Mariner Medallions

[Cqis]

I love watching people receiving their medallions. I am always saying "where did they go, how many cruises and, how many days". I once saw a young girl with over 3000 days. I was dying to talk to her,but never could get her attention. I did talk to Mama Lou. I hope that the good Lord will allow me reasonable health , and finances to keep cruising, and earn some medallions.

I proudly wear my little pins, after all I did pay for them.

 

Cely

[DizzyDallasDi]

Note: I am fully dressed head to toe in my asbestos suit in anticipation of the flaming.

 

When I reach the numbers required to be awarded a pin or medallion, I'll probably just leave it on the ship or throw it away. I find them tacky and don't understand why people want to flaunt these symbols of HAL days traveled / HAL $$ spent. I suppose it gives their egos a boost as these symbolic mememtos respresent the loyalty they've shown to HAL and the money they've spent on that line.

 

They are proud to flaunt their rewards and feel the crew and/or passengers will look upon them as "special" because they've earned these trinkets. And, if that's not the case, they are simply feeding their egos by wearing stuff that screams we are important because we have attained these pins and/or medallions because we've spend X number of days and/or spent X number of dollars on HAL.

 

Big Deal !!

 

I don't want tacky pins or medallions that represent the $$ and days I've spent on HAL. I want real rewards that I can use like free internet hours, free Pinnacle Grill dinners, free credits in the casino, free bingo cards, discounted future cruise credits, upgraded cabins, etc.

 

Seriously, do those pins and medallions fully satisfy the many days and mucho dinero you've forked over to HAL? Wouldn't you rather strut your stuff by using premium HAL amenities at a discount or for free rather than wearing a pin or medallion?

 

If American Airlines offered me a medallion or pin in lieu of my frequent flyer miles, I'd scrap them in a heartbeat. Pins and medallions mean absolutely nothing when you can get miles toward a free flight.

 

I know several of you cherish your pins and medallions and make sure to pack them in order to wear them with pride on future cruises. Hooray for you because that's what floats your boat and HAL's "rewards" are fulfilling your needs. That doesn't hack it for me. I want something I can use, not some tacky pin or medallion.

 

Oh well, this is just my opinion.

[Topsham]

Note: I am fully dressed head to toe in my asbestos suit in anticipation of the flaming.

 

When I reach the numbers required to be awarded a pin or medallion, I'll probably just leave it on the ship or throw it away. I find them tacky and don't understand why people want to flaunt these symbols of HAL days traveled / HAL $$ spent. I suppose it gives their egos a boost as these symbolic mememtos respresent the loyalty they've shown to HAL and the money they've spent on that line.

 

They are proud to flaunt their rewards and feel the crew and/or passengers will look upon them as "special" because they've earned these trinkets. And, if that's not the case, they are simply feeding their egos by wearing stuff that screams we are important because we have attained these pins and/or medallions because we've spend X number of days and/or spent X number of dollars on HAL.

 

Big Deal !!

 

I don't want tacky pins or medallions that represent the $$ and days I've spent on HAL. I want real rewards that I can use like free internet hours, free Pinnacle Grill dinners, free credits in the casino, free bingo cards, discounted future cruise credits, upgraded cabins, etc.

 

Seriously, do those pins and medallions fully satisfy the many days and mucho dinero you've forked over to HAL? Wouldn't you rather strut your stuff by using premium HAL amenities at a discount or for free rather than wearing a pin or medallion?

 

If American Airlines offered me a medallion or pin in lieu of my frequent flyer miles, I'd scrap them in a heartbeat. Pins and medallions mean absolutely nothing when you can get miles toward a free flight.

 

I know several of you cherish your pins and medallions and make sure to pack them in order to wear them with pride on future cruises. Hooray for you because that's what floats your boat and HAL's "rewards" are fulfilling your needs. That doesn't hack it for me. I want something I can use, not some tacky pin or medallion.

 

Oh well, this is just my opinion.

 

 

 

I can completely understand and appreciate why you think the pins/medalionas are tacky... they are! But I think that you fail to appreciate that the are accepted and worn as little more than a bit of harmless fun. They are not worn to fulfill and kind of 'need' as you seem to think.

 

Non financial rewards are perfectly normal and pretty damn common if you think about it.....

 

A gold star on a piece of schoolchild's homework....

A blue riband for running a race....

A photograph with a president...

A military medal.....

A knighthood from the Queen!

 

Human beings like to recognise each other for their achievements... whatever they may be.

 

How sad that you cannot see that the rest of us are having a bit of fun.

 

Stephen.... and I have no problem wearing my platinum medallion!!!!

[kazu]

Note: I am fully dressed head to toe in my asbestos suit in anticipation of the flaming.

 

When I reach the numbers required to be awarded a pin or medallion, I'll probably just leave it on the ship or throw it away. I find them tacky and don't understand why people want to flaunt these symbols of HAL days traveled / HAL $$ spent. I suppose it gives their egos a boost as these symbolic mememtos respresent the loyalty they've shown to HAL and the money they've spent on that line.

