Happy Monday!
Let’s talk about Cruise Loyalty Programs. These programs would be the equivalent of frequent flyer or hotel reward programs where repeated business equals perks and bonuses.
Cruising is no different. Each cruise line has some kind of loyalty program that offers onboard perks and bonuses–everything from free drinks to free cruises.Today we will cover Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club.
Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program is a straightforward four tier system, and guests are automatically enrolled upon completion of their first cruise. Earning credits and upgrading your status is as simple as taking cruises–guests get credit for every cruise taken, no matter the length or which cabin you choose.
The four tiers of the Castaway Club are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl. The benefits of each are:
Silver Members (achieved after one sailing) receive:
- Early booking for new itineraries (1 day in advance)
- Early access to activity planning such as ticket-only character meet and greets (90 days in advance)
- Early access to online check-in (33 days in advance)
- Exclusive cruise terminal check-in
- Castaway Club Member exclusive phone number and communications
- Welcome back aboard gift
Gold Members (achieved after 5 sailings) receive all the above perks with some upgrades:
- Early booking is available 2 days in advance
- Early access to activity planning is available 105 days in advance
- Early access to online check-in is available 35 days in advance
- Plus, a private onboard reception on 8-night or longer voyages
- Exclusive member discounts
Platinum Members (achieved after 10 sailings) receive all the above perks with upgrades:
- Early booking is available 3 days in advance
- Early access to activity planning is available 120 days in advance
- Early access to online check-in is available 38 days in advance
- Complimentary dinner at Palo, Palo Steakhouse or Palo Trattoria
Pearl Members (achieved after 25 sailings) receive all the above perks with upgrades:
- Early booking is available 4 days in advance
- Early access to activity planning is available 123 days in advance
- Early access to online check-in is available 40 days in advance
- Complimentary unlimited digital photo package
- Pearl Members who have completed more than 50 sailings have the opportunity to have their family’s last name displayed at the cruise line’s private island, Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club loyalty program is one of the simplest in the industry, but it also seems to be one of the least rewarding. However, because of the magic of Disney, its fans tend to reserve tickets to character meet-and-greets and other onboard activities as well as the best staterooms on new ships or itineraries. The ability to make these reservations before they are available to the general public is a massive perk!