Cruise Line Loyalty Programs Comparison

Cruise Line Loyalty Programs Comparison

This week on the podcast, we compare and contrast the top five loyalty programs in the cruise industry. We discussed the pros and cons as well as which programs are easiest to move up fastest in. We also talk about whether or not it’s worth it to stick with one cruise line. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

1. Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle

• Tiers: Gold, Ruby, Platinum, Elite The Captain’s Circle program is based on the number of cruises taken or cruise days sailed. Gold status is achieved after your first completed cruise. Ruby status requires 3-4 completed cruises or 31-50 cruise days. Platinum status is earned after 5-15 completed cruises or 51-150 cruise days. Elite status, the highest tier, is achieved after 16+ completed cruises or 151+ cruise days.
• Key Benefits: Members enjoy perks such as priority check-in and disembarkation, exclusive member-only onboard events, and a complimentary mini-bar setup for Elite members. As members progress through tiers, they receive increasing discounts on shore excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining. Elite members also receive complimentary laundry service and a deluxe canape selection on formal nights.
• Unique Features: Princess offers “Circle Savings” for members, which are special cruise fares available on select sailings. Princess also offers a “Military Benefit” cruise credit for active, retired, or disabled U.S. and Canadian military personnel.

Pros:

• Relatively easy to achieve initial tiers
• Reciprocal benefits with sister cruise lines
• Substantial perks for Elite members

Cons:

• Limited benefits for lower tiers
• Fewer tiers compared to some competitors
• May take many cruises to reach Elite status

Source: Princess Cruises official website (https://www.princess.com/en-us/blog/cruise-tips/cruise-membership-benefits)

2. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – Crown & Anchor Society

• Tiers: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club The Crown & Anchor Society uses a points system, with members earning 1 point per night sailed, and double points for suite stays. Gold status starts at 3 points, Platinum at 30 points, Emerald at 55 points, Diamond at 80 points, Diamond Plus at 175 points, and Pinnacle Club at 700 points. This system allows frequent cruisers and those who book longer sailings or suites to progress more quickly.
• Key Benefits: Benefits increase with each tier and include priority check-in, exclusive lounges for Diamond members and above, behind-the-scenes tours, and complimentary drinks at certain times for higher tiers. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive priority seating at shows and restaurants, as well as personalized gifts on each cruise. Pinnacle Club members enjoy a complimentary 7-night cruise in a balcony stateroom after reaching 700 points.
• Unique Features: The program offers “Cruise Points” which can be redeemed for onboard credit or discounts on future cruises. Royal Caribbean also provides a “Loyalty Bonus” where members can earn additional points for each five tiers they advance. The “NextCruise” program allows members to book future cruises while onboard at reduced rates with reduced deposits.

Pros:

• Multiple tiers allow for frequent milestone achievements
• Double points for suite bookings
• Generous benefits for top-tier members

Cons:

• May be confusing for new members due to the points system
• Significant cruising required to reach top tiers
• Some desirable perks only available at higher levels

Source: Royal Caribbean official website (https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/signin?redirect=%2Fcrown-and-anchor-society)

3. Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards Program

• Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, Diamond, Ambassador The Latitudes Rewards Program is based on points, with members earning 1 point per night sailed, and additional points for suite or Haven bookings. Bronze starts at 1 point, Silver at 20 points, Gold at 45 points, Platinum at 75 points, Sapphire at 150 points, Diamond at 350 points, and Ambassador at 700 points. This structure rewards both frequent cruisers and those who book premium accommodations.
• Key Benefits: Benefits escalate with each tier and include priority check-in and tender tickets, discounts on shore excursions and spa treatments, and exclusive cocktail parties. Higher tiers enjoy perks like free internet minutes, dinner with ship officers, and priority restaurant and entertainment reservations. Ambassador-level members receive a complimentary 7-day cruise and concierge service.
• Unique Features: Norwegian offers a “Latitudes Insider Offers” program with exclusive deals for members. The cruise line also provides a “Friends & Family” discount, allowing members to extend their loyalty perks to friends and family sailing with them. The “Cruise Next” program enables members to purchase future cruise credits at a discount while onboard.

Pros:

• Wide range of tiers allows for frequent status upgrades
• Additional points for suite bookings
• Ability to share some perks with friends and family

Cons:

• Lower tiers have limited benefits
• High point requirement for top tiers
• Some desirable perks (like free cruises) only at the highest level

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line official website (https://www.ncl.com/latitudes-rewards-program)

4. Carnival Cruise Line – VIFP Club

• Tiers: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond The Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is based on sailed days. Blue status is for first-time cruisers, Red for 2-24 points, Gold for 25-74 points, Platinum for 75-199 points, and Diamond for 200+ points. Members earn 1 point per day sailed, regardless of stateroom category, making this program straightforward and easy to understand.
• Key Benefits: Benefits increase with each tier and include priority check-in and boarding, exclusive VIFP parties, and priority tender tickets. Gold members and above receive a complimentary bottle of water. Platinum and Diamond members enjoy priority dining times, complimentary laundry service, and a dedicated guest services line. Diamond members receive unlimited free drinks (up to $50 per day), priority spa reservations, and guaranteed dining times.
• Unique Features: Carnival offers a unique “Milestone Recognition” program, celebrating cruisers who reach 25, 50, 75, and 100 sailed days. The cruise line also provides a “Friends & Family” rate, allowing VIFP members to book up to eight cabins at discounted rates. The “Future Cruise Vacation” program enables members to book their next cruise while onboard at reduced rates with reduced deposits.

Pros:

• Simple point-earning structure
• Milestone recognition program
• Generous benefits for Diamond members

Cons:

• Fewer tiers compared to some competitors
• No extra points for suite bookings
• Some desirable perks only available at higher levels

Source: Carnival Cruise Line official website (https://www.carnival.com/vifp)

5. MSC Cruises – MSC Voyagers Club

• Tiers: Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Plus The MSC Voyagers Club uses a points system based on the “Experience” booked (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, MSC Yacht Club) and the length of the cruise. Classic membership starts at 1 point, Silver at 2,200 points, Gold at 4,300 points, Diamond at 9,000 points, and Diamond Plus at 24,000 points. This system rewards both frequent cruisers and those who book premium experiences.
• Key Benefits: Benefits escalate with each tier and include discounts on future cruises, priority boarding, and exclusive onboard offers. Silver members and above receive a complimentary basket of fresh fruit in their cabin. Gold members enjoy priority disembarkation and late stateroom check-out. Diamond members receive priority restaurant and theater seating, while Diamond Plus members get a complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant and an invitation to a private Diamond Plus party.
• Unique Features: MSC offers a unique “Status Match” program, allowing members of other cruise line loyalty programs to match their status in the MSC Voyagers Club. The cruise line also provides an “MSC for Me” digital program, which enhances the onboard experience for all guests but offers additional features for club members. The “Voyages Selection” program offers exclusive discounts on selected cruises for club members.

Pros:

• Status match program for members of other cruise loyalty programs
• Points system rewards premium bookings
• Extensive benefits for top-tier members

Cons:

• Complex points system may be confusing for new members
• High point requirements for top tiers
• Some desirable perks only available at higher levels

Source: MSC Cruises official website (https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Voyagers-Club.aspx)

Please note that while I’ve tried to provide accurate information, cruise lines frequently update their loyalty programs. It’s always best to check the official websites for the most current details.

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