A Guide To Cruise Loyalty Programs

Just like airlines and hotels, cruise companies want you to be a frequent customer and they have developed a number of plans to entice you to keep coming back. With names like The Captain’s Club, Mariner Society and Latitudes they generally structure their programs so the more you come back the more status you attain on cruises and rewards you get. Unlike hotel points and airline miles you don’t cash in your rewards, and the more you cruise with a cruise line or company the more benefits you get.

Because the cruise lines know you do have a choice making a cruise selection, more so than with airlines, they want you to have good reason to stay with them. Each cruise line has differences in their programs and some offer better benefits than others the all operate a tiered system of better and better perks the more you cruise with them.

In addition earning frequent cruiser points look for the possibility with some cruise companies allowing you to transfer your status between their family of cruise lines. One example is Royal Caribbean that also operates Celebrity and Azamar. In one example they will allow you to share/transfer your status from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity becoming a Celebrity Elite if you have Diamond status with Royal immediately (going forward points are accumulated separately on each line).

Celebrity Cruise Line

Take Your Vacation to a New Level with Captains Club

Cruising with Celebrity really does have its benefits. Join the Captain’s Club and enjoy an array of cruise rewards. And, the more you sail with us, the greater the rewards. You’ll earn points on every sailing and enjoy discounts, offers, and perks that all add up to an even more incredible cruise vacation experience. Get priority boarding and complimentary laundry service, stateroom upgrades, access to exclusive voyages, and exciting cruise club events on board. As a valued loyalty member, you’ll also receive personal invitations to other members-only events happening on our sailings throughout the world. Simply join our cruise loyalty program and start earning points on your next cruise. As a valued member of the Captain’s Club, you’ll vacation with us like never before.

• Classic 2-149 Club Points

As a Classic member, you’ll receive complimentary access to our Captain’s Club Celebration event. You’ll also enjoy great ways to save with exclusive onboard premium offers.

• Select 150-299 Club Points

As a Select member, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a Classic member, plus discounted Internet and laundry service specials.

• Elite 300-749 Club Points

Our Elite members know that loyalty yields great rewards, including complimentary Internet and laundry services and complimentary Captain’s Club cocktail hour.

• Elite Plus 750-2999 Club Points

In recognition of our most devoted Elite members, we have created Elite Plus – delivering a high level of recognition with greater benefits including; discounts on beverages and specialty dining, unlimit.ed.complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 240 free internet minutes and much more

CARNIVAL’S VIFP CLUB®

How it works IT’S SIMPLE: CRUISE MORE AND THE PERKS JUST PILE UP.

VIFP CLUB® VIFP RED (Points after 2 Sailings or More)

• Complimentary 1 liter bottle of water (delivered to stateroom on all sailings)

VIFP GOLD (After 5 Sailings or More)

  • Appreciation drink on 5+ day cruises (on the last evening of the cruise after 5pm)
  • Gold VIFP pin on every sailing
  • Priority check-in and boarding

VIFP PLATINUM (Based on Points)

  • Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party on 5+ day sailings (featuring complimentary drinks and appetizers)
  • Complimentary beverage at Seaday Brunch (on ships where brunch is not available, complimentary beverage at breakfast or lunch in Main Dining Room)
  • “Chocolate Delight” strawberry plate (delivered to stateroom on 5+ day cruises)
  • Unique, collectible pin (noting specific ship and year) received on each sailing
  • Priority spa reservations
  • Priority tender boarding (ship to shore only)
  • Casino: Buy-one-get-one-free tournament entry (Blackjack or Slot only)
  • $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only)
  • Carnival logo gift on every sailing
  • Priority Guest Services assistance by phone
  • Priority line at onboard Guest Services desk
  • Priority debarkation
  • Priority reservations at Main Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant
  • Complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service (2 bags on 3 – 6 day cruises,
  • 3 bags on 7-13 day cruises, 5 bags on a 14+ day cruises)

VIFP DIAMOND (Based on Points)

