Celebrity Cruises Expands its Captain Club’s Loyalty Program with New Milestone Levels and Enhanced Perks
Cruise lines continue to invest heavily in loyalty programs as they look to reward their most dedicated guests, and Celebrity Cruises is expanding its Captain’s Club program with a new set of milestone recognition levels. The changes are designed to give frequent travelers more opportunities to unlock benefits throughout their loyalty journey, particularly between the program’s Elite Plus and Zenith tiers.
The new structure offers enhanced perks that grow alongside a member’s lifetime sailing activity. Benefits include expanded Wi-Fi access, specialty dining discounts, complimentary photography packages, exclusive onboard amenities, and additional vacation-enhancing experiences. For the cruise line’s highest-achieving members, new milestone levels beyond Zenith introduce premium rewards such as complimentary specialty dining experiences, celebratory amenities, and upgraded cruise vacations, reinforcing the value of long-term loyalty.
The expansion reflects a broader trend across the travel industry, where brands are moving beyond traditional tier-based programs and introducing milestone rewards that keep customers engaged between major status levels. For frequent cruisers, these enhancements provide additional incentives to continue sailing with the brand while enjoying more personalized recognition along the way. As competition for loyal travelers intensifies, programs that offer meaningful benefits throughout the customer journey are becoming an increasingly important part of the overall guest experience.
Learn more here: Celebrity Cruises Adds New Rewards to Loyalty Program
BetMGM and Marriot Bonvoy Will Send 10 Grand Prize Winners to New York City for Soccer VIP Event Series
As brands look for new ways to connect loyalty programs with passion-driven experiences, partnerships between travel and entertainment companies are creating increasingly unique opportunities for consumers. BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy are taking that approach to soccer fans this summer through a new sweepstakes designed to bring members closer to one of the sport’s biggest cultural moments.
At the center of the campaign is access to SI Beyond the Pitch, a high-profile event series celebrating the global game and culminating in a major gathering in New York City. Eligible participants who link their BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts and engage with the promotion can enter for a chance to win VIP event access, travel accommodations, dining experiences, and loyalty rewards. The promotion highlights the broader relationship between BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy, which allows members to connect gaming activity with travel rewards.
"At BetMGM, we're always looking for ways to reward our players with legendary experiences they simply can't get anywhere else," said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer, BetMGM. "Partnering with Marriott Bonvoy for this event allows us to bring fans inside the velvet ropes during a once–in–a–generation moment on the global sports stage."
Learn more here: BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy Launch World's Game Sweepstakes, Sending Fans to New York for Sports Illustrated Beyond the Pitch Part
Choice Hotels’ Choice Privileges Named Best Hotel Loyalty Program by WalletHub
As travelers continue to place greater value on rewards and loyalty benefits, hotel programs are becoming an increasingly important factor in booking decisions. A new analysis from WalletHub evaluated the country’s most popular hotel loyalty programs across a range of factors, including point values, redemption flexibility, and member benefits, highlighting how much value travelers can potentially unlock through strategic participation. The findings underscore the growing role loyalty programs play in helping consumers stretch their travel budgets while enhancing the overall guest experience.
Among the programs evaluated, Choice Privileges earned the top overall ranking, followed by several other well-known hospitality brands. The report found that the strongest loyalty programs can generate meaningful savings for frequent travelers, with top-performing programs delivering average savings of around 10% and, in some cases, significantly more. The study also emphasized the importance of redemption flexibility, noting that the ability to use points across a broad portfolio of properties remains a key differentiator for travelers looking to maximize the value of their rewards.
The research also highlighted several trends shaping today’s loyalty landscape. While many hotel programs offer attractive earning and redemption opportunities, benefits such as points that never expire remain relatively uncommon. The study additionally recognized the growing influence of co-branded credit cards, which can accelerate rewards earning and provide substantial long-term value for loyal travelers. As competition among hotel brands intensifies, loyalty programs continue to evolve from simple points systems into comprehensive ecosystems designed to attract, retain, and reward guests over time.
Learn more here: Choice Has Best Hotel Loyalty Program, Says WalletHub Report