Comprehensive guide to Cruise Loyalty programs

Sep 10, 2024 | CRUISE TIPS | 0 comments

Cruise Loyalty Programs

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Cruise Loyalty Programs

If you are like us and always looking for ways to enhance your cruise experience, then read on.

You may be surprised to learn that you can be rewarded for cruise loyalty if you repeatedly sail with the same cruise line if enrolled in one of the many loyalty programs. You can even sail for free with some programs!

Cruise line loyalty programs offer a range of rewards and benefits designed to enhance your cruising experience and encourage you to book again! These programs are structured to reward frequent cruisers with perks that can make voyages more enjoyable, cost-effective, and even save you money. Club members typically earn points or credits based on the number of cruises taken or the number of days spent at sea. As you accumulate points, you progress through various program tiers, each offering more valuable and exclusive benefits.

The rewards and benefits of these loyalty programs vary enormously by cruise line but generally include priority boarding and disembarkation, complimentary amenities, and special event invitations. Higher-tier members might enjoy complimentary dining at speciality restaurants, cabin upgrades, and exclusive access to members-only lounges or areas on the ship.

Some programs also offer discounts on future cruises, onboard credits to be used for purchases, and personalized services such as dedicated concierge support. With some cruise loyalty programs, the ultimate perk of a free cruise is available.

Cruise loyalty programs are designed to provide tangible rewards, but some are more valuable than others. Some cruise loyalty programs are quite mean, while others are very generous. See for yourself what you think as we examine a few of the most popular loyalty programs.

Cruise Loyalty Program Status Match Schemes

A unique aspect of some cruise loyalty programs is the concept of status matching, where another cruise line can recognize a cruiser’s elite status with another. This allows you to enjoy similar benefits across different lines without starting from scratch. For instance, if you hold a high-tier status with one cruise line, it can often transfer that status to another line through a status match program.

This process usually involves submitting proof of your current loyalty status, and in return, the new line grants equivalent or sometimes even better benefits. Status matching is particularly beneficial if you like to explore different cruise lines while maintaining their elite benefits, which enhances your overall cruising experience across multiple brands.

Notable lines with status match programs within the group brands include the RCCI group with its Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea brands.

MSC Cruises also has an attractive Status Match Program. Interestingly, none of the eight Carnival Corporation brands, which include Aida, Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, P&O, Princess & amp; Seabourn, appear to have any kind of status match program. Silversea also now has a status match for other brands within the Royal Caribbean International group.

Related: The MSC Loyalty Program status match scheme

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival VIFP Club

The Carnival Cruise Loyalty program is known as the VIFP Club. In case you were wondering, the acronym stands for “Very Important Fun Person,” and you become a member of this club once you board your first cruise. However, this offer much in terms of rewards, which on;y really kick in once you achieve Platinum status.

Earning points is simple. You earn one point for each day sailed on a Carnival Cruise Line ship. So, a seven-day cruise nets you seven points.

Plus, you can earn extra points once onboard. Club Members can earn one additional point for every $500 they spend onboard. This can include spending on shore excursions, spa treatments, The Retreat, premium wines, and much more.

The points then translate into a five-level tiered membership program as follows:

  • Blue (First Sailing)
  • Red (24 points)
  • Gold (25 to 74 points)
  • Platinum Member (75 to 1999 points)
  • Diamond Member( 200+ points)

Status Match Available?

At this time, Carnival Cruise Line does not Status match your status with other cruise lines.

The VIFP Club Benefits

The rewards in VIFP Club are fairly minimal and there are really no stand out perks that are of any great value. Mostly you can expect to benefit from variuos “Priorities” like check-in and boarding, spa reservations, tender boarding, Guest Services desk plus Priority reservations at the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants.  Higher levels within the club received additional perks like a complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant and free wash and fold laundry. At the highest level there is also a free cabin upgrade or the option fro third and forth passengers to sail free – once.

Sell full details on Carnival’s VIFP Club, including a full list of benefits for each tier.

The Good Stuff

  • Simple Points Based System
  • 5 Easy to understand Tiers.

The Not so Good

  • No Free Cruise Reward
  • No Status Match is available

Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Loyalty Programs Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Apex in Fort Lauderdale © Mike King 2024

Celebrity Captains Club

This is another points-based system where you accumulate points based on the number of days you sail and enhanced by the type of stateroom you book.

