Norwegian Cruise Line Reverses Status Match Comment — Here’s What We Know So Far & New Statement from Corporate
New Update:
Following initial reports from the invited sailing of Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Senior Vice President of Sales has clarified that his comment about a potential status match was made sarcastically and not intended as an official announcement. In a follow-up Facebook Live with travel advisors, he stated that NCL currently has no plans to introduce a status match program.
At Freestyle Travelers, we reported on the facts as they were publicly presented during the panel. When a senior executive responds definitively to a direct question in a professional setting, it’s reasonable for travel advisors and cruisers to take that seriously.
As always, we remain committed to sharing accurate, timely updates as they unfold.
Initial reporting:
During the invited inaugural sailing of Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line signaled a major shift in its loyalty approach: the introduction of a Latitudes Rewards status match program.
The announcement wasn’t made through a press release—but in real time, during a travel advisor panel onboard. When an advisor suggested that Norwegian offer a status match program to attract cruisers from other lines, John Chernesky, NCL’s Senior Vice President of Sales for North America, responded with a confident, one-word answer: “Done.”
Chernesky then turned to the room and asked, “Who likes that idea?”—receiving unanimous approval from the group of invited advisors. While NCL hasn’t yet released specific details or a timeline, the comment confirmed that the cruise line is actively working on the initiative.
This move aligns with Norwegian’s broader effort to become what Chernesky has described as the “easiest cruise line to do business with,” a theme echoed throughout the Aqua preview sailing and recent advisor outreach.
What Is NCL’s Latitudes Rewards?
Latitudes Rewards is NCL’s loyalty program, where benefits like priority embarkation, complimentary laundry, discounts, and exclusive onboard events are earned through cruise nights and completed sailings. Until now, travelers joining from other cruise lines had to start at the base tier.
With a status match program in the works, NCL is positioning itself to more aggressively court loyal cruisers from competing brands—allowing them to start with perks right away.
Click here to learn more about the Latitudes Rewards Program.
Other Cruise Lines That Offer Status Match
Norwegian isn’t the first to test this concept. Several other cruise lines already have formal or reciprocal status match programs in place:
MSC Cruises
MSC’s Voyagers Club Status Match accepts elite status from cruise lines, hotel chains, and even airlines. Approved travelers receive a 5% discount on future cruises and enjoy tier-equivalent perks like priority embarkation, onboard discounts, and more.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin’s Loyalty Match has been offered periodically, allowing travelers to match cruise, hotel, and airline loyalty levels. Benefits can include premium Wi-Fi, welcome champagne, and early boarding. The program requires a simple application and proof of status.
Royal Caribbean Group (Royal, Celebrity, Silversea)
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea don’t match from outside cruise lines, but they do honor reciprocal status across the three brands—making it easier for loyal guests to move between them without losing benefits.
Bottom Line: NCL’s planned status match program could give travelers a compelling reason to test out a new cruise line—without losing the loyalty perks they’re used to. And with the announcement made directly to travel advisors onboard Norwegian Aqua, it’s clear NCL is listening and moving fast.
We’ll update this article as soon as official details are announced!
