HAL Mariner Recognition Program/Pins

[The Tsar]

Over the years we have seen several types of Holland America Mariner Award/Pin recognition programs.

 

 

I have mixed emotions regarding the current program - While I appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the current Star program, I dislike the method which Holland America uses to evaluate your status.  I feel that the Star recognition pins can just be bought - With how much you spend (Suite - Onboard Shopping), therefore had little actual meaning.

 

PAST PROGRAMS -

 

DESCRIPTION # OF CRUISES COMPLETED RECOGNITION 

Able Mariner (3 Cruises) Certificate 

Cadet Mariner (5 Cruises) Certificate 

Grand Mariner (10 Cruises) Certificate & Lapel pin 

 

CRUISE MILEAGE* # OF CRUISE DAYS RECOGNITION 

40,000 (115 Days) Silver Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

100,000 (285 Days) Gold Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

250,000 (713 Days) Platinum Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

 

CRUISE DAYS RECOGNITION 

Red/White (25 Days) Pin

Blue/White (50 Days) Pin

Copper (100 Days) Pin

White/Silver (300 Days) Pin

Gold (500 Days) Pin

Platinum (700 Days) Pin

 

Any thought/comments/feelings?

[ithaca gal]

I might be in the minority (but I don't really think so) but I'm all for scrapping the pins and medallions.  Most people throw them away right after receiving them.  I'd much rather see more benefits at each level than souvenirs that mean nothing to me.

[*Miss G*]

I don’t want a pin.  I don’t want a medallion.  I don’t even want a tile.  I just want credits, but I don’t want them to be devalued later on down the line, which seems to be the trend with reward programs.

[iancal]

A pin or a badge?  Really? 

 

How about something a little more tangible?    Perhaps a discount off certain levels of cabin.  Increasing with both the cabin classes and also with the number of cruise days.  

 

What would you rather have.  A $400 or $500 discount on a cruise or a platinum pin that sits in a drawer at home.  Heck, if you select the right TA you could get an OBC as much or more as this, depending on the TA and the cruise, on your very first buy from that TA.

 

Last time I got a lapel pin from another cruise line it never left the ship. or should I say that it went straight into the cabin round file.

 

These may be fine rewards for their current loyal customers but somehow I do not think that they will hold much attraction for the next generation of cruisers.

Edited May 20, 2019 by iancal

[oaktreerb]

2 hours ago, The Tsar said:

Over the years we have seen several types of Holland America Mariner Award/Pin recognition programs.

 

 

I have mixed emotions regarding the current program - While I appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the current Star program, I dislike the method which Holland America uses to evaluate your status.  I feel that the Star recognition pins can just be bought - With how much you spend (Suite - Onboard Shopping), therefore had little actual meaning.

 

PAST PROGRAMS -

 

DESCRIPTION # OF CRUISES COMPLETED RECOGNITION 

Able Mariner (3 Cruises) Certificate 

Cadet Mariner (5 Cruises) Certificate 

Grand Mariner (10 Cruises) Certificate & Lapel pin 

 

CRUISE MILEAGE* # OF CRUISE DAYS RECOGNITION 

40,000 (115 Days) Silver Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

100,000 (285 Days) Gold Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

250,000 (713 Days) Platinum Medallion, Certificate & Lapel Pin 

 

CRUISE DAYS RECOGNITION 

Red/White (25 Days) Pin

Blue/White (50 Days) Pin

Copper (100 Days) Pin

White/Silver (300 Days) Pin

Gold (500 Days) Pin

Platinum (700 Days) Pin

 

Any thought/comments/feelings?

Nice pins.  The pins are a way to express appreciation for your continuing to sail with Holland America.  I don’t consider them a big deal but many  people are very proud of them and I always enjoy attending the medal ceremony and lunch.  I love to visit with people who have traveled a lot and have a very good knowledge of the world and the cruising community in particular. The pins and medallions do signify a lot of money spent on Holland America.  I was thrilled to finally reach 4 star so we could get free laundry  and some discounts....the pins are packed away with a medallion and we may be due for another medallion.

