Earning cruise line loyalty status is a privilege and one you should celebrate. Getting to the top of any cruise loyalty program takes a lot of time, money and dedication, and you have every right to earn the rewards that come with being in the top tiers.

On the other hand, nobody likes or complains, especially when you’re stuck with them in the middle of the ocean. To manage your loyalty status responsibly, there are some tips you should keep in mind when using and promoting – or choosing not Disclosure – Your position.

Here are six things you should never do when you reach the top of your cruise line’s loyalty program.

Don’t forget about your benefits

Ashley Kosiolak/The Points Guy

When you cruise for the sheer joy of it, you don’t always think about how to maximize the benefits you get. Most cruise line loyalty program benefits are nothing special until you reach the top tier, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider taking full advantage of them. After all, you’ve earned them.

Check your e-mail for members-only newsletters, exclusive deals and offers. Avail discounts on onboard purchases such as photos, logo items and optional meals.

Looking for a Wi-Fi package? Some lines offer discounts or free minutes. If you’re craving a grown-up drink, don’t forget to look for exclusive members-only happy hours and cocktail parties or cash in on any free drink coupons you receive.

Familiarize yourself with the benefits offered by your loyalty tier before you travel so that you can take full advantage of it.

Don’t feel bad about your benefits

Yes, some jealous people will glare at you as you take your place in the priority tender line. Your shipmates may say that it is not fair that you can go to the front when others are patiently waiting to leave the ship.

But remember: You have paid your dues, as they are doing. You’ve waited in those lines as you worked your way through the tiers of your cruise line’s loyalty scheme. Take your rightful place in the dedicated top-tier line at the guest service desk, and don’t think twice about it.

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Don’t be loyal for the wrong reasons

People often ask me what I think about a certain cruise line, say they want to try it but are so highly ranked with their current line of choice that they don’t see the point. Don’t let the “well, I’m already here, so I might as well stay” attitude keep you from trying something new. After all, is a free bag of laundry worth missing out on an experience you could enjoy?

If the joy of earning free stuff outweighs the joy of the actual cruise experience, you’re missing the point.

Don’t complain about freebies

Please do not complain about the flimsy free luggage tag or logo item gifted to you by the cruise line. The extra money you earn will increase your experience, not cause you to get caught.

Your cruise line doesn’t owe you anything. Instead, he prefers to reward you for your loyalty however he sees fit. With that in mind, even the cheapest chachotka should be received with gratitude.

Don’t ignore status matches

Silversea Cruise

Once you’ve achieved top-level cruise status, you’ll want to expand to other cruise lines rather than sticking with one line for all of your upcoming vacations. Consider status matches that allow you to try a different brand without sacrificing your benefits.

For example, if you have a high position with one of the three Royal Caribbean Group sister lines – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Silversea Cruises – will match the other two lines.

Further, two lines – MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages – will not only match the status you get with competing cruise lines, but will also match loyalty programs outside of the cruise world. They both accept match to select hotel and airline programs.

Finally, if your partner has a higher status level than you, check if the cruise line of your choice will allow you to share status and its amenities.

Don’t brag

Listening to passengers brag about that status is my least favorite cruise pastime. Don’t be an intolerable bore; No one cares how many cruises you’ve taken to reach the top tier of a cruise line loyalty program.

Please calmly take full advantage of your position. It’s not a flex to brag about it; It is difficult. And if you must talk about it, drop the patronizing attitude and instead share your best tips for raising the bar so your new friends can someday enjoy the benefits you’re receiving.

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