Imagine a world where luxury vacations are not just a dream but an affordable reality. A world where you can explore exotic destinations, sail the high seas, and relax in five-star resorts without breaking the bank. This is exactly what Westgate Cruise and Travel offers. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first family getaway, this exclusive travel club is designed to elevate your vacation experience while keeping your budget in check.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about Westgate Cruise and Travel. From unlocking incredible travel savings credits to converting your timeshare weeks into unforgettable cruises, we have covered it all. Get ready to discover how you can make the most of your membership and see the world like never before.
Unlock the World with Westgate Cruise and Travel
At its core, Westgate Cruise and Travel is more than just a booking platform; it is a gateway to a lifetime of memories. As a member, you gain access to a treasure trove of benefits that are typically reserved for travel industry insiders. The program is built on the philosophy that everyone deserves a high-quality vacation, and they make it happen through exclusive partnerships and negotiated rates.
One of the best or important features of this program is the Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection. This curated selection allows members to book hotels, resorts, and cruises at prices that are significantly lower than public rates. Imagine saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your next trip simply by being a member. The lowest price guarantee ensures that you never overpay for your vacation, giving you peace of mind as you plan your itinerary.
Why Choose Westgate Cruise and Travel?
The travel industry is flooded with booking sites and discount clubs, but Westgate Cruise and Travel stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer variety of options is staggering. You are not limited to just Westgate properties; you have access to thousands of international cruise options and worldwide resorts. Secondly, the flexibility of the program allows you to customize your travel plans to suit your specific needs, whether it is a romantic getaway or a large family reunion.
Furthermore, the program incentivizes you to travel more. With every booking, you can earn and redeem travel savings credits, which effectively function as currency for future trips. This cyclical benefit structure means the more you travel, the more you save, creating a rewarding loop for avid explorers.
Membership Perks: More Than Just Discounts
Joining the Westgate Cruise and Travel family opens the door to a wide array of perks that go beyond simple price cuts. The membership is designed to provide a holistic travel experience, taking care of everything from car rentals to activities.
Exclusive Access to High-Quality Resorts
While Westgate is famous for its own luxury resorts, the Westgate Cruise and Travel Collection expands your horizon to include partner properties across the globe. You can book stays at top-rated hotels in major cities, beachfront villas in the Caribbean, or cozy mountain lodges in Europe. The quality assurance protocols ensure that every property meets high standards of comfort and service.
All-Inclusive Cruises and Vacation Packages
For those who love the open ocean, the cruise benefits are unparalleled. Members can book all-inclusive cruises with major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian. Whether you prefer a relaxing river cruise or an adventurous expedition to Alaska, the platform offers it all. Additionally, you can bundle your cruise with flights and transfers to create seamless vacation packages.
Earning and Using Travel Savings Credits
Travel savings credits are the lifeblood of the Westgate Cruise and Travel program. These credits can be applied as partial payment towards hotels, cruises, and car rentals, reducing the cash amount you need to pay.
How to Increase Your Travel Savings Credits
You might be wondering how to accumulate these valuable credits. Here are some proven ways:
- Pay Annual Membership Fee: Simply renewing your membership adds credits to your account.
- Book Travel: Earn credits when you book flights or car rentals. For example, you can earn $100 in Savings Credits with each reservation.
- Deposit Timeshare Weeks: If you are a Westgate owner, depositing your non-Westgate timeshare week can earn you up to $1,750 in credits.
- Surprise Promos: Keep an eye on your email for special promotions where you can earn up to $500 annually as surprise gifts.
Revolutionizing Ownership: Timeshare to Cruise Exchange
One of the most innovative features introduced by Westgate is the ability to exchange timeshare weeks for cruise vacations. This flexibility addresses a common pain point for timeshare owners who may want a break from resort stays and wish to try something different.
Convert Your Timeshare Week into WOW Experience Points
The mechanism for this exchange is simple yet brilliant. Westgate Owners can convert their weeks into World of Westgate (WOW) Experience Points. These points serve as a versatile currency within the ecosystem. Instead of being tied to a specific location for your vacation week, you now have the freedom to use those points as full or partial payment for a cruise.
The Conversion Process Simplified
Navigating the conversion process is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Select a Cruise: Log in to your Westgate Cruise and Travel account and browse the available itineraries. The system will display the required WOW Experience Points for each sailing.
- Contact Support: Call the dedicated support line at 855-892-3337. You will need to pay a Developer Exchange Fee of $169 to finalize the conversion.
- Book Your Adventure: Once the points are in your account, you have 12 months to book your cruise. The best part? There are no blackout dates, giving you complete control over your schedule.
Important Dates and Eligibility
To make this exchange work smoothly, you must be aware of the deadlines. Generally, you must convert your current year’s week into points before April 1 of each calendar year. If you miss this date, you will have to wait to convert the following year’s week. Also, remember that your Maintenance Fee must be paid for the year you wish to convert.
