windstar cruises yacht club loyalty program

terms & conditions

YACHT CLUB PROGRAM

The following terms and conditions restate all Program terms and conditions effective October 5, 2020 and take effect for sailings starting January 1, 2021. Windstar Cruises reserves the right to modify or terminate the Program, or to change the terms and conditions of participation and the benefits of the Program, in whole or in part, at any time with or without notice. Membership may be terminated at Windstar’s sole discretion for anyone appearing to be utilizing the Program in a manner inconsistent with its terms, conditions or intent. To qualify as a member of the Program, you must have completed at least one eligible Windstar cruise before or after the effective date above.

The Program provides Yacht Club membership level benefits based on the number of Windstar Yacht Club member points earned by the member. All questions or disputes regarding eligibility for the Program or provision of benefits will be resolved by Windstar in its sole discretion. Windstar will not be liable for refunds, damages, or losses resulting from failure to deliver any of the Program benefits. Each Program member shall be responsible for advising Windstar of contact address changes; Windstar shall have no liability for misdirected mail or any consequences thereof. Other terms and conditions may apply. Please see the Windstar Yacht Club member section at Windstarcruises.com for full Program details and terms and conditions. Program void where prohibited by law.

YACHT CLUB MEMBER PROGRAM POINTS AND STATUS

This is a four-tier loyalty program. Guests are eligible for Yacht Club membership after completing one qualifying Windstar cruise. Subsequent membership levels are based on qualifying Yacht Club member points. Qualifying cruises do not include charters, certain reduced-fare cruises, and other cruises as may be designated by Windstar in its sole discretion.

The four tiers of Windstar’s Yacht Club membership are:

• One Star: Earned automatically after first cruise; this level is for those with 1 to 15 Yacht Club member points
• Two Star: 16 to 39 Yacht Club member points
• Three Star: 40 to 89 Yacht Club member points
• Four Star: 90+ Yacht Club member points

Benefits are awarded on a per person basis. Each guest receives one set of benefits for his/her entire cruise. Only individuals may be Yacht Club members; no corporations, trusts or other entities may be members.

Program level accrual is based on the number of eligible Yacht Club member points earned per individual since July 26, 1987. Points earned are non-transferable under any circumstances. One Yacht Club member point is earned for each eligible sailed night for the following suite and cabin categories: B, BX, A, AX, TX, S, S1, S2, BS, BS1, SP, SS1, SBS, SBS1. One and a half points will be given for every sailed night for the following premium suite categories: OS, STE, DS. Two points will be given for every sailed night for the following premium suite categories: OW, CS, BRS. Complimentary upgrades or special reduced pricing to premium suites are not eligible for additional point accrual. Additional Yacht Club Member Points for premium suites will only be awarded for sailings starting on January 1, 2021.

YACHT CLUB MEMBER PROGRAM BENEFITS

CRUISE DISCOUNTS 5% Alumni discount is valid only for Yacht Club members with one star or more. All Yacht Club members with one star or more also receive an additional 5% On Board Booking/Welcome Home discount on bookings made within 60 days after disembarkation of their most recent cruise. Certain restrictions apply. Offer is subject to availability, and does not apply to reduced rate bookings such as flash or industry rates. Yacht Club member discounts may not apply to certain promotional offers. Windstar Cruises reserves the right to exclude or limit combinability with the benefits or rewards of other marketing partnerships or promotional offers not specified herein. Consult your Windstar representative for promotional offer or discount combinability.

SHIPBOARD CREDITS Shipboard credits will be awarded based on individual Yacht Club member status for new bookings only starting on October 5, 2020. Offer does not apply to reduced rate bookings such as flash or industry rates. Yacht Club member shipboard credits may not apply to certain promotional offers. Windstar Cruises reserves the right to exclude or limit combinability with the benefits or rewards of other marketing partnerships or promotional offers not specified herein. Consult your Windstar representative for promotional offer or discount combinability.

