Been around these parts (i.e., dining rooms, lounges, cabins) before?

Many of you are probably aware that airlines have frequent flyer programs and hotels have frequent guest programs. These programs typically offer points/miles and other amenities to customers, with the amount of benefits increasing as your level of business with that company increases.

What some may not know is that many cruise lines offer mostly similar (and in one area, better) programs to their past passengers.

Past passenger programs are similar to other frequent traveler programs in that the benefits increase the more you sail with a particular cruise line. Benefits can include special parties, bon voyage gifts, discounts on future sailings and cabin upgrades.

These programs are better than other frequent traveler programs in that the status usually stays with you, rather than expiring at the end of the year. In other words, a cruise from a few years back will usually count toward your overall total.

One thing to remember when you cruise is that, while some cruise lines automatically tally your past cruises toward their benefit program, others require that you sign-up. We recommend you always sign-up (or ensure you're already signed-up) for any program which can lead to future cruise benefits. A great travel-related services company (that would be us, Makarma Travel) would ask if you're a past passenger of a particular cruise line, apply that status to your booking, and even sign you up for the program, if necessary.


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