Cruising Society's frequently asked questions…. Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Cruising Society's frequently asked questions….   Tuesday, March 21, 2017

1)   Why do I need a travel score?

You don't. Why do you want your travel score is a different question. With your score, we can search for travel options and offers that you may not see or receive. Frequent travelers, whether for business or leisure, do not necessarily want something cheaper. They (you) want a better value or a deal not available to those who don't travel as much. We can help you locate those values.

2)   How does a better score help me?

The more you travel, again whether for business or pleasure, the more attractive you are to providers of transportation, accommodations, services, and others who supply these necessities and amenities.

3)   How do I improve my travel score?

Whenever convenient, whether it's once a month or every time you travel, update the information in the survey. Adding a country or city or another cruise can impact your travel score. The higher your score, the more attractive you are—without going through plastic surgery or buying a new wardrobe.

4)   Is a travel report like a credit report?

No, it is very different. You receive points, based on your cruise travel, particularly the number of nights you've cruised and on which lines. As you don’t ask which lines or how many cruises on which lines, should you delete that part? The score is a networking tool to establish your credentials and to let you know what benefits you qualify for on future cruises. Based on your answers, we can help you learn about and claim those benefits.

5)    Will everyone get the same referrals?

No, for instance if you have not circumnavigated the globe, we would not nominate you for a membership in The Circumnavigators Club.

6)    Is my score secret or will it be shared?

We don't share your score. You may, if you like.

7)   What happens if I want you to make my profile active?

We'll publish a tweet with your name, score, and say something nice, interesting, and fun about you. Then you can follow or link to that tweet to show your acceptance and travel score.

8)   Can I delete my score and all information you have about me?

Yes, you can opt- out of the system and cancel your score at any time.

9)   How do you investigate and verify scores so I know I can trust scores you've given other people?

For 32 years I've run the Yearbook of Experts and the ExpertClick.com expert referral system so I've learned how to determine the veracity of people. Also, as you know, frauds are usually outed very easily.

10)   How do you calculate my score and is that process public?

No, we do not publish the formula. That is our secret sauce -- and may change over time.

11)   How can your Cruising Society travel score be free?

This site may be compensated through third party advertisers—and, we make some money selling the optional pins and certificates (see next question). Advertiser Disclosure: The offers that appear on this site may be from third party advertisers from which Cruising Society receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). It is this compensation that enables Cruising Society to provide you with such services as creation of and free access to your travel score at no charge. The Cruising Society strives to provide a wide array of offers for our members, but our offers do not represent all travel services companies, clubs, or products.

12)   What can I buy?

You can buy pins, medallions, and certificates, hats, T-shirts, books, and other items that may be of interest to frequent cruisers.

13)   How does the Society make money?

We collect revenue from such marketing partners as critical card companies and other associations that pay referral fees. Our primary funding mechanism are the advertisements we publish in the weekly email newsletter. Again, we will not sell your name to them. We will forward these offers to you for you to pursue or not. If you would like to advertise in our email newsletter, please contact us at CEO@CruisingSociety.org or call (202) 333-5000.

14)    What are some of the benefits of letting you make my score public?

A lot of what we do is very touchy and personal. For instance, if you make your travel score public and I notice that you've circumnavigated the globe, but you are not a member of the Circumnavigators Club, then I'll ask my friend, the club's president, to reach out to you and offer membership.

Alternately, I may notice that your travel score suggests that you would have the opportunity for a reciprocal upgrade with a cruise line, or qualify for a new Gold card. I wouldn't give them you name so they could spam you, so I'd simply send a link to you with an offer and suggest that you check it out.

Also, for many years when I've traveled I've had Dutch treat networking dinners, often in private clubs or exceptional restaurants—from the Rainbow Room in NYC to The Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood--where lots of people have made connections. If I’m going to be in your city, or you’re going to be in mine (Washington, D.C.), I'd love to reach out and meet you.

15)   Is this limited to United States residents?

No, anyone may take the survey and join The Cruise Society.

16)    May I recommend or suggest someone else learn their Travel Score?

Yes, please do. The more people who are involved, the more attractive the Cruise Society membership is to travel providers.

17)    Do I receive anything for recommending someone who joins?

Yes, the satisfaction that they can improve their travel life.