 

I think you have a very nice collection that represents a lifetime of experiences!

 

Edited May 20, 2019 by oaktreerb

[AncientWanderer]

I think it's fair how they are calculating credits these days.  I can see how it evolved to where it is.  A few years back, there was some very steep discounting going on -- last-minute bookings at crazy bargain prices.  I can't see how the cruise lines could afford to give away reward benefits like 25 percent off wine packages to people who were barely covering their own overhead on their bookings in the first place. (Since then, seems like the cruise lines figured out to offer good discounts to people booking early, so there isn't so much of the fire sale stuff going on.)

 

In any event, I'm okay with people getting more for spending more.  That said, the medallion program is quite nice, that honors actual days sailed.  It's nice that HAL still has this program as well.

 

And I really do appreciate "the swag."  It's fun.  And fun is good.

 

 

 

 

[rkacruiser]

27 minutes ago, oaktreerb said:

The pins are a way to express appreciation for your continuing to sail with Holland America.  I don’t consider them a big deal but many  people are very proud of them and I always enjoy attending the medal ceremony and lunch.  I love to visit with people who have traveled a lot and have a very good knowledge of the world and the cruising community in particular. 

 

With very much of what you have posted, I agree.  The pins/medallions, when they are presented, are a "big deal" for those that receive them.  It's a recognition and we all enjoy being recognized for "whatever".  The 5 Star Mariner Pin is something I always wear upon embarkation.  It has helped the port staff to guide me to the proper check-in area.  I have worn my most recently received Medallion on some cruises.  When I do, I usually feel somewhat self-conscious unless there are others who are not wearing their Medallions.  When I need to fly to a port, because of luggage weight issues, the Medallions don't go with me.

 

The medal ceremony/lunch, I always attend because its been interesting to see how different Hotel Directors arrange this and for the different (and recently improving) menus for the lunch.  I also enjoy sharing cruising experiences with others.  

 

I enjoy my Mariner "perks" and have some ideas how they could be somewhat improved if Mr. Ashford and the Mariner Society Director have any interest.

[Palm Bay Cruise Couple]

48 minutes ago, iancal said:

A pin or a badge?  Really? 

 

How about something a little more tangible?    Perhaps a discount off certain levels of cabin.  Increasing with both the cabin classes and also with the number of cruise days.  

 

What would you rather have.  A $400 or $500 discount on a cruise or a platinum pin that sits in a drawer at home.  Heck, if you select the right TA you could get an OBC as much or more as this, depending on the TA and the cruise, on your very first buy from that TA.

 

Last time I got a lapel pin from another cruise line it never left the ship. or should I say that it went straight into the cabin round file.

 

These may be fine rewards for their current loyal customers but somehow I do not think that they will hold much attraction for the next generation of cruisers.

WOW!  You must be having a Bad Day, Hope the day  gets better!

 

Edited May 20, 2019 by Palm Bay Cruise Couple
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[DaveOKC]

The spending credit encourages people to book ship's tours - I have had people mention this to me - especially when the price difference is not significant.

[Palm Bay Cruise Couple]

49 minutes ago, oaktreerb said:

Nice pins.  The pins are a way to express appreciation for your continuing to sail with Holland America.  I don’t consider them a big deal but many  people are very proud of them and I always enjoy attending the medal ceremony and lunch.  I love to visit with people who have traveled a lot and have a very good knowledge of the world and the cruising community in particular. The pins and medallions do signify a lot of money spent on Holland America.  I was thrilled to finally reach 4 star so we could get free laundry  and some discounts....the pins are packed away with a medallion and we may be due for another medallion.

 

I think you have a very nice collection that represents a lifetime of experiences!

 

We enjoy and appreciate the recognition, be it a pin, a medallion etc.  It is a Thank You for sailing with Holland America!

