Hyatt Announces New Adventure Travel Partnership

Amanda JohnsonOctober 4, 2019
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World of Hyatt recently announced a collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions, an adventure travel company specializing in high-end cruises and land expeditions. Their 300 annual voyages to exotic destinations like the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon take place on ships of less than 150 passengers and include scientists, researchers, explorers and photographers to enlighten and guide guests. As of Sept. 26, 2019, travelers can book their next Lindblad adventure through Hyatt to earn World of Hyatt points.

Book an expedition and earn free nights with Hyatt

For every eligible $1 spent with Lindblad, you will earn 5 World of Hyatt base points. Nights spent on the expedition count toward earning elite status with Hyatt. If you already have elite status with World of Hyatt, you'll earn bonuses in addition to those 5 base points. Discoverists get an extra 10% bonus, Explorists receive 20% and Globalists earn 30% bonus points.

Lindblad Expeditions tend toward smaller ships and more adventurous locales. Those high-end perks come with a heftier price tag. However, for travelers already interested in the intimate, luxury adventure getaways, the new Lindblad and Hyatt loyalty partnership is an easy way to quickly earn World of Hyatt points.

On top of points earned for purchasing a Lindblad cruise, the nights you spend on the ship will count toward your World of Hyatt elite status requirements. You only need 10 qualifying nights or 25,000 base points to become a World of Hyatt Discoverist member. To reach the upper echelon of World of Hyatt status — Globalist — you need 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt: The complete guide

New partner perks aren’t limited to free nights

The ability to earn lots of World of Hyatt points isn’t the only benefit to this partnership. There are some perks just for being a World of Hyatt member when you book your Lindblad adventure. World of Hyatt members receive $250 in on-board credit per reservation on eligible Lindblad Expeditions. This credit can be used for any extras not included with the cruise, meaning you can splurge at the gift shop, enjoy a spa day, or spend a little on conveniences like internet and laundry.

Double up to earn even more World of Hyatt points

The most attractive element of the World of Hyatt and Lindblad Expeditions partnership is the number of ways you can double up your point earnings. Holders of the World of Hyatt Credit Card earn 4 points per eligible $1 spent on Lindblad Expeditions, in addition to the 5 base points.

This card automatically grants Discoverist level with World of Hyatt, which gives cardholders a 10% boost on those 5 base points as well. The ability to double up on point earning potential is appealing, and non-cardholders may want to consider opening a World of Hyatt Credit Card to rack up the bonuses — especially when considering purchasing a Lindblad Expedition.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

The World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with some additional great perks. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

The annual fee is $95, and you'll receive a free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel every year after your card anniversary.

Moreover, free nights at category 1 Hyatt properties are only 5,000 points, making the welcome bonus very useful. Check out our in-depth review for even more cardholder perks.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt Card review: Lavish benefits, reasonable cost

More ways to double up points

If you don’t feel you’ll get enough use out of the World of Hyatt Credit Card, there are still options for you to potentially increase your points. American Airlines AAdvantage members with Gold elite status or higher will earn 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on Lindblad Expeditions. This means you can earn World of Hyatt points and AAdvantage miles at the same time. Just make sure you've linked your accounts.

Lindblad Expeditions might not be the ideal vacation for everyone, but those looking for an intimate setting and an educational but adventurous destination can be excited about this new partnership.

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