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- After spending 150 days on Princess Cruises, I earned Elite status. These 4 perks have completely elevated my experience. (businessinsider.com)
Local Woman Spends 150 Days at Sea, Achieves Elite Status with Princess Cruises
[City, State] – For Tammy Barr, the open sea is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a way of life. After dedicating 150 days across three years to sailing with Princess Cruises, Barr has achieved the coveted “Elite” status in the cruise line’s Captain’s Circle loyalty program, unlocking a treasure trove of perks that she says significantly enhance her travel experience.
Barr, who previously worked on cruise ships for years, still finds immense joy in this form of travel. While she’s explored the world with various cruise lines, Princess stands out for its elegant vessels and captivating itineraries.
Like many major airlines, cruise lines offer loyalty programs, allowing guests to earn credit with each sailing. While Barr maintains that “chasing status is never my goal,” her extensive time at sea naturally led her to the highest tier of Princess Cruises’ program.
Here are some of the key benefits Barr now enjoys as an Elite member, which she says have “completely elevated” her sailing adventures:
Priority Boarding on Water Shuttles: More Time Ashore
One of the most appreciated perks for Barr is priority access to water shuttles, also known as tenders. In ports with shallow harbors, cruise ships often anchor offshore, requiring smaller boats to transport guests to the pier. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating, often leading to hours of waiting.
“It’s often a confusing and irking part of the cruising experience,” Barr explains, recalling past instances of early mornings, long lines for tickets, and even ruined port plans due to slow tender operations. With Elite status, she can now bypass these queues and, along with her family, be on the first tender of the day, maximizing her time exploring each destination without the stress of waiting.
Complimentary Laundry Services: A Vacation from Chores
Gone are the days of spending precious vacation time doing laundry. As an Elite member, Barr enjoys complimentary full-service laundry. While Princess ships offer self-service laundromats and paid laundry/dry cleaning, Barr can simply send out her dirty clothes and have them returned clean and folded within a day or two, free of charge.
She particularly values this service for smaller items like socks and underwear, noting that it allows her to pack lighter for longer cruises.
Half-Price Internet Access: Staying Connected at a Discount
While Barr strives to disconnect during her travels, she typically purchases a WiFi package to stay in touch with loved ones back home. As an Elite member, she now receives a 50% discount on all WiFi packages, a valuable saving given that internet access can be a significant expense.
Free and Discounted Food and Drinks: A Taste of Luxury
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable perks for Barr is the access to discounted and complimentary food and beverages. Elite members receive a one-time mini-bar stocking with 10 alcoholic and 10 non-alcoholic drinks, including liquor, beer, soda, and sparkling water. Considering the rising cost of alcoholic drink packages, which can reach around $100 per day per guest, this perk offers substantial value.
Additionally, on one formal night during each cruise, Elite loyalty members are invited to the exclusive Captain’s Circle party, featuring live music, complimentary drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Barr also enjoys the option to order delicious hors d’oeuvres to her cabin while getting ready for formal nights, often pairing them with her mini-bar drinks for a “fun happy hour vibe.”
These varied hosted food and drink events have proven so beneficial that Barr no longer finds it necessary to purchase a drink package, saving her considerable money throughout her cruises.
Barr’s journey to Elite status highlights the tangible benefits of cruise loyalty programs, turning a passion for travel into a truly elevated and luxurious experience.