[Sharon in AZ]

I have pins which I never wear and don't even know where they are.  I have a 100 day medallion which I got 7 years ago on the Oosterdam in Alaska.  I wear it to the mariner luncheon only.  I was really proud to have gotten it and it acknowledged for my cruising history.  So it is exciting that on our next cruise June 1st on the Oosterdam my husband is getting his 100 day medallion.  Same ship, same itinerary.  Not sure if it will be the same type of event that I had but exciting.

 

Now all that said I wouldn't be sad if there were no more pins or medallions.  I would miss it but if there was some other perk added it would be okay with me.

[Palm Bay Cruise Couple]

18 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

I think it's fair how they are calculating credits these days.  I can see how it evolved to where it is.  A few years back, there was some very steep discounting going on -- last-minute bookings at crazy bargain prices.  I can't see how the cruise lines could afford to give away reward benefits like 25 percent off wine packages to people who were barely covering their own overhead on their bookings in the first place. (Since then, seems like the cruise lines figured out to offer good discounts to people booking early, so there isn't so much of the fire sale stuff going on.)

 

In any event, I'm okay with people getting more for spending more.  That said, the medallion program is quite nice, that honors actual days sailed.  It's nice that HAL still has this program as well.

 

And I really do appreciate "the swag."  It's fun.  And fun is good.

 

 

 

 

I  totally agree!

[Palm Bay Cruise Couple]

56 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

I don’t want a pin.  I don’t want a medallion.  I don’t even want a tile.  I just want credits, but I don’t want them to be devalued later on down the line, which seems to be the trend with reward programs.

I/We want the pin and the medallion and the Tile, just greedy I guess, and we will have the photo taken with Captain at the ceremony and enjoy the time onboard and look forward to the next cruise.

[Mary229]

I like the spending credits.  Maybe I am a new breed but I don’t care too much about a balcony or a suite, I don’t cruise to eat or drink, I do spend a lot on excursions and spa.  I don’t think spa counts though. Even though I may do a morning solo independent tour I like coming back in the afternoon for a guided program.   So I guess there are enough like me to warrant a different measure 

[Palm Bay Cruise Couple]

1 hour ago, ithaca gal said:

I might be in the minority (but I don't really think so) but I'm all for scrapping the pins and medallions.  Most people throw them away right after receiving them.  I'd much rather see more benefits at each level than souvenirs that mean nothing to me.

Well, I do believe you are in the minority!

[joekerstef]

4 hours ago, The Tsar said:

I have mixed emotions regarding the current program - While I appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the current Star program, I dislike the method which Holland America uses to evaluate your status.  I feel that the Star recognition pins can just be bought - With how much you spend (Suite - Onboard Shopping), therefore had little actual meaning.

 

I enjoy the pins and the medallions, and I have no problem with the way HAL passes out the benefits now. If you want to pay a whole bunch more for a suite, I don't begrudge you double cruise days. And if you want to buy a bunch of excursions or whatever else for spend bonus, fine by me. Maybe it's just the "days" terminology? Perhaps if they said "credits" instead of "days" that wouldn't seem so off-putting to you? I mean heck, either way, you're buying the recognition. Old system: want more recognition? buy a longer cruise. easy. *shrug*

 

Or to look at it another way, I actually bought the 25 day and 50 day pins on Ebay for my mother and myself as a fun way to recognize our HAL cruising milestones. And my mother does enjoy wearing her pins on her key card lanyard on the ship whereas I'm content to keep my pins at home with my other cruise mementos. Different strokes...

Edited May 21, 2019 by joekerstef

[3rdGenCunarder]

2 hours ago, Mary229 said:

I like the spending credits.  Maybe I am a new breed but I don’t care too much about a balcony or a suite, I don’t cruise to eat or drink, I do spend a lot on excursions and spa.  I don’t think spa counts though. Even though I may do a morning solo independent tour I like coming back in the afternoon for a guided program.   So I guess there are enough like me to warrant a different measure 

 

The spa counts toward the spending credits. I think the casino is the only onboard spending that doesn't count. 

