Royal
Caribbean
royal
caribbean.
com
EARNING BASICS
Accrue one point per
night in staterooms
and two per night in
suites. Just three
points qualifies for the
lowest status (Gold).
BEST BENEFIT
Reaching top-tier
Pinnacle Club status
with 700 points
makes you eligible
for a free seven-
night cruise.
60 TRAVEL+LEISURE | OCTOBER 2019
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Carnival
Cruise Line
carnival.com
EARNING BASICS
Your second cruise
bumps you up to the
second tier. After
that, one cruise night
equals one point
toward higher status.
BEST BENEFIT
Platinum status
(75‒199 points) gives
you priority at the spa
and main dining room,
plus complimentary
laundry service.
Celebrity
Cruises
celebrity
cruises.com
EARNING BASICS
You’ll get between
two and 18 points per
night toward loyalty
status, depending on
the type of cabin
booked.
BEST BENEFIT
Even if you’re at the
lowest of six tiers,
you’ll be eligible for
cabin upgrades and
early reservations at
specialty restaurants.
Disney
Cruise Line
disneycruise.
com
EARNING BASICS
This program has just
three tiers, reached
after one, five, and 10
sailings, making it
easier to gain status
with shorter trips.
BEST BENEFIT
After a single cruise,
you’ll achieve entry-
level Silver status,
letting you find out
about new sailings
before nonmembers.
Norwegian
Cruise Line
ncl.com
EARNING BASICS
Earn one point per
cruise night in
standard cabins
and two points in
Concierge staterooms,
suites, or the Haven.
BEST BENEFIT
Even entry-level
Bronze members get
priority check-in,
onboard discounts,
and a bottle of
sparkling wine.
OPTIMIZE YOUR
PLANNING
SAVVY TRAVEL ADVISORS will
tell you that booking early is
the way to go if you want to
secure the best itineraries,
accommodations, and value.
“For premium voyages,
such as Crystal’s world
cruise, early means at least
12 to 18 months out,” says
Ruth Turpin (ruth@cruises
etctravel.com; 817-732-6991).
“Many cruise lines gradually
increase the pricing as the
ship fills and the sail date
approaches.” It’s also vital if
you’re traveling with a group
or family and want large or
adjacent staterooms.
Booking during wave
season (January through
March), specifically for a
cruise six to 18 months out,
can also be a smart tactic.
“Some cruise lines will
offer special pricing and
added amenities,” explains
Mary Ann Ramsey (maryann@
betty maclean travel.com;
239-513-0333). “Category
upgrades can offer a
chance to enjoy a larger
accommodation and/or
amenities—say, discounts
on spa treatments.”
If you’re booking last-
minute, you’re not out of luck,
and if you’re open to sailing
anywhere, anytime, you
might score an even better
deal. Betsy Patton (bpatton@
dt.com; 239-260-4011)
recommends asking your
advisor about “soft”
destinations, where supply
exceeds demand. “We saw it
this year for Alaska and last
year with the Mediterranean,”
she notes.
The Art of
Booking at the
Right Time
Three of T+L’s A-Listers
on finding great deals, no
matter when you reserve.
Wrangle Those Rewards
Like airlines and hotels, cruise lines court repeat guests with discounts
and perks. Use these tips to focus your efforts. BY ERIC ROSEN
