"Frequent Cruiser" Program?

[ekerr19]

I got this idea from RuffinReady’s post about cruise destinations. He brings up the topic of HAL awarding cruise miles in a similar fashion as airlines giving out Frequent Flyer miles.

I thought, “Boy, that would be awesome!” It would make the Mariner program something wouldn't it? I could do without the reception, the pins, the tags etc. (I do like the magazine, though) if they would just hand out frequent cruisers miles!

The miles could be added to a Mariner card the same way air miles are added to a FF card... used for free upgrades, free cruises etc. I'd even bust for a HAL branded credit card if I could get additional cruise miles for every dollar in purchases.

Is this asking too much from HAL?

What would your fantasy “Frequent Cruiser” program include?

[dakrewser]

Great idea, Laura. I'd give up my pins - even my tiles - for a decent program like this. THey could still count it as days, then give rewards based on the number of days - 20 days for a "free" meal in the Pinnacle, 100 days for free internet access, 50 days for free laundry, etc.

[jhannah]

I like it! I'd go with accumulated days, too. That would provide a fair base for the program (unlike the number of cruises.) They could assign a certain dollar value to each day and we'd have the option of accumulating days for free stuff as mentioned OR applying that dollar discount to a later cruise.

[obriendan]

It would be a great marketing tool. There are many, many things that they could offer as bonuses for "frequent cruiser miles" such as discounts on the wine package, perhaps a "free" excursion, etc.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Some of us talked about this last summer.

And boy do some of us that HAL had some a program for those of us who have cruised quite a bit on HAL whether it be by days, miles, or total number of cruises.

Some of us figured we should get at least 2 or 3 free cruises.

[sail7seas]

I love the idea....... but I'm not counting on anything like happening any time soon.


Gee.......I sure hope HAL Mariner's Program proves me wrong!!!

I don't care if they count number of days; number of miles; number of cruises.......Any of the above sound fabulous to me!!!

[RuthC]

What Mariner wouldn't like the idea! :confused:

It should be based on days---same as the medals---and they could be turned in for small things (like dinner in the Pinnacle) or saved up for a nice upgrade.
Or no single supplement!!!!! :D Now we're talking!!!

Do my current days count? :) Or do we all now start out even? :eek:

[louiskam]

RCCL has a similar FC program going on its Visa Card.

[sail7seas]

Do you know the details of how their program works, Louis?


Please share if you know.

[lgt]

Princess has something similar to what you all are talking about (not upgrades or free cruises). They offer (not sure how many days) free internet access, free laundry and some other stuff. Their suites also offer free internet access, free first time thru the mini bar (they ask you what you want in it) along with free laundry and the other stuff that HAL gives a suite.

[Bill S]

Amen! HAL could do a lot to reward loyal Mariners by giving "little" incentives which are mentioned above! Perhaps the current HAL mentality is driven by the fact that it attracts so many repeat cruisers now without giving any little rewards which would save regular cruisers a few extra dollars here and there. I think the ideas above are great-hopefully someone at HAL will read this thread and run it up the corporate flag pole.

[jhannah]

Regarding the Visa card, I've always wondered why HAL didn't have an affinity card (Visa or MasterCard) that gave you a point per dollar spent ... like the airlines give you a mile per dollar spent. The points could then be used in any of the ways people have mentioned.

[lipoppop]

Princess gives free internet after 6 cruises.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I totally agree that HAL needs to award frequent cruisers with things like Pinnacle, maybe buy one "get one free" Discount on internet/WiFi minutes,An additional discount in the shops like 25%. Maybe even free drink cards. Even Southwest Airlines gives you free drink tickets. I just got a free round trip ticket on SW and they sent me 12 free drink tickets:p

As far as the credit card goes I have sailed RCL and looked into their credit and it just did not seem worth it. I pay off my card/cards monthly and currently use only Southwest Rapid Rewards or United Mileage Plus. Other than some cheapy Southwest flights, I have not paid for a plane ticket in a very long time. Both my upcoming flights to FLL and Boston cost $7.50 per person with my miles and the Boston one ended up being First Class due to a big change that United made so they upgraded us. I know that so many have to consider the cost of flying when they cruise all I do is make sure I can fly there with miles.:)

I think I would rather keep the cards I now use for flying and just have HAL give me some other perks.

[louiskam]

I learned the RCCL's FC program through thread #5 at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=69360. Will check this out further.