience in waiting for this to return.”
Benefit reinstatement is being communicated to visitors via email. In addition, online check-in for each cruise will continue to open two days early for Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests, allowing them to select arrival meeting times before other travelers have access to that information.
Priority boarding has been one of the most requested benefits of the VIFP program and one that past guests are eager to take advantage of once again.
“Like you, our boarding team has been looking forward to bringing this early boarding privilege back to our VIFP guests and they look forward to seeing you soon.” email read.
Guests from recent cruises have reported that priority boarding was available on some cruises, but now the benefit will once again become standard practice across the fleet for all cruises from November 3rd.
While it may not seem important, the ability to skip long lines and board the ship right away helps make cruise vacations even more relaxing and stress-free, and adds extra time to your getaway once you arrive.
The only exception to priority boarding is on Carnival Journeys, which are longer cruises that typically have many more high-status past guests, which would make offering priority boarding much more complicated. to accommodate the benefits of all.
Status of other benefits
Most of Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP benefits were put on temporary hiatus during the pandemic to minimize crowding, multiple room entries and other situations that could more easily transmit contagious diseases.
However, over the past few months, the cruise line has gradually reintroduced many of the benefits, though some are now managed in entirely new ways.
For example, Platinum and Diamond guests also receive commemorative pins and Carnival-branded gifts on every cruise. Prior to 2021, these items were placed in guest cabins and made a pleasant surprise either upon boarding or when returning to the room later in the cruise.
This distribution was adjusted, however, to minimize the number of people who would enter guest rooms (and thus potentially cause more exposure or broadcast), and guests must now collect these items from the photo gallery. of each ship. Doing this is quick and easy, provided guests visit the photo gallery at a time when lines are minimal.
Other benefits, such as guest past holidays offered on 5+ night sailings, were completely cut off during the pandemic and after cruise ships resumed service with strict health and safety protocols and staffing difficulties.
The guests of the past parties were finally resumed from June 24, 2022 while staff shortages began to ease.
Loyal carnival cruisers
“VIFP” guests are part of the cruise line “Very Important Entertainer” loyalty program. To reach the Platinum level, guests must have accumulated at least 75 points, while the Diamond level requires 200 points. Guests earn points for each day they sail with Carnival Cruise Line.
Each tier offers exclusive benefits, with other notable items being priority spa reservations, priority access to port tenders (where applicable), complimentary laundry service and a priority line at the Guest Services desk.