ON BOARD BENEFITS Special Events and Receptions on Board: Once per cruise (once per segment on voyages that offer segments), a cocktail reception with officers will be hosted on board for Yacht Club members. Depending on loyalty level, guests will receive discounts ranging from 5% to 15% on select services. Wi-Fi and laundry discounts will only be applied to packages, not to individual purchases. Beverage discounts will only be applied to the Captains Exclusive Package and the Top Mast Package, not to individual purchases. Gift shop discounts valid on select Windstar branded merchandise only.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Bookings are non-transferable; no name changes can be made nor can this offer be applied retroactively. Cancellation fees may apply; please see website for details. Certain restrictions apply. Suggested onboard gratuities are extra. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional and published at www.windstarcruises.com. Fuel surcharges may be imposed or increased over time. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or modified at Windstar's discretion at any time. Information contained herein is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. All terms and conditions stated on the Windstar website apply. Cruises are provided subject to the terms and conditions of the Passage Contract. Ships' registry: Bahamas.

Windstar Cruises Yacht Club

Cruise Line Name: Windstar Cruises

Loyalty Program Name: Yacht Club

Information About the Program: Windstar Yacht Club members enjoy special benefits when you book, while you’re on board, and every time you share the Windstar experience with friends and family.

Entry Requirements: Enrollment is automatic after your first cruise.

Program Tiers/Benefits:

• 5% savings on most cruise fares
• 5% Welcome Home discount if booked within 60 days of disembarkation from a qualifying cruise
• Complimentary one-category standard stateroom or suite upgrade at onboard check-in
• Discount on upgrade from standard stateroom to suite at onboard check-in
• Private onboard member cocktail reception
• Invitation to dine with the Captain or Ship’s Officers
• Exclusive onboard gifts, discounts, and amenities
• $100 referral gift for you and each referred friend
•  Enjoy additional discounts at Windstar Partner Properties

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• Windstar Cruises

New Windstar Loyalty program

By r&rd , October 16, 2020 in Windstar Cruises

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I just received my letter explaining the new loyalty program. While I am in the top tier and get OBC, wifi and laundry, I wonder whether those in lower tiers feel that are getting anything.

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We have 175 days done or booked, no letter but they always take good care of us on board. We just got a crazy $$ upgrade for a Fall 2022 European sailing so no complaints. Why don’t you fill us in on the new alumni program

Summary of new Yacht Club benefits:

Level 1 (1-15 points)   - points are 1 per night

Save 5% on all itineraries

5% discount on laundry, & wifi and Windstar branded merchandise

Customized keycard

Level 2 (16-39 points)

Save 5% on all itineraries/additional 5% booked onboard

$50 OBC per person

5% off beverage package, shore excursions, laundry,  wifi and Windstar branded merchandise

Level 3 (40-89 points)

5% off beverage package

10 % discount on shore excursions, laundry, wifi and merchandice

keycard and dinner with Officer

Level 4 (90 + points)

Save 5% on itineraries/additional 5% booked onboard

$100 OBC pp

10% off beverage package

15% discount on shore excursions and merchandise

Complimentary laundry and wifi

keycard and dinner with an Officer or Captain

I did get my letter yesterday too!  I think the perks are really good and that the perks build nicely on each other as you move through the tiers.  Good job Windstar!

I agree LTCOP, I am very happy with the recognition. We are 212 days and right now I can not wait to get on WS again. I am biting at the bit and the day I get the vaccine I sign up. I am scheduled for January , 14 days Caribbean out if  PR but with the world and especially the US not sure WS will go or it  will  be comfortably safe. Happy Sailing, Be Safe, thanks WS good job. 

Well it something. We are already getting 5% as alumni. Is this 5% in addition to that?

Misty Morning

2 minutes ago, Barrycat said: Well it something. We are already getting 5% as alumni. Is this 5% in addition to that?

