MrOctober,
Can you spell S-H-I-L-L ???

When i said the vacation club isnt great for families i was referring to the fact that most families have a strict timeframe in which they can travel. in order to get the most out of the vacation club YOU NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE. we cruise 2 and sometimes 3 times a year,(not always with carnival)so i figured that if i'm gonna cruise anyway why not take advantage of everything else the club offers with no more expense. Lhp stated that you could get the vistana resort for the same price if you simply went thru vistana,that is not true. this month vistana rates are 249.00 per night,i paid 299 for the week. the vacation club is like the art gallery onboard, people get caught up in the moment and spend money they shoudnt spend and then they want to point fingers and blame someone else for there lack of judgment. if it's your first cruise,dont join the club,if you cruise alot and are gonna continue to cruise check it out and make the decision for yourself. i would suggest going to the presentation early in your cruise and take the week to think about it before making up your mind. if they tell you they dont have any appointments till the end of your cruise then just show up whenever and they will see you. remember, they will tell you what will sell you.it is up to you to ask questions so that you can make an informed decision. i'm sure there are people who have had bad experiences with the club but think about it, cruising is a copetitive business and i dont really think carnival would endorse a scam > we have enjoyed the club and look foward to our feb cruise on the legend,may on the destiny and a resort vacation in vegas in april for our anniversary. smooth seas and god bless to all.

Carlos, I think Mr.O spelled it out in his post.

One post a few back even admitted the price was the same for the cruise as the market price to anyone. And they could not get an adjustment within 75 days of sailing. I as a non member can get adjustments and on-board credits up untill 2 weeks!

Someone else posted they will "sell" you the program.

Anything that has to be "sold" to you is not worth buying. Or they would be taking numbers for people waiting in line to buy it, instead of selling it.

They teach reading, writing, and math. They need to add Common Sense 101

quote:

Originally posted by MrOctober:
wonder why practicly everyone who agrees with this program is a "New Cruiser" I havent seen too many of them answer any questions or responces.... hmmmm anyone else catch this?

I know Im just a wise guy Nuck ..nuck...nuck

Just a thought

I was just thinking that myself!!! One post wonders ....

quote:

Originally posted by jameston1:
i joined this last year and I its worth it.. we were never told that if you compared the open market prices to the cost of the club then it would be cheaper..in fact we were explained by the sales person that the price was a package price including the resorts and the VIP perks and when i do the math, you break even when you book your cruises or maybe you pay a couple of 100 bucks more but for $200 more for 3 years i get so many more vacations and all the VIP perks! i have used the 1 resort vacation with my family and it was $299 for a week at a place in Colorado where the going rate was $ 175 a night! thats where the savings are and the staff onboard really take care of you and change your dining room seatings when you want.. the only thing that dissapointed me was the companion ticket,but that was just i free gift, i also used a free week in cozumel as i signed up on the first day..all in all it is a great vacation package and the people who dont like it are people who are just looking at cruise prices and comparing it to the membership price..so i dont think it is a scam but its just misunderstood ..i think its a great deal and I will continue with the program and buy another package coz its a great deal for my family

Actually the people that are the most disappointed are those who were told that they would save 30-60% on their cruises. One woman was told that she could sail 3 times in her balcony for a $3,500.00 package. That is just a bold face lie.

Basically, you are paying over $1,000.00 for VIP Check In and Debark, using the Platinum line at the Purser's desk and a party (IF you are on a ship that has a CVC office).

The resorts can be had by anyone off the streets for $199 for 4 days, without paying $1,000 for the priviledge.

Since you get the priviledges for 5 years even after you use up your points and pay cash for the cruise, you would be foolish to ever purchase another package. By the time you finish sailing those 5 years, you will be Platinum on Carnival and get the perks for FREE!!

Ok... Just to set some light and clear things up for you in regards to the infamous CVC.
First allow me to tell you that I was one of the Onboard Sales guy for the CVC. I quit for personal reasons, as I no longer saw the value in the Program and was tired of selling it.

1. If you watched carefully the Video or Laptop presentation, it has a lot of astericks, and upto 30-50%, and legalese to make their claims reasonable.

2. Have you noticed that all the sales reps are young and goodlooking? Did you know that before the company hard sells you, they HARDERSELL their sales reps?

3. If they don't hit their fairly large target 2 weeks in a row, they are sent home right away... see that puts the pressure on them to change the presentation... from Discounts of UPTO 30-50% to Discounts OF 30-50%....to promises of 4-5 cruises on a SILVER Package...

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT???? IT DOESN'T MATTER! WHEN YOU SIGN THE AGREEMENT YOU SPECIFICALLY INITIAL WHERE IT SAYS, I DID NOT RELY ON WHAT THE SALES PERSON TOLD ME TO MAKE THIS DECISION....

