Celebrity Cruises Updates Blue Chip Club After Valuable Guest Feedback
Celebrity Cruises announced major updates to its Blue Chip Club program in an email to loyalty members on July 16, 2024.
Blue Chip Club members were quick to voice concerns, noting changes such as the loss of drink packages, casino credits, and unlimited digital images.
The email also sparked controversy with the statement: “Tier Credits for all members will reset to zero on August 1, 2024, initiating a new 12-month tracking period.”
In response to guest feedback, on July 17, Celebrity Cruises issued a clarification to address the confusion and extend current benefits.
“Yesterday, we announced some changes to the Celebrity Blue Chip Club program. The feedback we received from you in the last 24 hours made it clear that we did not roll out these changes the way we should have,” stated the cruise line. “We are very sorry for the stress this may have caused you and would like to share how we are addressing this.”
The clarification specifies that current Blue Chip Club members will retain their existing Tier Status for the next 12 months, from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. During this period, members will continue to enjoy FreePlay benefits, beverage package perks, and prepaid gratuity benefits tied to their current tier.
These benefits apply to bookings fully paid and confirmed before August 1, 2024, with a sail-by date on or before July 31, 2025, for sailings of four nights or longer.
While Tier Credits will reset on August 1, 2024, they will only be used to determine new tier status for the program from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. The new tier benefits will start from sailings on and after August 1, 2025.
Changes to the Blue Chip Club
The Blue Chip Club, Celebrity Cruises’ loyalty program for casino players, has multiple tiers – Pearl, Onyx, Amethyst, Sapphire, Sapphire Plus, and Ruby – each offering increased benefits.
Members earn reward points based on their casino play, which can be redeemed for onboard amenities like FreePlay, dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments.
In the updated program, all tiers can still redeem points for FreePlay and folio credit with a minimum of 10,000 Reward Points. Each tier also gets instant cruise rewards certificates with bonus FreePlay.
Changes include adjustments to FreePlay and promo chips for higher-tier guests. Previously, Amethyst members received $100, Sapphire members $500, Sapphire Plus $1,000, and Ruby $2,500. Now, the program adds Effy Boutique credits, allowing members to spend $200, $250, $350, and $550, respectively, in the boutique.
The new program also removes previous drink packages but offers complimentary drinks in the casino for all tiers.
Unlimited digital photo packages have been reduced. Now, Amethyst members get one digital photo download, both Sapphire tiers get two, and Ruby members get three.
Priority services, previously available from Sapphire through Ruby levels, are now exclusive to Ruby members. However, access to Blue Chip Club VIP events and the annual cruise benefit remains unchanged.
Wi-Fi packages have also been adjusted. Amethyst members used to receive 60 minutes of high-speed Internet but now get a 30 percent discount on enhanced Starlink-powered Wi-Fi. Sapphire levels retain one free access, while Ruby increases from two devices to four.
New benefits introduced include a spa discount, with Amethyst members receiving 10 percent off all services, Sapphire levels 15 percent off, and Ruby members 20 percent off.
Additionally, Sapphire levels and higher get exclusive rates for family and friends in additional staterooms, and all members receive special offers with partner casinos.
Ruby members gain the most among new benefits, including unlimited complimentary room service, a welcome lunch in the main dining room, reserved show seating, priority luggage delivery, and onboard credit based on cruise length — $50 for 3- to 4-night sailings, $75 for 5- to 6-night sailings, and $100 for 7 or more nights.
These changes will not affect current members until August 1, 2025. New Blue Chip Club members will start under this program.
Celebrity Cruises is also extending deadlines for its top-tier Captain’s Club members. Elite members have until October 30, 2024, Elite Plus until January 31, 2025, and Zenith until July 31, 2025, to book and retain their current status. All sailings must occur by July 31, 2025.
