MGM Gold Tier Earns Cruise Rewards | New Insights on Tier Credits

A partnership between MGM Rewards and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has travelers buzzing. A Gold Tier member is uneasy about earning Tier Credits for a cruise booked through a travel portal. This uncertainty reflects broader concerns about the limitations surrounding Tier Credits eligibility.

Context of the Discussions

A Gold Tier member recently expressed excitement about their upcoming cruise on the Star of the Seas scheduled for January. They booked this cruise through United Cruises, igniting worries about whether this booking method would qualify for Tier Credits. Sources confirm that MGM and RCCL's collaboration does offer significant perks, notably the ability to earn Tier Credits for onboard gaming. However, the enthusiasm is tempered by the realities of booking channels.

Concerns Raised by Fellow Travelers

Several comments highlight the community's sentiments:

• Direct Booking Requirement:

  "You won't earn points unless booked through the partnership," warned a user. MGM's official stance supports this, confirming that Tier Credits will only apply to cruises booked directly through their partnership with RCCL.

• Expectation vs. Reality:

  Many travelers had hoped for flexibility but found disappointment due to the strict booking rules.

• Future Prospects:

  Despite setbacks with current bookings, there's interest in future cruises that could better leverage the partnership for earning rewards.

"I have a cruise with RCCL this week, but MGM said only partner bookings earn points," another member noted, emphasizing the confusion around eligibility.

Community Sentiment

Positive and negative feelings coexist in this discussion. While many express disappointment about the lack of Tier Credits for their current bookings, there remains a sense of optimism for future opportunities with this partnership. Comments like, "Would have been nice to double dip! Have fun on your cruise!" reflect the mix of hope and frustration among travelers.

Key Insights from the Conversation

• 🚫 Limited Credit Opportunities: Only cruises booked directly through the MGM partnership earn Tier Credits.

• 🧳 Travel Flexibility Needed: Community members are voicing the need for clearer guidelines on what qualifies for rewards.

• 🌊 Onboard Gaming Benefits: MGM Rewards members can earn points while playing games on board, but they must use their SeaPass cards and MGM Rewards numbers.

A New Era for MGM and RCCL

As the partnership unfolds, there’s potential for MGM to revisit their policies on Tier Credits eligibility. A significant number of travelers prefer booking methods that maximize their potential rewards, prompting speculation that MGM may broaden its criteria in the future. Expertise within the community suggests that clarity around eligibility could lead to a positive shift in user experiences.

Final Thoughts

As discussions continue, travelers considering cruises may want to confirm booking requirements closely to maximize MGM Rewards benefits. Just as airline loyalty programs evolved in the late 1990s, it seems the feedback from MGM's community may also push for more traveler-friendly policies as this partnership grows.