I’ve sailed on Holland America Line, Carnival, Virgin Voyages, NCL, MSC and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. I love each and every one, however, the only way to get “perks” on these cruise lines is to cruise with them frequently! Please keep in mind that all cruise loyalty plans are not created equal!
The Carnival Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program has great perks at the higher levels; priority boarding, cocktail party and free laundry. I’m Platinum on Carnival and do enjoy the perks! My favorite perk is priority boarding!
Here’s the link to see all the levels and perks:
https://www.carnival.com/vifp/benefits
My wife and I have sailed over 150 days on Holland America Line which has earned us 3-Star Mariner status, and we have earned a few nice perks, but to get the best perks, you need to be a 5-star Mariner, which you earn after sailing 500 days! We are on our way!
Here’s a link to the Holland America Line Mariners Club:
https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/get-ready-for-your-cruise/mariner-society
Another loyalty program is offered by MSC cruises. The best feature of this program is that MSC Cruises offers a “Loyalty Match Program”, which means you can email them with proof of your loyalty status with other cruise lines, then MSC Cruises with “match” that level with the MSC loyalty level! When I emailed over my proof of 3-Star Mariner status on Holland America Line, I was automatically awarded Gold Level status on MSC Cruises!
I love Celebrity Cruises and will be sailing on one of their amazing ships in 2024! The Captain’s Club also provides great perks at higher levels. I sailed on Celebrity Solstice when she first began service and the food was perfect!
Here’s a link for more information:
https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club
The key to getting great perks is to find the cruise line you love the most and cruise exclusively with that cruise line!
My wife and I love Holland America Line if it’s just the two of us, and we love Carnival if we are bringing our grandkids. I’m a huge fan of Virgin Voyages because of the value of free wi-fi, basic beverages and amazing food!
Check out my YouTube video about cruise loyalty programs for more insight!
