What can you tell me about the loyalty program on Holland America?

[birdie16]

Does Holland America have a loyalty program? If so, what can you tell me about it?

[Mary Ellen]

Mariner program. Quarterly magazine, Past Passenger Pricing (also applies to anyone who has previously sailed on a Carnival Corp ship), on board reception (or lunch), and pins at 25 & 50 days, medallions at 100, 300, 500, 700 and I 'think' one more level. That about sums it up. Not the best out there, but they also have one of the highest repeat passenger rates. I guess they don't need to offer much in the way of 'perks' to get us to return - again, and again, and again....

[birdie16]

Better never to offer "perks" than to offer and take them away. :-)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Don't count on getting the Mariner Magazine every quarter.

We haven't gotten one in over 2 years.

[GeriatricNurse]

Don't count on getting the Mariner Magazine every quarter.

 

We haven't gotten one in over 2 years.

 

 

We receive our magazine called "Mariner" at regular intervals; I believe quarterly!

As well, you may view it online at anytime on the "Mariner Society" page of the HAL website, so there is no need to wait, (to hopefully receive a hard copy in the mail)! The Winter edition is currently online to view.

[sail7seas]

HAL has the largest percentage of repeat guests in the industry.

They don't have to give us all sorts of freebies to get us to sail again. :)

On almost all cruises we've been on (Many ....), something like 70% and more of the guests are Mariners.

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

We receive our magazine called "Mariner" at regular intervals; I believe quarterly!

As well, you may view it online at anytime on the "Mariner Society" page of the HAL website, so there is no need to wait, (to hopefully receive a hard copy in the mail)! The Winter edition is currently online to view.

 

Viewing on line -- not an option -- my DH does not like using the computer -- if he uses it once a year -- it is a miracle. He prefers to sit in his easy chair and read.

[Jade13]

Mariner program. Quarterly magazine, Past Passenger Pricing (also applies to anyone who has previously sailed on a Carnival Corp ship), on board reception (or lunch), and pins at 25 & 50 days, medallions at 100, 300, 500, 700 and I 'think' one more level. That about sums it up. Not the best out there, but they also have one of the highest repeat passenger rates. I guess they don't need to offer much in the way of 'perks' to get us to return - again, and again, and again....

 

You forgot about the tiles.

[Dolphins]

I got more perks from NCL after only three cruises than I ever got from HAL after 100 days. I much prefer VIP treatment, priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service, concierge service, nightly treats to my cabin and complimentary dinners in the specialty restaurant to my Copper Medallion.

[DFD1]

It seems HAL has managed to garner the favor of more returning passengers than any other major cruise line without a significant 'free incentive" program.

 

The Mariner Program is a marketing program. It provides virtually no material incentives for passengers to return, in my opinion.

 

For HAL to have achieved the very high return passenger factor without such an incentive program speaks volumes about the quality of their cruise experience.

 

We, like so many others, return again and again and most of us probably never think about getting any free perks.

 

IMO

[jhannah]

For HAL to have achieved the very high return passenger factor without such an incentive program speaks volumes about the quality of their cruise experience.

And maintaining that cruise experience is more important to me than free internet minutes and the like. But loyalty is a two-way street. If HAL erodes what I've experienced and come to expect, thus becoming like any other cruise line, then I'll go to one of the other lines for the same experience PLUS the free internet minutes, etc.

[kryos]

I got more perks from NCL after only three cruises than I ever got from HAL after 100 days. I much prefer VIP treatment, priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service, concierge service, nightly treats to my cabin and complimentary dinners in the specialty restaurant to my Copper Medallion.

I personally prefer a cruise line I'm comfortable with and who meets my specific needs. HAL does that, and that's why I book repeat cruises on HAL ... I honestly could give a rat's you know what about past passenger "perks." Just give me a great cruise each time I board, and I'll be back again.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cruz chic]

You forgot about the tiles.

Yes...the tiles....and they are so awesome:D:rolleyes:.

