Sarah BretzShould I build loyalty status by cruising with one line or not be loyal to any brand at all? If you love cruising but are just finding your footing in the world of vacations at sea, this is a question you might be asking yourself. And the truth is, the answers you receive will depend on who you ask. Some people are fiercely loyal to one line; they know the ins and outs of just about everything a guest can know about the line and its loyalty program. Others are free agents, choosing cruises not based on loyalty to one line, but on other factors like who’s sailing with them, itinerary, price, and onboard amenities.
To help you decide whether you’ll be someone who sticks to one line or not, we’re going over the pros and cons of cruise line loyalty. We’re also sharing fellow cruisers’ answers to the question: “What would make you try a new cruise line for the first time?”
Pros of cruise line loyalty
1. You’re moving up the loyalty program
The first (and most obvious) reason you might want to stay loyal to one line is that you’re moving up the line’s loyalty program (or are planning to). Some cruise line loyalty programs are better than others, and if you’re sailing with a brand that has a really good one, you have more of a reason to stay loyal. Once you reach those highest tiers, the perks can really add up, and it can make it hard to switch to another line and start at the bottom tier of their program.
Some of the best perks within different cruise lines’ loyalty programs can include free specialty dining, free drink vouchers, stateroom upgrades, discounts on things like internet and drink packages, free laundry service, access to exclusive lounges, and priority access to boarding/debarking, dining and spa reservations, and guest services. Some loyalty programs even include a free cruise once you reach the top tier!
The best cruise line loyalty programs include Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Princess’ Captain’s Circle, Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club, and Holland America’s Mariner Society.
With all of that being said, MSC Cruises might be a great line to try out if you have status with another line, as it does status matching. Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise brands (Royal, Celebrity, and Silversea) also offer reciprocal status with each other.
We’ve sailed and earned status across all of these, so we’ve put together a full guide to every major program. Here’s where to dig into the one you’re working toward:
2. You like the vibe of the line
If you’re really vibing with a specific cruise line and don’t have a desire or see a need to try another, you certainly don’t have to. Maybe you fit in perfectly with the usual passenger demographic and make new friends on every voyage. Maybe the live music scene in the evening is just your speed and you have a blast night after night. If you’re perfectly content with the atmosphere on the cruise line you sail most and aren’t enticed to look elsewhere, that alone can be reason enough to stick with your cruise line loyalty.
3. You’re familiar with the onboard venues
Everything from bars and lounges to restaurants, attractions, and amenities can vary greatly from line to line. Everything from the quality to the service to how things are set up and operate can become easy to get used to if you primarily sail with one cruise brand. You get to know things many other passengers might not, like which specialty venues are open for lunch, what attractions are free to enjoy vs. carry an extra charge, what drinks are included in the beverage package, and whether that posh-looking sundeck at the top of the ship is reserved for adults only.
You might also become attached to certain dining venues, drinks on the menu at your favorite bar, or a certain spa treatment or treatment space in the spa’s thermal suite. If you love the “feels like home” familiarity that comes with stepping onto a ship from your favorite cruise line, that can be a great reason for cruise line loyalty.
4. You feel comfortable with the quality of the ships and service
As touched on in the previous point, much of the homeyness you feel on your favorite line can probably be attributed to the upkeep and cleanliness of the ships, as well as the level of service that crew and staff members provide throughout your journey. If you’ve come to know the standards of a particular brand and are completely happy with them, you might feel a bit uneasy about trying an entirely new line for the first time. Will the ship feel clean and well-kept? Are the staff just as friendly and helpful? Will we like the food and drinks as much as we do on the other line?
While we don’t think these concerns should prevent you from trying a new brand, if you don’t feel the pull to try out different lines, they can be great reasons to stay. After all, you’re spending your hard-earned money and time on a cruise vacation. If you don’t want to risk an experience that might not live up to your expectations, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to your tried-and-true.
Cons of staying loyal to one cruise line
1. You want a larger variety of itineraries
While most major cruise lines (and many smaller ones) operate a large variety of itineraries in regions around the world, no cruise line can do it all. Some people just want a tropical cruise in the Caribbean. Others want to sail to lesser-known locales in Europe or Asia. But if you’re the kind of traveler who wants a wide range of cruise types and experiences, you probably won’t find every single voyage you’re looking for with one cruise brand.
There are so many types of lines to choose from: mainstream, premium, luxury, expedition, river, and beyond. If you’re looking for a traditional Alaska cruise experience, you’ll probably go with a mainstream or premium line. If you’re looking to sail to Antarctica, an expedition line would fit the bill. Maybe you’re hoping to visit some Christmas markets during the next winter holiday season. A river cruise is perfect for that. We’d encourage you not to box yourself into one line just for comfort or loyalty status’ sake. There’s a lot out there to see by way of the water, and each line has a strong point to suit what you’re looking for.
2. You enjoy different cruise line-specific amenities
While many experiences can be very similar across different lines (the pool deck, the main dining room, the main theater, the spa, etc.), you’ll find lots of amenities and attractions that are exclusive to just one or a few cruise brands. These can include things like roller coasters, rock climbing walls, zip lines, specific deck parties and production shows, and even particular bars and restaurants. If you see a different line come out with a ship that has new amenities you’ve never experienced before and want to try, go for it! You’ll have new experiences and maybe even find another cruise line to love.
3. You want to experience different atmospheres
Each cruise line has a different vibe. Above, we discussed how the atmosphere of your favorite cruise line might be enough to keep you sailing with that line. But what if you’re looking for more variety? Perhaps you’re used to sailing with Royal Caribbean because it has something for everyone in the family — including a variety of big thrill attractions for your kids and yourself alike.
But what if you’re planning a vacation sans kids and are looking for a more upscale and adult-focused atmosphere? You don’t have to sail with Royal Caribbean just because it’s what you’re used to. Consider booking into The Retreat on Celebrity (bonus: Celebrity does reciprocal status with Royal!) or taking a cruise with an entirely adults-only line like Viking. Or, if you’re used to taking small-ship destination-focused adventures with your family but want your kids to have an experience more focused on them, consider booking with Disney or MSC.
Most cruisers do have a preference in the atmosphere they most enjoy on board. But that doesn’t mean that you have to stick with that type of atmosphere — or line — every time. Mixing it up means having a larger variety of cruise experiences, which is certainly worth it in our book!
4. You want the best deal
For many people, price is one of the top factors when deciding on a cruise. And while you can often sail with one line and consistently get a good deal, pricing is dynamic and is based on a number of things including the itinerary, time of year, the size and age of the ship, and more. The point is, if getting a great deal is your number one top priority, finding that best deal will probably bring you to a few different cruise lines depending on when you’re sailing and what vacation experience you’re looking for at that given time. In this type of scenario, you might find that your loyalty lies with the highest (lowest?) bidder, so to speak, and not with one particular brand.
5. You like to surround yourself with different passenger demographics
If you’re used to sailing with passengers who are of similar age or share similar lifestyles as you, that’s great. It means you’ll probably have a lot in common with a lot of people, and can connect about your similar stages of life. However, variety is the spice of life, is it not? Don’t box yourself into your go-to line just because you’re used to it. Try a line that seems like it might have a whole different age demographic than you’re in. Set sail with Disney to experience the Disney magic even if you aren’t traveling with kids.
While it’s easy to connect with people who are like you, it can be just as easy — and perhaps more interesting — to meet people who have a whole different life than anyone else you know. Swap stories, learn from them, and enjoy a different pace on board. That new line might just become your new favorite!
Our Thoughts
We’ve cruised lots of cruise lines across lots of regions around the world, passenger demographics, and price points. While there are definite pros to sticking with one line — the main one being the loyalty program benefits — we recommend not limiting yourself. If you really want to build status, you can still primarily sail with one line while also trying out others from time to time.
But every cruise line has something different to offer, and no two cruise lines are the same. Different life stages and interests might bring you to lots of different types of cruises, from warm tropical vacations in the Caribbean all the way to river sailings in Asia or polar expeditions in Antarctica. Do your research trip-by-trip, picking the right cruise for you at that particular moment in time.
Cruisers Weigh In: What would make you try a new cruise line for the first time?
Earlier this summer, we asked our Facebook followers: “What would make you try a new cruise line for the first time?” With over 200 replies, we got quite a few answers — many of which were repeated by a number of people.
If you’re wondering whether to stay loyal to your favorite line or try something new, some of these popular answers might entice you to set sail on an adventure with a different brand.
“Adult only / no kids!!! And it worked!! Been cruising with Virgin Voyages ever since!” – Thomas
“A really great itinerary!” – Terry
“Being solo friendly without huge single supplements!” – Patti
“To see what others offer, sailed MSC World America last year and loved it. Sailed NCL Luna just this month and loved it as well. Variety is the spice of life! Have also sailed Carnival, Royal and Virgin. Love to try out the newest ships they all have to offer” – Don
“Fantastic itinerary, at an amazing price point.” – Nancy
“If my current cruise line took my benefits I’ve earned away.” – Marie
“Seeing the decline as far as food, service, entertainment, importance of loyalty to the company, etc.” – Jody
“Someone else paying” – Karen
“Better all-inclusive price on similar age/size ships as the line I normally sail.” – Dave
“Sailing the new ships. Only been on Royal & Virgin. Will try MSC World America next year and either Celebrity Xcel or NCL Aqua.” – Jennifer
Comments
What do you think about cruise line loyalty? Do you prefer to stick with one brand or test out a variety of ships and cruise lines? Drop us an anchor below to share your favorite cruise lines and loyalty program perks.
