Cruise lines' past-passenger programs -- the equivalent of airlines' frequent flyer programs -- are in a state of upheaval. The idea -- which centers on rewarding loyal travelers with extra perks, such as onboard cocktail receptions and exclusive discounts -- originated some 160 years ago with Cunard and continues in a variety of forms today. However, with rampant discounting and the allure of new ships spurring travelers to jump from fleet to fleet, cruise lines are undecided as to whether they should increase past-passenger benefits to ensure loyalty or reduce perks to save money.
On one end of the spectrum is Royal Caribbean, which announced in March 2009 that Diamond members (those who have been on 10 to 24 cruises with RCI) would no longer have special access to the concierge lounge and its affiliated concierge services or the previously offered nightly happy hour with free cocktails. Instead of thanking these frequent cruisers (Diamond members have attained the second-highest loyalty tier in RCI's program) with extra perks, Royal Caribbean took away a privilege that these travelers held dear. Members were outraged, and though Royal Caribbean offered a compromise (including a private party in a designated lounge with some free booze and a special continental breakfast for Diamond Members), once-loyal cruisers have posted on Cruise Critic's message boards and elsewhere that they are now rethinking their loyalty.
On the other side are cruise lines that have recently expanded the perks of their programs or are making it easier for cruise travelers to attain upper-tier status. Princess is rewarding big spenders (namely suite guests and solo travelers who may have to pay twice regular rates to get a cabin to themselves) with a faster track to the upper echelons of its past-passenger program. Celebrity announced in July 2009 that it was adding benefits to its program, including free or discounted laundry service, complimentary Internet packages, and new parties for all Captain's Club members. Oceania has added a wealth of new perks, including free cruise fares, $900 onboard credit and a leather luggage set -- but these benefits are only available to frequent cruisers who have sailed between 21 and 100 times with the deluxe cruise line.
But, if you don't have the vacation time, let alone the money, to cruise multiple times a year and attain those upper-tier perks, is it worth your while to stick with one cruise line over another? In a comprehensive survey, Cruise Critic investigates past-passenger programs at major cruise lines. We list their perks (all of those nice little extras), the quality of members-only discounts (we shopped around to see how good these deals really were) and, ultimately, the real incentive (if there is one) to belong. Along the way, we spotted a handful of trends:
All passengers are enrolled automatically in a line's past-passenger program upon taking their first cruises. After just one sailing, you become a member with access to perks like discounts, newsletters and invitations to past-guest receptions on your next cruise.
There are two types of programs: one-size-fits-all and multi-tiered. The former type means that all repeat guests, regardless of how many times they've cruised with the line, get the same basic benefits. Lines that offer one-size-fits-all programs include Disney Cruise Line, Voyages of Discovery and Windstar. Multi-tiered programs provide all repeat guests with newsletters and a "welcome onboard" cocktail reception but then set milestones for additional awards. Most of the major lines -- such as Holland America, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, among others -- offer this type of past passenger setup.
The past-passenger programs of luxury lines are similar in form to the offerings of mainstream lines, with perks like discounts on cruises and onboard purchases. As many luxury lines don't charge guests for drinks, gratuities or specialty dining, they have to think up other free benefits for their loyal members. Given that luxury travelers have spent quite a bit of money to attain frequent cruiser status, many luxury lines offer their very best guests the ultimate perk: a free cruise. However, you'll have to cruise a lot to earn a free trip -- 30 cruises with Crystal, 20 cruises with Oceania, 140 days sailed with Seabourn and 350 days with Silversea.
While the consortium called The World's Leading Cruise Lines (which includes Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn) says it has a Vacation Interchange Program (VIP) that allows past guests of one line to access past guest discounts on all six lines, it's not always obvious from cruise line Web sites which sailings are eligible and how to request the discount. If you're a past passenger contemplating your first cruise on a sister line, ask your agent or the cruise line about possible savings. You won't, however, be eligible for any other frequent-cruiser perks until you've completed a sailing. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises share parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and their interchange privileges are very clear and easy to understand. The two programs -- Azamara and Celebrity's Captain's Club and Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor -- offer reciprocity but only at the higher-tier levels. In order to get perks when trying out a sister cruise line, members of one program must sign up for the other program before their cruise. Captain's Club Select members automatically get Platinum status with Crown & Anchor, and Elite members receive Diamond status (and vice versa). Diamond Plus members of Royal Caribbean also get Elite status on Celebrity/Azamara, as it's the highest tier in the loyalty program.
