Loyalty programs give perks to frequent cruisers

[Jason]

Loyalty programs give perks to frequent cruisers

By Arline and Sam Bleecker Special to the Chicago Tribune

Airlines and hotels long ago recognized the power of loyalty programs to keep customers coming back. Somewhat later to the game, cruise lines also now proffer perks to frequent passengers.

As with other hospitality programs, benefits in seagoing loyalty programs can vary widely but, essentially, they mount as your days at sea accrue.Italy-based MSC Cruises is typical of most lines: "The more [you] travel on MSC, the more benefits [you] can earn, both on land and on board," says Rick Sasso, the line's president.

On nearly every line, frequent cruisers get discounts on selected sailings, upgrades where available, heads-up on special promotions, periodic newsletters or glossy magazines and invitations to the captain's reception honoring their fidelity.

On some lines, unique advantages come with the territory. For example, on the lines that make up Carnival Corp.'s fleet -- Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Windstar and their subsidiaries -- "sea mileage" accrued with one line reaps rewards on the others.

A few luxury lines reward their well-heeled passengers with free cruises. Tally up 30 vacations with Crystal and earn one voyage on the cruise line's dime.

On Silversea, 250 days sailed nets a free week's cruise; make it 350 days and nab a two-week sojourn. On Seabourn, racking up 140 days earns a complimentary voyage of up to 14 days.

Offerings on most lines aren't quite that generous, but they aren't anything to sneer at, either. You could, for instance, expect to garner complimentary laundry service, Internet access and telephone usage and priority embarkation. So even if you don't choose your line based on its frequent-cruiser program, the perks can turn seawater to honey.

Here's a look at some bonuses from a representative cluster of lines:

• Regent Cruise Line

With more than 200 days accrued, the line allows complimentary air deviation services if, say, you need to revise your flight plans. And Titanium status passengers don't have to worry about getting to an airport or back home again; the line arranges door-to-door transportation for free.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• SeaDream Yacht Club

On board, members save an additional 5 percent off any select special offers found on the line's Web site. And on every future booking, members will receive two 15 percent onboard savings vouchers -- one for the boutique, the other for the spa.

• Disney Cruise Line

Members can receive a custom-designed pin set of Mickey and Minnie lounging on beach chairs (one to keep and one to trade with other Disney fanatics), a mesh beach bag, two children's cups with straws, a journal, flags for sail-away, rubber wristbands, infant play toys and more.

• Most lines reward passengers either for how many cruises they've taken or how many days they've sailed. But, according to Princess, its Captain's Circle

"Among the many perks available to the most loyal Princess passengers," a spokeswoman says, "are a free mini-bar setup, free Internet access, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, upgraded stateroom amenities, priority embarkation and a new benefit -- priority disembarkation -- which lets Elite passengers choose the time they prefer to leave the ship."

• Carnival Cruise Lines

• Royal Caribbean International

• Seabourn Club

Perhaps best of all, "frequent cruiser miles" don't expire the way your airline miles do!

[sailingrose]

Thanks Jason.

One comment however, as far as I know my Carnival and Holland America days don't count on Princess last I was told. I wish they would combine the clubs together but I don't think they do.

[Spikesgirl]

It would be great if Carnival would combine all the different programs under one umbrella, sort of like what they did with the 'star alliance' for the different airlines. If people keep asking, who knows? it might just happen. If you don't ask, the answer is always no.

Charlie