Loyalty programs have long been an important part of cruising. In some ways, it's bragging rights and a bit of status. When you hit a higher level tier, you not only get some perks, but you often get little things that elevate you over "regular' passengers.
Perks like dedicated seating areas at shows and early boarding positions for tender ports can be a big benefit, and they also convey a little bit of status. Many loyalty program benefits, however, actually save people money.
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It varies by cruise line, but Royal Caribbean for example, gives internet discounts or one free day of internet access to Diamond-level Crown & Anchor members. Diamond Plus members get a bigger discount or two free days of internet while Pinnacle members get a free internet package for their entire cruise.
Some perks seem small, but when you need them they prove really valuable. Discounts on laundry services or free photos may not matter to every cruiser, but to the people who use them, they're a nice reward for staying loyal to a cruise line.
Perks that involve free drinks seem to be the most popular. That's because alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee, and milkshakes can add up quickly on a cruise. If passengers don't buy a beverage package, every free drink saves them money.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival makes a free drink change
Royal Caribbean, it should be noted, offers better beverage benefits to its higher-trier Crown & Anchor members. Diamon members get four drink vouchers for each night of their cruise which can be used on any beverage up to $14 (except for onboard Starbucks kiosks). Diamond Plus members get 5 each day, while Pinnacle members get 6.
Carnival does not offer anything nearly as valuable. Instead, it gives Gold members of its VIFP program (and higher) a single drink on cruises that are 5 nights or longer. The drink is "redeemable at any bar on the last evening of the cruise after 5 p.m.," according to Carnival.
The cruise line also offers Platinum and Diamond members (the top tiers) a free drink at the Sea Day Brunch. There are some catches there as well. "Redeemable in the dining room on the last day of the cruise; On ships where brunch is not available, a complimentary beverage will be offered at breakfast or lunch in Main Dining Room," Carnival posted on its website.
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Carnival has improved those two beverage perks, according to Brand Ambassador John Heald.
"We’re making our complimentary beverage perk for our Gold, Platinum, and Diamond VIFP members more flexible and easier to enjoy. Effective from July 20, Gold members will be able to redeem their appreciation drink on 5+ day cruises at any of our bars at any time (rather than after 5 p.m. on the last full day of the cruise)," he wrote. "And Platinum and Diamond members can also order their complimentary cocktail at any time and at any bar (rather than during the SeaDay brunch)."
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Carnival passengers like the changes
While Royal Caribbean loyalists are likely laughing at how small a perk this is, Carnival's passengers seem to appreciate the change.
"I’m very happy about this! Thank you! On my last few several cruises I started going to guest services and asking for a voucher to use in place of the sea day brunch drink because I like to use mine at the coffee shop as I am not a drinker," posted Keri Steinert.
Many other posters agree.
"Appreciate the Beards listening to feedback. I have had so many issues redeeming at Sea Day brunch over the last 2 years. A welcome, positive change," added Christin Hoopes Wade.
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"The Beards," is Heald's term for Carnival's executive leadership.
Some of the nearly 1,000 posters gave a practical reason they're happy about the change.
"Thank you! My husband and I never use the platinum perk because we don't usually go to Sea Day Brunch," shared Brandy Davis.
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