And, finally, if "insider" discounts on future cruises hold great appeal, we can only say: beware! For our "Members-Only Deal" listing, we asked cruise lines themselves to give us a specific example of a past-passenger-only promotion. Then, we cross-checked the "special" fare against those quoted by Internet travel agencies. Shockingly, we discovered that past-passenger rates were often significantly more expensive than the fares being offered to anybody -- regular customers and first-timers alike.
Where They Go: Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Panama Canal
The Program: Captain's Club, multi-tiered
Perks: This is a three-tiered system. "Classic" members (those who have sailed one to four cruises with Celebrity) get perks like pre-sailing dining reservations at alternative eateries, a complimentary custom air request, an invitation to the Captain's Cocktail party, coupons for onboard use, and extra credit for sailings of 12 nights or more or for cruises booked in a suite. "Select" cruisers (five to nine) receive all of those amenities, along with priority status for shore excursion waitlists, an invitation to the Senior Officer's Cocktail party, a chardonnay blending seminar, and the ability to join Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society at the Platinum level. "Elite" members (10 and up) get all the benefits of the other two levels, plus access to a private departure lounge with Continental breakfast, priority tender service, and the ability to join Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society at the Diamond level.
Incentive to Belong: On a line where every guest gets royal treatment with butler service and complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant, preferential services such as pre-sailing dining reservations, first crack at shore excursion waitlists and priority tender service give past guests an even greater VIP status.
Members-Only Deals: Captain's Club members are offered several special discounted sailings per year through the Captain's Club newsletter and in the members-only section of the website. Compare prices to verify the savings.
For More Info: Visit the Captain's Club section on Azamara's Web site or call 800-760-0654.
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe
The Program: Carnival's Concierge Club, launched in May 2006, greatly expands this line's offerings. This is available only to "platinum members"; to qualify you must have sailed ten or more times on Carnival.
Perks: Lots more than the old program! Benefits for the platinum-qualifiers include a special Carnival logo item, complimentary wash and fold laundry service (nice!), complimentary treatment upgrades at Spa Carnival, guaranteed dining times as well as supper club reservations, priority tender, embarkation and disembarkation, and personalized stationary.
Incentive to Belong: As these ships get bigger the perks really do make it worthwhile for fans of the line to stay loyal.
Members-Only Deals: Occasional specials are offered to all past guests, not just platinum ones, but are not that great a bargain. Shopping around can often net a lower rate than that offered.
Drawbacks: The 10 cruise requirement is pretty stiff for any real kind of benefit.
For More Info: Go to Carnival's Web site and click on "Past Guest" under the "Fun for Everyone" heading or call 888-CCL-GUEST.
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, British Isles, Baltic)
The Program: Captain's Club, a three-tiered system
Perks: "Classic" members (those who have earned one to four credits for cruising with Celebrity) get perks including access to the loyalty desk and loyalty host, a premium onboard discount booklet, a one-category upgrade (when available), pre-sailing dining reservations at alternative eateries on applicable vessels, and little freebies like wine tasting and golf clinics. "Select" cruisers (five to nine credits) receive all of the above as well as a complimentary wine seminar, priority status to shore excursion waitlist, an invitation to the senior officers' cocktail party, 25 percent off any Internet package, complimentary pressing of two clothing items, and discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.
Added perks for "Elite" members (10 or more credits) include a private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast, priority tender service, priority waitlist for dining room seating, elegant tea service, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool use on Celebrity Mercury, complimentary access to the Persian Garden (port days only), access to the new Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club (certain hours of the day), 90 free Internet minutes, one free item of dry cleaning, a complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry and fold) and additional discounted laundry on cruises of 12 nights or more.