  • Guaranteed seating time requested in Main Dining Room for dinner
  • Priority reservations at Specialty restaurants
  • Unlimited complimentary Wash & Fold service
  • Special event invitation from the Captain on each sailing
  • One-time free cabin upgrade OR third and fourth guests sail free
  • One-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
  • One-time complimentary meal for two at Specialty Restaurant of choice
  • VIFP Club luggage tag set (presented once at Diamond level)
  • Dedicated toll-free number for sales and service

Holland America Line Mariner Society

Join us for any cruise and return a Star Mariner. You’ll feel the special treatment as soon as you come aboard as our way of saying, “Welcome back!” As a Star Mariner, you’ll receive:

Mariner Welcome Onboard Lunch

  • A special collectible gift presented to you on board
  • Mariner Brunch with complimentary sparkling wine
  • A free subscription to the print or digital** version of Mariner® magazine (print version available to US and Canadian residents only)
  • Special offers on select sailings
  • A 50% cruise fare discount on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings

As a 2-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A complimentary photo of the ship
  • A 10% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A 15% discount on merchandise from shophollandamerica.com (Discount only available in the United States and Canada)
  • An annual cruise planner
  • A special recognition lapel pin

As a 3-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and on specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases*
  • A 25% discount on BLEND (available only on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Ryndam)
  • A 25% discount on individual wine bottles over us$100
  • Mariner Welcome Onboard Reception
  • Discounts on select treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Advance information on new itineraries

As a 4-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • Complimentary cruise fare on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings
  • A 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases* (restaurant packages do not apply to discount and wine packages discounts exclude wine cards, Cellar Master packages, individual bottles, wine-by-the-glass and beverage gift cards)
  • Complimentary laundry and pressing services*
  • Priority tender* and check-in*
  • A complimentary wine tasting
  • A 15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A complimentary one-year subscription to Travel + Leisure® or Food & Wine® magazine (one per household, available to US and Canadian residents only)

Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we value and reward our loyal guests and take pride in our Latitudes Rewards program. We enhanced the benefits at all tier levels to make the cruising experience with Norwegian even more rewarding.

Bronze

  • Priority Check-in At The Pier
  • Bottle Of Sparkling Wine (per stateroom)
  • Onboard Discounts In Duty-Free Shops1
  • Additional Internet Minutes
  • 15 free Internet minutes with 100-minute Internet package purchase and 30 free Internet minutes with 250-minute Internet package purchase
  • Free Artwork For Attending Art Auction
  • Onboard Latitudes Rewards Representative
  • Monthly Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers On Select Sailings
  • (varies for International guests)
  • Exclusive Offers from Caesars Entertainment
  • Complimentary Latitudes Rewards Online Newsletter

Silver

  • Exclusive Cocktail Party
  • Discounts On Shore Excursions
  • Discounts On Photos
  • Onboard Discounts On Spa Signature Treatments While The Ship Is In Port
  • Gold
  • Just Water Cartons (per member)
  • Laundry Service (per member) (discount or free bag)
  • Priority Tender Tickets (for applicable ports)
  • Priority Disembarkation (only available to U.S.)

Platinum

  • Dinner For Two At Cagney’s Or Le Bistro With A Bottle Of Wine (per stateroom)
  • Dinner For Two At Moderno Or La Cucina (per stateroom)
  • Free Internet Minutes (no purchase required) Up to 100 free minutes
  • Chocolate-Covered Strawberries (per stateroom)
  • Behind-The-Scenes Ship Tour3
  • Concierge Service to assist you with specialty restaurant, entertainment and shore excursion reservations

Princess Captain’s Circle

Levels and Benefits

Gold

  • Available after completion of your first Princess cruise
  • Discounts on cruise bookings made at least a year in advance
  • Deposit reduced to 10 percent on early cruise bookings
  • Special offers on select itineraries throughout the year
  • Access to members-only onboard events
  • Princess Passport memory book
  • Collectible destination stamps
  • Access to a dedicated onboard host
  • Subscription to Captain’s Circle magazine and e-newsletter
  • Gold member recognition pin
  • Access to Captain’s Circle online information center
  • Chance to win a photo contest for a free cruise