As Barrycat mentioned, I wonder if these fare discounts will be applicable on all fares.  Many times we have booked a cruise that was on sale and the alumni discount did not apply as they said the fares were low to start off with. I understand some people book a long time in advance and this discount may be applicable, but in our case, given we watch prices closely and tend to book only a few months in advance when there’s a sale, this discount has rarely applied.  Nice benefits at the 90+ Level 4 with free laundry and wifi.  Only 20 more nights to go to get that level.  Can’t wait to get back on a Windstar ship.

I don't think it is an additional 5% - just what we were getting before. It also says it applies to all itineraries but doesn't say whether it applies to all fares.  

I am grateful they finally adopted a program more consistent with other cruise lines. I am also grateful they awarded points for sailings before they took ownership. Going back 24 years we have 322 points.I think Windstar is doing a great job holding everything together in spite of difficult times for a fairly small company in comparison to the giants. We have three future cruises booked and hope that we get to be back on board soon.

Not to be a Grinch, and as I said, it’s something but if the 5% which we get every time, is not additional then it’s just a little something.

We always get upgrades and obc, usually more than this $100. We typically  do over 14 day cruises so  laundry is not a plus. Ditto with the officer dinners. The discount on the liquor package still doesn’t make the package worthwhile for us.

The discount on excursions, which may be the only off ship activities, and the free WiFi are a plus. And who knows, whatever is special about the keycard may be the thing that gets me excited about this program.

For some this may all be additional benefits and I’m glad that Windstar has taken the initiative.

It’s something for nothing. Thanks.  I was hoping for good free WiFi for everyone like Viking and Oceania.  WiFi has become essential.  The WiFi service needs an update.  I don’t buy it on Windstar. It’s unreliable and too expensive.  You can easily find WiFi in ports. We were delighted last year in a Portugal when we found that the whole country has free WiFi.  It was so useful. 

I agree that it is not much - which is why I posted originally.  It is better than nothing and I am glad there is at least some recognition of past cruises but I'm not sure discounts mean very much. The other thing that is missing from the past program are the complimentary cabin upgrades.

Upgrades were nice when available.  I hope that that didn't go away.   I am actually surprised and pleased that Windstar is offering its repeat guests some token of appreciation. It's been almost 2 years since I was first told about a loyalty program.  After all, we keep coming back.  On most WS cruises you meet lots of repeaters.  We've met people from previous cruises.  Looking forward to safer sailing times. 

23 hours ago, Strenz said: I agree LTCOP, I am very happy with the recognition. We are 212 days and right now I can not wait to get on WS again. I am biting at the bit and the day I get the vaccine I sign up. I am scheduled for January , 14 days Caribbean out if  PR but with the world and especially the US not sure WS will go or it  will  be comfortably safe. Happy Sailing, Be Safe, thanks WS good job. 

Strenz - We are scheduled for March out of Barbados.  Sure hope conditions are such that the cruise can happen.

I think it is great that Windstar is even offering anything during this uncertain time.  I appreciate their effort during a time when I am sure they are challenged financially.  Definitely encourages me to want to cruise with them again - something we were doing repeatedly without these perks anyway:-)  Glad they are still in business!

minidonuts85

Is the OBC applicable to bookings made prior to the start of the updated loyalty program? Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Looks like it applies to all future sailings. Additional points will be awarded for premium staterooms for" sailings on or after October 5, 2020" so I assume that is when the program officially starts - even though the ships aren't actually sailing yet.

new_cruiser

I'm still waiting for my letter. My husband's arrived last Thursday. He's level 3. I've taken a couple of cruises without him so, by my calculation, I should be level 4. I hope they go by the higher level in the stateroom. 

I'll appreciate free wifi. I generally am not willing to pay for it, but like having it.

On 10/16/2020 at 11:08 AM, Redtravel said:  The WiFi service needs an update.  I don’t buy it on Windstar. It’s unreliable and too expensive.  You can easily find WiFi in ports. 