All members get the traditional invite to the Captain's Cocktail party, newsletter and chance to cruise on reunion voyages.
Incentive to Belong: As Celebrity's ships get larger, preferential boarding and disembarkation is a nice benefit. Also, because the tier system is based on credits -- not just the number of cruises taken -- there are ways to move up the ranks faster. For example, you'll earn an extra credit for booking a Concierge-level stateroom or higher, or for sailing for 12 nights or more, for a possible total of three credits for one voyage.
Members-Only Deals: Captain's Club members are offered several special discounted sailings per year, some of which can be a good deal compared to retail rates, especially if it also includes an onboard credit or discount certificate. Compare prices to verify the savings.
For More Info: Visit the Captain's Club section on Celebrity's Web site or call 800-437-3111.
Crystal Cruises
Fleet: Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles), Trans-Atlantic, South America, Asia, World Cruises
The Program: Crystal Society, multi-tiered
Perks: "Passport," a quarterly magazine; onboard cocktail reception; priority on waitlists and on special reservation voyages; Crystal Society travel bag and lapel pin
Reason to Belong: Incredibly generous onboard incentives that increase as passengers pass designated milestones. For instance? You begin with free onboard credit (after 5 cruises), progress to a free upgrade (after 10 cruises), progress to $300 shipboard credit (after 55 cruises), and then receive a free weeklong cruise (after 30 cruises). The ultimate prize for the 100 cruise mark: A free cruise up to 12 days long in the Crystal penthouse, with a private dinner in the Vintage Room. Crystal's Society Sailings (there are usually two each year) offer special programming, onboard parties and events.
Members-Only Deals: All Crystal Society members are eligible for the Crystal Society savings, available on every cruise.
For More Info: On Crystal's Web site click on "Crystal Society" or call 310-785-9300.
Cunard Line
Fleet: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Where They Go: Transatlantic Crossings, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe(Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles and Norwegian fjords)and World Cruises
The Program: Cunard World Club, four-tiered program
Perks: Cunard has two ways of measuring how quickly guests move through the membership tiers -- either the number of voyages completed or the number of nights spent on board, depending on which measurement works out best. All guests receive Cunard World Club newsletters, onboard Cunard World Club representatives to help with membership questions, special offers and an exclusive World Club section on-line. Silver guests (one sailing) can save 5 percent on early booking fares, Gold guests (two voyages or 20 nights) receive all the perks of silver guests plus up to two hours of complimentary Internet time, an invite to the onboard World Club party, preferential reservations at Todd English and a gold Cunarder pin. Platinum guests (seven voyages or 70 nights on board) receive all the Gold benefits and a platinum Cunarder pin, 20 percent of dry cleaning and laundry services, priority check-in and embarkation in New York and Southampton, an additional two hours Internet time and an invitation to a Senior Officer's party. Diamond guests (15 voyages or 150 nights on board) receive all Platinum benefits in addition to a diamond Cunarder pin, an additional 4 hours of complimentary Internet time, a complimentary lunch in Todd English, a dedicated Diamond Member contact at the Shoreside World Club Desk, priority luggage delivery and priority reservations with the Voyage Sales Specialists.
Incentive to Belong: Special rates offered to World Club guests on select sailings, which may include upgrades and/or onboard credits.
Members-Only Deals: Check the specials to see if they are better than the rates you can get on your own.
Drawbacks: Check the specials (particularly early booking fares) to see if they are better than the rates you can get on your own.
For More Info: Visit Cunard's Web site; past guests can contact the Cunard World Club Desk at 800-3-CUNARD or 0845 071 0305 in the U.K.
Disney Cruise Line
The Fleet: Disney Wonder, Disney Magic
Where They Go: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Bahamas
The Program: Castaway Club
Perks: Once you have sailed you are automatically a member. Perks include select special booking offers at a minimal discount, a special reservation line, in-room amenities and an onboard reception.
Incentive to Belong: The pins given to past guests are great collector's items.