When staying in the most basic staterooms, such as windowless “inside” cabins, you’ll earn 2 points each day you sail. When staying in a top suite, you can earn as many as 18 to 24 points daily.

How Points are Earned:

  • Inside & Ocean View ( 2 Points per night)
  • Veranda & Infinite Veranda (3 Points per night)
  • Concierge & Auqa Class ( 5 Points per night)
  • Sky Suite & Auqa Sky Suite ( 8 Points Per night)
  • Celebrity, Signature, Sunset & Royal Suite ( 12 Points per night)
  • Reflection, Penthouse & Edge Villa ( 18 Points per night)
  • Iconic Suite ( 24 Points per night)

Celebrity also has a way to boost your points through their “Power Up Points” scheme. whereby Celebrity emails you an activity to participate in, and you’ll earn a set number of Power Up Points when you complete it. Those points will convert into Club Points and automatically be added to your Captain’s Club Points bank. For every 10 Power Up Points earned, you’ll get 1 Club Point. For example, if you participate in a survey worth 20 Power Up Points, you’ll get 2 Club Points added to your Club Point bank. A bit complicated but it does earn you extra points.

Program tiers

There are six tiers to the Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club program:

  • Preview (0 club points)
  • Classic (2 to 149 club points)
  • Select (150 to 299 club points)
  • Elite (300 to 749 club points)
  • Elite Plus (750 to 2,999 club points)
  • Zenith (3,000+ club points)

Status Match

Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, and as such, Captain’s Club members receive one-for-one tier matching across all three group brands: Celebrity Cruises®, Royal Caribbean®, and now also Silversea®.

The Good Stuff

  • Simple Points Based System
  • Status match with other Royal Caribbean brands
  • Free 7 day cruise on achieveing Zenith level

The Not so Good

  • Top tier is out of reach for most cruisers
  • No discounts on future sailings
  • Minimal benefits

Captains Club Benefits

There are a wide range of benefits as you rise throught this cruise loyalty program ranks but unfortuelty these are quite minimal and foucus on discounts for various services and priority for certain activities, free coffees and invitations to onboard events.  If you are lucky, you might even get a free scoop of gelato once you reach the Classic tier.

Beyond that, you can earn access to the Captains Club lounge, and Elite members can enjoy free drinks during a Happy Hour plus additional laundry services. Zenith level members receive a free 7 day Caribbean or Bermuda cruise

For more details on Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, including a full list of benefits at every tier, see Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club details.

Cunard Cruise Line

Cruise Loyalty Programs-Cunard QM2

Cunard Queen Mary 2 in Southampton © Mike King 2024

Cunard World Club

A very iconic brand with a lot of British Heritage, Cunard currently operates four ships catering to passengers who appreciate a more traditional cruise experience. Through the Cunard World Club program, you earn loyalty status and related perks.

The World Club is a four-tier cruise loyalty program where you earns you points based on the number of days you have sailed with Cunard or the number of Cunard cruises taken, whichever is higher. Enrollment to the club is automatic after completing your first Cunard cruise.

Program Tiers

  • Silver: One Voyage
  • Gold: Two voyages or 20 nights
  • Platinum: Seven voyages or 70 nights
  • Diamond: 15 voyages or 150 nights

Changes to your status only occur after you have completed the sailing on which they are reached.  Unlike other cruise lines, changes reaching a milestone during a cruise do not take effect until your next Cunard cruise.

Status Match Available?

Currently, Cunard does not Status match with other cruise lines.

The Good Stuff

  • Simple Nights or Cruises program
  • Automatically enrolled after the first cruise

The Not so Good

  • Rewards are minimal
  • No discounts on future sailings
  • No Status Match

Cunard World Club Program Benefits

We are always disappointed with the benefits available to loyal repeat passengers. For such a well-renowned, established cruise line, you would expect something a little special. Alas, this is not the case, and loyalty benefits are quite weak.

Everyone seems to get special member offers, such as a magazine, and you receive a membership pin for each of the higher levels. Some credits are also available for the onboard WiFi, which is very expensive. (It uses SpaceX Starlink, so it is fast!). At the dizzy heights of Diamond, you get your pin and WiFi credit, as well as one complimentary meal in a specialty restaurant, plus discounts on some laundry services.

