Over the past 15-plus years, I’ve enjoyed several cruises on Holland America Line. From the moment I stepped aboard that first Mediterranean cruise with my sisters, I became a member of Holland America’s Mariner Society, a rewards program in which every guest is automatically enrolled. Benefits accrue with every day you cruise and every onboard purchase you make. This outstanding program garnered Global Traveler‘s 2016 Leisure Lifestyle Awards Best Cruise Line Rewards Program award, and I can personally testify the recognition is justified.

The program consists of five tiers, and even after only one cruise (which might be as short as three or four days), Mariners receive special offers on select sailings, may receive a 50% fare discount on third and fourth guests in the same stateroom on identified sailings, and can look forward to a special Welcome Back luncheon with Champagne on their next cruise. One rises through the ranks (from Star Mariner on up to 5-Star) by accumulating Cruise Day Credits. You receive one credit for every cruise day sailed, but you also receive credit for purchases made on board for everything from spa treatments and fitness classes to drinks and meals at the specialty restaurants (and even souvenirs and fine jewelry purchased in the onboard shops). One credit is awarded for every $300 spent, and those credits accumulate to both persons in the stateroom, regardless of who made the purchase or paid the bill. That means Harry got credit for the yoga class I took, and I got credit for the scotch tasting he enjoyed.

At the end of this last cruise, I attained 3-Star status, providing me with such perks as 25% off select wine packages, specialty restaurant surcharges, mini-bar purchases and specialty coffee drinks; discounts on certain spa treatments; and discounts on merchandise purchased on the ship or through Holland America’s online shop.

During our cruise we enjoyed a couple other Mariner perks. We attended a cocktail reception with the ship’s officers (a great opportunity to buttonhole them and pepper them with questions about their experiences and travel around the world) where drinks (including bubbly) flowed freely and delectable hors d’oeuvres were passed. We also attended, during one of the at sea days, a Mariner Society luncheon in the main dining room. The multi-course meal with Champagne was, of course, outstanding, and we also received a traditional gift. The craftsmen of Royal Goedewaagen, Holland have been producing authentic Delftware since 1610, and Holland America presents one of their tiles (with a certificate of authenticity), usually featuring a representation of one or more of its ships, to each Mariner on each sailing. We’ve acquired several over the years, and their weight and cork backing make them excellent coasters as well as beautiful mementos of our trips.

We don’t have our next cruise planned yet, (South America & Antarctica? The Panama Canal? Alaska? The Baltic?) but I’m looking forward to those 3-Star Mariner perks I’ve earned and working towards the next level.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor