Costa adds more elite perks in restyled loyalty program

Costa president Neil Palomba said the changes spring from listening to customers, shipboard personnel and travel agents.

The biggest change is the new Pearl Diamond Club, the highest level, with benefits like home luggage pick-up and delivery, immediate embarkation and a 'super upgrade'—when booking a future cruise, passengers who reserve an interior cabin can travel in a suite. Other perks are dedicated staff, free access to the Club Restaurant during the entire cruise, personalized mini-bar, front row theater reservations, dedicated excursions with a limited number of participants and a 20% discount on Privilege Departures for the 2016 program.

A new membership level, Amber Club, is for those who have never cruised with Costa. This makes a total of six—Amber, Aquamarine, Coral, Pearl, Pearl Gold and Pearl Diamond.

The points for each are calculated based on the cruises of the last three years, with base points for each cruise day and incremental points according to accommodations category booked.

Spending for Costa-related airfare and on-board purchase will also contribute to accumulating points.

To mark CostaClub’s 15th anniversary, a contest offers 15 years of cruises for two in a balcony cabin and a €50,000 jackpot.

Members who register at CostaClub.it from Sept. 16 to April 30 can participate.