Azamara loyalty club adds points toward free nights, takes away free Internet, laundry

Le Club Voyage changes take effect with cruises departing on or after Jan. 1, 2015.

'We expect mixed reactions to the discontinued benefits. It wasn't an easy decision, but we believe it's the right long-term decision for our guests and brand,' Azamara said in a statement on its website that added: 'Look at it this way: you'll be earning points toward free nights instead of free laundry or Internet minutes. Plus stateroom upgrades, savings on select voyages, and other new benefits.'

Members will earn free nights when advancing to a new tier, ranging from two nights (Explorer) to 10 nights (Discoverer Platinum). They'll also get quarterly 10% savings on select voyages, and 3% to 10% savings on open and reserved passage voyages when booking on board. There's also a $200 on-board credit for the future voyage when a reserved passage is booked.

Discoverer members and above will get priority check-in at select ports.

And two new annual Le Club Voyage voyages with exclusive events will be offered.

Perks being discontinued from next year are sparkling wine in staterooms upon arrival, a 'welcome home' gift when advancing to the next tier and a free wine tasting on voyages of at least 10 nights, in addition to the free laundry and Internet.

Azamara will continue to offer Internet savings based on member level.

As before, members will earn points based on nights aboard plus stateroom category. Beginning with voyages sailing on or after Jan. 1, members will earn higher points per night in Club Oceanview and Club Veranda rooms. Club Oceanview will award three points per night instead of two, while Club Veranda will give five points, up from three.

Membership tiers are Adventurer (up to 149 points), Explorer (150 - 299), Discoverer (300 - 749), Discoverer Plus (750 - 2,999) and Discoverer Platinum (3,000 plus).