How important is a cruise line loyalty program to you?

zebra · March 27, 2011

I was wondering what a cruise line loyalty program means to you. I can understand the thought process of getting to high levels to be award free drinks every evening and staying loyal with that particular cruise line. But then again I can also totally understand the mind set of trying different cruise lines and ships and all the variations of the great cruising experience afforded by ventureing out to try others. So what are your thoughts on this??

StaRed · March 27, 2011

I'm a creature of habit. I often order the same entree from favorite restaurants because I know for certain that I'll like it. What if I order something else and I don't like it as much? Neurotic, much? The "perks" that we get for being members is just a side benefit, I suppose, to repeating simply because we know we'll like it and we know we'll enjoy ourselves.

Honestly, I never even thumbed through our Crown and Anchor coupon book we received on our last cruise - probably silly on my part, but oh well.

I don't feel that just becuse I may or may not be a diamond,emerald, platinum or if I'm likened to some other expensive shiny object in any way makes me better than cruisers at a lower level. Sure the free drinks, free upgrades and such are certainly much appreciated and wonderful to receive, but I find that some members that are "higher up" on the cruise scale tend to act a bit like spoiled royalty. Yes they have spent a lot of money with the cruise lines over the years, and yes they deserve the perks they receive - but in all reality just because you spent more doesn't really entitle you to act rudely to others who are "beneath" you, does it? And that's my point - heck yes I'll enjoy perks, but I refuse to let it go to my head. And no - we're not elite by any means with a whopping four cruises under our belts.

For instance...once on a Princess cruise, my husband and I went to the internet lounge to check email. There were signs posted that the internet lounge wasn't an actual lounge and that the seating was for guests who were actually using the facilities. I assume this was because there were a limited amount of computers but several people wishing to get on-line. A woman and her grown daughter came walking in holding their photographs from what I assumed was a past formal night. The woman plopped down at an empty computer just as someone else was walking up to use it, and her and her daughter proceeded to ooo and ahhh over their photographs... and not get on-line or even attempt to use the computer of which they were hogging. After about five minutes, the Princess employee came over to very politely remind the woman that the computers were strickly for those who were using the facilities, and could she help the woman get on-line and use the computer? The woman screwed up her face, dug in her pocket and fished out her black colored elite level sea pass, slapped it on the table and just glared rudely at the employee. She was clearly telling everyone without a word spoken that she deserved to be there more so than anyone else. The employee just appologized and walked away. The woman and her daughter took their sweet time and hogged those seats for another 15 minutes while they discussed their plan for the next day in port. My point? She was rude simply because she felt she was better than every other person in that room just because of the color of her sea pass. So silly.

I realize that most people are not nearly as rude and this woman was - but I do see the Little Napoleon complex rear it's head from time to time by a few elite cruisers, and I honestly find it amusing.

jobowl · March 27, 2011

I think the people you are talking about we have all seen. I believe most cruisers aren't like that. Those rude ones just stand out more than the quiet ones. I sort of feel sorry for those who think they are something because of this status. There life must be very insecure. I do enjoy any perks I can get. Especially the OBC. Then I would cruise almost any line regardless.

Edited March 27, 2011 by jobowl

rogue · March 27, 2011

We're at Platinum Level with Princess, but haven't sailed with Princess for a few years. The little perk are nice, but I also want to do other itineraries and be on different ships and cruiselines too.

StaRed · March 28, 2011

I think the people you are talking about we have all seen. I believe most cruisers aren't like that. Those rude ones just stand out more than the quiet ones. I sort of feel sorry for those who think they are something because of this status. There life must be very insecure. I do enjoy any perks I can get. Especially the OBC. Then I would cruise almost any line regardless.

Oh I agree...sort of like the squeaky wheel getting the oil! I certainly didn't mean to imply that ALL elite members run around screaming, "No Wire Hangers!!!" to their room stewards. And yes, I agree with your feeling that their life must be insecure. That's why I just roll my eyes and laugh to myself.

Hey - it's a vacation! Short of the ship sinking, I'm going to have a good time!!

cruisetarp · March 28, 2011

While I enjoy the benefits from the loyalty programs they in no way influence my decision is choosing a cruise. The itinerary and on board experience (food, service and entertainment) is much more important to me than a free drink or a discount in the gift shop/

KeithnRita · March 28, 2011

It's not that important to us. We like to try all the cruise lines. We did receive pins from HAL, however we've never wore them. :laugh: :laugh:

DebbieandJerry · March 28, 2011

We have finally made loyalty with Carnival where we get free laundry services every day (if we want). While this doesn't mean we will be exclusive to Carnival, it does help with our decision (especially if we are comparing same itinerary). Mainly cost is what I look at first. If I can afford it, I go for it.

jobowl · March 29, 2011

could not agree more. Well said.

I think the people you are talking about we have all seen. I believe most cruisers aren't like that. Those rude ones just stand out more than the quiet ones. I sort of feel sorry for those who think they are something because of this status. There life must be very insecure. I do enjoy any perks I can get. Especially the OBC. Then I would cruise almost any line regardless.

Oh I agree...sort of like the squeaky wheel getting the oil! I certainly didn't mean to imply that ALL elite members run around screaming, "No Wire Hangers!!!" to their room stewards. And yes, I agree with your feeling that their life must be insecure. That's why I just roll my eyes and laugh to myself.

Hey - it's a vacation! Short of the ship sinking, I'm going to have a good time!!

Shari2 · March 29, 2011

While I enjoy the benefits from the loyalty programs they in no way influence my decision is choosing a cruise. The itinerary and on board experience (food, service and entertainment) is much more important to me than a free drink or a discount in the gift shop/

What Mary Lou said!