Captain's Club Update From Azamara

[Host Andy]

Hi Everyone !

As Celebrity Cruises launched enhancements to Captain's Club this week, several Cruise Critic Members asked about Azamara's plans for Captain's Club. As this was an excellent question, I contacted Azamara, and asked for clarification regarding changes to Captain's Club.

I'm able to confirm the plan was for changes to begin with Celebrity, and that specific changes will be coming to Captain's Club at Azamara this year. Azamara wanted me to let you know that while they cannot disclose specific changes at this time, they are very much aware of the need to provide loyal Azamara guests with recognition and benefits reflective of the Azamara brand and experience.

I look forward to hearing further details from Azamara. Stay Tuned !

[bbqbears]

Andy,

Am I correct in assuming that previous Celebrity Cruise credits will not count toward Azamara?

Kathy

[uktog]

Thanks Andy for finding this out
I do hope they try some of the early testing at the end of August - I would be a very willing volunteer
A

[greeneg]

Andy,

Am I correct in assuming that previous Celebrity Cruise credits will not count toward Azamara?

Kathy

As of now, previous Celebrity Cruises and Celebrity status levels do count with Azamara. My understanding is that that may change sometime in the future, but I don't think anyone knows ( outside of Azamara ,that is) when that will happen or if/when/how people will be Grandfathered in or otherwise added.

Stay tuned......

[cruiseyguy]

Common sense says they will "grandfather" former Captain's Club members in order to have a "base" to work from but we'll all have to wait and see.

[Host Andy]

Andy,

Am I correct in assuming that previous Celebrity Cruise credits will not count toward Azamara?

Kathy

Hi Kathy !

I think its too premature to assume Celebrity credits wont be counted. As of now, they do count.

This is pure speculation on my part, but I have to believe that Azamara will not lose sight of the fact that many of their past passengers are Celebrity passengers. This should bode well towards Celebrity status being a part of the future program. Please take my opinion with a grain of salt.

[Dick in Falls Church]

When we were on our second Azamara cruise, there was a special party for former cruisers. It was really surprising to us how many repeaters there were.
I suspect that Celebrity/RCCL points will count for whatever they come up with--at least as far as grandfathering. But, in any case, we really enjoy it.

[bbqbears]

I hope they continue to count both. It seems they would be shooting themselves in the foot not to do so. I guess time will tell...

[Jancruz]

Do RCCL points count on Celebrity?
Jancruz1

[greeneg]

Good point, Jan. I personally suspect that initially there will be some sort of Grandfathering in a defined time window. After that I would not be surprised to see some sort of similar benefit change similar to that which is currently shared between RCCL and Celebrity.

Like Dick in Fallschurch, our May Quest sailing had a cocktail party for repeat Azamara Cruisers and I was also surprised at the number present.

[fPetrarca]

No but there is tier-level reciprocity at the "Elite" level.

[BurBunny]

No but there is tier-level reciprocity at the "Elite" level.

And also at the "Select". In other words, Platinums from RCCL enjoy "Select" benefits on Celebrity (and the reverse) and Diamonds on RCCL have "Elite" privileges on Celebrity.

[Jancruz]

And also at the "Select". In other words, Platinums from RCCL enjoy "Select" benefits on Celebrity (and the reverse) and Diamonds on RCCL have "Elite" privileges on Celebrity.

I would suspect Azamara will do the same as the other two ships..cant check for you just now the new team has only been in place a week and everyone is in lots of meetings..stay tuned and I will see if anyone even knows yet what the answer is..
Jancruz1

[Host Andy]

Do RCCL points count on Celebrity?
Jancruz1

And also at the "Select". In other words, Platinums from RCCL enjoy "Select" benefits on Celebrity (and the reverse) and Diamonds on RCCL have "Elite" privileges on Celebrity.

Hi Jan & Amber !

Since we already know that benefits are reciprocal on RCCL and Celebrity, and Celebrity and Azamara, wouldnt it make sense that a Diamond Member on RCCL would register to be Elite on Celebrity, and then be Elite on Azamara ? I'm pretty sure that's how it works right now.

As Jan said, if the questions being asked, pertains to "Future" reciprocal benefits, it's probably too early to find answers. I'm confident that Azamara, Celebrity and RCCL will take this into consideration, when Azamara's new program is announced.

[BurBunny]

Since we already know that benefits are reciprocal on RCCL and Celebrity, and Celebrity and Azamara, wouldnt it make sense that a Diamond Member on RCCL would register to be Elite on Celebrity, and then be Elite on Azamara ? I'm pretty sure that's how it works right now.

You're absolutely correct - a Diamond on RCCL or Elite on Celebrity is Elite on Azamara currently. I do think it would make sense to keep the reciprocal level attainment in place, regardless of how Azamara restructures the benefits in the future. Part of the attraction for having multiple cruise lines under the same corporate umbrella is the ability to move cruisers up the ladder of the lines: Start out with RCCL when younger or when you are bringing family; "move up" to Celebrity as tastes evolve or your family gets a bit older; finally "graduate" to Azamara when you have more time and itinerary becomes more important than onboard attractions. Reciprocal benefit levels removes one psychological barrier some have to changing lines. We do become addicted to our status perks, don't we?

[George'sGal]

I had questioned Azamara about the 'new' Captains Club yesterday, and their response was that the Celeb and AZ will continue to be linked to each other but that the RCCL would not be. Also, the "tiering" for points is being used by AZ as well as Celeb. They indicated that I would be receiving two points on my March sailing - one for the cruise and a second for cruising more than ten days. I believe there is also a third point given for booking a suite, which I will be doing, having sailed on Quest last year in the Sky Suite. On longer cruises, I find the addl $$ are worth it for the space both in the stateroom and on the veranda.

[Host Andy]

I had questioned Azamara about the 'new' Captains Club yesterday, and their response was that the Celeb and AZ will continue to be linked to each other but that the RCCL would not be. Also, the "tiering" for points is being used by AZ as well as Celeb. They indicated that I would be receiving two points on my March sailing - one for the cruise and a second for cruising more than ten days. I believe there is also a third point given for booking a suite, which I will be doing, having sailed on Quest last year in the Sky Suite. On longer cruises, I find the addl $$ are worth it for the space both in the stateroom and on the veranda.

Hi Clasendonna !

Yes that is correct, you would be recieving 3 credits as you are booked in a Suite.

By the way, regarding your comment about RCCL and Azamara not being linked to each other ? I asked this question to Management at Royal Caribbean last week, and was told no such decision had been made at this time. I'm not saying it can't happen, but I feel you may have been given wrong information, and it's too soon to assume this.

[bz]

Rec'd a message back from Azamara. We are 2nd tier on RCI (platinum), 1st on Celebrity (classic). We are considered 2nd tier on Azamara (select). I was so confused.

[LarryBbythesea]

I cruised Selebrity in 2001 and they awarded that cruise toward
our upcoming Azamara cruise.

[swigso]

Rec'd a message back from Azamara. We are 2nd tier on RCI (platinum), 1st on Celebrity (classic). We are considered 2nd tier on Azamara (select). I was so confused.

If you are select on Az you will be the same on Celebrity,at the moment Azamara cruises count towards your credits for both Azamara and Celebrity, as the programes are the same.
However cruising with these does not increase your RCCL credits.

[Jancruz]

With the new President, I think we will have to wait and see what the situation turns out to be..it could change completely!
Jancruz1

[sabu24]

Hey Steve
How are things going across the ocean?
Say hi to Pat
Still time to get onboard The Journey next Feb with us
Fran