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Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions agree to part ways

Nov. 21, 2023
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3 min read
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Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions agree to part ways
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It's a rough day at sea for World of Hyatt members looking to earn or burn points on a luxury cruise with Lindblad Expeditions. Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions announced that they have mutually agreed to end their relationship, effective Dec. 31.

Lindblad Expeditions, a luxury adventure cruise company sailing to places like Antarctica, linked up with Hyatt in 2019. The partnership allowed World of Hyatt members to redeem their Hyatt points for cruises on Lindblad ships as well as to earn World of Hyatt points and elite night credits on paid cruises, and even enjoy elitelike perks such as onboard credits just for being a World of Hyatt member.

Travelers with existing or new Lindblad Expeditions reservations booked through Hyatt's dedicated website by Dec. 31 will still be eligible to earn World of Hyatt points and qualifying nights on their cruises. World of Hyatt points redemptions for Lindblad Expeditions trips made before Dec. 31, 2023, for travel that is completed by Dec. 31, 2024, will also be honored.

"We recognize our guests’ and members’ desire for strategic relationships that enrich their travel experiences and we remain committed to evolving and enhancing World of Hyatt to best care for that need," a Hyatt executive told TPG.

National Geographic Endurance. LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

Unfortunately, Lindblad was one of the few cruise operators with a points link to a hotel program, so it's sad to see this partnership end. Over at Marriott, Bonvoy members can still earn points (and elite-qualifying nights) or book sailings with points with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Beyond that, there are still other ways to use points and miles to book a cruise (even though they might not be the best use of points).

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Hyatt still has several other interesting partnerships its loyalty members can take advantage of. One of those is Find Experiences, a program where World of Hyatt members can trade in points for experiences around the world, like a Japanese whisky tasting in San Francisco or an open-air jungle safari in Bali.

Another great partner of Hyatt is American Airlines. World of Hyatt members can earn points on eligible flights by linking their AAdvantage accounts. But it doesn't end there; both companies have offered a quick path to higher tiers of elite status in both programs throughout the partnership. Right now, Hyatt Explorists and Globalists can earn American Airline status by registering for a special promotion by Nov. 30.

Featured image by GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.