 

They are proud to flaunt their rewards and feel the crew and/or passengers will look upon them as "special" because they've earned these trinkets. And, if that's not the case, they are simply feeding their egos by wearing stuff that screams we are important because we have attained these pins and/or medallions because we've spend X number of days and/or spent X number of dollars on HAL.

 

Big Deal !!

 

I don't want tacky pins or medallions that represent the $$ and days I've spent on HAL. I want real rewards that I can use like free internet hours, free Pinnacle Grill dinners, free credits in the casino, free bingo cards, discounted future cruise credits, upgraded cabins, etc.

 

Seriously, do those pins and medallions fully satisfy the many days and mucho dinero you've forked over to HAL? Wouldn't you rather strut your stuff by using premium HAL amenities at a discount or for free rather than wearing a pin or medallion?

 

If American Airlines offered me a medallion or pin in lieu of my frequent flyer miles, I'd scrap them in a heartbeat. Pins and medallions mean absolutely nothing when you can get miles toward a free flight.

 

I know several of you cherish your pins and medallions and make sure to pack them in order to wear them with pride on future cruises. Hooray for you because that's what floats your boat and HAL's "rewards" are fulfilling your needs. That doesn't hack it for me. I want something I can use, not some tacky pin or medallion.

 

Oh well, this is just my opinion.

 

The medallions and pins do not replace awards. Hal has different rewards and amenities for 1,2,3, & 4 star mariners. The medallions are earned for days onboard, not ship board credits.

 

It is a bit of fun and if you chose not to go to the ceremony, your choice. We enjoyed it.:)

[BumperII]

One does not buy a Boeing 747 because you like the peanuts! Something in the neighborhood of 62% of Hal cruisers are repeat customers! Other than the fun factor and bragging rights, the tacky medallions accomplish very little. The spacious cabins, good food and great service keep us coming back. Well, OK, I do wear the copper lapel pin.:o

[woody14h]

Did you ever think that these medallions might be displayed as a source of starting conversations with other passengers. Some people might wear them as such not for ego or bragging. As for me I just wear them because they are fun.

 

Try not to read too much into why other people do or don't do with their toys.

[Mary Ellen]

Note: I am fully dressed head to toe in my asbestos suit in anticipation of the flaming.

 

When I reach the numbers required to be awarded a pin or medallion, I'll probably just leave it on the ship or throw it away. I find them tacky and don't understand why people want to flaunt these symbols of HAL days traveled / HAL $$ spent. I suppose it gives their egos a boost as these symbolic mememtos respresent the loyalty they've shown to HAL and the money they've spent on that line.

 

They are proud to flaunt their rewards and feel the crew and/or passengers will look upon them as "special" because they've earned these trinkets. And, if that's not the case, they are simply feeding their egos by wearing stuff that screams we are important because we have attained these pins and/or medallions because we've spend X number of days and/or spent X number of dollars on HAL.

 

Big Deal !!

 

I don't want tacky pins or medallions that represent the $$ and days I've spent on HAL. I want real rewards that I can use like free internet hours, free Pinnacle Grill dinners, free credits in the casino, free bingo cards, discounted future cruise credits, upgraded cabins, etc.

 

Seriously, do those pins and medallions fully satisfy the many days and mucho dinero you've forked over to HAL? Wouldn't you rather strut your stuff by using premium HAL amenities at a discount or for free rather than wearing a pin or medallion?

 

If American Airlines offered me a medallion or pin in lieu of my frequent flyer miles, I'd scrap them in a heartbeat. Pins and medallions mean absolutely nothing when you can get miles toward a free flight.

 

I know several of you cherish your pins and medallions and make sure to pack them in order to wear them with pride on future cruises. Hooray for you because that's what floats your boat and HAL's "rewards" are fulfilling your needs. That doesn't hack it for me. I want something I can use, not some tacky pin or medallion.

 

Oh well, this is just my opinion.

 

The same can be said for CC members who have their avatar showing their Mariner (or any other cruise line) 'status'. Are you also attacking them?

[sail7seas]

Note: I am fully dressed head to toe in my asbestos suit in anticipation of the flaming.

 

When I reach the numbers required to be awarded a pin or medallion, I'll probably just leave it on the ship or throw it away. I find them tacky and don't understand why people want to flaunt these symbols of HAL days traveled / HAL $$ spent. I suppose it gives their egos a boost as these symbolic mememtos respresent the loyalty they've shown to HAL and the money they've spent on that line.

 

They are proud to flaunt their rewards and feel the crew and/or passengers will look upon them as "special" because they've earned these trinkets. And, if that's not the case, they are simply feeding their egos by wearing stuff that screams we are important because we have attained these pins and/or medallions because we've spend X number of days and/or spent X number of dollars on HAL.

 

Big Deal !!

 

I don't want tacky pins or medallions that represent the $$ and days I've spent on HAL. I want real rewards that I can use like free internet hours, free Pinnacle Grill dinners, free credits in the casino, free bingo cards, discounted future cruise credits, upgraded cabins, etc.

 

Seriously, do those pins and medallions fully satisfy the many days and mucho dinero you've forked over to HAL? Wouldn't you rather strut your stuff by using premium HAL amenities at a discount or for free rather than wearing a pin or medallion?

