I write relatively often on cruising. It’s something I enjoy doing, and I like sharing my thoughts on it. I also enjoy hearing from readers about their cruise vacation tips too. I recently wrote a series on most of the cruise line loyalty programs. The programs aren’t that dissimilar to the airline elite status programs you are already familiar with. The more cruises you take, the higher your elite status climbs. With higher status comes a higher level of perks. That’s where the similarity stops. First, once you attain elite status with a cruise line loyalty program, you keep it….for life. Second, there is no corresponding “points” program where you’re earning points while you cruise that you can amass and then cash in for a “free” cruise.
Most of the big lines do offer a credit card product that offers a certain number of points for each dollar charged. You can cash in those points for onboard spending money, upgrades, and even a free cruise. However, I think I have demonstrated over time that these card products are not necessarily the most lucrative when it comes to earning and burning your hard-earned points.
The benefits of loyalty at sea are numerous. My own experience with being “loyal to Royal” has been worth the effort. The benefits start small, but have increased noticeably as I have climbed the status ladder. Now, as a Diamond Plus member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I receive significant discounts on balcony and suite cabins, access to priority reservations, priority boarding and disembarkation, onboard parties, etc. One of the benefits I value most is onboard concierge access. Think of that as access to the best agent in your favorite airline’s lounge. They can make things happen. In the evenings, I enjoy complimentary libations and snacks on ships that have concierge lounges. Finally, Royal Caribbean offers elite status recognition among its three primary brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises. In other words, I get top tier status on three cruise lines for the price of one.
However, all of this comes with a cost, and it’s not entirely unlike the cost of earning and maintaining elite status with your favorite airline. Sometimes the quest for status can keep you from experiencing other products, or perhaps you pay a little more than you might otherwise have to. Mostly, I’ve found the benefits I receive to be worth it, and I expect that to continue. On the other hand, I’m missing out on some pretty good cruise products, and the opportunity to share new content with you. Like most things in life, cruise loyalty comes with its benefits and its costs. YMMV. Next spring, MrsMJ and I along with our friends and their children will be trekking to Canaveral for a 7-night Disney Cruise! Yes, DINKS Cruise Disney sounds like a nice Cruising with MJ Series to me. On my bucket list – Princess, NCL, and yes….Carnival! Stay tuned.
-MJ, September 22, 2013
Im a D+ and have noticed the diamond and concerige lounges getting busy in the evenings. What I’ve found is that if I take a late dinner, and then visit the lounges after 6:00, they are quite empty. The reason why is because most older folks and people on the east coast like to eat at the 6:00 seating. And its most people on the east coast who have earned that DP status quickly because of their close proximity to the cruise terminals. Works great for us.
@David,
I wouldn’t worry about it until it happened. I’ve seen the lounges fairly crowded, and I’ve seen them not so crowded. Last Enchantment cruise in August – not crowded at all. Not a solid sample, but certainly a reason that I wouldn’t be worried about it until it happens.
There are some reports within the next few years, the Royal Caribbean’s concerige lounges will be only reserved to suite guest and pinnacles once all the ships will have diamond lounges (only Gold-colored seapasses). I have been a diamond plus in my early 20’s as I noticed that the lounges are always crowded with more people gaining d+ every day, especially doing the transatlantics crossing. I will be reaching pinnacle by the end of the year and I am greatful for the many memories I shared onboard. I’m glad that they not long offer double night awards in December. It was getting quite crazy. I think that it will only fair to switch over per nights, not per cruise, because there were so many local people in FL going on 3-4 night cruises as it was a back door to their status.
disney cruise? which ship? you will love it! even though i am loyal to royal, there is a special place in my heart for dcl. you can’t beat their character breakfasts. their shows are amazing as well. everything is amazing actually. as for NCL, they’re okay. not really a fan although i do want to try breakaway since it’s close to home.
Just got off my 4th Royal Caribbean and 10th cruise overall. I’m very disappointed to see RC’s new points required to get tore levels, I mean, 700 to get top tier now, up from 100??? Who can cruise 700 nights and no way those benefits are worth it. I spread my business around, and costa so far has been the best.
@Richard,
700 is for Pinnacle and I think most should think of that as something beyond “top tier.” While I think that MrsMJ and I might have a shot at that in our old age, for now, Diamond Plus is plenty acceptable.
My husband and I (no kids)cruised the Mediterranean this summer for 2 weeks on a Disney ship. We’ve traveled many lines but Disney has — hands down– the best service. This itinerary was also the most unique of all the other Med cruises in that it included both Monte Carlo AND Greek Islands. The Disney Caribbean ships are very typical of other Caribbean lines however again the service and entertainment is excellent. No gambling though—if that’s an issue for you. Enjoy.