“We expect mixed reaction to the discontinued benefits,” the two-ship cruise line said in a posting on its website. It said the change is “the right long-term decision for our guests and brand.”
Among the new benefits are more complimentary voyage nights for achieving a higher tier in the program.
Passengers earn points in a five-tier program according to number of nights sailed and cabin category. In the new program, guests staying in Club Oceanview cabins will earn three points a night instead of two, and those staying in Club Veranda cabins will earn five points a night instead of three, Azamara said.
Other new benefits include a dedicated shoreside program manager, various discounts and upgrades and a Club Voyage desk for guest inquiries.
Benefits being discontinued, in addition to free laundry service and Internet access, include a bottle of sparkling wine on embarkation, free wine tastings on voyages of 10 nights or longer and a welcome-home gift for advancing to the next tier.
The changes take effect Jan. 1.