Members-Only Deals: Disney ships sail full all the time; very few dates are offered at a discount.
Drawbacks: Except for the pins and beach towels offered as past-guest perks (and the onboard party) this program offers very little.
For More Information: Visit Disney Cruise Line's Web site or call 800-951-3532.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
The Fleet: Balmoral, Black Prince, Black Watch, Boudicca, Braemar
Where They Go: Amazon, Canary Islands & Wesy Africa, Caribbean, Iberia, Iceland, Greenland, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, USA and Canada, World cruises
The Program: Oceans, multi-tiered
Perks: This is a three-tiered system and you will earn one cruise point for every night. Perks include discounts on onboard spending and shore tours booked prior to departure, advance notice of next season's cruises, an invite to the Oceans Cocktail Party and priority embarkation at Dover/Southampton. Top tier customers (Gold)enjoy a four percent discount when booking at least 8 months in advance of departure date, personalised luggage labels, a welcome gift, a dedicated check-in desk and complimentary shuttle bus pass.
Incentive to Belong: Fred Olsen wants you to tell your friends and family about the cruise line, so there is an "Introduce a Friend Reward Scheme."
Members-Only Deals: A two-four percent discount is offered to silver and gold members. However, be prepared to book in advance.
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian fjords), Trans-Atlantic, South America, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Australia/New Zealand, World Cruises
The Program: The Mariner Society, multi-tiered
Perks: Holland America's revised program will roll out fleetwide by mid-October 2009. Guests earn credits based on days sailed, with double points for suite guests and one bonus credit for every $300 you spend onboard (limit one credit per day). Star Mariners (at least one cruise) receive invites to special brunches, a collectible gift and a subscription to "Mariner" magazine. Two-Star Mariners (30+ credits) receive the above plus a free photo, 10 percent discount on logo clothing purchased onboard, 15 percent discounts on items purchased in HAL's online store and a lapel pin. Three-Star Mariners (75+ credits) also receive a 25 percent discount on specialty restaurant surcharges, wine packages, Explorations Café purchases and mini-bar purchases; spa treatment discounts; advance information on new itineraries; and a waiver of air deviation fees. And Four-Star Mariners (200+ credits) will also receive a 50 percent discount on specialty restaurant surcharges, wine packages, Explorations Café purchases and mini-bar purchases; complimentary wine tasting session; free laundry and pressing; priority disembarkation, tendering and check-in; early notification of shore excursion pre-booking; and a free subscription to "Travel + Leisure" or "Food & Wine" magazines.
Incentive to Belong: The discounts on onboard and online purchases will help reduce your onboard bill. For lowest-tier members, the Mariner rates on select cruises are appealing.
Members-Only Deals: All Mariner Society members receive special offers on select sailings (typically 5 to 20 percent off), but -- as always -- check the savings against the regular discount rates available. In addition, Star, Two-Star and Three-Star members receive a 50 percent discount on third and fourth passengers in a stateroom on select sailings, while Four-Star members get free third and fourth passengers on select cruises.
Drawbacks: Mariner Society Cruises (special sailings with extra amenities for members) typically take place during less popular travel times (Alaska in May, Caribbean in November).
For More Info: Visit Holland America's Web site or call 800-547-9139.
Where They Go: Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Panama Canal
The Program: Launched in 2007, the program is multi-tiered. Levels are classic, silver and gold, and they're based on a points system tied to how many nights passengers have spent onboard. Classic runs from 1 to 21 points; 22 is the minimum for silver, and 43 points are required for gold status.
Perks: With a 2009 overhaul of its program, MSC now offers quite nice perks to past guests. All MSC Club members receive access to an exclusive check-in area, an invitation to a past passenger cocktail reception, complimentary laundry service, a casino chip worth 10 dollars or euros, and fresh fruit in their cabins. They also get discounts on spa treatments (5 – 15 percent off), MSC logo items (15 percent off) and Internet service (10 – 30 percent off). Additionally, silver and gold level travelers receive a recognition pin, complimentary dinner at an alternative restaurant, a free pass to the onboard thermal suite and discounts on shore excursions (5 percent off for silver, 8 percent for gold).
