New Hyatt Globalist Program: Still a Gateway to Elite Status for MGM Resorts, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises

As Hyatt today launched the rebranded and redesigned loyalty program, World of Hyatt, there's been plenty of buzz about the changes in benefits and qualification. I'm going to focus on a different aspect of the program: the elite status the Hyatt program entitles you to in other partner programs, and vice versa.

MGM mLife Status

If you achieve Hyatt Explorist (mid-tier) or Globalist (top tier) status, you'll receive MGM mLife Gold status (mid-tier status).  That status entitles you to discounts at MGM managed properties such as Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, etc.  I believe that prior to the changes with the World of Hyatt program, Hyatt Diamond status matched to mLife Platinum status, but that is no longer the case.

Royal Carribean & Celebrity Cruises Perks

Hyatt doesn't have a direct partnership with Royal Caribbean.  However, once you get your MGM mLife status locked in based on our Hyatt elite status, you can then unlock benefits that MGM mLife delivers when sailing on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

mLife benefits onboard Royal Caribbean or Celebrity

mLife Gold (which you get from Hyatt Explorist or Globalist) entitles you to onboard benefits when you sail on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, primarily one free specialty restaurant dinner for two and 5 free drinks in the casino.  It's not much.  However, you also get to charge money to your onboard account in the casino without any convenience fee.  So, that essentially allows you manufacture credit card spend onboard, but I imagine that the casino will keep an eye on whether or not you are putting the money back into the machines.


Reversing the Benefits: Using Cruise Line Status to Get Hyatt Explorist Status

mLife & Hyatt Tier Matches

If you're a loyal cruiser, you might be able to secure Hyatt Explorist status with a two step process. Your Royal Caribbean Diamond status matches to mLife Gold.  Then, your mLife Gold matches to Hyatt Explorist (previously Hyatt Platinum), provided that direction of the partnership is still in effect with the new World of Hyatt Program (my research online hasn't been able to confirm or deny it yet).

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor matches to mLife

MGM mLife Stay: Amex Offer

If you're an Amex card holder, check your latest Amex Offers available to be added to your card after logging into your account on the Amex site.  There is an offer for $60 statement credit after a $300+ transaction on your Amex card by June 30, 2017.

Have you had success using Hyatt status to open doors with mLife or Royal Caribbean?  Or vice versa?