Ruby

  • Available from your fourth cruise or after 31 cruise days
  • Receive all Gold perks
  • Free package upgrade when you purchase a standard Princess Vacation Protection plan
  • Exclusive access to shoreside Captain’s Circle help line
  • 10 percent off commemorative cruise DVD
  • Ruby member recognition pin

Platinum

  • Available from your sixth cruise or after 51 cruise days
  • Receive all Ruby perks
  • Complimentary copy of the Cruise Atlas, which includes itinerary details for the coming year and is released annually
  • Preferred check-in at the start of your cruise
  • Access to Platinum Disembarkation Lounge, including light refreshments
  • Free internet credit from 150 to 500 minutes, depending on length of sailing
  • Platinum member recognition pin

Elite

  • Available from your 16th cruise or with 151-plus cruise days
  • Receive all Platinum perks
  • Priority tendering and disembarkation
  • Early or late disembarkation upon request
  • Complimentary shoe shine service
  • Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services
  • One free mini-bar set up
  • Complimentary in-cabin canapes on formal nights upon request
  • Complimentary in-cabin afternoon tea

Royal Caribbean

Cruising with Royal Caribbean International® is truly a rewarding experience, especially when you’re a member of our Crown & Anchor® Society. You’ll receive benefits not only when onboard, but also when you’re planning your cruise. And – as your points grow, so do your benefits and status.

Cruising already offers one of the best values in travel and it becomes a better value with Frequent Cruising memberships. Travel the world without having to repack your suitcase every day or two. Enjoy a huge assortment of eating options all included along with daily entertainment programs along with swimming pools, sports, gyms and spas to keep you active.

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Todays Poster • Christiansted St. Croix

This Christiansted landmark church was built as the Dutch Reformed Church sometime before 1740 with the tower added in the early 1800’s. Later it was reconsecrated as the Christiansted Lutheran Church around 1835. The exterior of the building retains much of its original Dutch Renaissance appearance today.

Known as the Steeple Church it was the first Danish Lutheran church on St. Croix. It was at the time the official Danish religion and one of the few government facilities not involved with official international trade. From around 1750 to 1830’s all island government administrators along with the fort’s garrison were required to worship at the church. Official proclamations, like the abolition of Danish slave trade, were read from its pulpit. Today the altar, pulpit, chandeliers, baptismal font, and governor’s box are still much like they were 350 years ago.

The Steeple Church with Fort Christiansted, the Scale House, Guinea Company Warehouse, the old government house and many of Christiansted’s downtown buildings and colonnades are much the same today as when Alexander Hamilton walked these streets in 1765.

It was in May of that year that Alexander Hamilton and his parents arrived in Christiansted from St. Kits for business. His mother operated a store selling provisions to plantations and ships while they lived upstairs at No. 34 Company Street. Later Alexander apprenticed at Beekman and Cruger, as a clerk. While it was normal for a young man to clerk or apprentice in a trade in early adolescence, Alexander was left in charge of the business in 1771 and 1772 while Cruger was off island. It was in that job where young Alexander learned about business, accounting, finance and international trade.

That experience gave Alexander Hamilton the skills to become a gifted financier when he relocated to the “colonies”. During the American Revolution he became George Washington’s military aide and was appointed by President Washington to be the first Secretary of the Treasury becoming the architect of the financial structure of the United States and its instatutions.

These giclée prints are available in several sizes, custom printed for each individual order on archival, museum grade paper using fade resistant inks.

Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.

THE POSTER GALLERY SHOP

Cruise Port Grand Turk

Port of Call Grand Turk

The Turks and Caicos are a group of small islands stretching out into the Atlantic on the southeast edge of the Bahamas chain. They are part of the British West Indies and a British Territory. Most cruise lines have over the years developed “private islands” where their ships usually anchor for a day of beach activities for their passengers. Grand Turk is a twofer. It has good docking facilities right in the middle of great expanses of beautiful beach.

Where the Ship Docks

Grand Turk is equipped with a modern new dock right next to a nice shopping village with all the usual outlets. A short walk down the pier are also restrooms, food venues and tour options.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.

Port Area Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Currency

The official currency of these islands is the U.S. Dollar and credit cards are usually welcome.