Incentive to Belong: Members get discounts on early booking rates -- 5 percent for classic, eight percent for silver and 10 percent for gold; the caveat is that these discounts cannot be applied to July, August and holiday sailings.
Members-Only Deals: Just the aforementioned discounts.
The Fleet: Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Sea, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Pride of America.
Where They Go: Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, South America, Alaska, Canada/New England, Trans-Atlantic, Europe
The Program: Latitudes: a four-tiered program -- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Perks: All members receive special offers on upcoming cruises; priority boarding; a complimentary subscription to Latitudes, the program's quarterly publication; Latitudes' onboard customer service representative; and invites to a members-only cocktail reception. Silver members and above also receive an invitation to an exclusive onboard gathering and onboard discounts (in the spa, gift shop and more). Gold members and above receive priority disembarkation, restaurant reservations and tender tickets. Platinum members receive complimentary dinner in LeBistro; free laundry service; and a behind-the-scenes ship tour.
Incentive to Belong: The more times you sail with NCL, the more free stuff you get to make your cruise a true VIP experience. Not to mention those discounts on future sailings.
Members-Only Deals: All members -- regardless of their status -- will receive discounts on all future NCL sailings.
Where They Go: Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Western Europe), Asia, Australia, South America, Caribbean, Panama Canal and Transatlantic
The Program: Oceania Club, multi-tiered
Perks: Once you've taken your first cruise, you are automatically enrolled.
All Oceania Club members receive information on upcoming cruises and special offers. Benefits improve with each successive level, starting with a shipboard credit and membership pin during your fifth cruise, continuing with a free cruise (with restrictions) for your 20th cruise, and going all the way up to a free penthouse cruise (with restrictions) for your 100th cruise. Other perks include spa treatments, complimentary shore excursions and shipboard gratuities.
Incentive to Belong: The perks kick in fairly quickly and there are frequent and creative specials. Once you are a member you can access a members-only Web page which outlines all of the upcoming deals and special rates.
Members-Only Deals: Offers may include two-for-one cruise fares with free airfare, and exclusive discounts available on new bookings made within 45 days from the return of your last voyage.
For More Information: Visit Oceania's Web site or call 800-531-5619.
P&O Cruises
Fleet: Arcadia, Artemis, Aurora, Oceana, Ventura
Where They Go: World Voyages, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australasia, South Pacific, North and South America, Indian Ocean.
The Program: The Portunus Club, Muliti-tiered
Perks: You will automatically be enrolled in the programme following your first cruise with P&O.
There are three different tiers -- Ruby, Sapphire and Gold and you move up with the more nights you cruise (10 points per night). With "Ruby" membership you receive a five percent discount on any spend onboard and a dedicated loyalty manager onboard. "Sapphire" members receive additional benefits including a 7.5 percent discount on any spend onboard and an invite to the The Portunus Club Party. Finally if you are a "Gold" member ( earned more than 1501 points) you will get all of these extra benefits -- 10 percent discount on any spend onboard , a special Gold Tier event onboard, dedicated check-in and priority embarkation and a welcome gift.
Incentive to Belong: There are selected member cruises across the fleet so be sure to check the website for details. If you join The Portunus Club you can earn points with other cruise lines in the group too-- five points per night on Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Members-Only Deals: Discounts range from five to 10 percent depending on tier.
For More Info: Visit the Portunus Club section on P&O Cruises' Web site.