I think they have improved the WiFi at least on the ships that have had a recent re-fit (which covers Wind Surf as well as the motor yachts, not sure about Wind Star and Wind Spirit). I bought it for the first and only time on the third segment of our Windsurf cruise last January. We'd originally booked a 14-day Star Collector and added on another 17 days last minute when the price dropped. The first 9 days of that had several sea days and I still had arrangements to finalize for some of the ports so I sprung for it. It worked well for me - none of the reliability issues that I'd heard others complain about in the past. 

Free laundry will be nice. We sometimes get it free because of taking Star Collector's, but sometimes we do shorter cruises and then we buy the laundry. 

10% off the beverage package does nothing for us. I'm a 0 to 2 drinks a day person so even a 10% off, it costs way more than we spend on alcohol. Plus, we like having the full wine selection and getting a bottle to have across a couple of nights.

We do take some shore excursions so 15% off that is welcome. We are scheduled for the Israel and Egypt cruise in the spring and are considering taking the overnight excursion in Egypt (assuming a cruise is even possible then). 

With no resume cruising date firm, not getting too excited about cruising.  As long as the pandemic continues, I hesitate to book any travel.  We have enjoyed WS excursions. The discount is nice.  However, we prefer hiring our own private guide and not be part of a group.  On some cruise lines, there is talk of not allowing guests to get off in ports unless they are on a ship excursion.  That might make me stop cruising.   For now, I plan to wait and not book until safe cruising or travel resumes. 

2LoveToTravel

Congratulations Windstar on following through with this program. We too are in the top tier, and even with the uncertainty about the resumption of cruising....it gives us hope. We appreciate their effort, even though like all cruise lines, they are financially challenged. Can't wait to be aboard again!  Looking for the rainbow!

On 10/19/2020 at 6:16 AM, minidonuts85 said: Is the OBC applicable to bookings made prior to the start of the updated loyalty program?

I called today and while the program is applicable to all booked cabins, you have to call to have the benefits applied to your booking. All future bookings will automatically add the benefits.

FYI - I called because on the new loyalty page there were 3 sailings listed as Yacht Club Member sailings with a 20% discount. As I had already had one booed I called and they applied the additional 15% to my booking. These sailings include: Star Breeze 5/22/21 Black Sea; Star Breeze 10/10/21 Sea of Cortez; and Wind Surf 2/22/22 Greater Antilles

No letter for us. We earlier filled out all the forms included reporting and providing documentation for  many itins they’d missed. So far nada. 

On 10/15/2020 at 10:58 PM, r&rd said: Summary of new Yacht Club benefits:   Level 1 (1-15 points)   - points are 1 per night Save 5% on all itineraries 5% discount on laundry, & wifi and Windstar branded merchandise Customized keycard   Level 2 (16-39 points) Save 5% on all itineraries/additional 5% booked onboard $50 OBC per person 5% off beverage package, shore excursions, laundry,  wifi and Windstar branded merchandise Customized keycard   Level 3 (40-89 points) Save 5% on all itineraries/additional 5% booked onboard $75 OBC pp 5% off beverage package 10 % discount on shore excursions, laundry, wifi and merchandice keycard and dinner with Officer   Level 4 (90 + points) Save 5% on itineraries/additional 5% booked onboard $100 OBC pp 10% off beverage package 15% discount on shore excursions and merchandise Complimentary laundry and wifi keycard and dinner with an Officer or Captain    

this is great info but how do you earn points. We’ve had dinner with the captain, sometimes twice!, for years. Will we be level 4 when they bother to let us know?

2 minutes ago, milepig said: this is great info but how do you earn points. We’ve had dinner with the captain, sometimes twice!, for years. Will we be level 4 when they bother to let us know?

You earn points based on number of nights on board. One point for regular cabins and 11/2 to 2 points per night for some , but few, premium cabins.

My husband got his letter, but I'm still waiting for mine.  We each filled out a form to cover the cruises they missed and his letter includes credit for the cruises he reported.