Holland America

Mariner Society

When you cruise with Holland America, you are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society®. The system works by earning what are known as Cruise Day Credits for each day you sail and for each purchase you make onboard. You can also earn bonus credits by choosing to book a suite or penthouse, and for each, $300 in eligible onboard purchases.

Program tiers

There are five tiers to the Mariner Society loyalty program:

  • 1-Star Mariner (after one cruise)
  • 2-Star Mariner (30 to 74 cruise day credits)
  • 3-Star Mariner (75 to 199 cruise day credits)
  • 4-Star Mariner (200 to 499 cruise day credits)
  • 5-Star Mariner (500-plus cruise day credits)

Status Match Available?

Currently, Holland America does not Status Match scheme with other cruise lines.

Program Benefits

Like several other cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier doesn’t offer many valuable rewards, and you need to work your way up to the higher tiers to see tangible benefits. In terms of rewards, there is no standout perk but simply things like discounts when you shop on hollandamerica.com, onboard gifts and even a voucher for a cocktail. Higher tier members can also receive a photo of the ship and discounts on Holland American branded merchandise. When you reach the higher levels of the Mariner Society, you can earn complimentary speciality restaurant meals and a small credit toward the onboard internet service.

Full details of the Holland America Loyalty program .

The Good Stuff

  • Forever Status

The Not so Good

  • No discounts on future sailings
  • No Status Match
  • No Free Cruise

MSC Cruises

Naked Cruising

MSC Cruises in Nice © Mike King 2024

MSC VOYAGERS CLUB

This is another points-based system, but here you earn points based on several factors, including the type of accommodation booked and the length of the cruise.

The system works by earning points based on the length of the cruise and which MSC Cruises “experience” you book. Four experiences are available when cruising with MSC, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic and least expensive experience, while the MSC Yacht Club is the top experience.

The chart below lays out your points earnings depending on cruise length and experience type:

MSC Loyalty Club

Membership Levels:

There are Five Membership Levels in the Voyagers Club:

  • Welcome (0-1 points): Entry-level, automatic enrollment.
  • Classic (1-2,199 points)
  • Silver (2,200-4,299 points)
  • Gold (4,300-9,999 points)
  • Diamond (10,000+ points): Top-tier with the most benefits.

Earning Points:

Points are earned based on the cruise experience, onboard spending, and the length of the cruise and Bonus points are also awarded for early bookings.

Key Benefits

  • Discounts:
    Members receive discounts on future cruises.
  • Onboard Perks:
    Priority boarding, welcome gifts, complimentary spa treatments, and access to exclusive events.
  • Status Matching:
    MSC Voyagers Club matches statuses from other cruise lines, hotels, and travel programs.
  • Exclusive Offers:
    Members enjoy exclusive promotions, special rates, and additional discounts.
  • Status and Points Validity:
    Points and membership status do not expire as long as one cruise is taken every three years.
    MSC Voyagers Club is designed to reward loyalty with increasing benefits as members progress through the tiers.

The Good Stuff

  • Multiple Tiers and Rewards
  • A Wide Range of Rewards
  • Generous Discounts
  • Early Booking & Priority Benefits
  • Flexible Points System

The Not so Good

  • No Free Cruise
  • Points Expiration
  • Limited Recognition of Higher Tiers
  • Few Distrinct Perks

The MSC Voyagers Club is a solid program with a number of advantages, particularly for frequent cruisers and those who can take advantage of the Status Match feature. However, the program’s complexity and the points expiration policy is a negative, especially for less frequent cruisers. For those who prioritize value and clear benefits, MSC’s program feels a bit lacking compared to its competitors.

NCL Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) Latitudes Rewards loyalty program offers members discounts on normally pricey drinks packages, shore excursions and spa treatments after only a few sailings. A good start for those who aspire to the higher tier levels

At the pinnacle of the Latitudes Rewards program, the Ambassadors level, it can feel like winning the lottery when you earn a free cruise for two.