To make a long story short... I think the program has benefits... if you see it as a VACATION CLUB and NOT A CRUISE CLUB. If you will be golfing, enjoying the VIP perks, staying in hotels, enjoying the occasional (if available) resort, flying in Continental America... (actually the companion airfare is absolute bull... we use to laugh at the gift hunters who would sit through an hour presentation, followed by hard sell, for something they will never use)

If you just want to save money on cruises, this is not for you....

By the way here is the famous 25c VS 17.5c explanation...
The resorts, the call center, the VIP priviledges, the golf & hotel discount, the 2for1 flights, etc... make up the other 8.5 cents... WHICH IS REASONABLE if you are going to use it...

Smooth Sailings... and next time Cruise Royal Caribbean...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xCVCSalesguy:
Ok... KNOW WHAT???? IT DOESN'T MATTER! WHEN YOU SIGN THE AGREEMENT YOU SPECIFICALLY INITIAL WHERE IT SAYS, I DID NOT RELY ON WHAT THE SALES PERSON TOLD ME TO MAKE THIS DECISION.../QUOTE]


So did you buy it too?

It is a rip off pure and simple, if anyone thinks this is a bargain they need some education about shopping for vacations. And a bigger lesson in common sense about high pressure sales.

Again, if is such a good thing they would be waiting in line to buy it. It would not have to be sold to them only when they have a captive audience of ignorant new cruisers.

Has anyone else noticed that on cruise-chat this is by far the most viewed, and the most discussed topic on Carnival Cruise Lines review?

This should be some indication of the seriousness of this problem. I know personally the stress of almost being bilked out of 10 grand for the platinum level. But thank goodness this web site was here before I lost the money on something I really didn't want.

It's too bad that Carnival can't come up with something really legitimate for it's customers along these lines. I'm happy that I'm only 4 cruises away from VIP anyway.

I suggest we start a new topic to direct all first time cruisers to look at this topic before they leave on their cruise! So that they can be aware of what they might encounter. Just an idea.

Okay, note to self....avoid the CVC sails people. Got it!!

quote:

Originally posted by IslandCruz:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by xCVCSalesguy:
Ok... KNOW WHAT???? IT DOESN'T MATTER! WHEN YOU SIGN THE AGREEMENT YOU SPECIFICALLY INITIAL WHERE IT SAYS, I DID NOT RELY ON WHAT THE SALES PERSON TOLD ME TO MAKE THIS DECISION.../QUOTE]


So did you buy it too?

It is a rip off pure and simple, if anyone thinks this is a bargain they need some education about shopping for vacations. And a bigger lesson in common sense about high pressure sales.

Again, if is such a good thing they would be waiting in line to buy it. It would not have to be sold to them only when they have a captive audience of ignorant new cruisers.

He did not buy it....he used to sell it.

quote:

Originally posted by xCVCSalesguy:
Ok... Just to set some light and clear things up for you in regards to the infamous CVC.
First allow me to tell you that I was one of the Onboard Sales guy for the CVC. I quit for personal reasons, as I no longer saw the value in the Program and was tired of selling it.

1. If you watched carefully the Video or Laptop presentation, it has a lot of astericks, and upto 30-50%, and legalese to make their claims reasonable.

2. Have you noticed that all the sales reps are young and goodlooking? Did you know that before the company hard sells you, they HARDERSELL their sales reps?

3. If they don't hit their fairly large target 2 weeks in a row, they are sent home right away... see that puts the pressure on them to change the presentation... from Discounts of UPTO 30-50% to Discounts OF 30-50%....to promises of 4-5 cruises on a SILVER Package...

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT???? IT DOESN'T MATTER! WHEN YOU SIGN THE AGREEMENT YOU SPECIFICALLY INITIAL WHERE IT SAYS, I DID NOT RELY ON WHAT THE SALES PERSON TOLD ME TO MAKE THIS DECISION....

To make a long story short... I think the program has benefits... if you see it as a VACATION CLUB and NOT A CRUISE CLUB. If you will be golfing, enjoying the VIP perks, staying in hotels, enjoying the occasional (if available) resort, flying in Continental America... (actually the companion airfare is absolute bull... we use to laugh at the gift hunters who would sit through an hour presentation, followed by hard sell, for something they will never use)

If you just want to save money on cruises, this is not for you....

By the way here is the famous 25c VS 17.5c explanation...
The resorts, the call center, the VIP priviledges, the golf & hotel discount, the 2for1 flights, etc... make up the other 8.5 cents... WHICH IS REASONABLE if you are going to use it...

Smooth Sailings... and next time Cruise Royal Caribbean...

Thank you for taking the time, coming on board with an insiders point of view. It is sad that it can not be sold honestly.

