Norwegian Cruise Line reverses course on key loyalty program change
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.
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.
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The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
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- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month