Created by frequent cruisers for both novice cruisers and experienced cruisers alike. Take your time, explore this Cruise Life section, we think you’ll find it interesting.Created by frequent cruisers for both novice cruisers and experienced cruisers alike. Take your time, explore this Cruise Life section,
Created by frequent cruisers for both novice and experienced cruisers alike. Take your time, explore this Cruise Life section, we think you’ll find it interesting.
CRUISEMAPPER.COM
Start planning your cruise with us, explore ships, cruise lines, itineraries, ports of call and tips to save money when booking, using cell phones at sea, selecting a stateroom, taking shore excursions, day trips and much more…
Please bear with us as we’re remodeling the Cruise Life section of The Intentional Traveler. Check back again soon or better yet join us.
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CRUISE MAPPER
Locate Cruise Ships In Real Time – To search the world for cruise ship locations click the map on the left to go to CRUISE MAPPER.
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“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”
From selecting the right itinerary, looking for information on ports of call or tips on selecting the right stateroom or saving money – find good advice in our Cruise Life section. Welcome Aboard!
Locate Cruise Ships Anywhere In The World In Real Time
Click the map to access Cruise Mapper, an up to date application showing virtually every cruise ship in the world including river cruises. It shows the ships name, exact location, course direction and next destination.
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, unlimited.complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 240 free internet minutes and much more.
CARNIVAL’S VIFP CLUB®
VIFP CLUB®How it works IT’S SIMPLE: CRUISE MORE AND THE PERKS JUST PILE UP.
VIFP CLUB® What you get
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)
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)
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
Upgraded bath amenities
10 percent discount at onboard boutiques
Free wine tasting
Elite member recognition pin
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
Upgraded bath amenities
10 percent discount at onboard boutiques
Free wine tasting
Elite member recognition pin
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.
If your future plans include more then an occasional cruise, you might want to consider focusing your bookings on a particular cruise line because of the loyalty programs they offer. Benefits can include discounts on or even free internet, laundry, photos, cocktail parties and fancy coffees. Some lines also offer cabin upgrades and priority treatment with boarding and tender usage.
Picking Your Cruise Line – There are a lot of similarities between the major cruise lines but there are also differences that make some more suitable to your particular needs. They all feature good dining options from main dining room dinners to buffets to specialty restaurants and good entertainment and shows, but the things that set them apart is often related to the passengers they try and attract.
Most lines cater to families but a few are stand outs because of their children’s programs. Two of the best are Disney and Royal Caribbean. There is also the price range that varies from one cruise company to another. At the economy end of the price range are Carnival and Norwegian. Stepping up a bit in price are Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Princess followed by Holland America and Celebrity, which are a bit higher still. At the other end of pricing you will find Cunard, Disney and Oceania with Silver Seas and Seabourn being the ultra exclusive lines.
Besides simply price, there are a number of other things to consider when picking a line. Following are some observations we have made regarding a couple of cruise lines:
Carnival – Besides being the price leader, we have found Carnival to be a favorite with young adults. Especially in the Caribbean, these ships have a non-stop party atmosphere. We have not cruised with Carnival outside of the Caribbean so other itineraries may be less that way. The food and service have generally been good and the cabins a bit roomier then many.
Royal Caribbean – Good value in a cruise line and really focused on families. It has one of the best kids’ programs at sea with great entertainment options. Many of the ships have basketball courts and climbing walls and a couple have ice skating rinks and Flo-Rider surfing. Some of their newest ships have simulated sky diving and an amusement park style area.
Celebrity – Features a step up in service and appeals to a more mature cruiser. We like this line because of the enrichment programs, which include lectures and classes. Celebrity also offers a number of longer itineraries and more exotic destinations than some of the other lines.
MSC Cruises – Has been trying to “break into” the U.S. Caribbean market with true two-for-one pricing and has also offered to match your frequent cruising status from another cruise line. We have not, as yet, cruised with them.
Disney – The name alone says kids & family and you won’t be disappointed. From movie themed areas to Disney characters the whole ship is a Disney experience. One feature that really appeals is an evening dinner rotation that moves your group to a different style restaurant each night and your table staff goes with you. Oddly Disney is also really good at providing adult only areas that are more strictly enforced than other lines.
Plans and Perks – If you plan on cruising on a regular basis, even as infrequently as once every year or two, you should still join a cruise line loyalty program. Royal Caribbean’s is The Crown & Anchor Society and it’s free to join. If you don’t join you won’t earn the points. In their case, once you reach Diamond status you get a dedicated lounge on board with specialty coffee, some free internet, a free photograph, a special gift and a free cocktail party each evening. Priority boarding and other perks are also offered.
Royal Caribbean Flo-Rider
Carnival Cruise Line has their VIFP Club with members-only promotions, invites to cocktail receptions while you sail, priority boarding & more. Like most programs, the more you cruise the more you get.
Celebrity has the Captain’s Club and when you reach Elite status you get access to the Captain’s Club Lounge for daily coffee, breakfast and evening Cocktail hour. Other features are complimentary 90-minute Internet package, some complimentary dry cleaning and laundry on every sailing, a private shipboard departure lounge serving continental breakfast, priority tender service in tender ports of call and more…
If you’re going to cruise anyway, you would be wise to commit your loyalty and begin accumulating some perks.
One additional note, Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean family and frequent cruise status can be extended in a one-time transfer between these cruise companies.
Created by frequent cruisers for both novice cruisers and experienced cruisers alike. Take your time, explore this Cruise Life section, we think you’ll find it interesting.
CRUISEMAPPER.COM
Start planning your cruise with us, explore ships, cruise lines, itineraries, ports of call and tips to save money when booking, using cell phones at sea, selecting a stateroom, taking shore excursions, day trips and much more…
Please bear with us as we’re remodeling the Cruise Life section of The Intentional Traveler. Check back again soon or better yet join us.
Subscribe and receive regular notices of new articles, features and special notices
No spam, we promise and you can unsubscribe at any time right from our emails.
CRUISE MAPPER
Locate A Ship – To search the world for cruise ship locations click the map on the left.
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“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”
The Intentional Travelers 