Transportation

This is a small island and there are a few taxis that offer an opportunity to tour the island. There is also a tour “tram” that travels around the island for about $30.

Attractions

Grand Turk is a very small island and the real attractions are the beaches and water sports. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to characterize virtually the entire island as a beach with the highest point being only about twenty feet above sea level. There are a number of snorkeling and scuba diving options as well as other water sports.

The salt ponds around the island provided a living in the past harvesting salt for export but are now more valuable as home to a number of birds with the most famous being the endangered pink flamingo. There are tours that provide an opportunity to visit ponds for bird watching in addition to the Tram.

Good Web Sites for More Information

Carnival Cruise Grand Turk Tours

Todays Featured Poster • Washington DC The Jefferson Memorial

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial. There’s no better time to visit the nation’s Capital than in the Spring when the famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

These giclée prints are available in several sizes, custom printed for each individual order on archival, museum grade paper using fade resistant inks.

Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.

THE POSTER GALLERY SHOP

Three Tour Guides in Vietnam

While touring around Vietnam my wife and I had three different guides taking day trips. The thing that made the biggest impression on us was their expressed political philosophies and in one case the lack thereof.

Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City

In Vietnam the first thing that strikes us is the general attitude towards Americans. I was prepared to go undercover during the trip by putting on a Canadian flag lapel pin. It turns out that wasn’t needed. The official policy of the government is that America is a valued trade partner and the Vietnamese should go out of their way to make Americans welcome in the country. It was amazing how many people wanted to talk to us. As we toured around another thing that struck us was how much the Vietnamese preferred to get paid in American Dollars over the Vietnamese Dong (this was partly due to the monetary crises of the 1990’s) as the Dollar was the favored underground currency.

Lantern shop Vietnam

The three days spent with the guides was an interesting contrast in Vietnamese attitudes. Our first guide was a young man who’s wife had, only days before, given birth to his first son. Guide number two was a school teacher who was a member of “the party” and was from Hanoi. Number three was starting his own business in Saigon (most still refer to it as Saigon rather than Ho Chi Minh City) and worked as a guide to supplement his income.

The new father only had one thing he wanted to talk about – how happy he was to be the father of a son. It seems that in Vietnamese culture your retirement plan is dependent on having a son. As the Vietnamese get old it is the responsibility of the oldest son and his wife to take care of them. While he was thrilled to have a son there was that feeling that he had secured his retirement. He was young and there was no way that we could get him talking about politics. The war to him only existed in history books.

Telcom in Vietnam

The school teacher lived in Ho Chi Minh City (it was not Saigon) and we quickly learned that he wasn’t fond of Americans. He regaled us with recent incidents where small children were still being killed by unexploded American ordinance. After the third story involving yet another little girl from his neighborhood we started to not believe him. Later we got him to talk about the government’s policies about the United States. He indicated he was a loyal communist party member but believed that Vietnam was allowing America to succeed with dollars what they couldn’t do with their soldiers.

The new business owner actually took his tour guide job very seriously and wanted to keep the conversation focused on Vietnamese history and the sites we would see. He seemed to think that talking about the government was dangerous. Near the end of the day as we were on the way back to Da Nang we convinced him that we weren’t a threat and were really interested in his opinion of the government. After that he opened up and it turned out that he hated the Communist government. It was horribly corrupt, pulled way too much money out of businesses and working peoples pockets and to really succeed in Viet Nam you needed to join the “Party”. Even though the country was now prospering it could grow much bigger, much faster if the communists would put an end to corrupt officials and just get out of the peoples way.

Not a comprehensive poll but an interesting look at the range of opinions in Vietnam regarding politics and life…

Port of Call San Francisco

Visiting San Francisco And Fishermans Wharf

Alcatraz

If you’re coming to San Francisco to catch a cruise or visiting as a cruise port of call, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a great starting point. While the wharf is an exciting area there are also a number of adventures and excursions that depart from there. Catch a famous 100 year old cable car that has made San Francisco famous or rent a bike to take you up and down San Francisco’s hills or even across the Golden Gate Bridge. Also no trip to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is complete without a trip to Alcatraz Island. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Alcatraz Landing – Pier 33.

