The Ultimate Guide to Mariner Society

Holland America Line cruise ships are popular sights at sea. Its curated cruises abroad its fleet of traditional mid-sized vessels offer sophisticated dining, wellness activities and world-class entertainment.

For its loyal cruisers, Holland America Line’s rewards program, Mariner Society, unlocks extra benefits at sea. Here’s everything you need to know about the program.

How does Mariner Society work?

Most cruise loyalty programs, including Mariner Society, require you to have completed a cruise before you can become a member.

After your first Holland America Line cruise, you’ll begin earning ‘Cruise Day’ credits. Cruise Day credits determine your Mariner Society tier – and the higher your tier, the more perks you’ll enjoy.

Holland America Line’s rewards program offers five membership tiers:

• 1-Star Mariner – One cruise completed.
• 2-Star Mariner – 30 cruise day credits.
• 3-Star Mariner – 75 cruise day credits.
• 4-Star Mariner – 200 cruise day credits.
• 5-Star Mariner – 500 cruise day credits.

How to earn Cruise Day credits

There are a few different ways to earn Cruise Day credits to move up the ranks of Mariner Society.

• Sailing: Earn one Cruise Day credit for each day sailed on a Holland America Line vessel.
• Suite Bonus: Earn double Cruise Day credits when you pay a published fare for a spacious suite or penthouse (excludes complimentary upgrades and specials.)
• Onboard Spending Bonus: Earn one Cruise Day credit for every USD$300 spent on eligible onboard purchases.

Benefits of Mariner Society membership

As a member of Holland America Line’s rewards program, you’ll enjoy a range of perks on-shore and at sea, depending on your tier. We’ve summarised just some of the benefits below. For the full, up-to-date list of tier benefits, visit the Holland America Line website.

All members

• Up to $400 per stateroom onboard spending money for cruises booked within 90 days of a new season launch.
• ‘Mariner Cocktail’ voucher.
• 50% discount on cruise fares for 3rd/4th guests (on select sailings).

2-star Mariner and above

• 10-15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold in onboard shops.
• Complimentary photo of ship.

3-star Mariner and above

• Discount on select spa treatments.
• Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Reception.
• 25-50% discount on Sommelier Suite packages.
• 25-50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges.
• 25-50% discount on mini-bar purchases.

4-star Mariner and above

• Complimentary regional wine tasting.
• Priority check-in, tendering and disembarkation.
• Free cruise fares for 3rd/4th guests (on select sailings).

5-star Mariner only

• Two complimentary dinners at select speciality restaurants.
• Complimentary day pass to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon™ Thermal Suite.

How do I join Holland America Line’s loyalty program?

Ready to get rewarded? After your first cruise with Holland America Line, you’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of Mariner Society.

So, if you want to earn those rewards – it’s time to book a cruise!

Other ways to earn rewards when booking a Holland America Line cruise

Earn frequent flyer points

Qantas Frequent Flyer has its own cruising arm, Qantas Cruises. You can earn one Qantas Point per $1 spent.

Similarly, you can earn at least three Velocity Points per $1 on cruises booked through Cruisepilot, which partners with Velocity Frequent Flyer. The earn rate depends on your Velocity status, with Platinum members pocketing a nifty 100% bonus points.

Here’s our full guide on how to earn frequent flyer points on cruises.

Use a points-earning credit card

The cost of a cruise can be substantial. With a credit card that earns points, you could maximise your rewards from a expense you were going to incur anyway!

And by leveraging a credit card sign up bonus, like the one below, you could boost your points balance – and maybe even earn enough for your next holiday. Our Experiences are bursting with inspiration for your next trip using frequent flyer points.

Featured image: Tom Donders, Unsplash.