Superstar Cruises introduced important updates to its Blue Chip Membership program in an e mail to loyalty members on July 16, 2024.
Blue Chip Membership members had been fast to search out fault with the modifications, from members shedding drink packages and on line casino credit to limitless digital photos.
The e-mail additionally brought on an uproar by stating, “Tier Credit for all members will reset to zero on August 1, 2024, initiating a brand new 12-month monitoring interval.”
Following visitor suggestions, Superstar Cruises clarified on July 17 to deal with confusion and prolong present advantages.
“Yesterday, we introduced some modifications to the Superstar Blue Chip Membership program. The suggestions we obtained from you within the final 24 hours made it clear that we didn’t roll out these modifications the best way we should always have,” the cruise line acknowledged. “We’re very sorry for the stress this will likely have brought on you and want to share how we’re addressing this.”
The clarification states that present Blue Chip Membership members will retain their present Tier Standing for the subsequent 12 months, beginning August 1, 2024, till July 31, 2025. Throughout this era, members will proceed to have the identical FreePlay advantages, beverage bundle perks, and pay as you go gratuity advantages initially related to their present tier.
The advantages apply to bookings totally paid and confirmed earlier than August 1, 2024, with a sail-by date on or earlier than July 31, 2025, for sailings of 4 nights or longer.
In the meantime, the Tier Credit will proceed to reset on August 1, 2024, however will probably be used to find out new tier standing for this system from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. The brand new tier advantages won’t take impact till sailings on and after August 1, 2025.
Modifications to the Blue Chip Membership
The Blue Chip Membership, Superstar Cruises’ loyalty program for on line casino gamers, is split into a number of tiers – Pearl, Onyx, Amethyst, Sapphire, Sapphire Plus, and Ruby – with growing advantages at every stage.
Members earn reward factors based mostly on their on line casino play, which they will redeem for onboard facilities comparable to FreePlay, complimentary eating, shore excursions, and spa remedies.
With the brand new program, all tiers retain the flexibility to redeem factors for FreePlay in addition to folio credit score with a minimal of 10,000 Reward Factors. Every tier additionally receives immediate cruise rewards certificates with bonus FreePlay.
What has modified is the quantity of FreePlay and promo chips mechanically awarded to higher-tiered friends. Amethyst members initially obtained $100, Sapphire members $500, Sapphire Plus members obtained $1,000, and Ruby members obtained $2,500.
Now, this system introduces Effy Boutique credit score, with members capable of spend $200, $250, $350, and $550, respectively, within the boutique.
The brand new providing additionally removes drink packages, which began on the Sapphire stage with Basic and elevated to Premium for Sapphire Plus and Ruby. As an alternative, all tiers can obtain complimentary drinks within the on line casino.
The place passengers starting at Amethyst obtained limitless digital picture packages, the coverage has decreased the profit. Amethyst now receives one digital picture obtain, each Sapphire tiers obtain two, and Ruby members obtain three.
Precedence embarkation, debarkation, tenders, and shore-side concierge, initially granted to Sapphire by Ruby ranges, are actually provided solely to Ruby ranges. Nevertheless, entry to Blue Chip Membership VIP occasions and the annual cruise profit stay the identical.
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The Wi-Fi packages have additionally been adjusted below the brand new program. The place Amethyst members obtained 60 minutes of high-speed Xcelerate Web, they now obtain 30 % off the improved Starlink-powered Wi-Fi. Every Sapphire stage retains one free entry, however Ruby will increase from two gadgets to 4.
Nevertheless, this system additionally introduces a couple of new advantages. For instance, a spa low cost is on the market, and Amethyst members obtain 10 % off all providers. Ruby members obtain 20 % off, and each Sapphire ranges obtain 15 % off.
Sapphire ranges and better additionally obtain unique charges for household and mates staying in further staterooms, and all members obtain unique gives with partnership casinos.
Nonetheless, Ruby members obtain the majority of the brand new advantages, which embody limitless complimentary room service, a welcome lunch in the primary eating room, reserved seating at exhibits in The Theatre, precedence baggage supply, and an onboard credit score based mostly on cruise length.
Ruby members obtain $50 on 3- to 4-night sailings, $75 on 5- to 6-night sailings, and $100 on sailings of seven or extra nights.
Once more, the modifications won’t have an effect on present members till August 1, 2025. New Blue Chip Membership members will start below this program.
Superstar Cruises can also be extending the dates for its top-tier Captain’s Membership members. Elite members have till October 30, 2024, to e-book, Elite Plus members have till January 31, 2025, and Zenith members have till July 31, 2025, to e-book to retain their present standing. All sailings should happen on or earlier than July 31, 2025.