Membership Levels

There are Six Membership Tiers in this loyalty program:

  • Bronze (1-19 points)
  • Silver (20-44 points)
  • Gold (45-74 points)
  • Platinum (75-149 points)
  • Sapphire (150-349 points)
  • Diamond (350-699 points)
  • Ambassador (700+ points): Highest tier with exclusive benefits.

How to Earn Points

Members earn 1 point for each cruise night. Bonus points are awarded for booking a suite, The Haven, or select promotional offers.

Key Benefits

  • Exclusive Discounts: Special offers and reduced rates on future cruises.
  • Onboard Perks: Includes priority check-in, special onboard discounts, welcome gifts, and complimentary experiences.
  • Priority Services: Higher tiers enjoy perks like priority tendering, laundry services, and concierge access.
  • Free Cruises: Ambassador-level members receive a complimentary 7-day cruise.
    Special Events:
  • Members are invited to exclusive onboard events, like cocktail parties and behind-the-scenes tours.
    Status Validity:
  • Points and membership status do not expire, making it easy to maintain and progress through tiers.

The Good Stuff

  • Straightforward Tier System
  • Valuable Perks at Higher Tiers
  • Free Cruise at Ambassadoor level
  • Forever Status

The Not so Good

  • Slow Progression for Casual Cruisers
  • No Status Match
  • Limited Benefits at Lower Tiers

The NCL Latitudes Rewards program offers solid benefits, particularly for frequent cruisers who reach the Platinum tier and above, where perks like speciality dining, priority services, and even free cruises become available.

However, for those who cruise less frequently, the program can feel slow to reward, with limited benefits in the lower tiers. The lack of a status match and the minimal perks at the entry levels may make it less appealing compared to some competitor loyalty programs.

Full details of the Latitudes reward Program

Princess Cruises

Aptly named ‘The Captain’s Circle,’ it’s surprising that the Princess Cruise loyalty program offers few tangible benefits for loyal guests. You would assume that being one of the largest cruise lines, the loyalty benefits would be more generous. At the lower tier levels, the perks are quite minimal, but the higher tiers do offer some worthwhile benefits.

How to Earn Points

This loyalty program has two ways to earn points but is a bit complicated. It involves two separate schemes, either of which will allow you to rise through its tiers.

Cruise Credits – You earn one ‘cruise credit’ for each cruise you take
Cruise Days – You get one ‘cruise day’ for each night spent on board.
This means that on a seven-night cruise, you would earn 7 ‘cruise days’ and  1 ‘cruise credit’.

A bonus is that ‘cruise credit’ earnings are double if you sail in a full suite (mini-suites, Club Class suites and upgrades to suites are excluded) or sail solo. However, it doesn’t double your ‘cruise days’count.

Membership Tiers:

There are four membership tiers to the Captain Circle.

  • Gold (First sailing)
  • Ruby (After 3 cruises or 30 cruise days)
  • Platinum (After 5 cruises or 50 cruise days)
  • Elite (After 15 cruises or 150 cruise days)

Key Benefits

Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Members receive early booking discounts, special fares, and bonus onboard credits.

Priority Services: Platinum and Elite members enjoy priority check-in, embarkation, disembarkation, and tender services, minimizing wait times.

Onboard Perks: Higher-tier members benefit from complimentary services like laundry, internet packages, and upgraded in-cabin amenities.

Member Events: Members are invited to exclusive onboard events such as welcome parties and Captain’s Circle cocktail parties, which allow them to connect with fellow loyal cruisers.

Additional Highlights: Elite members are entitled to a free minibar setup, shoe polishing, complimentary wine tasting, and discounts on onboard photography and spa services.

No Points Expiry: Since there’s no points system, you won’t lose status or benefits as long as you continue cruising.

The Good Stuff

  • Simple & Clear Tier System
  • Valuable Perks for Higher Tiers
  • Priority Services
  • Forever Status

The Not so Good

  • Slow progression for Casual Cruisers
  • Limited recognition at Lower Tiers
  • Perks focused on Longers Cruises
  • No Status Match

The Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle loyalty program is well-suited for frequent cruisers, offering valuable perks at the Platinum and Elite levels that enhance the overall cruise experience. However, for casual cruisers, the slow progression and limited benefits at the lower tiers may feel underwhelming.

