windstar cruises yacht club loyalty program

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Windstar Cruises introduces enriched loyalty program

Windstar Cruises is introducing a new point-and-tier system that provides recognition and rewards as customers continue to sail with the company.

The small-ship cruise line focuses on delivering a loyalty program based on feedback from their frequent guests. The program features larger discounts on select sailings, as well as a new system rewarding travellers in proportion to the points they earned. Passengers start earning rewards after the first voyage and progress from "One Star" to the "Four Star" tier of benefits.

The company's Yacht Club has always provided its members with special benefits and access including a 5% discount on all cruises and an additional 5% “welcome home” discount on sailings booked within 60 days of disembarkation from a qualifying voyage.

Members also get a US$100 shipboard credit referral gift for themselves and for each referred “first to brand” friend. Perks also include early notification on new itineraries and ports, advance notice on sales, private sales for Yacht Club Members, select Yacht Club Member voyages, and additional discounts at sisterbrands Xanterra Travel Collection (like a US$200 resort credit at The Lodge at Sea Island), as well as insider experiences with the officers onboard.

Yacht Club Members will now earn a point per sailing day (more points are earned for higher category suites), with benefits and discounts accumulating the more they sail. They'll also enjoy a 20% savings on select Yacht Club Member cruises (not combinable with other offers).

Rewards include onboard credits used for almost everything, from spa to shore trips; discounts onshore trips, laundry service, Wi-Fi, a selection of logo merchandise, two beverage packages; interactions with the Captain and officers.

Windstar is kicking off the program with a Yacht Club Member appreciation week and private sale for club members the week of October 26, including attractive pricing and double alumni savings on all Windstar cruises in 2021-2022. Club members can save on the Top 10 Cruises of Windstar plus have early access to brand new itineraries visiting the Black Sea, Israel, Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and cruises along the US West Coast.

The newly transformed Star Breeze ship is deployed in Tahiti between November 2021 and March 2022.

sister company offers

Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a group of global hospitality and travel companies, one of which traces its history back over a hundred years of operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. For conscious travelers and explorers who want to satisfy their longing for enrichment, Xanterra Travel Collection® provides intimate, immersive experiences around the world, with up close access and uncommon expertise for truly exclusive, unforgettable experiences. We are thrilled to offer our Yacht Club Members exclusive offers from our sister companies in the Xanterra Travel Collection®.

Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel

• Wild West Show before the train departs the Williams Depot
• Round trip train travel from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon with entertainment from strolling musicians and personalized service and insider knowledge from your Passenger Service Attendant
• Free time at the canyon to explore
• One or two nights in Williams at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel adjacent to the historic train depot

Holiday Vacations

Welcome to the world of Holiday Vacations, featuring unique and popular guided tours to more than 65 destinations worldwide. Those fascinating destinations include the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many exotic destinations including Galapagos Islands, Iceland, and African Safaris. Their guided tours offer guests more value for their dollar than anywhere else, with all airfare included, local departures, expert guides, deluxe hotels, included meals, and built‐in surprises along the way.   Special Offer : Save $100 off any Holiday Vacations tour featured on holidayvacations.com/destinations Visit holidayvacations.com/destinations to learn more or call 800-826-2266 and mention the code "PreferredXanterra" to book your special offer. Offer expires 12/31/24.

The Oasis at Death Valley

The Oasis at Death Valley is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California – just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This is one resort with two hotels – the historic, AAA Four Diamond, 88-room Inn at Death Valley, including 22 private luxury casitas, and the family-oriented, 224-room Ranch at Death Valley, including 80 new cozy cottages. The resort includes natural spring-fed pools, an 18-hole golf course, horse and carriage rides, world-renowned stargazing and is surrounded by Death Valley National Park’s main attractions The entire resort has recently completed a $200 million renovation, including the addition of 22 private luxury casitas and 80 new cottages. Special Offer: 15% off the best available rate at The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley. Offer expires 12/31/24. Not combinable with other offers. Subject to availability. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Visit OasisatDeathValley.com to learn more or call 800-236-7916 and mention booking code PGXAN to book your special offer.

