When one thinks of Holland America, refined tastes, stately service, and fine dining and the Holland America Mariner Society rewards in a refined way. (Feature image credit: Holland America)

Elite Status

While I tend to prefer fewer rather than more status levels, multiple levels are a trend in cruising and as a Mariner Society member there are five levels. As is the case with most lines, you can join the program after your first cruise when you receive Star Mariner status, and begin climbing the status ladder. Status is awarded based on cruise day credits (one day of cruising = one credit) with opportunities to earn bonus credits for suite category staterooms.

The Benefits

Every status level, including Star Mariner, receives an invitation to an exclusive “Welcome Back” reception. The remaining benefits are pretty standard, “collectible gifts” meaning swag, and special offers on future cruises. Once you collect 30 cruise day credits, you are elevated to 2-Star Mariner and receive a few additional benefits including discounts, a ship photo, and the holy grail of cruising, the lapel pin.

After you collect 75 cruise day credits, you are elevated to 3-Star Mariner, and the benefits become a bit more respectable. Discounts of 25 percent on wine packages, specialty restaurant charges, and even mini-bar charges are included. Select spa discounts are also offered. You also receive advance notice of new itineraries and a waiver of air deviation fees (the fee they charge if you book cruise line air and “deviate” from the standard offer like..let’s say you want to fly into port a few days early rather than day of).

At 200 cruise day credits, you will arrive at 4-Star Mariner status which includes pretty decent benefits that contribute to a more enjoyable cruise. You will receive priority check-in, priority disembarkation, priority tender service, and complimentary laundry and pressing. You also receive the same discounts I mentioned for 3-Star Mariners, but at 50 percent as opposed to 25 percent. A complimentary wine tasting is also included. 4-Star Mariners also receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to Travel & Leisure or Food & Wine magazines.

If you are fortunate enough to earn 500 cruise day credits, you hit the top tier of the Mariner Society, 5-Star Mariner, and receive a respectable list of benefits in addition to the other status levels. You will receive two complimentary dinners in the Pinnacle Grill, a specialty restaurant, a complimentary subscription to Travel & Leisure or Food & Wine magazines, and early notification of shore excursions available for pre booking. Notably, only 5-Star Mariners receive a discounted internet package. Here’s a look at just a few of the top tier benefits for 5-Star Mariners courtesy of Holland America.

• 50% discount on a 100-minute Internet package (one time only per cruise)
• Two complimentary dinners in the Pinnacle Grill (free surcharge only)
• Complimentary Culinary Arts Center cooking class (1 per cruise)
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Priority disembarkation
• Priority tender
• Priority check-in
• A 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges, wine packages, beverages in the Explorations Café* and all mini-bar purchases
• A complimentary wine tasting session
• A collectible gift presented to you on board
• A 15% discount on Holland America Line logo clothing sold in onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
• A 15% discount on merchandise from www.shophollandamerica.com
• Discounts on select spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Summary

Holland America Line has a reputation for outstanding service and great dining. The line offers a respectable loyalty program with benefits that make your cruising experience better and honor your loyalty to the line. The weak internet benefits are a downside of the program with only 5-Star Mariner status members receiving any kind of discounted internet access. You can review all the details of the Mariner Society at hollandamerica.com.