Windstar's FAQ on the loyalty program has answers to many questions including which categories count for getting 1.5 or 2 points per night:

https://www.windstarcruises.com/yacht-club/faqs/

Just checked online (still no notification) and we are indeed level 4. I wonder what that “customized keycard” will turn out to be. Seems like a no real value item, maybe it will be gold!    

The inclusion of the laundry and WiFi and the discount on the beverage package I need to recalculate. I think the recent beverage/laundry/WiFi package at the discount rate that I just bought is still a better deal?  

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Windstar Cruises

At a glance

If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar is the answer. Most of its vessels carry just 150 to 300 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate. Romantic types will love Windstar’s three vessels with

sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demos with a Beard Award-winning chef.

Read more about Windstar Cruises

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Windstar Cruises Beverage Guide

This guide contains all of the beverage options available on Windstar Cruises, covering everything from the packages, bar menu, wine list and what’s available in the stateroom minibar. I’ve also included a couple of money saving tips, bottoms up!

Beverage Packages

Windstar signature cocktails, classic cocktails, modern with a twist, the perfect nightcaps, coffee cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, zero-proof spirits, white wines by the glass, windstar minibar price list, windstar cruises drinks faqs.

Windstar also offers two beverage packages which can be excellent value depending on how much you drink whilst on a cruise. They also have an ‘All-in’ package that makes the cruise become all-inclusive and is actually a really good deal as it includes gratuities and Wi-Fi. I highly recommend working out how many drinks you think you will have a day and then seeing if the package makes sense for you. As a lighter drinker I generally use buy drinks individually and find the onboard credit I receive from the Yacht Club loyalty scheme covers most of if not all of my drinks bill.

Top tip: if you are cruising to some EU countries like Italy and Spain Windstar are forced to apply VAT to any beverage packages or drinks purchased if you don’t have a package. The VAT rate is 22% but this can be avoided by purchasing your package at the time of booking or on the Windstar website before the sailing date.

Top tip: The All-in package is $89 per person per day if booked at least 7 days before the cruise starts but $99 per person per day if purchased onboard.

Prices accurate as of March 2024

Windstar Bar Menu with Prices

One of my small Windstar gripes is how limited the beer selection is. Sometimes the bar manager will stock a local beer, for example on our Indonesian cruise there was a wonderful local beer called Bintang but in my opinion the selection is too limited. I come from the UK where we have access to a lot of very interesting craft beers even in big chain establishments. I just wish Windstar would have a more expansive selection, like they do with wines. Also why do they only have one cider and why has it been shoved in with the beers? One cider isn’t good enough either.

Windstar Wine List with Prices

I am a big fan of how the minibar works on Windstar. All soft drinks and bottled water in the bar are complimentary and so are the alcoholic drinks if you are on a beverage package. Your cabin steward will adjust how the minibar is stocked to your preferences. If you don’t drink alcohol they will restock it with the soft drinks or bottled water of your choice. On my recent Mediterranean cruise my wife and I consumed many bottles of San Pellegrino, which were replenished twice a day by our wonderful steward Sunni.

You will also find two jugs of still water which are replenished twice a day, along with an ice bucket and tongs and a variety of quality glassware (not shown in picture) so you can make a cocktail in the room. Room service can also deliver drinks to the cabin , another nice touch.

Prices do not include gratuity, VAT in certain EU destinations and will not necessarily apply if you are on a beverage package.

Prices accurate as of March 2024 .

Is there a service charge on drinks?

Yes, if you are buying alcoholic drinks outside of a beverage package there is an 18% service charge.

Is there a minimum drinking age?

Yes, you have to be at least 21 year old to drink on any Windstar cruise regardless of itinerary.

Is the cabin mini bar complimentary?

Soft drinks and water from the mini bar are complimentary. Alcoholic beverages incur a charge unless you have purchased a beverage package.

When can I buy a beverage package on a Windstar cruise?

Packages can be purchased before the cruise or during the first two days of the cruise.

Do Windstar sell tobacco?

