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Norwegian Cruise Line reverses course on key loyalty program change

Jan. 14, 2022
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3 min read
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Norwegian Cruise Line reverses course on key loyalty program change
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That sure didn't last long.

Norwegian Cruise Line has reversed course on two key changes to its Latitudes Rewards loyalty program that it just made on Monday: The removal of a priority check-in perk and the removal of a priority embarkation perk for top-tier members of the program.

Norwegian didn't announce the change, but as of Friday the perks had reappeared in the Latitudes Rewards area of Norwegian's website. A Norwegian spokesperson Friday confirmed in an email to The Points Guy that the perks had been restored and said the reversal took place on Tuesday -- just a day after the original change was announced.

The world's fourth largest cruise operator has restored the priority check-in and embarkation perks for Latitudes Rewards members at the Platinum level and above.

The Platinum level is the fourth of seven levels in the revamped Latitudes Rewards program.

The priority check-in perk still will not be available for Bronze, Silver and Gold members of the program. All of those levels had priority check-in benefits under the old Latitudes Rewards program that was in effect until Monday.

Related: Here are all the changes Norwegian just made to Latitudes Rewards

The priority embarkation perk previously was available only to Platinum level and above members.

The priority check-in perk gives eligible members a special line to use during the check-in process at the pier at the start of a cruise. The priority embarkation perk lets eligible members board their ship ahead of others on the first day of their cruise.

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The removal of the priority check-in and priority embarkation perks were the only changes to the program announced Monday that drew notable criticism at Norwegian fan pages on Facebook and on other social media sites.

Overall, Norwegian fans seemed excited about the changes to the Latitudes Rewards program, which included a reduction in the number of points it takes to reach most of the program's tier levels.

The overhaul of the Latitudes Rewards program also brought several new perks for higher-tier members including a new complimentary wine tasting at the Platinum level, and a complimentary mixology experience and a one-time free cabin upgrade at the Diamond level.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

One perk that remains 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.

Many Norwegian fans on social media sites this week have noted that they can live without the free Champagne, which many say they never ended up drinking.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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  • $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.
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