Personally, I believe a lot of people would pay $1,000 for 5 years of VIP Check In. After all, it is cheaper than purchasing a suite every time to get that perk.

We just got off the Miracle and it did make me sick to my stomach when I caught 2 sales people doing a "high five" after a couple walked out.

Wendy (another Wendy ~~not Wendy O on this board) was "sent home" because she was "to nice".

Sounds like the only thing worse than the way they sell this product dishonestly....is the way they treat their staff.

Personally, I don't want to do business with anyone like that.

Mistake

Hello I am also a previous employee of the wonderful CVC circus.I would like to enlighten my ex CVC associate.

Dude you just justified the 17.5 cents per cruise point factor. You then gave a Sketchy justification of the remaining 8 c .

Lets say for example now someone bought a Silver package rounded off to $5000.00
20000 cruise ponts are obtained for this at 17.5 cents that works out to $3500.

I cannot understand how you could justify the resorts for the remaining $1500.
THE FACTS the buyer is spending $1500 to get the right to use a $299 certificate at a specific resort.These resorts are available to anybody for as little as $199 each. The Cheap price is because you are using a time share unit and all you are paying for is a contribution to the owners annual maintenance fees.Anyone and his dog can find these why pay $1500 to be shown something available on the net to all surfere free gratis!

Back to CVC yes you are right the Targets are unreal the sales people are driven by big sticks .Sales folk are hired out of South Africa and Canada asthetically pleasing yes they are.

I am eternally grateful for my enquiring mind and only once I got to the ship after being trained in my own country did I find out about the $299 lollies.
So if you want to make a quick buck are not averse to lying this is the job for you.I saw the light and left just like you .
CVC is run by "solutions at sea" (clue number one it is one word).
The main machine driving it is Marcia Rowley.
The $1500 is hers her profit your loss if you buy the silver pack!

I was made to sign a gagging contract boy you think the sales contract was drawn up by America's most wanted try reading all of your employment contract.

I am sure that those who have been done in and have a certain astute side to their character and can see clue number one followed by who owns the company could quite easily decifer say for example a communications link

I like you would like to return to cruise ships in a different capacity one that requires ethics and honesty from the employees . Solutions is just one of the concessions that are contracted to Carnival there are some brilliant options with the others.Happy Hunting !

I noticed in an early post something about a class action law suite-This is impossible the monster that is the sales contract clearly states that all legal wranglings will be Via an Arbitrator chose by ICE /Solutions.Unfortunately if you bought it you signed the contract too.
Carnival is a great cruise line as long as you stay away from the Sharks of CVC in their black suits.!

Enlighted happy and proud of it !!!

Thanks for taking the time to give us the inside scoop.

You have just verified what I have been saying all along.

And yes, there are folks that do believe the $1,000 you lose on the Bronze package is worth 5 years of VIP Check In and Debark. If you cruise at least once a year, it is cheaper than paying for a Cat 11 or 12 for the same priviledge.

I think I am more upset at the way they treat their employees. The 'sell your quota" or you are fired is the kind of archaic work regrime that should be exposed for the unethical tactic that it is.

Thanks LLP for your comiserations regarding the employment tactics.CVC is extremely smart the head office is based in Phoenix Arizona-the main reason for this is the archaic labour laws and policies that still exist in Phoenix -someone can be fired if their hair changes colour! That is the reason why Canadians and South Africans are also hired they have little knowledge of Arizona law and as a foreign national it is highly costly to get legal representation against a USA company .All those fired are off the ship and flying home before they can even say law suit.However being a South African I know my own labour law and am working on our department of labour to intervene and prevent these pirates from shanghaiing any more South Africans .

Ok i can tell you all the answers. ITS A SCAM, ITS A CON, ITS down right THEFT. Why do i no? because i worked for them. The cruises could cost you more. Salesman talk of 30% to 60% is all lies. Salesman are trained to use these words to take honest peoples money, and the $299 resort deal, well you try and book i at popular time. Ok let me tell you how it works. CVC is owned by solutions at sea, parent company ICE a big time share company, based in Pheonix. Company owned by John & Marsia Rowely. They recruit sales people in South Africa and Canada where they receive a weeks sales training on how to sell the 4 memberships. Its typical time share, just take their money by telling lots of lies.Your shown beautiful pictures of world wid destinations. Well you try and book a week in Italy for $299. Pat Olsen is the V P of onboard operations, when shes on board and views salespeople in presentation she'll walk over stretch out a hand and say 'Welcome to the club' producing a plastic smile. Most Americans will always shake your hand in resect. What a close!
In respect to big discounts on cruises. FORGET IT.There is now chance of getting the discounts suggested. They've taken your money and your tied to the Carnival organisation. Your hooked up in the emotion of vacation. The salesman will lie to you only intrested in commission. Carnival have no idea of the lies being told just see the money come in, up to 1/2 a million a week & their on 6 ships, big money hey, but its all a sting. Believe me $5,000 can be made by a program manager, Heaven knows what Dave Wallensky the Director of Sales earns, but of one thing the innocent guest is paying. Keep your money & book the normal way, its a scam!

