You're probably already enrolled: How cruise loyalty programs make travel easier, cheaper
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When Barbara Van Elsen takes a cruise, she packs much less than she used to.
The 70-year-old has sailed her way to the fourth tier of Holland America Line’s Mariner Society loyalty program, which comes with complimentary laundry and pressing service on board, making it easier to travel light.
She has been cruising with the line since 2011 and has sailed for as long as six weeks at a time. Having an easy – and free – way to refresh her wardrobe throughout the trip makes a big difference.
“I always try to just do (a carry-on and small checked bag) if I have to take the plane to the ship, and it really helps a lot with that,” said Van Elsen, who lives in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Free laundry is one of many perks that come with cruise line loyalty programs, which can help streamline travel and save guests money – but not all programs are created equal.
What are the benefits of cruise line loyalty programs?
Cruise line loyalty programs offer members a variety of perks, from before guests board to the time they get off the ship. Each line’s program is different, but the benefits generally get better – and more plentiful – as guests move up the ranks.
Those may include priority embarkation and disembarkation or exclusive access to onboard lounges, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. Van Elsen said she has received priority access to tender boats, saving her the hassle of a long wait at certain ports.
Passengers can also get amenities that typically cost extra for a lower price. For example, drinks may be included or discounted, which Feldman called “one of the most lucrative benefits,” and members can get deals on Wi-Fi.
Jason Wallace, 43, is an Emerald member of Royal Caribbean International’s Crown & Anchor Society, and said the perk he and his family uses most is a 50% discount on coffee drinks. “I mean, we all grab coffees every morning,” said the real estate agent from Joplin, Missouri, who has cruised often with his wife and two sons.
The line serves complimentary coffee at the main dining room and other venues on board, but premium coffees come at an extra charge (though the discount excludes Starbucks).
Guests may also receive access to reduced cruise fares and other offers unique to loyalty members, said Deborah Banks, a travel advisor and franchise owner at Cruise Planners with her husband Isaiah.
How to qualify for cruise line loyalty programs
Cruise lines typically enroll passengers automatically so they can start gaining loyalty status. “It’s not like you have to sign up for the program,” Banks said. “Most cruise lines, you sail with them one time and you automatically will become a member of their program.”
They are free to join, and guests accumulate loyalty points during each sailing, typically at a rate of one point per night for standard accommodations. “So, if I’m going on a seven-day sailing, I may accumulate seven points,” Banks said.
However, Feldman noted that passengers in “the equivalent of a junior suite or higher” generally earn twice as many points, as do solo travelers in double occupancy cabins who pay a single supplement. Each passenger in a stateroom is eligible to earn points.
The requirements to move up in status vary from line to line:
Carnival Cruise Line: Members of Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person Club start at Blue with their first sailing. They move up to Red with their second sailing and 24 points, Gold between 25 and 74 points, Platinum between 75 and 199 points, and Diamond at 200 points or higher.
Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society members start at Gold with 3 points and move up to Platinum with 30 points, followed by Emerald with 55 points. Guests can advance to Diamond once they hit 80 points, Diamond Plus at 175, and Pinnacle Club at 700.
Norwegian Cruise Line: The Latitudes Rewards Program begins with the Bronze tier at between one and 19 points, followed by Silver between 20 and 44, Gold between 45 and 74, and Platinum between 75 and 149. Members reach the Sapphire tier when they accumulate between 150 and 349 points, Diamond between 350 and 699, and Ambassador at 700 or higher.
Holland America: Mariner Society members start at the 1-star tier after completing their first cruise, and advance to the 2-star tier when they accrue 30 cruise day credits (each credit is equivalent to one overnight on board). Travelers reach the 3-star tier at 75 cruise day credits, 4-star at 200 cruise day credits, and 5-star at 500 cruise day credits.
Princess Cruises: The Princess Captain’s Circle begins with the Gold tier after guests take their first cruise. They reach Ruby after taking three cruises or sailing 30 cruise days, Platinum after completing five cruises or sailing 50 cruise days, and Elite after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.
Unlike some other travel rewards programs, cruise line loyalty members don’t have to worry about renewing or earning their loyalty status for the following year, according to Feldman. “Once you attain a certain level, you’re that level for life,” he said.
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Are cruise line loyalty perks worth it?
Given how much sailing is required to reach the top tier on some lines, the biggest advantages of membership may seem far off for newer cruisers. While Feldman said some passengers are “intent to climb that ladder,” others would sail with a given line anyway.
Wallace, who has been on more than a dozen Royal Caribbean cruises, said if he compared the money he’s spent on sailings to what he’s saved as a loyalty member, it’s “probably not going to look great.” But it’s the good service and laid-back atmosphere that keep him coming back, and anything that makes the trip easier or saves him some money is just a bonus.
“I’m going anyway, so if I get things (out of it), that’s cool,” he said. “That makes me happy.”
Which cruise line is your favorite? Why?
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How cruise loyalty programs can make sailing easier, cheaper