 

If American Airlines offered me a medallion or pin in lieu of my frequent flyer miles, I'd scrap them in a heartbeat. Pins and medallions mean absolutely nothing when you can get miles toward a free flight.

 

I know several of you cherish your pins and medallions and make sure to pack them in order to wear them with pride on future cruises. Hooray for you because that's what floats your boat and HAL's "rewards" are fulfilling your needs. That doesn't hack it for me. I want something I can use, not some tacky pin or medallion.

 

Oh well, this is just my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

Why use so much energy demeaning those who choose to go along with the Program HAl has set up for their repeat guests?

 

No one cares if you don't ever want a pin or medallion and cares even less if you ever wear one.

 

Why attack those who wish to participate fully in what HAL offers?

We enjoy the Medallion Presentation gatherings and have fun participating with the others on our cruise who also enjoy the activity.

 

The photos we receive of us with the Captain and Hotel Manager at these receptions are among our favorite momentos from each cruise. When I look at them months and years later, the notation of ship, date and Captain/Hotel Managers name brings back wonderful memories.

 

No one has ever forced us to attend or demanded we wear our Medallions. No one will ever force you to wear one so leave us alone if we want to.

 

 

 

[SilvertoGold]

I can completely understand and appreciate why you think the pins/medalionas are tacky... they are! But I think that you fail to appreciate that the are accepted and worn as little more than a bit of harmless fun. They are not worn to fulfill and kind of 'need' as you seem to think.

 

Non financial rewards are perfectly normal and pretty damn common if you think about it.....

 

A gold star on a piece of schoolchild's homework....

A blue riband for running a race....

A photograph with a president...

A military medal.....

A knighthood from the Queen!

 

Human beings like to recognise each other for their achievements... whatever they may be.

 

How sad that you cannot see that the rest of us are having a bit of fun.

 

Stephen.... and I have no problem wearing my platinum medallion!!!!

 

 

Well said! I agree completely. Thanks!

[SilvertoGold]

An interesting point is that HAL has set up two systems: one is the symbolic medallions, based on days sailed only. No real perks with this, just the symbol of loyalty and achievement. The second is the star system, based on days sailed, suite occupancy and money spent on board. With this there are perks.

 

A great dual system, that serves many purposes quite well. I do think HAL has done well with this, considering how high their repeat guest level is.

 

We wear our pins and medallions, with no thought except that we like to participate, as Sail has pointed out. A symbolic reward is a nice reward. We use our 4 star perks with thanks and are glad to hear the rumor that HAL may be adding to these perks.

[jtl513]

We got our copper medallions last Oct on the N.A., and I wore mine to the lunch immediately afterward. DW did not wear hers. On our next cruise I wore the copper lapel pin, and had the medallion in my pocket in case I saw many of them at the Mariner Brunch. I didn't see any, so it stayed in my pocket. :)

[Aruba]

I saw a woman wear her medallion pins as earrings one evening. I really can't say if she did this to be funny or if she was really proud of them, but it certainly made us smile. :)

[cruz chic]

are glad to hear the rumor that HAL may be adding to these perks.

I hope that rumor is true. That's the only thing that holds any meaning for me.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Well said SilvertoGold about the dual system. That was quite evident to me last week when we were at the Reception. There were only 15 or so of us there. One couple had 1325 days, there were a couple of silver and gold medalists, and 3 couples had reached the 100 days and received their medallions. We wore both our copper and 4 star pins and were introduced as 4 star mariners with the number of days/credits mentioned. There were five (I think) 4 star mariners on board (not including the higher level medal people) and we were two of them. However, there were 800 Mariners on board. I asked the CD if HAL was continuing the medallion program and he applied in the affirmative so there are two programs going at this moment in time anywhere. Definitely do appreciate the 4 star perks. Barbara

[SilvertoGold]

Well said SilvertoGold about the dual system. That was quite evident to me last week when we were at the Reception. There were only 15 or so of us there. One couple had 1325 days, there were a couple of silver and gold medalists, and 3 couples had reached the 100 days and received their medallions. We wore both our copper and 4 star pins and were introduced as 4 star mariners with the number of days/credits mentioned. There were five (I think) 4 star mariners on board (not including the higher level medal people) and we were two of them. However, there were 800 Mariners on board. I asked the CD if HAL was continuing the medallion program and he applied in the affirmative so there are two programs going at this moment in time anywhere. Definitely do appreciate the 4 star perks. Barbara

 

Thank you.

Appreciate your description of the numbers of medallions and 4 stars on your cruise. It is always interesting to hear about these numbers. We have had anywhere from a high of 45 4 stars to a low of about 12 on a cruise. I always think there will be a lot, but it generally turns out to be rather few. I wonder how many 4 stars, Silver, Gold and Platinmum there actually are?

We, too, appreciate the perks at the 4 star level. A nice bonus.

[OVgirl]

So glad to hear that they are still giving out the copper medallions. I should reach that level on our next cruise on NA and look forward to receiving a medallion.