quote:

Originally posted by david jones:
Ok i can tell you all the answers. ITS A SCAM, ITS A CON, ITS down right THEFT. Why do i no? because i worked for them. The cruises could cost you more. Salesman talk of 30% to 60% is all lies. Salesman are trained to use these words to take honest peoples money, and the $299 resort deal, well you try and book i at popular time. Ok let me tell you how it works. CVC is owned by solutions at sea, parent company ICE a big time share company, based in Pheonix. Company owned by John & Marsia Rowely. They recruit sales people in South Africa and Canada where they receive a weeks sales training on how to sell the 4 memberships. Its typical time share, just take their money by telling lots of lies.Your shown beautiful pictures of world wid destinations. Well you try and book a week in Italy for $299. Pat Olsen is the V P of onboard operations, when shes on board and views salespeople in presentation she'll walk over stretch out a hand and say 'Welcome to the club' producing a plastic smile. Most Americans will always shake your hand in resect. What a close!
In respect to big discounts on cruises. FORGET IT.There is now chance of getting the discounts suggested. They've taken your money and your tied to the Carnival organisation. Your hooked up in the emotion of vacation. The salesman will lie to you only intrested in commission. Carnival have no idea of the lies being told just see the money come in, up to 1/2 a million a week & their on 6 ships, big money hey, but its all a sting. Believe me $5,000 can be made by a program manager, Heaven knows what Dave Wallensky the Director of Sales earns, but of one thing the innocent guest is paying. Keep your money & book the normal way, its a scam!

You are so right .Just a short updaye Pat Olsen resigned got tired of Marcia making her cry,And Dave dear Dave had to go back to sea because they ran out of sales people!.

Well it's was one year ago today that MsBrendaB started this thread about CVC.

I just got off Miracle on Sunday (Oct 29/06) and the CVC is still going on. My wife and I sat through the presentation and listened, and asked questions. But, I was still apprehensive and we didn't sign up. Then I decided to do some research once we got home. There appears to a few people happy with the program but they are certainly outnumbered by those who are less than impressed (if not angry with it).

Well I'm glad I didn't sign up. Thanks to all for sharing their experiences here.

quote:

Originally posted by IamCdn:
Well it's was one year ago today that MsBrendaB started this thread about CVC.

I just got off Miracle on Sunday (Oct 29/06) and the CVC is still going on. My wife and I sat through the presentation and listened, and asked questions. But, I was still apprehensive and we didn't sign up. Then I decided to do some research once we got home. There appears to a few people happy with the program but they are certainly outnumbered by those who are less than impressed (if not angry with it).

Well I'm glad I didn't sign up. Thanks to all for sharing their experiences here.

I am certainly glad that you decided to do some research before deciding if it was for you or not. I guess I am still amazed at the number of people who purchase these programs without doing any research whatsoever. I know $3,500.00 isn't a ton of money, but it is certainly more money than I would spend without thorough research. I guess a lot of people depended on the reputation of Carnival and don't realise that Carnival does not own this venture.

Surely people ought to realise there is a reason you "can't buy these programs in the United States". You can ONLY buy them on a cruise ship.

That was a red flag enough for me.

LHP I see you were recently on Miracle. Did you go to the CVC presentation? If so, did not notice any difference in sales tactics, or promises.

We went to the presentation last week. We went on the first day at sea (early in the week). I found that Susan, our CVC rep, was not aggressive at all. She presented the material, left the room, returned, and asked, "So, do we have any new members?" We said no and that was it.

We were given a book of coupons. Most were useless, but one was 2 for 1 in Mr. Luckys for any tournament which we used. Actually we both advanced to the slot final. We were also given a flight voucher, but I think this will be useless too. And, we were invited to their Mexican night, but it was during our dinner, so we didn't go.

I an accountant by profession, and I don't claim to have any superior skills in being able to digest the sales pitch. However, as an accountant, I'm conservative by nature and don't dive into anything, ever. The part that made me perk up was when she said we're partnered with I.C.E. and we get vacation vouchers for only $299 per stay. Thats time share no matter how you package it.

I'm really suprised Carnival still allows this to go on. Many posters have vowed never to cruise with them again after their program expires. I'm sure their contract with CVC has an "out" clause for disreputable business practice. Maybe Carnival's cut of the action is too lucritive to pass up.

Live and Learn.