Stay at The Lodge at Sea Island and receive a $200 resort credit per stay

Find your way south to Sea Island, a Forbes Five-Star resort on the Georgia coast. Sea Island is home to two of the top resorts in the Continental U.S. as ranked in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Beautiful backdrops and unique experiences, such as five miles of private beach, three stunning golf courses, a 65,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and nature walks in search of sea turtles, ensure a visit to Sea Island is memorable for every member of the family. Special offer for Windstar Yacht Club Members : $200 Resort Credit per stay when you stay at The Lodge or The Cloister at Sea Island. Visit SeaIsland.com to learn more or call 844-513-7267 to book your special offer. Based on availability. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Offer expires 12/31/24.

The Broadmoor

Enjoy 10% off standard rack rates and a complimentary room upgrade at the broadmoor.

The Broadmoor, located in Colorado Springs, CO, is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards. Since first opening in 1918, The Broadmoor offers guests a unique way to experience the beauty of the American West, and continues that tradition through their Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star day spa as well as at 20 restaurants and lounges (including the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Penrose Room), 36 holes of championship golf, six tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pools, distinctive retail shops, specialty tours, activities and programs for guests of all ages and interests. Special Offer:   As a preferred guest, enjoy 10% off standard rack rates and a complimentary room upgrade at The Broadmoor*. How to Book:   Visit Broadmoor.com to learn more or call 844-409-2733 and mention booking code PGAA to book your special offer. *Based on availability. Offer expires 12/31/24.

The Broadmoor Wilderness Experience

Explore the broadmoor wilderness experience for 10% off.

Beyond the buildings by the lake, beyond the luxury, elegance and superior service that is the foundation of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, a new pioneer spirit is emerging. Blending the rugged adventure of the Colorado mountains with all the best in service and amenities you’ve come to expect, The Broadmoor is proud to introduce the Broadmoor Wilderness Experience. Special Offer for Yacht Club Members: Enjoy 10% off standard rack rates and a complimentary room/cabin upgrade at your choice of The Broadmoor Wilderness Experience properties, including Cloud Camp, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, and The Fishing Camp. Visit Broadmoor.com to learn more or call 844-409-2733 and mention booking code WEAA to book your special offer. Based on availability. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer expires 12/31/24.

VBT Bicycling Vacations

Founded in 1971, VBT Bicycling Vacations offers over 50 deluxe, small-group guided bicycling and guided bike & boat tours as well as self-guided bicycling vacations throughout the world. Each trip includes all accommodations, some meals, unique facilitated cultural experiences, and biking support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes round-trip international airfare from over 30 U.S. cities and select Canadian cities for all international vacations. VBT has been rated among the “World’s Best Tour Operators” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for eight years. Special Offer for Yacht Club Members: First-time VBT guests save 5% on any VBT Bicycling Vacation.   How to Book: Please use the following code when you call to book: XFAM.  Small groups 14-30 for information and reservations call our Tour Consultants at 877-395-5294 or visit  http://www.vbt.com/  .  *Savings not combinable with other offers, credits, benefits, or discounts, except for Referral Credits.  Must be a first-time guest of VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers. Exceptions apply.  This offer expires on 12/31/2024.

Country Walkers

For over 40 years, Country Walkers has provided active, immersive and unforgettable travel experiences on five continents. They offer two distinct ways to explore: scheduled, small-group, Guided Walking Adventures, and independent Self-Guided Walking Adventures. On tour, guests enjoy superb local cuisine, first-class guides, fine accommodations, and authentic cultural and natural encounters. Special offer: First-time Country Walkers guests save 5% on any Guided or Self-Guided Adventure. How to Book: Call 800-234-6900 and mention the promo code XFAM to book now! Exceptions apply. * Savings not combinable with other offers, credits, benefits, or discounts, except for Referral Credits.  Must be first-time guests of Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations. This offer expires on 12/31/2024

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 Launches New Loyalty Program

• October 15, 2013

Windstar Cruises today announced a new enhanced guest loyalty program launching November 1, 2013.

Renamed Windstar Yacht Club (formerly Foremast Club), the new program better recognizes Windstar’s valued loyal guests. Yacht Club members will enjoy special benefits when they book, while they are on board, and every time they share the Windstar experience with friends and family. Yacht Club member benefits become effective on November 1, 2013.

