Are you a “frequent floater?”
Every cruise line has a loyalty program for passengers who sail with them more than once. They’re alike in that there is no cost to join – and you are eligible for membership after your first cruise. But, that’s where similarities end – “rewards” vary from line to line. Some consider the total number of “cruise nights” in calculating levels/tiers – others base them simply on a total number of cruises. All lines have a web link to their individual program – read and compare – you can sign up and manage your own account – and even see what “carrot trick” they’re offering for your next level – LOL!
There is usually “welcome back” party for returning cruisers (booze and munchies) – with some lines offering nightly cocktail parties (again, booze and munchies) – you can get stateroom upgrades – newsletters – discounts –“special deals” - even spend your way to a free cruise!
Royal Caribbean offers a December “Diamond Celebration” when all Diamond and above levels are awarded double points (triple for suite bookings) – plus all sorts of “special” goodies and gifts – you can bet Lorraine and Spud won’t miss that one!
You can cruise your way into a visit to the bridge (where all the hard work of keeping the ship afloat happens) – even to a guided tour of the galley (where all the hard work of keeping the passengers fed happens) – there are showroom backstage tours – priority departure lounges – priority shore excursion privileges – and so much more!
Lorraine is not advocating that you cruise with only one line – check out a few – Galveston will soon add (in addition to Carnival and Royal Caribbean) – Princess and Disney. Lorraine is advocating that as soon as you have completed your first cruise on any line you simply log onto their web site and join the loyalty program! When you have found the line you prefer, STICK WITH IT! You’ll be amazed how quickly those points (and benefits) add up!
“Frequent Flyers” – enjoy special privileges and so do “Frequent Floaters” – all you have to do is SIGN UP!
Addendum: a new policy being “test-marketed” by one line actually allows first-time cruisers to “buy” their way into rewards that loyal cruisers have earned the “hard way” (read: $$$$). The “cruise webs” are “abuzz” about this seeming unfairness…..but that’s another blog.
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