Holland America Revises Mariner Society Benefits

Holland America has been known in the past for a rather lackluster past passenger program, the Mariner Society. In an announcement today, they are revising the program, to be complete fleetwide by October 18. In looking at the program, I still don't feel it has the same level of benefits overall as some others out there, and until the top level most of the benefits are aimed at onboard spending discounts and are fairly small, but it's a huge improvement over the current offerings, especially at the three and four star levels. Interestingly for a premium brand, many of the benefits are aimed toward families, with discounts for third and fourth passengers.

The new program levels are as follows:

Star Mariner
Guests who complete their initial cruise with Holland America Line are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society’s first level, earning cruise days towards future cruises and an exclusive collectible gift. Among the features of Star Mariner status: special offers on select sailings, 50 percent discount for third and fourth guests on select sailings, hosted sailings with Holland America Line Ambassadors, a relaxing Welcome Back Embarkation Brunch on future cruises, a subscription to the Mariner Magazine and a Mariner Champagne Brunch on future cruises.

Two-Star Mariner
After 30 cruise day credits earned, Two-Star guests receive all the amenities of a Star Mariner plus shopping discounts, featuring 15 percent off merchandise purchased from ShopHollandAmerica.com and 10 percent off logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops. Two-Star Mariners also will receive a complimentary ship photo and be sent an exclusive annual cruise planner and special recognition pin.

Three–Star Mariner
With 75 cruise days earned, Three-Star guests automatically are given all Two-Star amenities plus generous new discounts including 10 percent off on select spa treatments; a 25 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; special advanced notice of new itineraries; and a waiver of air deviation fees.

Four-Star Mariner
At the top of the tiers, with 200 cruise days earned, Four-Star guests enjoy the benefits of all Star levels below and the bonus of free fare for third and fourth guests on select sailings; complimentary wine tasting and laundry/pressing; a 50 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; a 15 percent discount on logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops; priority tender service and check-in; priority shore excursion pre-booking; and a free subscription to Food and Wine magazine or Travel and Leisure magazine.