Which Cruise Line Program?
 

I am curious to see FTer's opinions on which cruise line loyalty program seems to have the best benefits?

Hmmm....that's an unusual question.

I would think that the priority in choosing a cruise line would be where they cruise to, type of ship, clientele, cost factor, maybe even registry nation of the ship before you'd choose it for the benefits. Since cruising is something most people do very infrequently (I'd think that cruising once a year is way more than most people average), I never thought to choose a cruise line for their repeat customer benefits.

I belong to 2 frequent cruisers clubs, and so I will tell you what I know about those benefits:

Celebrity Captains Club:

After one cruise:
*one category upgrade
*presail specialty restaurant reservations
*custom air request
*Captains Club party
*welcome amenity (usually a fanny pack or tote bag)
*spa gift with purchase
*casino coupons
*discounts on golf clinic and simulator
*complementary wine tasting
*reunion cruise
*newsletter with exclusive offers

After 5 cruises:
*all of the above
*priority embarkation
*private cruise event
*behind the scenes tours
*preferential debarkation

After 10 cruises:
*all of the above
*priority status for shore excursions
*prioirity tendering in port when needed
*private shipboard departure lounge and continental breakfast



Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society:

After one cruise:
*coupon booklet for on-board activities
*complimentary wine tasting
*welcome back party
*commemorative gift (fanny pack, tote, toiletry kit, etc.)
*cruise savings certificates
*dedicated website
*member magazine

After 5 cruises:
*all of the above
*private departure lounge
*onboard event (party)
*robes in room
*priority check in
*dedicated phone line for pre-cruise
*past cruiser discount on balconies and suites

After 10 cruises:
*all of the above
*priority wait list for spa and shore excursions
*priority departure
*concierge services
*priority specialty dining reservations

After 24 cruises:
*all of the above
*personalized amenity
*behind the scenes tours
*preferred dining seating
*Loyalty Specialist for cruise planning needs
*luggage tags and lapel pins

Additionally, I know that Royal Caribbean has a Concierge Lounge on board some of its largest ships for those staying in full suites.

I wouldn't base a decision on which line to cruise on that, I'd base it on which cruise line you like the most. I know we get some amenities as frequent sailers on Silversea, but don't believe they begin to approach those mentioned above! But the robes do come gratis no matter how many cruises ;)

Royal Caribbean's Diamond level is really good for three things: priority embarkation (no line at checkin), priority disembarkation (first off the ship), and their coupon book (free drinks!).

Radisson's program used to give 5% off on all sailings after the first one but they've recently changed it to a maximum of 10% off selected sailings (some aren't discounted at all).

The other thing Royal Caribbean's program is good at are discounts on cruises. On a 7 night cruise, a Platinum gets a $100 (per cabin) discount on balcony (or higher) cabins.

I'm new to cruising - we're doing our first one Nov. 19 on Royal Carib Jewel of the Seas. Am I correct in saying that, because RC and Celebrity are connected (owned by the same people) their frequent cruise programs are connected/interchangeable? I could have read it wrong - head is spinning with all this info I'm collecting lol!!!! TIA, Linda

They're connected - via matching benefits.

If you're a Platinum member of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Program, you get Captains Club Select benefits when you sail on Celebrity (and vice versa.) If you're a Diamond member, you get Elite benefits (and vice versa).

However, you have to earn status on one cruise line. You cannot earn Royal Caribbean sailing credits by sailing on Celebrity (and vice versa).