Faster path to status and new perks: Norwegian Cruise Line revamps its loyalty program
Getting status with Norwegian Cruise Line is getting easier.
The world's fourth-biggest cruise brand late Monday unveiled an overhaul of its six-tier loyalty program, Latitudes Rewards, that brings lower point thresholds to reach most tier levels.
Effective immediately, members wll only need 20 and 45 points, respectively, to reach the second and third tiers of the program, known as Silver and Gold. That's down from 30 and 55 points, respectively.
Members only will need 75 points to get to the fourth tier of the program, Platinum. That's down from 80 points.
As part of the revamp, the fifth tier of the program, Platinum Plus, is being renamed Sapphire and now will take 150 points to reach, down from 175 points. The requirement to reach the top tier of the program, Ambassador, remains the same at 700 points.
But, in another major change to the program, the line has added a new tier level just below the Ambassador level, called Diamond. It takes 350 points to reach the new Diamond level.
As a result of the addition, the program now has seven tier levels.
Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line
Changes to Latitudes Rewards perks
The good news for Norwegian fans is that even as the line is reducing the number of points it takes to reach many of the program's tier levels, it's not changing most of the key perks previously associated with each of the levels.
Members still will get discounts at onboard duty free shops starting at the entry-level Bronze tier and discounts on shore excursions, photo packages and spa treatments starting at the Silver level.
Upon reaching the top Ambassador tier, members still will get a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise for two -- one of the best cruise perks you can find in any cruise line loyalty program.
Related: A beginner's guide to cruise line loyalty programs
Still, a couple notable perks that many Norwegian fans had come to love have disappeared from the program.
Most notably, members no longer will get priority check-in at the pier, no matter what their status level. This is a perk that used to be available to all Latitudes Rewards members, even those with lowly first-tier Bronze status.
Norwegian didn't say why it had removed priority check-in as a perk of the program. But as part of new COVID-19 safety protocols, Norwegian and some other lines over the past two years have switched to a timed-arrival system for check-in that spreads out the arrival of cruisers on embarkation days. As a result, priority check-in has become less meaningful.
Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
Also gone from the program is the free bottle of sparkling wine that passengers at all tiers of the program starting with the Bronze level would receive in their cabins.
In addition, Norwegian no longer is giving Bronze level members 15 to 30 minutes of free internet time when they buy an internet package. Instead, the line is giving members at the Platinum level and above a 15% to 25% discount on internet packages. This is a downgrade for lower-tier members but a big upgrade for higher-tier members (at least for those who don't get free internet as a perk as part of a booking promotion).
The various changes have made the initial Bronze level (which is earned after just one cruise) notably less enticing. But, for the most part, the value of the perks in the levels above are basically the same as they were before.
One notable upgrade to the program's perks: Platinum level members now get a new complimentary wine tasting when sailing, called Wines Around the World.
The new Diamond level brings two perks, both new to the program: Access to a complimentary Sail & Sustain Mixology experience and a one-time free cabin upgrade.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship
Earning Latitudes rewards points
The process for earning points in the overhauled Latitudes Rewards program will remain the same. Under the terms of the revamped program, you still will get:
- 1 point for every night you spend on a ship.
- An additional 1 point per night when staying in a Concierge-level cabin, full-fare suite (not mini-suites or club balcony suites) or The Haven rooms.
- An additional 1 point per night when on a cruise booked via a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer. These are special offers for Latitudes Rewards members.
Note that the extra point per night for suites only applies to stays in suites booked when a reservation is originally made. It doesn't apply to stays in suites that result from an upgrade.
Bottom line
Norwegian has long offered one of the best loyalty programs in the cruise business, with such notable perks as free meals in extra-charge restaurants, priority seating at shows and even a free cruise for members at top tiers.
For the most part, the overhaul of the program announced late Monday just makes the program better. It gives Norwegian fans a faster path to higher status and some new perks, to boot. Only a handful of the program's previous perks have disappeared -- none of them of great consequence.
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| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 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 $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.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)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.