Cruise lines use their loyalty programs to entice passengers to make repeat trips and not try other brands. It’s an effective strategy, but some companies are better at it than others.
Royal Caribbean has been very good at keeping its top-tier passengers “Loyal to Royal” by offering meaningful perks through its Crown and Anchor Society. The lower levels of the program offer some discounts and some other minor benefits, but the real benefits kick in when you hit the Diamond level.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line readies loyalty program changes
That’s not an easy feat to accomplish as earning Diamon requires 80 Crown and Anchor points. Guests get one point for every night at sea, two if they’re sailing solo or in a suite, and three if they’re cruising solo in a suite.
It takes most cruisers many years to reach Diamond, but when you do, some big benefits kick in. First, Diamond passengers get access to the Crown Lounge, a room on the ship that serves a continental breakfast, snack, and appetizers at 5 p.m. which also has a fancy coffee maker that operates 24/7.
Diamond members also get four drink vouchers for each day of their trip that can be used anywhere on the ship or on the cruise line’s private island. The perks increase when you hit Diamond Plus (175 points) and Pinnacle (700 points).
But, while Royal Caribbean (RCL) is widely believed to have the best loyalty perks, Carnival offers something that it does not.
Carnival does not offer loyalty program members free drinks.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival and Royal Caribbean have different loyalty benefits
Carnival’s program operates a little more simply than Royal Caribbean’s as points do not vary based on your room type or whether you are sailing solo.
“Earn VIFP points just lounging by the pool. Each day you cruise is another VIFP point earned, so whether you like long cruises or spontaneous getaways, every one is totally worth it,” the cruise line shares on its website. “Took a 5-day Caribbean cruise? That’s five VIFP Points. 7-day Alaska cruise? Seven VIFP Points. So simple!”
The best benefits kick in when you earn 75 points. That makes you a Platinum member which earns you a number of perks including free chocolates, priority spa reservations, and a custom pin on every sailing. Platinum members also get $25 in casino freeplay and priority boarding on embarkation day.
Platinum members, along with the top-tier Diamon members (200 points) also get a free gift on every sailing. That’s generally a piece of Carnival-branded merchandise.
That gift has just changed and the new offering will soon make its way around the fleet.
Carnival has a new VIFP gift
Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) brand ambassador John Heald recently shared the new VIFP gift on his Facebook page. He introduced it in a fairly deadpan style.
“So the new VIFP gift is on some ships and will be across the fleet in the coming weeks. It is a tote bag,” he shared.
The blue bag with red straps is emblazoned with the VIFP logo.
“I have to say my wife has one of these and there can be literally two things in the bloody thing and she still won’t be able to find either,” Heald added.
The gift reveal was received very positively by Heald’s followers.
“This is a VERY useful gift. I absolutely LOVE a bag sort of gift years ago…might have been from the casino or spa….but, I use it as my teaching bag every day (lasted through 7 years of traveling to different schools every day!),” shared Melinda Murphy Morris.
Some passengers have already received the new gift.
“We just got it on the Celebration and love it. It’s not big but just a perfect size to carry a few items. Thank You,” wrote Reuben Pena.
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The gift also appears to be inspiring some people to earn a higher status.
I wish I was diamond or platinum. I would love that bag!! If anyone doesn’t want theirs just let me know! Lol,” posted Tammy Lachney Monk.
