Last year, I decided to try Carnival Cruise Line’s status match program. Six months later, I received not one, but two free cruise offers! I already sailed on one of those cruises last month (see my post here). My second Carnival cruise is scheduled for this summer.
A few days ago, I read a blog post on Frequent Miler and then another one on Frequent Floaters about status matching to Holland America cruise line. Results for this match were mixed, according to data points. But, I figured nothing ventured, nothing gained. I uploaded my MGM Gold status, expecting nothing. So imagine my surprise when I was offered a free inside cabin on a Holland America cruise!
Holland America Status Match
Here’s how I did it:
I have Hyatt Explorist status. I match my Hyatt status to MGM every year (see this post). This week, I visited the Holland America status match page, input my information and attached a screenshot of my MGM Gold status. That’s it! Note: You can also match Wyndham Diamond status (which you can get from a business credit card) to Ceasar’s Diamond status and submit that.
I received a confirmation email after I submitted my form. The next day, I received an email with a free cruise offer:
Offer Type HALMatch 1: Complimentary Interior Cabin + $100 Freeplay with Drinks for two (2) while playing in the casino
Offer Description: Valid on eligible sailings to Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, Coastal, and Canada/New England on 2023 sailings
I have never sailed on Holland America. But, Leana’s family loves it, and I’m open to trying new cruise lines.
I called the phone number on my offer letter to ask some questions. The rep explained that I would just need to pay the taxes on the cruise (which vary by cruise date) and pick a cruise up to 10 days long.
To book or not to book
Honestly, I didn’t think I would book this cruise, even though it’s “free”. I have SO MUCH travel already this year, including 5 other cruises. It’s a bit insane!
But, I talked it over with my husband. He jokingly told me I better start wearing and eye patch because I’m turning into a pirate. He is supportive of my travel, even when he can’t go.
After looking over available cruises and my limited available time to travel this year, I decided on a cruise at the end of the year. It’s on Holland America’s newest ship with an itinerary that visits two new-to-me ports. I’ll be cruising with my oldest son who will be on college winter break. Since he won’t be traveling for his spring break next year, he’s very excited about going on this cruise with me.
I plan to use miles and points for flights and pre-cruise hotel.
Readers, is anyone else going for this status match to Holland America? Let me know in the comments.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Can you upgrade to a balcony? I think I read where Frequent Milers waited and then got upgraded rooms too.
@Stacy For this Holland America offer, some people paid for an upgrade during the booking process. The Carnival offer was the one where people received an inside offer and then a balcony offer. When my Holland America cruise gets closer, I will inquire about an upgrade.
Do you know what the blackout dates are?
@Marta I’m not sure, blackout dates were not specified in my offer. I know there are some cruises where inside cabins are sold out, so I imagine those wouldn’t work. I would also guess that Thanksgiving week and Christmas are blackout dates but you would have to ask when you call.
Thank you Nancy. Came here via Doctor of Credit. Did the MGM Gold match for wife and I. We have Diamond too but I avoided that route due to your success using Gold. Got the free interior cabin and free play for each of our accounts.
@Kent That’s wonderful! Enjoy your cruise!!
Caesar’s Diamond only got $200 onboard credit!
That is so strange, considering I had no problem with just MGM Gold!!
Thanks so much for posting this! I’d read Nick’s original post, but it didn’t seem early on that too many were having success,[not even Nick], so I forgot about it until you posted. I was able to also submit MGM Gold and get the free interior within an hour of submitting! Many who submitted Cearsar’s are not getting the offer!
@Lynn That’s fabulous! Are you going to book??
Yes, says I have 60 days to decide. I can book until end of 2023. I will probably look at the Caribbean for Nov or Dec and look at Alaska.
Which itinerary and ship did you choose?
@Lynn I booked on Rotterdam to the Caribbean.
I have a 12 night balcony Baltic cruise on Carnival through the casino match in July 2023. I was thinking about doing this one, but it would be hard to find any more time off in 2023. Is it limited to 2023 sailings only? Is your over Christmas/New Years? We are a family of four willing to pile into an interior room, are there fees for extra passengers beyond taxes? Thanks and congrats on using this system to gain extra travel opportunities with your family!
@Brian Congrats on your free Carnival cruise! My HAL certificate was limited to cruises in 2023. However, the sailing I picked is just before New Year’s and spills into 2024. I’m not sure if cruises over Christmas qualify. I believe they charge extra fees for a 3rd and 4th passenger, I presume it’s the same cost as if you’d book them on a regular sailing (usually much cheaper than the 1st/2nd passenger). I know it’s hard to find time off for these experiences. 🙁
I got the same match but I guess I’m spoiled and I’d really like to have a balcony cabin. After calling the number on the offer, they said it would be $1000 per person to upgrade to a balcony. Since the cruise I’m looking at is $1199 per person, I guess it’s not such a great deal. Thoughts?
@Diane I agree, not a great deal. Upgrades may be cheaper the closer to your cruise, but there’s a risk you could remain in the interior cabin. I don’t love interior cabins, but in this case I’m willing to make an exception.
Waahooo! You are becoming A Frequent Floater! 🙂
Maybe a little too frequent this year. 🙂