Yes Windstar sell Marlboro Red or Gold from the bars. The price is $8.00 plus service charge.

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

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Double Cruise Credits for Captain’s Circle Guests with Princess Cruises’ New Loyalty Accelerator Program

Program fast tracks loyalty tier advancement for guests sailing with princess plus/premier packages between august 1 and december 1, 2024.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 20, 2024) – Everyone loves to move up the ranks in travel loyalty programs for better rewards, and Princess Cruises today announced a new Captain’s Circle Loyalty Accelerator program that offers guests double the cruise credits with the purchase of the inclusive Princess Plus and Premier Packages.

Princess guests sailing with a Princess Plus or Premier Package on voyages embarking between August 1 and December 1, 2024 will receive double the cruise credits to fast track them closer to their next loyalty tier.

“Princess Premier and Princess Plus are the best way to experience Princess and offer the best value in the vacation business,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “The Loyalty Accelerator Program gives our most valued guests even more reasons to sail with our industry-leading bundles.”

The Captain’s Circle program features four levels:

• Gold: After the first cruise and includes early booking offers, members-only onboard event and access to the onboard Circle Host.
• Ruby: With three cruises or 30 cruise days, everything in Gold plus exclusive access to the Captain’s Circle help desk, and Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade.
• Platinum: With five cruises or 50 cruise days, everything in Ruby plus 50% off MedallionNet Packages, 10% off Lotus Spa treatments, and access to Platinum and Elite Lounge.
• Elite: With 15 cruises or 150 cruise days, everything in Platinum plus 10% off at the Shops of Princess, 10% off shore excursions, priority boarding for ship-to-shore tender service, stateroom mini-bar setup, Grapevine Wine Tasting event, complimentary canapes on formal nights, afternoon tea in stateroom, laundry and shoe polish services, and priority disembarkation.

Guests booking Princess Plus or Princess Premier add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, specialty dining, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

More details on this exclusive Loyalty Accelerator limited-time offer can be found here: https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-deals-promotions/double-the-love .

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. All 16 ships in the Princess fleet offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

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About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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• Russian River Cruises

Scenic Tsar

Former names: ms grin, ms alexander grin, ms aleksandr blok.

Cruise line Scenic Cruises (Russian River Cruises)

Scenic Tsar current position

Scenic Tsar current location is at Russia Inland (coordinates 56.82105 N / 37.33576 E) cruising at speed of 11.1 kn (21 km/h | 13 mph) en route to MSRV-SPB-MSRV. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

Specifications of Scenic Tsar

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Scenic Tsar - user reviews and comments

Photos of scenic tsar.

Scenic Tsar Wiki

• Cabin grades number: 8
• Total number of cabins: 56
• Restaurants: Crystal Restaurant
• Lounges & Bars: Panorama Lounge (live piano music), Neva Lounge and Bar
• Wellness Centre (Gym and Spa), shop
• The ship is comparatively smaller, with V-shape hull design, and not as high-end as the traditional, company-owned Scenic riverboats. Still, it offers an impressive 93% cabins with full-sized balconies.
• Scenic Tsar cruise deals are inclusive of Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours/excursions, ground transfers, hotel stays, gratuities, port taxes, all beverages consumed on the ship (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks). River cruise fares are also inclusive of alcohol - wine and beer at lunch/dinner, but also of cocktails and liquor offered at the boat's bars.
• Officially named "MS Alexander Grin" (or simply MS Grin), Scenic Tsar received USD 8,2 million stern-to-bow drydock refurbishment and refit. The vessel was relaunched in Russia in June 2012. It's not a new river ship, but the refit was so extensive, that Alexander Grin was registered as a new vessel.
• Be sure to join the Scenic Cruises loyalty program named "Scenic Club". The Scenic Club membership is free and offers numerous benefits, including exclusive deals, booking discount vouchers, members-only river cruise and tour itineraries, complimentary hotel packages and limousine services, unlimited laundry, Scenic-logoed merchandise, gift cards, special (exclusive) onboard events and competitions.
• Note: Depending on departure dates, itineraries and special offers/promotions, sometimes, Scenic river cruise prices may include the airfare.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our  River Cruises  hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there. For other Russia-based ships, you can visit our dedicated to  Russian River Cruises  hub.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program.

Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers its top-tier members, nor does it grant priority access to onboard shows.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, the MSC Cruises loyalty program offers several valuable perks at higher levels, including a complimentary meal in an extra-charge specialty restaurant once per cruise and priority access to tenders in ports.

The MSC Voyagers Club program also allows you to status match your way into one of its top tiers — something that no other major cruise line loyalty program offers.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for MSC Voyagers Club is a bit convoluted, as the number of points you earn on any given cruise depends on various factors.

For starters, you earn points based on the length of the cruise you take and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. As regular MSC Cruises customers know, the line offers four onboard experiences, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic — and least expensive — experience available. MSC Yacht Club is the top experience available. Experiences called Fantastica and Aurea are in between.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, each passenger in the cabin will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 400
• MSC Yacht Club: 800

For sailings of five to nine nights, every guest will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 700
• Aurea: 1,000
• MSC Yacht Club: 1,500

For sailings of nine or more nights, they'll earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 1,000
• Aurea: 1,500
• MSC Yacht Club: 2,000

In addition to the above, you can also earn points for extras when spending money on MSC Cruises ships or when booking in advance of sailing. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 you spend on prepaid and onboard expenses.

One caveat: Only the MSC Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for onboard expenses will receive those points. For expenses for prepaid services that apply to all cabin occupants (and not single occupants), points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

For example, say the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The final way to earn points is by updating your contact details up to 72 hours before departure on your next cruise. This will earn you 100 points.

All points, including for the cruise, onboard spending and updating your profile, will pop up in your account about 10 days after the cruise is completed.

MSC Voyagers Club tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:

• Classic : 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver : 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold : 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond : 10,000 or more points

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't provide many truly valuable rewards. By far, the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount members receive when booking future sailings. (This discount is not valid for MSC Grand Tours and when booking Tandem cabins, which are specially discounted cabins that parents can book for kids.) That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

Additionally, Classic members receive:

• An extra 5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings made six to nine months before departure
• An MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
• MSC Voyagers Club personalized luggage tags for embarkation in the e-ticket
• An MSC Voyagers Club card
• An invitation to a "welcome back" cocktail party
• A dedicated number to call on board
• Discounts on many packages and amenities, including onboard pictures, digital accessories, Wi-Fi and spa and fitness offerings
• An MSC Shops discount (for each $50 spent in any onboard shops, you will receive a $10 discount)

Note that the MSC Shops discount has a lot of fine print. The discount is not combinable with promotions available on board and is not available for spending on tobacco products and electronics. It's also only valid on the first day of a cruise. That final point prompts us to downgrade the value of this perk considerably.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, you get a couple of additional perks. The most notable to us is a $50 onboard credit per person, plus double MSC Voyagers Club points, for all bookings made more than 12 months before departure. (If you book nine to 12 months in advance, you get the $50 credit but not the double points.)

The Silver level also brings an unspecified milestone reward and all the perks of the lower-tier Classic level.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

You will be a member of the Classic level as soon as you take a single cruise, as it takes only 1 point to reach the Classic level. You also might be able to reach the Silver level in just one cruise if you take a long voyage of nine nights or more, pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience and do a modest amount of onboard spending.

Still, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need two or three cruises to reach the Silver level.

The elite level that makes a difference

Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest.

The Gold level comes with one solid perk: priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required. This can make a real difference in your cruising experience, as it means you can get off the ship much faster in some cases than the majority of other passengers. That will allow you to maximize your time in tender ports.

Additionally, Gold status brings all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• A complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
• A complimentary gift
• A complimentary photo taken during the "welcome back" cocktail party
• A complimentary birthday cake when it's your birthday

It could take you as few as two cruises to reach the Gold level if you sign up for longer sailings and pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience. Someone sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need four or five cruises to reach the Gold level.