“The satisfaction and loyalty of our guests is paramount to us,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar’s chief executive officer. “Our new Yacht Club program demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of guest satisfaction while rewarding our loyal guests with enhanced benefits. We are dedicated to creating the world’s best small ship cruise experience; rewarding our loyal Yacht Club members is an integral part of that experience.”

Windstar Yacht Club members will receive the following exclusive benefits:

•  Savings of 5% on standard cruise fares for most voyages, member discount may be combinable with other special offers (excluding FLASH fares);

•  Upgrades to the next highest cabin category at no cost, or an upgrade from a standard stateroom or suite to a premium suite starting at $500 per person (based on availability during onboard check-in);

•  Private member cocktail party;

•  Dining with the Captain or other ship Officers;

•  Commemorative Welcome Aboard gift;

•  Savings of 10% on any purchase made in the onboard gift shop;

•  Referral rewards.

The referral rewards give Yacht Club members an opportunity for additional perks when they refer a friend to Windstar Cruises. For every new friend a member refers, they will receive a $100 shipboard credit when final payment is received for their friend’s first sailing. Additionally, each new guest who is referred to Windstar by a member will receive $100 shipboard credit on their first voyage.

Windstar guests are automatically enrolled in Windstar Yacht Club upon completion of their first Windstar cruise. New members will receive a Windstar Yacht Club Welcome package, including Member ID card, shortly following their first cruise. Current Foremast members will be automatically enrolled in the new program starting November 1, and will also be receiving a Welcome package.

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Windstar Cruises Yacht Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises is a relatively small line, but it offers a big loyalty program that can bring you all sorts of great perks if you sail regularly with the brand.

Dubbed the Yacht Club, the four-tier program, which was massively upgraded in late 2020 , offers its higher-tier members such valuable perks as a $100-per-person onboard credit for every sailing, free laundry service on ships and free Wi-Fi. Higher-tier members also get significant discounts on cruises, beverage packages, shore excursions and more.

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The program was upgraded at the same time that the six-ship line expanded its capacity with a massive makeover and enlargement of three of its vessels. The $250-million Star Plus Initiative, as it was called, brought new suites, restaurants, pool decks and more to the line's three yacht-like motor vessels — Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride.

All three of the vessels also were lengthened by around 20%.

Ways to earn points

The Yacht Club point-earning system is relatively straightforward. In most cases, members earn 1 point for every day they sail on a Windstar vessel. The only exception is for passengers staying in top suites. Customers staying in Wind Class suites or Deluxe suites on Star Plus Class ships will get 1.5 points for every day they sail. Those staying in Owner's suites and Classic suites on Star Plus Class vessels will get 2 points for every day they sail, as will passengers staying in the Bridge Suite on the Wind Surf.

Program tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the Yacht Club program:

• One Star (1 to 15 points)
• Two Star (16 to 39 points)
• Three Star (40 to 89 points)
• Four Star (90 or more points)

Even at the lowest One Star level, the perks are fairly robust, at least as compared to loyalty programs of many of Windstar's small-ship cruise line competitors.

Yacht Club members at all four tiers get a 5% discount on fares when booking a cruise. That's a great perk, as it amounts to real money in your pocket. But it gets even better if you book a cruise while on board a Windstar ship or within 60 days of departing one. In such cases, Yacht Club members will get an additional 5% discount on fares — bringing the total savings to 10%.

Related: A beginner's guide to cruise line loyalty programs

In select cases, Yacht Club members will be rewarded for their loyalty with even bigger discounts. As part of the program, members can snag an even heftier 20% discount on select Yacht Club member sailings. One caveat: The 20% discount won't be combinable with other offers.

In addition, all Yacht Club members get:

• Advance notification of new deployments
• Advance notification of sales events
• Members-only private sales
• A $100 shipboard credit when referring a new customer to Windstar. The customer also will receive a $100 onboard credit.
• Exclusive members-only cocktail party with ship officers
• Exclusive onboard tote
• Additional discounts at sister Xanterra Travel Collection brands (more on that below)

Plus, starting at the One Star level, customers get a 5% discount on laundry service, Wi-Fi and Windstar merchandise whenever they sail with the line. Note that the Wi-Fi discount only applies to Wi-Fi purchased individually and not as part of the line's All-Inclusive Fares.