The lack of a status match and the emphasis on longer cruise durations may also limit its appeal to a broader audience. Overall, it’s a strong program for dedicated Princess Cruises fans but may not stand out as much for those who cruise less often or prefer other lines.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cruise Loyalty program regent

The Pool Deck on Regent Seven Seas Splendor © Mike King 2024

The Regent Seven Seas Cruises loyalty program is called the Seven Seas Society. A simple scheme where you earn one point for each day sailed. There are no fancy bonus points for superior suites or onboard spending. The great thing about this loyalty program is that when the number of nights you are sailing during a cruise elevates you to the next tier of rewards, you will enjoy instant recognition at the higher tier from the moment you board.

Membership Tiers

  • Bronze (After 1 completed cruise)
  • Silver (21+ nights)
  • Gold (75+ nights)
  • Platinum (200+ nights)
  • Titanium (400+ nights)
  • Diamond (1,000+ nights)
  • Comodorre (2000+ nights)

Key Benefits

Exclusive Savings and Discounts:
All members receive exclusive savings on select cruises and the option to earn additional savings by booking back-to-back cruises.

Onboard Benefits

Early tiers (Bronze and Silver) enjoy benefits like priority online reservations and members-only cocktail parties.

Higher tiers (Gold and above) receive perks such as free unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry services, and discounts on shore excursions, spa treatments, and Regent Choice shore excursions.
Luxury Perks for Top Tiers:

Platinum members enjoy priority boarding, upgraded suite amenities, and free luggage valet service.
Titanium and Diamond members receive the most elite benefits, and dedicated Regent hosts.
Unique Experiences:

Members are invited to exclusive events, such as behind-the-scenes ship tours and private dinners with officers.

Status Match Program: No

Forever Status: Your membership status is maintained as you continue to cruise, with no expiration on nights accumulated.

The Good Stuff

  • Elegantly simple reward system
  • Forever Status
  • Exclusive Events and Recognition

The Not so Good

  • No Status Match
  • Limited Appeal to Casual Cruisers
  • Fewer Distinctive Perks at Lower Tiers

The Regent Seven Seas Society loyalty program is well-tailored for luxury cruisers who frequently sail with Regent, offering a few exclusive and high-end perks that complement the all-inclusive experience. However, the program’s value is primarily realized at the higher tiers, which require a significant time investment. For casual cruisers or those new to Regent, the high entry threshold and lack of a status match may limit its appeal. 

Given that Regent is one of the most all-inclusive lines in cruising it is hard to see how much more could be added to the loyalty program apart from future cruise discounts and a free cruise when certain milestones are achived.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Cruise Loyalty Programs Seabourn

Seabourn Encore in Hamilton Island Australia © Mike King 2024

 Seabourn Cruise Line’s loyalty program, known as the Seabourn Club, is a powerful offering which rewards repeat guests with exclusive benefits and luxurious perks. In our opinion, this is one o the most attractive cruise loyalty programs in the industry.

There are two elements to the program

  • Milestone Awards
  • Seabourn Club Points

Milestone Awards

The Milestone Award Program features a complimentary 7-day cruise for club members with 140 Redeemable Sailed Days, or a complimentary 14-day cruise when 250 Redeemable Sailed Days* is reached.

Guests reaching milestones over 1,000 Redeemable Sailed Days will receive recognition and a special gift on-board.

Seabourn Club Points

In addition to earning Milestone Awards, you can also earn Seabourn Club Points that qualify you for an array of additional benefits on board and at home. These points establish your Seabourn Club Membership level. There are several ways to earn Seabourn Club Points:

  • Each Sailed Day on board a Seabourn ship earns you one Seabourn Club Point
  • Each Sailed Day in a penthouse or premium suite accommodation earns one additional Seabourn Club Point
  • Each night on an escorted Seabourn Journey earns one Seabourn Club Point
  • Every $500USD of eligible onboard and pre-cruise online purchases earns one Seabourn Club Point (net of returns, and limited to one additional Seabourn Club Point for each Sailed Day)

Membership Tiers

  • Club Member (0-19 days)
  • Silver Member (20-69 days)
  • Gold Member (70-139 days)
  • Platinum Member (140-249 days)
  • Diamond Member (250+ days)

Key Benefits

Once a member of the Seabourn Club you get to choose from a range of perks based upon your status. At lower levels you get to choose from ceratin amenities including discounts on Shore Excursions, Premium Wine Packages and a 5% discount for future cruises booked on baord.
As you progress through the tiers, more options are added including larger discounts, free laundry and WiFi streaming packages and you get to choose multiple amenities.

