Insider Q&A: Taking a Spring Cruise
By Tyler Bohlman and Janet Brindle Reddick
Ready to set sail? Members enrolled in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations™ Exchange Program can use Points* to book a cruise.
While resorts in Asia-Pacific and around the globe are open, there are many devoted cruisers who are looking to go back to the high seas or those looking to experience a cruise for the first time. Here are some commonly asked questions about booking a cruise for your next holiday.
Q: Where are cruises sailing from right now?
A: Currently, there are only regional cruises sailing from Singapore on a “cruise to nowhere” (a cruise with no ports) aboard Royal Caribbean. These used to be open only to local residents but are now open to international arrivals. Most of them are three or four nights, but they’re still a wonderful opportunity to have a relaxing holiday. Other hubs like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Yokohama are expected to reopen later in 2022.
Q: Are there restrictions for travelers?
A: Travelers must be fully vaccinated and follow all landside rules and standard procedures, as well as have a negative test before boarding. Procedures that apply on land also apply on the ship.
Q: Are there other options for Members and guests who want to cruise now?
A: International travel is starting to open. Ocean and river cruises have resumed in most parts of Europe. Sail from Dubai, or cruise in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Some are now booking for the summer season in Alaska in the United States.
Q: What’s on the horizon for more sailings?
A: Ships are coming back to Asia-Pacific in the fall and moving from mono destinations within state boundaries. Cruising rules are always changing, so check with your cruise professionals for the latest updates from each cruise line.
Q: Can people feel confident about booking?
A: Most cruise lines offer “cruise with confidence” policies. If you must cancel within 48 hours due to a COVID-19-related reason, your Points can be kept in cruise credit for another future booking.
Q: What incentives are available to Members booking a cruise?
A: Now is a great time to book, as Members receive shore excursion credit**. Shore excursion credit is based on Member Benefit level. Once a cruise reservation is confirmed using Points, a credit will be issued within 1 to 2 business days.
• Member and Select benefit level: US$75 in shore excursion credit
• Executive and Presidential benefit level: US$100 in shore excursion credit
• Chairman’s Club benefit level: US$150 in shore excursion credit
Contact Member Services to use Points to book a cruise.
* “Points” means Club Points in Marriott Vacation Club, Asia-Pacific; Club Points in Marriott Vacation Club Destinations, Australia; and Points in Marriott Vacation Club Destinations, Bali Nusa Dua Gardens, and is not to be confused with Marriott Bonvoy Points.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
**Access to the Explorer Collection is made available through the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program documents. The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are subject to change. Certain adventure tours, cruises, and events are available through travel providers and reservations will be made directly with travel providers for the Exchange Company. Access to tours, cruises, other accommodations, and event opportunities and included features are subject to the terms and conditions of these travel providers, and those of the Exchange Program documents. Such tours, cruises, accommodations, and events may not be available in the future. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees. The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are subject to change.
Members of Marriott Vacation Club, Asia-Pacific who purchased their Club memberships prior to 16 December 2016 must activate their Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program memberships to be able to access this option.
Marriott Vacation Club℠ Members booking an Owner cruise will not be eligible for the shore excursion credit benefit. Excursions are already included as part of the Owner cruise package.
Shore excursion credit (“Credit”) will be provided as a promo code (“Promo Code”). The Credit is valid for a qualified cruise sailing booked using Points with Our Vacation Centre, a travel provider for Marriott Vacation Club. The Credit is redeemable through Shore Ex, a third-party provider, and must be redeemed prior to sailing date. The Credit is awarded only on the first cabin of a booking and must be redeemed by a Marriott Vacation Club® Member. Additional cabins on the same booking do not qualify for Credit. The amount of Credit will be based on Marriott Vacation Club Member benefit level at the time of booking. Credits are awarded in USD equivalent and must be redeemed by using the Promo Code at the time of the booking. There is no cash value for the Credit and it expires if not used on the eligible cruise booking. The Code must be entered and applied to excursions of equal or greater value than the Credit. Any changes exceeding the value of the Credit is the responsibility of the Marriott Vacation Club Member at checkout. There is no limit on the number of times a Marriott Vacation Club Member can be awarded a Credit throughout the year and with each additional qualified cruise sailing.
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