Carnival Cruise Line gives its top-tier VIFP Club loyalty-program members a gift on every cruise.
That gift changes a few times a year, and passengers generally love whatever the cruise line offers.
That was not the case with Carnival's last gift. The cruise line gave its top-tier loyalty members a baseball cap. And while that gift seems innocuous, it also seems to have enraged some passengers.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line bans incredibly popular activity and devices
When the gift was first shared with passengers on Brand Ambassador John Heald's Facebook page, it was met with immediate vitriol.
"I did delete your comment 'J.,'" Heald wrote. "I know you are both Diamond members and I truly appreciate your loyalty. However, I don’t appreciate being told to shove a baseball cap up my ass."
He also offered a suggestion for people who don't like the gift. "If you don’t like the gift, perhaps I may kindly suggest you collecting it and then passing it on to someone else," Heald proposed.
Carnival does not put the gift in each passenger's cabin. They have to collect it on board.
Heald has now disclosed a new gift, which will replace the baseball cap.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival shows off its new VIFP gift
After the negative feedback last time, it would not have been shocking if Heald had let the new gift start popping up on ships before he shared it. Instead, he showed off the new gift, given to the two highest VIFP tiers, on his Facebook page. (VIFP means "Very Important Fun Person.")
"Here is the latest diamond and platinum gift. They are packing cubes," Heald posted.
He also made clear that it might take some time before the new gift makes its way around the fleet.
"Now, they will be on every ship in the coming weeks," he added. "Some ships will still continue with the baseball cap, but probably by the end of this month and the start of March. It will be the packing cubes that will be across the fleet."
Some passengers have already received the new gift and have shared images of it with Heald.
"Steve already received his this morning on Carnival Jubilee, and I’ll share the photo here," he posted.
More Carnival news:
- Carnival Cruise Line passengers learn a hard lesson
- Carnival Cruise Line passengers share what makes them happy
- Carnival Cruise Line's new ban surprises passengers
Heald also shared the same advice he offered when passengers did not like the baseball caps.
"I do hope that you enjoy them. And if you don’t, well, hopefully, somebody you give them to will," he added.
Carnival passengers react to the new gift
Heald's followers seemed overwhelmingly positive about the new VIFP gift.
"I love packing cubes! Keeps the suitcase organized and makes it easier to pack," Carol Hoefs wrote.
Cindy Loowho also seemed to really like the new gift.
"Those look awesome!" she posted. "I do not understand people getting upset getting something free. I will be on the Valor in December if anyone wants to leave theirs for me."
Valerie Paquet was equally enthusiastic.
"This is probably the best gift I’ve seen offered. I would be very happy with packing cubes," she posted.
Nearly 1,000 people commented on Heald's post and nearly all were positive.
"I love this! Very useful! So happy it wasn’t a baseball cap again. I still have and use my packing cubes from the 2016 bloggers cruise," Tammy Berry posted.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Have questions about booking a cruise? Schedule a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner Postcard Travel Planning, or call or text Amy Post at 386-383-2472.
Bill Gentleman shared his thoughts, which were as close to negative on the new gift as you could find.
"Sounds like a great gift to me, but I’m not really a packing cube type of guy," he said. "I’ve tried them in the past and now generally don’t bother with them. I am already packed for my next cruise, but may try them again in the future."
Gentleman, like many of the posters, does not understand the anger people expressed about the baseball caps.
"I feel sorry for people that responded that they have hated past gifts," he added. "What a wasted emotion. I guess some people aren’t happy unless they have something to complain about. I don’t get it."
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
