Whether you’re a repeat cruiser who takes an annual trip atop the high seas, or are new to the world of ocean travel and are struggling to decide which tour operator to book with — a loyalty club could make all the difference. By signing up to specific cruise line loyalty schemes, you could be entitled to all sorts of perks not obtainable by the standard cruise-goer — think flashy suites, drink vouchers, discounted fares, free room service and much more.
Interested? We thought as much. To help you decide which cruise line loyalty club is right for you, here’s an in-depth guide to some of the repeat custom perks you can expect from the major cruise lines.
Azamara — Le Club Voyage
Epitomised by their intimate vessels and dedication to all things lavish; Azamara offer a comprehensive five-tiered loyalty scheme — the aptly named Le Club Voyage. Sign up to this scheme, and you’ll earn points depending on the number of days you spend at sea, as well as the category of your chosen stateroom. Depending on their value, these points can be used to procure the following perks.
Perks:
- Pre-sail dining reservations
- Advance shore excursion reservations
- Free internet
- Personal hosts
- Spa discounts
- Free nights at sea*
- Le Club Voyage party invitations
- Further discounts
*Only available on cruises of 7 nights or longer. Free nights at sea are available upon signing up to the club or progressing to a new member tier, and should be booked within 12 months of sign-up or level progression.
Carnival Cruise Line — Very Important Fun Person Club
Demonstrating its credentials as the ocean’s funnest cruise line; Carnival Cruise Line’s Very Important Fun Person Club is all about offering desirable perks to passengers, regardless of whether or not they’ve travelled with the cruise line before — making it one of the most flexible and accessible loyalty schemes at sea.
Perks:
- Priority check-in
- Restaurant and spa reservations
- Member pins
- Discounted laundry services
- Very Important Fun People Club party invitation
- Casino discounts
- Cabin upgrades
- Complimentary meals in selected restaurants
Repeat Carnival VIFP members will also receive discounts of 25%, 50% and 75% for their 25th, 50th and 75th Carnival cruise. Cruise with Carnival one hundred times, and you’ll receive the holiday free of charge.
Celebrity Cruises — Captain’s Club
Often regarded as one of the most luxurious cruise lines afloat; it seems Celebrity Cruises have put as much care and attention into their loyalty scheme as they have the décor of their lavish ocean liners. Labelled the Captain’s Club, the Celebrity loyalty programme is tiered to perfection — with a number of great perks for repeat cruise-goers.
Perks:
- Instant access to the Captain’s Club newsletter
- Exclusive on-board discount booklet
- Advanced speciality restaurant reservations
- Complimentary internet
- Free scoop of gelato
- Access to the members-only Captain’s Club lounge
- Free laundry services
- Various dining discounts
- Upgraded bath amenities
Should you earn enough points to become a Zenith-tier member, you’ll receive a free Caribbean or Bermuda cruise in a balcony stateroom.
Cunard — Cunard World Club
As the world’s oldest and most distinguished cruise line, Cunard has a traditional yet charming company ethos that’s unique among contemporary cruise lines. Small wonder then, that Cunard’s loyalty programme, Cunard World Club, offers a taste of nostalgic pomp and sophistication.
Perks:
- Free wine-tasting session
- Cocktail party invitations
- Complimentary telephone assistance
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Specialist restaurant invitations
- Free internet
Cunard World Club members are also given access to exclusive discounts on selected Cunard sailings.
Holland America Line — Mariner Society
Bridging the gap between adults-only luxury and all out family fun; Holland America Line offer a fully fleshed out loyalty scheme complete with a roster of exciting at-sea perks. Members of the line’s Mariner Society club will earn points whenever they spend on-board. For every US $300 spent, members will earn an additional point that can be used to claim the following perks.
Perks:
- Free champagne brunch
- Entrance to the Mariner Society embarkation lunch
- Discounted internet packages
- Exclusive alcohol packages — including wine and minibar bundles
- Free wine tasting sessions
- Discounted Holland America Line clothing
- Free spa passes
- Complimentary dining at Pinnacle Grill
Mariner Society members can receive discounts of up to 20% on selected sailings.
MSC Cruises — MSC Voyagers Club
With its roots planted firmly in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises has taken great strides in recent years to expand its fleet across the globe — establishing itself as one of the most esteemed cruise lines in the world. MSC’s loyalty programme, MSC Voyagers Club, has recently been revamped, and offers a range of perks for its members.
Perks:
- Admission to the cocktail reception
- Complimentary fruit baskets and champagne
- Discounted internet packages
- Discounted restaurant reservations
- Discounted spa treatments
- Discounted minibar
MSC Voyagers Club members are also granted exclusive access to a 5% early booking rate discount.
Norwegian Cruise Line — Latitudes
Whilst Norwegian Cruise Line currently doesn’t operate a year-round Australian cruise service, the line is committed to offering more sailings in the region. For this reason, it’s well worth considering becoming a member of the NCL loyalty scheme, Latitudes.
Perks:
- Priority check-in
- Invitation to cocktail receptions
- A variety of on-board discounts
- Priority disembarkation
- Concierge service
- Behind the scenes ship tour
- Free meal and wine in Le Bistro
- Complimentary Chocolates
For Latitudes members, every night at sea will earn you one extra loyalty point. There are also discounted rates available on selected sailings.
P&O Cruises — Peninsular Club
As one of the country’s most popular cruise lines, P&O Cruises Australia offer more regional cruise breaks than any other line. Naturally then, many passengers will be interested in the cruise line’s loyalty programme, Peninsular Club, which offers a great variety of perks to its members.
Perks:
- Invitation to exclusive on-board black tie event
- Savings on holiday insurance when booked through P&O
- Priority embarkation and cabin access
- 50% off laundry services
Every passenger travelling with P&O Cruises becomes a Peninsular Club member automatically, earning points whenever they spend aboard their cruise ship.
Princess Cruises — Captain’s Circle
With a comprehensive, tiered loyalty programme and some of the best on-board perks at sea; Princess Cruises clearly want to show their passengers how much they value their custom. Here’s what the line has to offer the discerning Captain’s Circle member:
Perks:
- Invitation to on-board cocktail party
- Exclusive Captain’s Circle lounge access
- Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services
- Priority disembarkation
- Complimentary minibar
- Free wine tasting sessions
Elite Captain’s Circle members are granted exclusive access to a range of Princess Cruises’ best cruise deals.
Royal Caribbean — Crown & Anchor
Like Carnival and P&O; Royal Caribbean are interested in offering fun, desirable perks that appeal to families as well as couples. Become a Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor member, and you’ll earn extra points for every night you spend aboard, which you can use to access the following perks.
Perks:
- Exclusive access to cocktail receptions
- Exclusive access to departure lounge with free breakfast
- Invitation to special Welcome Back party
- Specialist breakfast options
- Behind the Scenes ship tours
- Priority departure
Reach specific tiers of the Crown & Anchor loyalty programme, and you’ll be granted access to exclusive on-board lounges.
Have these perks swayed your decision on the cruise that’s right for you? Then visit the Cruise1st Australia website to browse a complete range of upcoming cruise breaks, or call the Cruise1st team today on 1300 857 345.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons, Princess Cruises Images, MSC Press Center, Royal Caribbean Press Center and Azamara Press Center. Credits: Connie Ma, Azamara, Tom Mascardo, Gary Bembridge, Gregory Neal, MSC Cruises, nathanmac87, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
