As a member of the Worlds Leading Cruise Lines alliance, guests are able to enjoy the benefits afforded to past guests by the other member lines. 

So what's the difference between all those cruise lines' programs then?

They're all a little different

On Carnival there's a Past Cruisers Party on sailings of 4 days or more and the elusive Carnival Capers Magazine. Recently they started adding some Past Cruisers Discounted cruises on which you get gifts as well as what I remember being pretty good cruise fares. The only catch was that it was just certain sailings. It was not presented as a thing they're going to do all the time but I'd imagine if it went well they would.

That's kinda the way they do things...test the waters and if it flys it comes back again.

I have heard, but I don't see it anywhere in writing, that some past guests have gotten priority disembarkation. Not sure about that.

I saw where Silversea (not a Carnival brand)has begun offering priority boarding, like getting on at 10:30 AM rather than 3:00 PM, the regular time. They also have begun letting people stay on the ship longer on the last day, like till 5:00, if they have a late flight or something. But they pay for either. I like that idea.

The other lines vary

Windstar has the Foremast Club which is really similar to the Carnival benefits exept that thier discounted cruises are a 2 for 1 deal while Carnivals are just discounted.

The Cunard World Club repeaters get gifts that get better the more they sail, a 10% off discount on top of any other deals they may have going for them, a Captains party (but they call it something more elegant which escapes me right now), a 5% discount for booking the next cruise while still on one, and the World magazine that comes out from time to time along with some special offers

Seabourne's Club gets half off selected cruises, a party and 5% off future cruises when booked on board.

Finally, NCL's Lattitudes Club, to me, is the best of the bunch. The benefits are substantial. So remember, if you have cruised on ANY of these lines and then go on one of the others, on the FIRST cruise you get in on the club as though you've sailed with them before. Ok that said, here's what NCL past cruisers get (from thier website, www.ncl.com):

Members-only savings and discounts.

-Specially designated Latitudes Member Cruises with exclusive members-only amenities and events onboard.

- Latitudes onboard liaison, the Port & Cruise Consultant, to answer your questions at sea. 

- Onboard booking discounts and credits - see your Port & Cruise Consultant.

- Special check-in at select ports.

- Complimentary subscription to Latitudes, a quarterly magazine.

- Members-only cocktail receptionhosted by the Captain. 

- Special discounts at the Internet Café. 

- A Latitudes membership card, your passport to future cruise savings and onboard recognition.

- Members of NCL's Latitudes Club are also entitled to Polo Club past-guest benefits when sailing on Orient Lines' Marco Polo or Crown Odyssey.


The best one I've seen though is Princess' Captains Circle. (see box- right)

Princess Enhances Membership Qualifications for Princess Captain's Circle Loyalty Program

For First Time, Passengers Can Qualify By Sailing Days or Total Cruises Completed

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 16, 2007) - The Princess Captain's Circle loyalty program has broken new ground, becoming the only such program from a major cruise line to qualify members either by the number of cruises completed or the total number of days sailed.  Previously only based on the number of cruises, the program's new qualification option will recognize passengers who choose to sail on longer voyages.

The Princess Captain's Circle program offers three membership levels - Gold, Platinum and Elite.  Passengers will now qualify for the Platinum level with five cruises or at least 50 days cruise days.  Elite members are those with 15 completed cruises or 150 cruise days.  Gold membership continues to apply for passengers who have sailed on at least one prior cruise.

"Many of our passengers prefer to sail on our longer exotic cruises," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.  "We listened to their feedback, and are now pleased to offer them a way to earn increased Circle benefits by virtue of the many days they cruise with us."

The Princess Captain's Circle has received acclaim for offering the richest benefits in the cruise industry.  Among the many perks available to the most loyal Princess passengers are a free mini-bar set up, free Internet access, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, upgraded stateroom amenities, priority embarkation and a new benefit -- priority disembarkation, which will enable Elite passengers to choose the time they prefer to leave the ship.  A full list of current Princess Captain's Circle benefits is attached.

For more information about the Princess Captain's Circle program, members can call 1-800-PRINCESS for additional information or assistance, or visit the Circle Center at www.princess.com.

Elite Member Benefits (16th+ cruise or 150+ cruise days):
Priority Disembarkation (new benefit)
Priority Tender Embarkation
Shoe Polishing Service
Complimentary Laundry Services
Complimentary Mini Bar Set Up
Deluxe Canapes Selection
Afternoon Tea in Stateroom
Upgraded Bathroom Amenities
10% Boutique Discount
Complimentary Wine Tasting
(Plus all Gold and Platinum member benefits)

Platinum Member Benefits (6th-15th cruise or 50-149 cruise days):
Complimentary Cruise Atlas
Free Upgrade to Travel Care Gold when Purchasing Standard Travel Care Travel Protection Plan
Platinum Check-In
Platinum Members Lounge for Disembarkation
Complimentary Internet Access in Internet Cafe
(Plus all Gold member benefits)

Gold Member Benefits (2nd-5th cruise):
Preferential Pricing Offers
Members-Only Onboard Events
Princess Passport
Collectible Destination Stamps
Circle Host
Member Benefits Card
Princess Captain's Circle Quarterly Magazine
Princess Captain's Circle Center Online