Princess Cruises
The Fleet: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess, Tahitian Princess
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian fjords), Trans-Atlantic, South Pacific, South America, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Australia/New Zealand, World Cruises
The Program: Captain's Circle, multi-tiered
Perks: Princess cruise travelers qualify for the three tiers based on either cruise credits or days cruised. All passengers receive one credit for each cruise taken, and receive extra credits for each cruise booked in a suite or as a solo traveler occupying a cabin alone. All members of the Captain's Circle may benefit from a $50 to $300 early booking discount. The genuine perks lie with folks who achieve Platinum (five cruise credits or 50 cruise days) or Elite (15 cruise credits or 150 cruise days) status. Princess offers credit towards the purchase of an internet package (for instance, a $75 credit on voyages of seven nights or less that's equivalent to 150 free minutes). Other Platinum-level options include expedited embarkation and an exclusive lounge for disembarkation, an exclusive Captain's Circle phone number, and a complimentary upgrade to the Princess Platinum Vacation Protection program from the regular vacation protection plan. Elite members get the above, plus free dry cleaning and laundry while onboard, priority tender embarkation, priority disembarkation, complimentary shoe shines, afternoon tea served in-cabin, daily canapes, a free wine-tasting event on request and complimentary mini-bar setup (refills are not included). Elite members also get the same bath amenities offered in suites and a 10 percent discount on boutique purchases.
Incentive to Belong: The Internet credit for Platinum and Elite guests is a big benefit, and for frequent cruisers, the Elite-level privileges offer a nice sense of exclusiveness and pampering. Priority boarding, in this era of mammoth super-ships, is also a nice touch.
Members-Only Deals: Special pricing on certain cruises, but check against the regular quoted price to see what kind of "deal" you are getting.
For More Information: Visit Princess' Captain's Circle Web page or call 800-PRINCESS (800-774-6237).
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Fleet: Paul Gauguin, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Voyager
Where They Go: Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic), Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, South Pacific, Australia/New Zealand, South America
The Program: Seven Seas Society, multi-tiered
Perks: "Inspirations," a quarterly magazine; special events surrounding related shore excursions; gifts such as logo wear and faux Faberge eggs
Incentive to Belong: Special sailings not available to the general public, such as the "shakedown cruises" offered aboard both Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager when they were new at no charge.
Members-Only Deals: Members get five percent off across the board; occasionally they're privy to another five percent for select sailings. Those discounts can be taken with other offers, which can substantially reduce the cost of a cruise.
For More Info: Call Regent at 800-477-7500; the Seven Seas Society manager can be reached at extension 378.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
The Fleet: Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Independance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Sovereign of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
Where They Go: Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Bahamas, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian fjords), Trans-Atlantic, South America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand
The Program: Crown & Anchor, multi-tiered
Perks: Quarterly magazine called "Crown & Anchor," captain's cocktail party, cruise fare discounts, "commemorative gifts," discount booklets and onboard events. Platinum members and up get priority check-in, online saving certificates and exclusive pre-cruise benefits. In addition to the Platinum perks, Diamond and Diamond Plus members get priority wait lists for sold-out excursions and spa appointments, and priority departure. Diamond-plus members also get access to a concierge lounge (with free nightly happy hours), a personalized amenity, behind-the-scenes tours, preferred seating in the dining room, special cruise planning benefits, and complimentary baggage tags and lapel pin.
Incentive to Belong: Special pricing on member sailings, but check to see if the benefits are really there. A look at the pricing on featured Crown & Anchor cruises indicated no price difference from the regular rate.
Members-Only Deals: Discount certificates worth $100 to $500 are distributed for select cruises.
For More Info: Click on the "Crown and Anchor" link on Royal Caribbean's Web site or call 800-526-9723.
Seabourn Cruise Line
The Fleet: Legend, Pride, Spirit
Where They Go: Europe (Baltic, Eastern and Western Mediterranean, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Black Sea), South America, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Asia, Canada/New England, Trans-Atlantic
The Program: Seabourn Club, multi-tiered
Perks: Seniority is based on days spent cruising on the line. Perks include "Seabourn Club Herald," a magazine published three times a year; a Captain's cocktail party; special Web pages just for members; and jeweled pins awarded on milestone number cruises (100 days to 2000 days).
Incentive to Belong: Members get a free cruise (up to two weeks long) after sailing 140 days; on January 10, 2010, that will change to a seven-night cruise after 140 days and a 14-night cruise after 250 days. Signature Value Sailings program gives members a 50 percent discount on select cruises and an additional 5 percent discount for onboard future bookings.