[cruz chic]

I much prefer VIP treatment, priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service, concierge service, nightly treats to my cabin and complimentary dinners in the specialty restaurant to my Copper Medallion.

You and me both....ok duck now.....we are going to get hurt:D. Come to think of it I'd trade mine for a bottle of wine.

[alcpa1]

We just booked our first HAL cruise. The new TA who handled our booking was emphatic that our past cruises on Carnival and Princess would have absolutely no bearing on this cruise. My BIL booked with another agent who told him it did show merit and now I would like to have you experienced HAL cruisers help me clear this up.

Thank you.

[DFD1]

This is just an opinion, but I doubt your past cruises on Carnival or Princess will make any difference in the price you pay or in the natue of your HAL cruise.

 

Others may differ with me.....that's okay.

[Mary Ellen]

We just booked our first HAL cruise. The new TA who handled our booking was emphatic that our past cruises on Carnival and Princess would have absolutely no bearing on this cruise. My BIL booked with another agent who told him it did show merit and now I would like to have you experienced HAL cruisers help me clear this up.

IF there is a savings for past HAL passengers offered for your cruise, you are also eligible. If there isn't any special 'Mariner' pricing - you are out of luck, as are we.

[kryos]

I got more perks from NCL after only three cruises than I ever got from HAL after 100 days. I much prefer VIP treatment, priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service, concierge service, nightly treats to my cabin and complimentary dinners in the specialty restaurant to my Copper Medallion.

HAL doesn't even give that many "bennies" to their high level suite passengers, and that surprises me. When you look at some of the other lines, their suite passengers get so much more, and in the case of booking expensive accommodations, those are things I would expect.

 

From what I understand ... there is one line ... I think it is NCL ... that gives their garden villa suite passengers a dedicated pool area only accessbile to people in those accommodations, reserved loungers at the main pool, reserved seating in all of the show lounges, and a host of other goodies, such as ... in some cases ... a butler.

 

This one guy told me that people in those higher level suites are also in some respects "shielded" from the crowds throughout the rest of the ship. Their butler or concierge will get them reservations in the restaurants of their choice, on a priority basis. They also have very attentive bar service at their private pool, and pretty attentive service in other venues around the ship because supposedly the staff knows who is staying in those expensive suites and they have orders to give them extra attentive service.

 

Now I don't know any of this stuff first hand, but according to what I've been told, it sounds like NCL treats their suite passengers far better than HAL treats theirs. And, there is a big difference, at least to me, between suite bennies and Mariner bennies. Mariner bennies are something I get simply because I am returning for another cruise. I'm not paying anything additional for them. But with a suite ... if I plunk down those kind of bucks, I want to be treated like royalty, and maybe the line that gave me more of that would be the one who got my business.

 

Anyone else feel the same way?

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[sail7seas]

Kryos...... As a Suite guest on HAL ships for many years, please don't feel too badly. Speaking just for myself, I am very happy the way HAL takes care of us. ;)

 

If we weren't happy what we were getting for the higher fare we are paying, we'd be 'chatting' with someone about that. :)

 

 

[irishjim]

Don't count on getting the Mariner Magazine every quarter.

 

We haven't gotten one in over 2 years.

And I thought I was the only one.Still dont know why?Never had replys to my e-mails.Good old HAL:D

[debshomespun]

Special Mariner Pricing on HAL for repeat passengers can be some pretty great deals. HAL does have a fantastic product, and we have enjoyed both our HAL cruises. Hoping to be back on a HAL ship very soon.

[Jenbo57]

This is just an opinion, but I doubt your past cruises on Carnival or Princess will make any difference in the price you pay or in the natue of your HAL cruise.

 

Others may differ with me.....that's okay.

 

It does make a difference...as past Carnival guests we're paying less for the same Alaska cruise (and same category) on HAL than the two other couples traveling with us who've only sailed Royal Caribbean. World's Leading Cruise Lines (Costa, Carnival, HAL, Princess, Cunard, Seabourn) have what they call Vacation Interchange Privileges (VIP). Info available on their website. We're hoping this helps us when we cruise with Costa in Europe next year too.