 

[Andi Land]

We just got off the Oosterdam on Sunday. During this cruise we earned 3 star status. We went to the mariner lunch but there was no ceremony that I know of. Our Pins were in our mailbox. Did we miss something? 

Edited May 21, 2019 by Andi Land

[zelker]

17 minutes ago, Andi Land said:

We just got off the Oosterdam on Sunday. During this cruise we earned 3 star status. We went to the mariner lunch but there was no ceremony that I know of. Our Pins were in our mailbox. Did we miss something? 

 

Congrats on becoming 3 Star Mariners!  I don’t remember any recognition ceremony when we became 3 Star but will be interested to see what others say as we will become 4 Star on Amsterdam later this summer.

[tuolumne couple]

glad to see that you have kept track, and so glad to see you still enjoy it and have your pins. i am proud of mine.  you have an enviable collection. display it proudly. no complaints here. happy sailing! I think you have a very nice collection that represents a lifetime of experiences! 300 days at sea. impressive. i look forward to that milestone. cant wait. fun post. thanks

[ski ww]

Nothing wrong with recognizing loyalty, different cruise lines do different programs. We enjoy the free laundry which is very handy on long cruises & the discount on the wine package. We would cruise on HAL with out those, of course if they offered free or reduced internet or discount on certain cabins that would also be nice. Enjoy your cruise what ever level of mariner you are. 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Each time HAL started a new program, we were already beyond the number of days (points) that were needed for the highest "pin".

 

We have those certificates somewhere in the house and the pins.  We got our 700 day and medallions quite a few years ago. When HAL started the Star program, we were already past the 400 days needed to get the pin -- thus we do not have the first 3 star pins.  The 400 day pin was mailed to us.  And the same thing happened when HAL added the 5 star pin -- we were already past the 500 days so the pins were mailed to our house.

 

We do wear our 700 day medallions with the pins we have gotten to the awards ceremony only.  We haven't attended the brunch in years -- can't stand the free-for-all as people fight their way into the dining room rushing for certain tables.

 

I would rather like to get a bigger discount and some free internet as a perk for sailing on HAL so long. 

[JR42]

6 hours ago, Andi Land said:

We just got off the Oosterdam on Sunday. During this cruise we earned 3 star status. We went to the mariner lunch but there was no ceremony that I know of. Our Pins were in our mailbox. Did we miss something? 

 There is no ceremony for reaching the different star levels that I am aware of only if you are receiving a medallion for # of sea days. Usually when there is a medallion ceremony those invited are the awardees and 4 and 5 * mariners then all mariners are invited to the luncheon. This was the way it was done on my last cruise in April. I think it is up to the.Captain on how it is done. 

 

Janet

 

 

[drowelf]

11 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

The spa counts toward the spending credits. I think the casino is the only onboard spending that doesn't count. 

 

Jewelry out of the shop does not seem to count either. I bought a nice ring for the DW on our last cruise and the cost of it did not count towards our Cruise Days count at the end when they posted. 

[drowelf]

3 hours ago, JR42 said:

 There is no ceremony for reaching the different star levels that I am aware of only if you are receiving a medallion for # of sea days. Usually when there is a medallion ceremony those invited are the awardees and 4 and 5 * mariners then all mariners are invited to the luncheon. This was the way it was done on my last cruise in April. I think it is up to the.Captain on how it is done. 

 

Janet

 

 

On our cruise last month on the Prinsendam, they split the Mariner lunch into 2 events. All the 4-star/5-stars and those that received Medallions  got invited to the first lunch session and the 1/2/3 stars got invited to the second lunch session. Now maybe that because the Prinsendam is smaller and tends to have a larger percentage of 3/4/5 stars mariners than other ships. 

Edited May 21, 2019 by drowelf