Where Your Ship Docks

The cruise piers in San Francisco occupy a great location on the city’s waterfront and only a few blocks away from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. This area is the focus for most visitors to the city. The cruise terminals have public facilities and walking out is permitted and right outside the port area is the center of San Francisco’s tourist hot spots. Taxis are easily available but chances are, all you need is to stroll down the street.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – The San Francisco port provides a cruise terminal with built-in provisions for passengers using wheelchairs like ramps and elevators along with public facilities.

Port Area Characteristics – This area has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Transportation

Riding Cable Cars – It’s easy to catch a cable car. The city has three cable car lines – two start at Powell and Market and continue to Fisherman’s Wharf; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Board at the cable car turntables (the beginning or end of each route) or look for the brown-and-white cable car stop sign post. Ride fares can be purchased at a number of locations.

For all-day travel, you may want to purchase a visitor Passport. A Visitor Passport can be purchased at ticket kiosks, on Clipper® and sales locations for 1, 3, or 7 consecutive days of unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars.  Single ride Cable Car tickets are also available. 

  • Passports are the same price for all ages and abilities.
  • Muni Passports are good on Muni only. They are not valid on BART, other transit systems, tour buses, or for transportation to or from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
  • Passports expire at 11:59 pm. on the first, third or seventh day of use, and must be used by January 31 of the year following the year printed on the cover of the Passport.
  • 1-Day Passports $24
  • 3-Day Passports $36
  • 7-Day Passports $47
  • Cable Car Single Ride Ticket $8

Currency

Local currency is the U.S. Dollar and most major credit cards are welcome with ATMs being plentiful.

Attractions

Aquatic Park Pier (MUNI Pier) – A great place to start exploring at Fisherman’s Wharf offering great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or the remarkable 22-acre Alcatraz island, Ghirardelli Square, Coit Tower, and the sweep of San Francisco Bay. The pier runs a good distance into the water and the views are spectacular.

Umbrella Alley – Don’t miss Umbrella Alley near Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s located between buildings on Beach Street, featuring the California Dreaming, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and Greetings from San Francisco murals with brightly colored balloons and umbrellas suspended overhead. Find new murals being painted next to the Summer of Love Monarch Wall which features a huge 3D butterfly.

Ghirardelli Square – San Francisco’s chocolatier encompasses an complete plaza dedicated to a love of chocolate. The complex features great shops and restaurants where you can stroll the plaza and enjoy waterfront views, don’t pass up the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.

Cartoon Art Museum – At a new Fisherman’s Wharf location, the Cartoon Art Museum on Beach Street is a must do experience with exhibits on comic strips, comic books, political cartoons, graphic novels, and even underground comix.

Stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf world of art featuring galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, mixed-media along with street performers, and public space art. Don’t forget to get a caricature drawn and post an Instagram selfie in Umbrella Alley.

Visit a Liberty Ship – The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of the few remaining fully functional Liberty ships built during World War II. The O’Brien has the distinction of being the last unaltered Liberty ship and remains historically accurate. Moored at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular San Francisco attraction.

SS Jeremiah O’Brien

Any visit to Fisherman’s Wharf requires getting your picture taken under the Fisherman’s Wharf sign. It’s at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor streets and was installed in 1968 featuring a giant crab on a ship’s wheel.

Food

If this city is famous for anything it’s food. Boasting a number of originals like Boudins and Ghirardelli it also has some really great seafood.

Boudin Bakery, Bakers Hall Fisherman’s Wharf – A cafe, famous for its San Francisco sour-dough bread. Features indoor and outdoor seating and the perfect place for their clam chowder served in that sour-dough bread bowl.

Crab House – PIER 39, Level 2 -Well known for their world-famous “Killer Crab” a two pound whole crab roasted in their secret garlic sauce.

Fog Harbor Fish House – PIER 39, Level 2 – Considered one of San Francisco’s best seafood restaurants and a dining landmark. Featuring fresh 100% sustainable seafood with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Dining room or outdoor seating available.

For a link to a complete directory to restaurants in the Fishermans Wharf area click HERE.