Cruise points towards status also don't expire. You don't actually get to redeem the points for more cruises. Your points dictate the loyalty status level and different loyalty brackets dictate what perks you get. So in some ways, it is just half of a loyalty plan which hotels and airlines use as there's the status component and the miles/points for future usage at low cost. On the upside, there's no re-qualifying for the same status next year. Once you reach a certain level, you're there.

Celebrity has a reciprocal status agreement with Royal and Azamara. Azamara also earns the same Celebrity points.

Low cruise status basically means you get a few discounts and potentially some different check in queues. I find the coupons for internet to be the most useful.

Mid level status usually offers more free/discounted internet and some laundry. Some also offer a free alcoholic drink (or 3) each evening which could save money compared to an alcoholic beverage package but likely won't if you are "particular about the quality of our wine and liquor".

You might want to take a look at the premium & luxury lines if your budget is flexible. Seabourne, Regent, Oceania, and Regent are all operating cruises in Alaska next year. http://www.avidcruiser.com/2016/07/2...cruise-season/ points out that some of these haven't been in Alaska for a while.

Celebrity & Amex are offering a $150 off $500 offer which can be stacked with a cruise travel agent's perks (usually on board credit, prepaid gratuities, or some do cash). Details are on cruisecritic Celebrity forum.