Carnival Cruise LIne has announced a change to the two free drinks it offers to its Gold, Platinum, and Diamond level guests of the cruise line’s VIFP program, making it much better and easier to use.
The loyalty drink perk name has also been changed from “appreciation drink” for Gold members, and a “complimentary beverage” for Platinum and Diamond members to the “Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home” drink.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald explained the change in a recent social media post. Heald said, “So, as you are aware today marks the start of cruises where guests no longer have to wait until the last day of the cruise and the previous restrictions on being served their complimentary drink and it was brilliant to see how most were very, very pleased.”
“The complimentary drink will now become the Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home beverage. So, if you are Gold, Platinum, or Diamond the bartenders and bar waiters will see from your Sail and Sign card (or boarding pass if you haven’t collected it yet from outside your cabin) that you are entitled to your complimentary beverage and so will not charge you anything at all.”
The change makes one complimentary drink the very first drink the loyal guests will receive on their cruise even when sailing from Galveston and New York. The local drink restrictions at these ports do not affect the Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home drink.
Heald also clarified the drink does not have to be alcoholic when he stated, “The complimentary drink can be used at the Java Blue so if your first drink is a specialty coffee or milk shake then that’s all covered for you. So please, make that first drink something special and raise a glass to the start of the Fun you deserve so much.”
Thousands of cruisers reacted to the social media posts with hundreds commenting favorably to the change. The Welcome Aboard – Welcome Home drink for VIFP members is currently effective on all ships in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet.