Although I am a points and status whore in mainstream travel programs, the cruise programs have never really interested me. Maybe that's solely because I largely cruise HAL, which offers diddly in terms of concrete benefits to repeat cruisers. But I can't see myself being swayed to pick one cruise line over another because of a silly benefit like a few hours of free internet or a complimentary photo. The actual cost of these items to a first-time cruiser is nominal, so they don't compel me in the least. Nor does one more cocktail party or even the streamlined check-in procedures, which again even the first-timer generally gets with a high enough cabin category.

I guess I can afford to spend enough on cruises that I'm like those travelers who choose the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons--I care more about customer service, overall treatement, and consistent excellence of the product than I do about earning points or status.