Members-Only Deals: Some of the past-guest cruise discounts were indeed offered at great savings compared to regular pricing; book early.
For More Info: Go to the Club Members section of Seabourn's Web site or call 800-929-9391.
Silversea Cruises
The Fleet: Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Wind, Prince Albert II
Where They Go: Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Black Sea), Canada/New England, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Africa, South America, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic, Far East/Indian Ocean
The Program: Venetian Society, multi-tiered
Perks: "Venetian Society News"; ship visitation privileges for friends and family (must be requested 30 days in advance); minimal (five percent) cruise savings (though this can be applied to other discounts) once past passenger has surpassed the 100 day-milestone (goes up to 10 percent for 250-plus); early embarkation and late debarkation (after 250 cruises); Tiffany sterling silver membership pins (given at various intervals between 100- and 500-day milestones) -- some are jeweled, some not; complimentary onboard laundry service for those at or beyond the 100-day milestone; and a members-only section on Silversea's Web site. Invite friends or family on certain sailings and receive double cruise credits and other bonuses, including a $250 onboard credit.
Incentive to Belong: You'll get a free seven-night cruise after you reach the 350-day milestone, a free 14-night cruise after you reach the 500-day milestone, and then another free seven-day trip for each additional 150 days. Members can also sign up for the Venetian Value Club and receive offers for exclusive savings on sailings departing within 30 days.
Members-Only Deals: You can combine your 5 or 10 percent Venetian Society discount with other discounts, often adding up to real savings.
Drawbacks: Silversea requires more days spent cruising to reach minimal program levels that offer the "real benefits" than other upper-end lines.
For More Info: Call 800-722-9955 or visit Silversea's Web site.
Voyages of Discovery
The Fleet: Discovery
Where They Go: Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, South America, South Pacific, Galapagos, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Cuba, Amazon, South Africa, Indian Ocean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa.
The Program: Discovery Club
Perks:This niche line has a number of benefits for past passengers including priority check in on cruises from Harwich, U.K. -- this includes the Discovery Club pack containing luggage tags and membership card, exclusive offers, dedicated reservations number and invites to special events.
Members-Only Deals: Members can take advantage of five percent discount on publicly available fares.
Where They Go: Caribbean, Bahamas, Central America, Panama Canal, Alaska, Mexico, Europe (Eastern and Western Mediterranean), Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Trans-Atlantic
The Program: Foremast Club, one-size-fits-all
Perks: Foremast Club newsletter issued three times annually.
Incentive to Belong: Alumni get a flat $250 off of early booking discount fares on select sailings.
Members-Only Deals: There is the occasional two-for-one past-passenger-only deal, and occasional early booking offers.
For More Info: Visit Windstar's Web site or call 800-258-7245.
--by Jana Jones, Cruise Critic contributor; updated by Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor
Cruise lines' past-passenger programs -- the equivalent of airlines' frequent flyer programs -- are in a state of upheaval. The idea -- which centers on rewarding loyal travelers with extra perks, such as onboard cocktail receptions and exclusive discounts -- originated some 160 years ago with 
All passengers are enrolled automatically in a line's past-passenger program upon taking their first cruises. After just one sailing, you become a member with access to perks like discounts, newsletters and invitations to past-guest receptions on your next cruise. 
Perks: This is a three-tiered system. "Classic" members (those who have sailed one to four cruises with Celebrity) get perks like pre-sailing dining reservations at alternative eateries, a complimentary custom air request, an invitation to the Captain's Cocktail party, coupons for onboard use, and extra credit for sailings of 12 nights or more or for cruises booked in a suite. "Select" cruisers (five to nine) receive all of those amenities, along with priority status for shore excursion waitlists, an invitation to the Senior Officer's Cocktail party, a chardonnay blending seminar, and the ability to join Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society at the Platinum level. "Elite" members (10 and up) get all the benefits of the other two levels, plus access to a private departure lounge with Continental breakfast, priority tender service, and the ability to join Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society at the Diamond level. 
The Fleet: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess, Sun Princess, Tahitian Princess
