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Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions Launch Partnership With New Ways to Earn and Redeem Points

June 04, 2019
3 min read
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Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions Launch Partnership With New Ways to Earn and Redeem Points
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Between strengthening its ties with American Airlines and adding dozens of high-end hotels to its portfolio, 2019 has been a very exciting year for The World of Hyatt program. Hyatt just announced yet another partnership, this time with Lindblad Expeditions. It will allow members to earn and redeem points and get special perks on expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences.

Members will be able to pay for these experiences using Hyatt points or with cash through the FIND platform — or any other co-branded Hyatt site. When paying out of pocket, members will earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible spend (excluding incidentals), plus the standard bonuses for Hyatt elite members, as well as elite tier-qualifying night credits. And all members — regardless of status — will enjoy a $250 onboard credit to use on incidentals such as spa services, alcoholic beverages, excursions, classes or souvenirs and supplies.

Additionally, starting later Tuesday afternoon, members will have the opportunity to bid on two limited-time Lindblad Expeditions through FIND auctions using World of Hyatt points.

The first auction is for a five-day wild California escape at Channel Islands National Park, plus accommodations and a culinary experience at Andaz West Hollywood in California. The second auction is for a photography excursion in New York City alongside Ralph Lee Hopkins, the director of Expedition Photography for Lindblad Expeditions and a National Geographic photographer. The package also includes a two-night stay at Andaz Wall Street in New York City.

Lindblad Expeditions has 14 vessels, built to hold between 28 and 148 guests, and hosts over 300 expedition trips per year to destinations where, previously, you would really struggle to earn or redeem World of Hyatt Points such as the Arctic Svalbard islands, Antarctica and the Galápagos. Travelers can also find expeditions to the Amazon, Africa, the British Isles and more. Lindblad Expeditions works in partnership with National Geographic on its ship-based voyages to promote conservation and sustainable tourism while allowing travelers to interact with and learn from leading scientists, naturalists and researchers.

"Our members tell us they want to return from a trip having experienced something new. They see traveling as a way to experience other people, places and cultures and desire authentic, expansive and real-world experiences," said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt, in a statement.

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Bottom Line

It's great to see that Hyatt is committed to giving members more opportunities to earn and redeem points beyond traditional hotel stays. Aside from the loyalty collaboration with American Airlines, Hyatt recently expanded its partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (which now has over 150 integrated properties after November, January and February launches) and is in the process of integrating Two Roads Hospitality brands, including properties in brands like Joie de Vivre, Thompson Hotels, Destination Hotels and Alila Hotels.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5XNew! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Excellent to Good

Pros

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Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.