Repeat cruising pays off

By Anita Dunham-Potter

Travel columnist

updated 7:17 p.m. ET June 8, 2006

Over the years, I’ve reaped the sweet rewards of being a repeat cruiser. On my last repeat cruise, I saved more than $1,500 from a single coupon. That coupon was from Princess Cruises’ “Captain’s Circle,” the line’s program for past guests, but the offers come from many different lines and programs. In recent weeks, I’ve received offers for two-for-one cruise fares, free airfare, free hotel nights, free cabin upgrades and more. In one case, my kids could come along for free.

It’s easy to become a member of a cruise line loyalty program; in fact, most cruise lines confer membership as soon as passengers complete their first cruise. Members then receive mailings urging them to book another cruise at a special discount. On board, members also receive special treatment; perks can include gifts, upgrades, credits, cocktail parties, dinner with the captain and free shore excursions.

Following is a list of cruise loyalty programs and some of their benefits.

Carnival Cruise Lines
Past passengers receive a copy of Currents magazine three times a year for two years after their first cruise. Inserts notify members about special offers including cruise discounts and a special reunion cruise with special gifts and benefits for past guests. Repeat cruisers also receive special Gold and Platinum Sail & Sign cards that give entrée into an exclusive reception on board. New this year is Carnival’s Concierge Club for guests who have sailed 10 times or more. Concierge Club perks include priority embarkation, priority supper club and spa reservations, and complimentary laundry service.

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Celebrity Cruises
Once passengers cruise with Celebrity, they can join the Captain’s Club. Members are entitled to a one-category cabin upgrade on future sailings (if available), special first-class boarding and departing privileges, preferred dining assignments, cocktail parties with the captain, an invitation to the annual Captain’s Club Reunion Cruise, special spa privileges, welcome back gifts and newsletters that promote special offers.

Costa Cruise Lines
Repeat cruisers receive monthly mailings with discounts on selected cruises. In addition, on every sailing, repeat cruisers are invited to a special VIP cocktail party.

Cruise West
After cruisers sail once with Cruise West, they become members of the Quyana Club, which entitles them to a 5 percent discount on any subsequent cruises. They also receive quarterly newsletters with information about special offers and new cruise destinations, often before these are announced to the general public.

Crystal Cruises
After their first cruise, passengers are automatically enrolled in the Crystal Society. Members are entitled to special savings and exclusive events. These benefits increase the more often you sail, and include stateroom upgrades, onboard spending credits, special events and gifts — even free cruises. Members also receive Crystal Cruises’ quarterly magazine, Passport, with the latest news on itineraries, destinations and special offers.

Cunard Line
Passengers become members of the Cunard World Club after their first cruise. On later sailings, they receive exclusive savings offers of up to 25 percent off the brochure price; if they book while on board, they will also be eligible for additional savings or onboard credits and reduced deposits. Members will also receive a newsletter, mailings for special offers, dedicated World Club Desk service and access to a members-only Web page. Frequent cruisers can also earn additional benefits including onboard cocktail receptions, priority check-in, priority embarkation and more.

Disney Cruise Line
Guests are automatically enrolled in the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club after their first Disney cruise. Castaway Club guests enjoy special perks and amenities including a dedicated booking line, priority check-in and boarding, an exclusive onboard party with the ship’s captain and officers, special gifts during and after the cruise and, for those who book certain other cruises while on board, a shipboard credit of up to $200 on the later sailing.

Holland America Line
Guests become members of the Mariner Society after their first cruise. Members are entitled to lower pricing on many cruises. As Mariner Society members, most frequent guests receive Mariner magazine, which offers news and special offers on upcoming cruises, as well as insider information about new ships and product changes. Repeaters also receive lapel pins or medallions for reaching milestones. Onboard perks include an invitation to a champagne reception and awards party.

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