Some folks like to explore new ship every time they sail. After a few sailings on many lines you will run out of ships within a cruise that line thus you end up on more than one cruise line. On the flip side I know many folks who like one or two ships better than any others and they will repeatedly cruise that same ship. Those folks often cite getting to know the crew as one reason they like sticking to just one or two ships.
Personally I have enjoyed exploring a number of ships within primarily one cruise line. I have sailed other cruise lines and really have enjoyed all on which I cruised. Within Royal Caribbean I even have a favorite class of ships, the Voyage Class. That does not negate the fun we had on the Allure, but the Allure and Oasis only visit so many ports due to their size and inability to get into many ports due to their size.
An argument in various circles is how much value there is in sticking on one cruise line, or even just one ship? Personally, I know that among the cruise lines there are various levels of past passenger perks given out to those who constantly return to the same cruise line. Usually, there is nothing official given out for returning to the same ship, but when you get to know some of the crew it can definitely make a difference.
For sticking with the same cruise line, depending on what cruise line we discuss you may get discounts for booking future cruises, on board credit, past passenger coupons for use on board future cruises, free internet, and free ship to shore phone calls. Some of the past passenger programs really get very generous for their most frequent cruisers, offering hours per day of ship to shore calls and unlimited internet use (which sure would make it possible to work and cruise at the same time). Others offer free cruises after a set number of nights/cruises on their ships.
Recently one cruise line invited all of their past passengers at a certain level to an exclusive gathering with the head of the line to visit and share feedback. That is quite a forum for bringing up any issues or changes that would improve the cruise experience further. Years ago Continental Airlines did some similar things with their top frequent fliers and the head, Mr. Bethune.
Keeping in mind cruising (or yachting as it is on some of the small ships) is intended to be a very enjoyable experience, one can understand where getting feedback from passengers who know how it is really working is very important for the cruise line executives. One CEO reads all positive feedback emails directly sent to him, because he believes that if someone with positive feedback wants to take time to write a message the least he can do is read the positive response. I don’t know that he personally reviews all negative feedback directed at him.
Those who are champions of sticking to one line are typically comfortable with the line. Many have explored other lines and know that the one they love most gives them the product they most desire when cruising. I can hardly blame anyone for sticking with a product they like best. When I think Chevy, Dodge, or Ford Trucks and most folks I know out in the ranching/farming world are die-hard fans of one not the other two. Other folks say they like one cruise line for select destinations or when certain family members are cruising together and others for other destination or passenger arrangement. I am among those who prefers, certain lines/ships based on where we want to sail and what family members are together. If we have our daughter sailing with us, despite her liking the upscale cruise experience, we tend to prefer Royal Caribbean for all of the on-board activities that she enjoys. If it is just us, we like to enjoy going upscale on the likes of Celebrity.
I am a firm believer in experiencing different things and seeing different places. I also feel it’s important to enjoy your experience and return to providers of service who take care of you. Thus, if you like Carnival but want to cruise Europe instead of the Caribbean stick with Carnival. Of course if you really want to see Alaska from a different vantage point, then it makes sense to experience different cruise lines. It is all about making sure you enjoy your vacation so don’t let someone say you need to stick on one cruise line only. I like the past passenger status perks I’ve earned on several cruise lines.
Cruising is meant to be fun, so it’s always interesting to hear folks discuss staying on one line only versus picking the best deal for each cruise. Typically those who are most loyal to specific lines aren’t always looking at the very best price for any cruise they undertake but know how to get a well priced cruise while ensuring they get the vacation experience they want. I am among those typically loyal, but not to the extent I won't experience something different. See some of our cruise reviews.
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