The best elite perk with MSC Voyagers Club

Alas, there isn't a "wow" perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club menu. As noted above, unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't award top-tier members with truly high-value perks such as a free cruise. Still, MSC Voyagers Club's top Diamond status tier does come with a few enticing benefits.

Our favorite perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club program is the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant that comes with Diamond-level status. That said, be warned that the complimentary dinner comes with a lot of fine print (so much fine print, in fact, that to use it verges on the ridiculous).

The complimentary dinner, in theory, is for you and a cabinmate. However, among the fine-print caveats is that two Diamond members staying in the same cabin don't get two free dinners.

If you and your spouse are both Diamond members, and you dine together using the perk, MSC Cruises counts that as you both using your perk for that one meal. That said, if you had two other people staying with you in the same cabin, you and your spouse could each use your perk to take one of them out for the free dinner, resulting in two free dinners for your cabin.

Additionally, the complimentary dinner privilege at specialty restaurants might not be available on all ship classes. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at dinner. Also, drinks are not included with the complimentary dinner, nor are you allowed to bring outside drinks into the restaurant.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Should all that prove too confusing, MSC Voyagers Club Diamond status thankfully also offers two other solid perks:

• A priority line for boarding on embarkation day
• Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise

Diamond level also provides all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise
• A complimentary dance class
• An invitation to an exclusive Diamond Party
• Late cabin checkout on disembarkation day
• A chocolate gift

Someone sailing seven-night cruises at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need to take about eight to 10 trips to reach the Diamond level, depending on onboard spending.

In contrast to every other major cruise line loyalty program, MSC Cruises customers do not get "forever status" once they reach a certain tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. Once achieved, your status is only good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months.

If you don't take a cruise once every 36 months, you will see your points in the MSC Voyagers Club disappear and your entire account erased. You'll have to reenroll and start all over again.

This is a notable difference from other cruise line loyalty programs, as "forever status" is one of the great allures of such programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

MSC Voyagers Club status match

As noted above, the MSC Voyagers Club program allows you to status match your way to its top tiers — something other major cruise line loyalty programs don't offer.

If you show proof of a high loyalty program status level with a competing cruise line, a hotel company or even a booking site such as Expedia, you can catapult your way from no status to a top-tier status with MSC Cruises in a jiffy. A high status level at an airline, alas, won't get you a status match at MSC Cruises, with a handful of exceptions such as a high status level at Air China.

This MSC Cruises status match, to us, is a big deal. It's one thing that sets MSC Voyagers Club apart from other cruise line loyalty programs.

The status match process at MSC Cruises is simple. Go to the dedicated enrollment page for MSC Voyagers Club status matching at the MSC Cruises website. You'll find a short online form where you enter some personal details (including name, birth date and address) and details about your status level with another loyalty program. You'll then have to upload a picture of your membership card for that program (or, if you don't have a membership card, a screenshot of your online account page showing your name and status).

That's it. Within a few days, you'll get an email or text welcoming you into the MSC Voyagers Club program at a status tier that matches your status with the other brand.

The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club program . Your status in the loyalty programs run by such major hotel chains as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott also can be submitted for a match.

MSC Cruises doesn't offer a chart showing which tier of its loyalty program you will receive based on your tier at each of the other brands. Our staff members at TPG have had luck matching into the top Gold or Diamond tiers of the MSC Voyagers Club program from high levels of competing programs. One TPG editor received top Diamond tier status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to World of Hyatt Globalist status, for instance. Another staffer received Gold status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to the Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's program.

You can enter your status in only one program when seeking a match, so pick the program in which you have the highest status level.

Bottom line

MSC Cruises offers some decent perks in its four-tier loyalty program, including discounts and onboard credits when you book additional cruises. It also allows cruisers to status match their way to the top tiers of the program.

Still, the MSC Voyagers Club program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.