6 things not to do when you have loyalty status with a cruise line

Earning cruise line loyalty status is a privilege and something you should celebrate. It takes a lot of time, money and dedication to reach the upper echelons of any cruise loyalty program, and you have every right to reap the rewards that come with earning a spot in the top tiers.

On the other hand, no one likes a snob or complainer, especially when you're trapped with them in the middle of the ocean. To wield your loyalty status responsibly, there are certain tips you should keep in mind when utilizing and publicizing — or choosing not to publicize — your status.

Here are six things you should never do when you reach the top of your cruise line's loyalty program.

Don't forget your perks

When you cruise for the sheer joy of it, you're not always thinking about how to maximize the benefits you're afforded. Most cruise line loyalty program perks aren't anything special until you reach the top levels, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be looking to take full advantage of them. You've earned them, after all.

Check your e-mail for members-only newsletters, exclusive deals and offers. Take advantage of discounts on onboard purchases like photos, logo items and alternative dining.

Eyeing a Wi-Fi package? Some lines offer discounts or a free chunk of minutes. If you're craving an adult beverage, don't forget to check out exclusive members-only happy hours and cocktail parties or cash in any free drink coupons you receive.

Familiarize yourself with the perks awarded to your loyalty tier before you sail so you can take full advantage of them.

Don't feel bad about your perks

Yes, some jealous folks will glare at you when you take your place in the priority tender line. Your shipmates might say it's not fair that you can skip to the front when crowds of others have been patiently waiting to leave the ship.

But remember: You've paid your dues, just as they're doing. You've waited in those lines as you worked your way up through the levels of your cruise line's loyalty scheme. Take your rightful place in the dedicated top-tier line at the guest services desk, and don't think twice about it.

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Don't stay loyal for the wrong reasons

People often ask me what I think about some particular cruise line, saying that they'd like to try it but have such high status with their current line of choice that they don't see the point. Don't ever let the "well, I'm already here, so I might as well stay" attitude prevent you from trying something new. After all, is a free bag of laundry worth missing out on an experience you might thoroughly enjoy?

If the joys of earning free stuff are greater than the pleasures of an actual cruise experience, you're missing the point.

Don't complain about freebies

Please do not complain about that flimsy free luggage tag or logo item the cruise line has gifted you. The extras you earn should enhance your experience, not give you a reason to gripe.

Your cruise line doesn't owe you anything. Rather, it chooses to reward you for your loyalty however it sees fit. With that in mind, even the cheapest tchotchke should be received with gratitude.

Don't ignore status matches

Once you've attained high-level cruise status, you'll want to expand that to other cruise lines rather than sticking with one line for all your vacations to come. Consider status matches that allow you to try a different brand without sacrificing your perks.

For example, if you have high status with one of the three Royal Caribbean Group sister lines — Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Silversea Cruises — the other two lines will match it.

Further, two lines — MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages — not only will match the status you've earned with competing cruise lines, but also they'll match to travel loyalty programs outside the cruise world. They both accept matches to select hotel and airline programs.

Finally, if your spouse has a higher status level than you, check to see if your cruise line of choice will allow you to share the status and its amenities.

Don't brag

Listening to passengers with status brag about that status is my least favorite cruise pastime. Don't be an insufferable bore; nobody cares how many cruises you've been on to reach the top tier of a cruise line loyalty program.

Please take full advantage of your status quietly. Bragging about it isn't a flex; it's tacky. And if you must talk about it, drop the patronizing attitude and instead share your best tips for maximizing status so that your new friends can someday enjoy the same perks you're receiving.

Want to read more about cruise loyalty? TPG's got you covered:

• Carnival Cruise Line VIFP loyalty program
• Celebrity Cruises Captain Club loyalty program
• Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club loyalty program
• Holland America Line Mariner Society loyalty program
• MSC Cruises Voyagers Club loyalty program
• Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards loyalty program
• Princess Cruises Captain's Circle loyalty program
• Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
• Virgin Voyages Sailing Club loyalty program