World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program Integration
The synergy between the Westgate Cruise and Travel platform and the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program creates immense value for loyal owners.
Complimentary Membership for Elite Owners
If you hold Silver, Gold, or Elite status within the WOW Loyalty Program, you are in for a treat. You receive a complimentary membership to the Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection. This benefit alone saves you the $249 annual membership fee, ensuring that your access to premium travel deals comes at no extra cost. It is Westgate’s way of saying thank you for your loyalty.
Family and Friends Benefits
Why keep the savings to yourself? The program allows you to share the love. You can grant family and friends access to the same great savings and benefits you enjoy. This feature is perfect for planning group trips or destination weddings. Plus, when they book flights or car rentals using your account access, you earn Travel Savings Credits. It is a win-win situation where they get the discount, and you get the rewards.
Membership Benefits Summary
To help you visualize the value proposition, here is a detailed breakdown of what you get with Westgate Cruise and Travel:
| Benefit Category | Feature Details |
| Resort Access | Special access to thousands of low-cost, high-quality resorts worldwide. |
| Cruise Options | Booking capability for major cruise lines with all-inclusive options. |
| Price Guarantee | Lowest price guarantee on hotels, resorts, and cruises. |
| Savings Credits | Earn Travel Savings Credits on bookings and renewals; redeemable for travel. |
| Timeshare Exchange | Convert timeshare weeks into WOW Experience Points for cruise vacations. |
| Guest Passes | Ability to share benefits with friends and family (Guest Certificates). |
| Hot Weeks | Access to “Hot Weeks” with 7-night resort stays starting as low as $49. |
| Loyalty Perks | Complimentary membership for Silver to Elite WOW Loyalty Owners. |
Maximizing Your Membership: Tips and Tricks
To truly leverage the power of Westgate Cruise and Travel, you need to be strategic. Here are some insider tips to help you get the most out of your subscription.
Book Early for “Hot Weeks”
The platform frequently releases “Hot Weeks” or Last Minute Getaways. These are inventory blowouts where prices hit rock bottom—sometimes as low as $49 for an entire week. These deals move fast, so checking the website daily or setting up alerts is crucial. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you a fortune.
Utilize the Price Match Guarantee
Never settle for a higher price. If you find a cheaper rate for the same itinerary or hotel stay on another public website, Westgate Cruise and Travel will match it. This guarantee ensures that you are always getting the market’s best rate without having to hop between dozens of tabs.
Plan Around the “April 1” Deadline
If you are a timeshare owner, mark April 1 on your calendar permanently. Missing the deadline to convert your week into WOW Experience Points means losing flexibility for that year. Set a reminder in early March to review your travel plans and decide if a cruise conversion makes sense for you.
Leverage Surprise Promos
Do not ignore emails from Westgate. The Surprise Promos mentioned earlier are real opportunities to boost your travel savings credits balance. Opening an email could literally be worth $500 in travel currency.
Conclusion: Your Passport to Affordable Adventures
In a travel landscape that is often confusing and expensive, Westgate Cruise and Travel serves as a beacon of value and simplicity. By combining the perks of a wholesale travel club with the flexibility of timeshare ownership, it offers a unique solution for modern travelers.
From the ability to exchange a stationary timeshare week for a dynamic cruise vacation to earning credits just for booking a flight, every aspect of the program is designed to enhance your lifestyle. Whether you are using WOW Experience Points, hunting for Hot Weeks, or simply enjoying the lowest price guarantee, the value is undeniable.
So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and log in to your account. The world is waiting, and with Westgate Cruise and Travel, it is more accessible than ever before. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I log in to my Westgate Cruise and Travel account?
To access your account, visit the official website and click on the “Sign In” button. You will need your username and password. If you encounter issues, such as an “Invalid Username or Password” error, you can use the “Forgot Password” link to reset your credentials via email.
2. Can I use my Travel Savings Credits for flights?
While you cannot typically use Travel Savings Credits to pay for the flight ticket itself, you earn credits when you book flights through the platform. These earned credits can then be applied to reduce the cost of hotels, resorts, and cruises.
3. What happens to my WOW Experience Points if I don’t use them?
Once you convert your timeshare week into WOW Experience Points, they are valid for 12 months. If you do not book a cruise within that timeframe, the points may expire. It is important to plan your travel within this window to avoid losing the value of your converted week.
4. Is the membership fee refundable?
Generally, the $249 annual membership fee is non-refundable. However, if you are a Silver, Gold, or Elite member of the WOW Loyalty Program, this fee is waived, effectively giving you a free membership.
5. Can I book a cruise for someone else using my points?
Yes, you can use your WOW Experience Points to book a cruise for friends or family. However, you may need to pay a guest certificate fee or similar administrative charge depending on the specific terms of the booking at the time.