All members are invited to special events like the Seabourn Club Party, hosted by the ship’s officers and the Cruise Director.

Platinum Members enjoy additional perks such as unlimited internet and some free spa treatments.
Diamond Elite Members receive personalized gifts and complimentary private transfers.

The Good Stuff

  • Forever Status
  • A Wide Range of Rewards
  • Free Cruises

The Not so Good

  • No Status Match

With the Seabourn loyalty program, you do not need to requalify for your status each year. Once you achieve a particular status, you get to keep your points and continue to accrue points forever. So once you achieve a particular status, you will retain that status forever or until Seabourn decides to change the program. Forever status loyalty schemes are rare nowadays. By contrast, many airline frequent flyer programs require you to requalify to regain status each year which is why the Seabourn loyalty program is such a winner. The big takeaway for the Seabourn Club Loyalty program is the free cruise reward every 140 days sailed!

Related: Everything you need to know about The Seabourn Club Loyalty program

Silversea

Cruise Loyalty prgrams Silversea Venitian Society

Silver Moon in the Caribbean © Mike King 2024

The Silversea Venitian Society

From the moment you become a member, you’ll receive special onboard recognition and invitations to private, members-only events. These gatherings are more than just parties; they’re opportunities to connect with fellow travelers who share your passion for exploration and luxury. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 5% discount on select “Venetian Sailings,” which can be identified by the Venetian Society icon on Silversea’s website.

Milestone Rewards

The real magic of the Venetian Society program begins as you accumulate “Venetian Society days,” a unique currency where each day you spend sailing with Silversea adds to your total. These days never expire, meaning your rewards build over a lifetime of travel. The more you sail, the more you benefit, with milestone rewards starting at 100 days.

  • 100 Days: Enjoy a 5% discount on all future sailings, not just the select Venetian Sailings, and complimentary basic laundry service.
  • 250 Days: Your discount increases to 10% on all future sailings.
  • 350 Days: Celebrate with a complimentary seven-day cruise.
  • 500 Days: Indulge in a free 14-day voyage.

After reaching the 500-day milestone, you’ll continue to earn free cruises every 150 days, making it a truly rewarding experience for loyal Silversea cruisers. The possibility of earning these substantial rewards, including free cruises, is what sets the Venetian Society apart, making it a uniquely appealing program for frequent travellers.

Additional Perks

The Venetian Society program also includes ship visitation privileges in certain cities, where you can tour Silversea ships and bring up to two guests. Additionally, there are special reunion cruises exclusively for Venetian Society members. These voyages are filled with one-of-a-kind experiences, from unique receptions to exclusive events, often attended by top executives from Silversea.

Pricing Tiers

Silversea offers two main pricing tiers: “port-to-port” and “door-to-door” fares. Port-to-port fares include all your essential needs, from luxurious accommodations and butler service to meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions. Door-to-door fares take it a step further by including private executive transfers from your home, international flights, and the option to upgrade to business class at a reduced rate.

Related: Silversea Silver Moon Ship Review

The Good Stuff

  • Forever Status
  • Status Match with other RCCL Brands
  • A Wide Range of Rewards

The Not so Good

  • Slow progression through the scheme
The Silversea Venetian Society loyalty program is well-suited for dedicated cruisers who frequently sail with Silversea, offering valuable discounts, milestone rewards, and exclusive events that enhance the luxury cruise experience. However, the program’s slow progression and limited perks at lower tiers may be less appealing to casual cruisers. The new Staus Match with other Royal Caribbean brands is a welcome improvement to the program. Overall, it’s a rewarding program for loyal Silversea guests, particularly those who cruise often.

Virgin Voyages

Viring Voyages Loyalty Program

The Virgin Voyages loyalty program is known as the ‘Sailing Club’. It is a straightforward system with few tiers and relatively few perks compared to other larger cruise lines. You simply progress through the membership tiers based on the number of cruises taken with Virging Voyages. The perks at higher levels can be more valuable, including free laundry service and premium Wi-Fi.

