Cruise Loyalty Programs • Part 2

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.

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Cruise Loyalty Programs • An Introduction

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.

CruiseLife8
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.

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Help From The State Department

DC Snow

Extra Protection While Traveling

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Cruise Cabin Upgrades

Staterooms – What Are Upgrades

If you do more than a few cruises, chances are you will be offered an upgrade. Generally upgrades fall into a few categories:

  • Upgrades at discounted rates
  • A promotional offer
  • Complimentary upgrade
  • Last minute upgrade offer at time of sailing

Usually the first reaction when offered an upgrade is elation over your luck, but don’t jump at that offer right away. There are a few things to consider so be sure and ask some questions.

If you’re being offered a stateroom upgrade ask if the usual category perks are still included with the upgrade. They can include complimentary spa use, a special restaurant, preferred seating at shows, preferred boarding to tenders. Often the upgraded does not include those perks and you need to consider if the change in stateroom location is worth a little extra room?

Additionally, often the cabin upgrade is in a less desirable location. Could it be noisy being near to an area that operates late into the night? Is it still on one of your preferred decks? Be sure and check a ship map to see if it is next to a void where there could be machinery or elevator noise?

There is also an upgrade offer called “run of the ship”. What that means is you will be guaranteed a specific stateroom upgrade but you’ll learn about the location when you board the ship. That means the stateroom could be on a lower deck, a high deck, all the way forward or include an obstructed view. While you can save money in booking by accepting “run of the ship” staterooms, that is a decision you consider in relationship to your budget and if the savings is worth the possible inconvience. In the case of the upgrade there usually isn’t a reduction in fare.

If you’re looking for an upgrade there is really no way to understand how to go about getting one. Your chances do improve as your cruising status improves with a favorite cruise line and that is a function of the number of cruises you’ve taken. Also remember the cruise ship knows a lot about the desirability of specific staterooms onboard and they always expect to get some advantage out of the offer. Sometimes it’s increasing your loyalty to the cruise line and that’s the real win-win!

If you’re picky about cabin location, understand you usually cannot choose the location of your upgrade stateroom or suite and if you’re excited about the upgrade for the increased perks, you need to know that most cruise lines don’t offer those perks with free or discounted upgrades from standard class cabins. Make sure what that offer includes.

Just like all transactions, in upgrading the caution “buyer be ware” is good advice.

Israel’s Ports Of Call

Visiting The Cruise Ports Of Call In Israel

There are 116 miles of Mediterranean coast in western Israel stretching from Lebanon in the north to the Gaza Strip in the south. The two major ports of call for cruise ships are Ashdod just north of Gaza and Haifa another 70 miles north. Ashdod is within a short drive of Tel Aviv and usually the port for tours to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and surrounding areas while Haifa is near to Acre the stronghold of the Christian Crusaders.

Tel Aviv

Due to the conflict and the geo-politics involving Israel and the region, security has to be a concern. Israel works very hard at keeping their cities safe providing protection to its visitors and most travel experts strongly recommend traveling in organized tours while visiting.

Where Your Ship Docks – Both of these ports are very similar as far as docking locations and facilities. They are both working industrial ports situated some distance from city centers which makes walking out and access to public transportation difficult or just not an option.

Transportation – Because of the distances involved in traveling from a port it is probably best to consider using the ships tours. There are often drop-off pick-up tours to places like Tel Aviv where you can explore on your own.

Beach at Tel Aviv

Taxis in Israel are common and a good choice in getting around. Israeli taxis by Western standards are inexpensive and are usually readily available, safe with modern cars, and friendly drivers. Within cities, drivers must use the meter unless you agree to a fixed fare and inter-city taxis have fixed fares for specific destinations. Be aware there are surcharges for calling a taxi (5 NIS approx), for luggage (4.6 NIS each). Night rates usually have a 25% surcharge, and there is a starting fare of NIS 11 in cities. There is usually an additional surcharge for Sabbath hours.

Money – 1 US Dollar = 3.42 New Israeli Sheqels. You will need to exchange some currency but major bank credit and debit cards are widely welcome.

Jerusalem

What To See and Do:

Ashdod – This port of call is the most convenient for visiting historic Jerusalem and is usually the primary focus of most passengers. There will usually be dozens of tours available to the historic city and its surrounding sites like, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Masada and the Jordon Valley.

Less than twenty miles north of the port is Tel Aviv and Jaffa. If you can fit in the time, a day trip up the coast is well worth the effort to see the real Israel. Tel Aviv is a remarkable, modern city with beautiful beaches and incredible skyscrapers. Its wide avenues are lined with shops and parks and outdoor cafes invite sitting and people watching. Jaffa to the south has the character of a beach resort with a number of nice restaurants, a seaside walk and protected harbor. Above Jaffa is a historic neighborhood with art galleries, a beautiful park and views up the coast of Tel Aviv beaches and skyline.

Haifa – The Baha’i Gardens extending from the summit of Mount Carmel along the northwestern slope of the mountain. In total the 19 terraces and more than 1,500 steps drop down towards Haifa port. The Baháʼí Faith is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and was established by Baháʼu’lláh in 1863 in Persia.

Twelve miles north of the port is Acre, the fortified town and home to Crusaders fighting to open Jerusalem to Christian pilgrims from the eleventh to sixteenth centuries. Famous for the Siege of Acre, 1189-91 which was the first major battle of the Third Crusade. The siege involved a mixed force of European armies led by Richard the Lionheart of England against the Muslim army of Saladin. A remarkable experience with its passageways and halls. Outside the fort is an interesting marketplace and a protected harbor area.

116 miles of Mediterranean coast in western Israel stretchs from Lebanon in the north to Gaza in the south. The two major ports of call for cruise ships are Ashdod just north of Gaza and Haifa another 70 miles north.

Tel Aviv ice cream parlor
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