6 Cruise Lines Share Discount Programs

Six cruise lines, which together control 49,918 berths, or 34% of the industry (according to Cruise Lines International Assn.), are cooperating on their “guest loyalty” programs, allowing veteran cruisers from one line to claim discounts up to 50% on sailings on the other lines.

The lines are Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Cunard Line (which runs the Queen Elizabeth 2), Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises and Costa Cruises. Florida-based Carnival Corp. operates the first five lines and owns part of Costa. Each line has its own repeat-passenger program, so discounts can vary from about 20% to 50%.

To claim the discounts, passengers must provide proof of a previous sailing when booking the new one. A travel agent invoice, a ticket or even a ship menu will be accepted, said Jack Anderson, Carnival Corp. vice president of marketing. The sharing of programs began Jan. 1 but is retroactive, he added. Excluded are discounts offered only to world-cruise veterans by Cunard and Holland America.