You should be aware that the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is a loyalty program exclusive to Virgin Voyages. It is quite separate from the Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club programs associated with other Virgin brands, but it may entitle you to request a Status Match.

Membership Tiers

  • 1. Sailing Club membership (after one sailing)
  • 2. Blue Extras (after two sailings)
  • 3. Deep Blue Extras (after four sailings)

Rewards

When you join the Sailing Club, you’ll be earn a range of perks, like special offers on cruises, early access to promotions, and a quarterly members newsletter.

Once you reach the Blue Extras tier, you’ll enjoy a free speciality coffee every day of your cruise, free laundry service for one bag of laundry per voyage, an exclusive cocktail event invite, and access to a dedicated phone support line called Sailor Services.

Your Virgin Voyages Sailing Club membership begins to pay off at the Deep Blue Extras level. At this level, you can order two speciality coffees daily at no charge, and your complimentary laundry allowance goes up. You’ll get two pressed items for free, one speciality cleaning item and a bag of regular laundry.

Other perks at this level include a $100 per cruise credit for alcoholic drinks (or, as Virgin likes to call it, a $100 bar tab credit). This is a significant perk, as it amounts to real money saved when cruising, assuming you like ordering drinks at sea.
At this level you get all the other perks of the two previous tier levels, plus an unlimited premium Wi-Fi package and access to expedited boarding

Status Match

Virgin Voyages have introduced a new status match opportunity for all sailors cruising with them who have earned a loyalty status with another cruise line. Sailors are able to skip the levels of requirement for each stage of the Sailing Club Membership by matching their original status from another cruise line. Any sailor entering via the match program will be given Blue Extra on their first voyage.
Applicable Cruise lines and Tiers are as follows:

Loyalty ProgramLoyalty Tier
Azamara CircleExplorer, Discoverer, Discoverer Plus & Discoverer Platinum
Carnival VIFP ClubPlatinum & Diamond
Celebrity Captain’s ClubElite, Elite Plus & Zenith
Disney CastawaySilver, Gold, Platinum & Pearl
Holland America Mariner Society3-Star, 4-Star & 5-Star
Norwegian Latitude RewardsPlatinum, Sapphire, Diamond & Ambassador
Oceania ClubGold, Platinum, Diamond & President’s Circle
P&O Peninsular ClubMediterranean, Caribbean, Baltic & Lingurian
Princess Captain’s CirclePlatinum & Elite
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor SocietyDiamond. Diamond Plus & Pin
Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubWings (VIP) & Gold
Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent FlyerGold, Platinum & Beyond
Windstar Yacht ClubOne Star, Two Star, Three Star & Four Star

The Good Stuff

  • Simple System of 
  • Status Match with other select Brands

The Not so Good

  • Limited rewards

The Virgin Voyages loyalty program is a fairly simple system with just three tiers. There are not all that many perks at each tier, but it does offer a few valuable perks at its higher tiers, including free laundry service, free premium Wi-Fi, and a significant credit toward drinks.

One thing to remember when evaluating the benefits of the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club loyalty program is that many of the perks other lines offer cruisers as part of their loyalty programs are already included in the base fares for Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin Voyages includes gratuities, speciality dining, and a basic Wi-Fi package in the fares for every cabin on its ships. As a result, there are fewer valuable extras to give its customers through the loyalty program.

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Mike & Anita

Welcome all cruise enthusiasts!
We’re Mike & Anita, your spirited guides to cruising the high seas (and Rivers), and we’ve clocked in over 600 days at sea.

This blog is dedicated to all you cruise lovers out there. It is a place to dive into the wonderful world of cruising. Join us on this exciting voyage where we share not just tips but insider secrets and money-saving gems about cruising.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, get ready to explore, learn, and soak up the joy of our seafaring adventures. Happy Cruising! 🚢✨

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A passionate cruiser and photographer with more than 600 days at sea, and just a few, but growing number of Luxury River Cruises. Our expereince as hotel inspectors for a prestigous French brand help us uncover all the good things about luxury cruising. All-Inclusive Food and Wine Cruises always attract our attention!
Mike King - About Luxury Cruising Blog

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