Is There Much Benefit to Cruiseline Frequent Traveler Programs?

As most of you know, we're off on a cruise this year (to the Caribbean for those not up-to-speed). As part of our purchase, we were automatically signed up for the cruiseline's frequent traveler program.

But seeing this piece on Cruise Critic made me wonder if there is much benefit to such programs. Sure, sign-up is free so there's no reason not to join, but am I really going to get anything out of it? The post lists some decent benefits after you take several cruises with the same line, but I'm not sure I'll be taking more than five cruises in my lifetime (in fact, I don't know if I'll be taking even one more), much less with the same line.

I'm a newbie at cruising, so I thought I'd ask you old pros. Is there any benefit to being part of a cruiseline's frequent traveler program? Any tips or tactics to make the most of it for the infrequent traveler? Or do you need to rack up a significant amount of trips for it to be worthwhile? Or is it of no real use no matter how many trips you take?

Thoughts?

Comments

[Matt]

They are if you are a frequent cruiser. Sis in law and hubby go almost every year. They live in Houston and take the cruise out of Galvaston on the same cruise line.

They will even pitch you if you want to attend there seminar and give you a great deal just for you booking on the same cruise year after year.

I have been on three cruises and the last one told me enough for me.

The old saying" A boat is nothing more than a hole in the water where you pour money into" Same can be said about cruises

[Holly]

I am an OLD hand at cruising. Started w/my honeymoon in 1969 and did a couple w/kids when they were still in grade school. All these were on now defunct lines.

Since then I have been on Carnival, Celebrity and NCL so I am automatically signed up for their repeat programs. The single advantage (so far) to me is the repeat passenger party. I do not have enough trips/days w/any single line for additional perks.

However, DD2 has 4 cruises = 27 days w/a single line and still LOVES that line. I think she is about to get better perks. She did have to push her DH into his first cruise but now.....he was already asking her to plan the next before their 1/1 cruise.

[Kay Lynn @ Bucksome Boomer]

If you cruise often then the perks get very nice. I pick the cruise on itinerary and price first.