At the Two Star level, customers get all the above plus a 5% discount on shore excursions and beverage packages (again, the latter discount does not apply to the line's All-Inclusive Fares). They also get a $50 per person onboard credit for every cruise they take.

The elite level that makes a difference

We're impressed with all four levels of the Windstar Yacht Club loyalty program. Even at the lowest tier, it brings real savings for loyal passengers. And the shore excursion and beverage package discounts that come with the Two Star level are enticing in our eyes.

That said, we start to get really excited about the Three Star tier. It bumps the discounts for laundry service, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and Windstar merchandise to 10%. If you're the kind of cruiser who does a shore excursion in every port and regularly uses onboard services, such as laundry and Wi-Fi, this could save you $100 or more on a typical seven-night cruise.

The Three Star tier also comes with an onboard credit of $75 per person for every cruise you take. That's more real money in your pocket.

Best elite perk

It's a tough call on the best elite perk of the Windstar Cruises Yacht Club loyalty program. Unlike some frequent cruiser programs, there isn't one clear standout perk, such as the free cruise that Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society members get after reaching the top Pinnacle Club level.

At the top Four Star tier level of the Yacht Club program, passengers get free laundry service and free Wi-Fi on every sailing, which are both valuable perks. But the most generous perk may be the 15% discount on shore excursions that comes with Four Star status. That's assuming you are the type of cruiser who signs up for a lot of cruise line-organized shore excursions. If you spend $1,000 a week on excursions, that perk alone is worth $150 per seven-night cruise.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

At the Four Star level, members also get a 15% credit on Windstar merchandise and a 10% discount on beverage packages. The onboard credit increases to $100 per person for every cruise you take.

One thing we like about the Yacht Club program is that it doesn't take all that many cruises to reach the top Four Star level. For someone staying in a standard cabin, it would require the completion of 13 seven-night cruises. That's not all that hard to do in just four or five years, assuming you cruise two or three times a year. But, if you stay in suites, you could hit the Four Star level far more quickly. It would take just seven seven-night cruises.

You can hit the top Four Star level even more quickly if you sign up for Windstar's longer "Star Collector" voyages of 14 to 60 days. With the right mix of such sailings, you could reach Four Star status in just two or three sailings.

Related: Windstar will let you book a cabin in a crew area

Indeed, someone staying in a top suite on one of the longer Star Collector sailings, in theory, could hit the Four Star level after just a single cruise.

Note that, as is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Windstar customers do not have to re-qualify for status each year. Yacht Club members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. That means that someone who hits Four Star status will remain at that top tier level forever (or until Windstar makes a change to the program).

Such "forever status" is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to re-qualify for status each year.

Benefits at Xanterra Travel Collection brands

In addition to discounts and other perks at Windstar, Yacht Club loyalty program members are entitled to special perks at hotels, lodges and other travel vendors owned by Windstar's parent company, The Anschutz Corporation.

Based in Denver, The Anschutz Corporation owns such iconic hotels as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Sea Island Resort just off the Georgia coast. It also owns two hotel properties near national parks (The Grand Hotel near the Grand Canyon and Cedar Creek Lodge near Glacier National Park) and is the largest national and state park concessioner in the United States. Among the national parks where it is the concessionaire are Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

Other Anschutz travel holdings include the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel and tour companies VBT Bicycling Vacations, Country Walkers and Holiday Vacations.

Together, all of the hotels, lodges and travel companies are known as the Xanterra Travel Collection. The perks available to Yacht Club members at Xanterra Travel Collection entities vary but often take the form of credit. At the Sea Island Resort, for instance, members are entitled to a $200 resort credit.

Bottom line

It's unusual for a cruise line as small as Windstar to have such a great loyalty program. Massively upgraded in October 2020, Windstar's four-tier Yacht Club loyalty program brings a lot of great perks even at the lowest One Star tier level, including across-the-board discounts on cruise fares. At the highest Four Star level, it brings a significant amount of value.

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Welcome to My Windstar

My Windstar is the place to purchase and manage Shore Excursions for your upcoming cruise. Log in using your Windstar Yacht Club member ID and your password. Or use an existing booking (any booking number from your completed or currently booked cruise) and passenger last name.

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.

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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.