Cruising can be an addictive hobby, and it’s no surprise that many cruise lines offer loyalty programs to keep customers coming back. These programs promise a variety of perks and benefits to repeat cruisers, ranging from priority boarding to free drinks and cabin upgrades. But are these programs really worth it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular cruise line loyalty programs and help you decide if they’re right for you.
Carnival Cruise Line: VIFP Club
Carnival’s loyalty program is called the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club. There are five tiers, each with its own set of benefits. These benefits include priority check-in, free cabin upgrades, and discounts on future cruises. Higher tiers also include free drinks, laundry service, and even a dedicated phone line for customer service.
So, is the VIFP Club worth it? That depends on how frequently you cruise with Carnival. If you’re a frequent cruiser, the benefits can definitely add up. For example, if you reach the Platinum tier (after 75 days at sea), you’ll receive free drinks for the duration of your cruise. But if you only cruise with Carnival once a year or less, the benefits may not be significant enough to justify the cost of reaching higher tiers.
Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society
Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program is called the Crown & Anchor Society. Like the VIFP Club, there are different tiers based on how frequently you cruise with the line. Benefits include priority check-in, discounts on future cruises, and access to exclusive events and discounts on shore excursions.
One unique benefit of the Crown & Anchor Society is the ability to earn points for non-cruise purchases, such as hotel stays and car rentals. This can help you reach higher tiers more quickly, and potentially unlock more valuable benefits.
Overall, the Crown & Anchor Society can be a worthwhile program for frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers. The higher tiers (Diamond and above) include significant perks like free drinks and specialty dining, which can save you a lot of money over the course of a cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Latitudes Rewards
Norwegian’s loyalty program is called Latitudes Rewards. There are six tiers, ranging from Bronze to Ambassador. Benefits include priority embarkation and disembarkation, discounts on shore excursions, and a complimentary bottle of wine in your stateroom on select sailings.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of Latitudes Rewards is the ability to earn “latitudes points” on future cruises. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future cruises, and can help you reach higher tiers more quickly. Additionally, members of the highest tier (Ambassador) receive a complimentary cruise each year.
So, is Latitudes Rewards worth it? If you’re a frequent Norwegian cruiser, the ability to earn points and discounts on future cruises can be very valuable. However, if you only cruise with Norwegian occasionally, the benefits may not be significant enough to justify the cost of reaching higher tiers.
Princess Cruises: Captain’s Circle
Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is called the Captain’s Circle. There are three tiers: Gold, Ruby, and Platinum. Benefits include priority check-in, complimentary internet minutes, and access to a dedicated phone line for customer service.
One unique feature of the Captain’s Circle program is the ability to earn “cruise credits” for non-cruise purchases, such as onboard purchases and spa treatments. These credits can help you reach higher tiers more quickly and potentially unlock more valuable benefits.
Overall, the Captain’s Circle program can be a worthwhile program for frequent Princess Cruises guests. The higher tiers include significant benefits like free laundry service and complimentary mini-bar, access to the Captain’s Circle Lounge, and more.
Celebrity Cruises: Captain’s Club
Celebrity Cruises offers its loyalty program called Captain’s Club, which has six different tiers based on the number of points earned through the cruise line. Members can earn points by booking and sailing with Celebrity Cruises, as well as through onboard spending and other activities. Benefits of the program include priority embarkation, access to exclusive events, discounts on spa services and casino play, and complimentary internet minutes, among others. Overall, the program is worth it for frequent Celebrity Cruises passengers who want to enjoy extra perks and benefits while sailing.
Holland America Line: Mariner Society
Holland America Line has a loyalty program called Mariner Society, which has five different tiers based on the number of days sailed with the cruise line. Benefits include priority check-in, access to the Mariner Lounge, discounts on onboard purchases and laundry services, and special offers on future cruises. Members can also earn onboard credits and complimentary internet minutes depending on their tier level. The program is definitely worth considering for those who regularly sail with Holland America Line and want to enjoy some extra benefits.
MSC: Voyagers Club
MSC Cruises offers a loyalty program called MSC Voyagers Club, which has five different tiers based on the number of points earned through sailing with the cruise line. Members can earn points by booking and sailing with MSC Cruises, as well as through onboard spending and other activities. Benefits include priority boarding, onboard discounts, complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant, and access to exclusive events and parties, among others. The program is worth it for frequent MSC Cruises passengers who want to enjoy extra perks and benefits while sailing with the cruise line.
If you’re a frequent cruiser with a particular line, it’s worth looking into their loyalty program to see if you can get any benefits. It may be worth it to book directly with that cruise line to get the most benefits out of your loyalty program membership. Additionally, if you’re someone who tends to book the more expensive cabins or suites, you may also find that the loyalty program benefits are more worth it for you, as you’ll likely be spending more money overall.
It’s important to keep in mind that loyalty programs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your travel habits and preferences, you may find that one program is more beneficial to you than another. Be sure to do your research and compare the different loyalty programs offered by various cruise lines before deciding which one to join.
In conclusion, cruise line loyalty programs can be worth it for certain travelers, particularly those who are frequent cruisers and tend to book with one particular line. The benefits of these programs can range from free onboard amenities to priority boarding and disembarkation, and can ultimately make your cruise experience more enjoyable. However, it’s important to evaluate your own travel habits and preferences before joining a loyalty program, as what works for one person may not work for another. Happy cruising!