All the Changes to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program

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Most cruise lines offer incentives for repeat customers with loyalty programs. These tiered programs offer cruisers more and more perks as they work their way up the ranks. Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program is the Latitudes Rewards Loyalty Program. On January 10, 2022, NCL updated these benefits. So, we highlight all the changes to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program in this post.

NCL indicates that the Latitudes Rewards program was refreshed to ensure the brand is always offering appealing and relevant benefits to their loyal guests.

All the Changes to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program

Perhaps the biggest change to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program is the points required to achieve each tier status. There are also two new tier statuses, Sapphire and Diamond.

As outlined below, it is now easier to achieve lower loyalty tiers like Silver, Gold, and Platinum in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes program.

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Additionally, Platinum Plus has essentially been replaced with two new categories, Sapphire and Diamond. This helps to distribute status between the previously very large Platinum Plus tier and the highest Ambassador tier.

The most loyal Ambassador level remains the same at 700+ points.

The previous point structure for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program was as follows:

  • Bronze 1-29
  • Silver 30-54
  • Gold 55-79
  • Platinum 80-174
  • Platinum Plus 175-699
  • Ambassador 700+

The new point structure for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program is as follows:

  • Bronze 1-19
  • Silver 20-44
  • Gold 45-74
  • Platinum 75-149
  • Sapphire 150-349
  • Diamond 350-699
  • Ambassador 700+

Members will either remain in their current tier or be automatically placed into a higher tier based on the point redistribution; they will not be put into a lower tier as a result of the program changes.

Key Differences in Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Latitudes Program

When comparing the previously offered perks for each tier status to the newly outlined perks, cruisers will notice a few key differences, like the addition of signature tier pins for all levels.

All the Changes to Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Program

Another key change in this loyalty program is that priority check-in has been removed at all levels. It is unclear if this is a temporary pause due to COVID restrictions or if it will be permanently eliminated.

Further, guests of all levels will no longer receive the bottle of sparkling wine. The free internet minutes are also no longer a perk. In lieu of free internet minutes, Platinum status and above will receive a discount on internet packages ranging from 15% to 25% based on tier.

Likewise, more loyal members will now receive a few additional perks as well. A new addition is the Wine Around the World tasting for Platinum and above members of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes program.

All the Changes to Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Program

These loyal guests can now also enjoy early pre-booking for entertainment, dining, and onboard activities. The Platinum, Sapphire, and Diamond tiers can get a head start on other cruisers at 125 days prior to sailing. Ambassadors can begin booking at 130 days prior to sailing.

Cruisers in the new Diamond tier status also receive some exclusive benefits in addition to those previously listed. These include an Exclusive Sail & Sustain Mixology Experience and a one time free cabin upgrade.

Of course, many of the other loyalty perks remain the same. Cruisers can still enjoy discounts in the duty free shops and spa, as well as discounts on photos and shore excursions. There is also still an exclusive onboard cocktail party for members.

As previous, Gold and above tiers still receive discounts on laundry and priority tender tickets, while Platinum and above can still enjoy complimentary specialty dinners.

How to Earn Points in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program

While the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes program has been enhanced, the way you earn points has not changed.

Cruisers receive loyalty points equal to every cruise night. For instance, a 7-day cruise will earn you 7 points. In addition, guests who book Suites or The Haven will earn double points, excluding mini-suites and club balcony suites.

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Further, NCL will occasionally have Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers which qualify for double points when booking.

Cruisers will receive these points after completing their cruise. Therefore, if a current sailing bumps you into the next level, you will not recognize the new benefits until your next sailing.

Comments

What do you think of all the changes to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Program? Are you happy with these enhancements? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on cruise line loyalty programs.

1 comment

  • Sebastien

    The pre-booking is not that much of a perk.

    Everybody on cruises of 7 days or more can pre-book 120 days in advance anyway
    If you booked a club balcony or higher you get 125 days of pre-booking.
    So if you are loyal and got to platinium you get also 125 days of pre-booking time, just like anyone else…
    And if you booked less then 5 months before sailing it all doesn’t matter, because everyone already had a chance of pre-booking…
    Lastly pre-booking is really not necesary at all, sometimes you have to wait 5 or 10 minutes to be seated, that’s all.