Cruise line loyalty programs reward frequent cruisers with perks and savings. Imagine feeling like a VIP every time you set sail. You enjoy the luxury of priority boarding, free cabin upgrades, complimentary drinks, onboard credits, and access to exclusive events. These are just some benefits of rewards programs that major cruise lines offer.
Of course, the big question is whether loyalty to a specific cruise line is worth it. After several cruises and getting to higher tier levels, I found that I enjoyed more perks. I was able to save money on the ship, like complimentary meals at specialty restaurants, WiFi deals, free drinks every day, and spa discounts. I also saved time thanks to priority access to theater shows and restaurant reservations.
In the article, I’ll explain the perks of the top eight cruise line loyalty programs: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruises, NCL, and Carnival Cruise Line. You’ll discover how to choose future cruises to benefit from loyalty programs.
Do Cruise Loyalty Programs Save You Money?
Cruise line rewards programs can help cut down onboard spending. After reaching mid to top-tier levels, you can enjoy complimentary or discounted food and drinks, special discounts, free laundry, WiFi deals, and access to exclusive lounges. Depending on the cruise line, you may qualify for a free cruise for two.
Cruise loyalty programs reward frequent travelers with points based on the number of nights sailed or the cabin type. Members move up the tiers as they accumulate more points, which opens up more perks, rewards, and discounts. Becoming a member is usually free, and cruise credits and cruise points don’t expire.
Top Eight Cruise Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs can significantly enhance the cruise experience. The rewards and benefits might help you save money or experience cruise ship facilities you’d otherwise miss. How do the loyalty programs of the top eight cruise lines compare?
I’ve conducted extensive research on various perks cruise companies offer frequent travelers. I’ve also gathered comments from seasoned cruisers about their experiences with each cruise line.
Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society is a six-tiered rewards program. How would you like to enjoy benefits like priority boarding, complimentary drinks, and even a free cruise? With rewards starting from only 3 points, you can quickly reap some benefits of the program.
Earning cruise points is simple and rewarding. You get one point every night you sail and double points for suites. Solo travelers in single-occupancy cabins also earn extra points. These points help you climb through the six membership tiers, from Gold level to the Pinnacle Club.
A unique feature of sailing Royal Caribbean is earning additional points on Celebrity Cruises (Captain’s Club) and Silversea Cruise Line (Venetian Society). This opens up over 50 different cruise itineraries and thousands of ports worldwide.
Perks with the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
Gold tier member benefits start at only 3 points, giving access to a private departure lounge, WiFi and spa discounts, and two 50% off drink coupons. Additional benefits start with the Platinum Club at 30 points. This gives access to stateroom discounts, specialty dining, robes, and discounted laundry.
The real benefits are reaching the Diamond Plus Tier with 175 points. In addition to what’s available at the lower tiers, Diamond Plus Members get the following:
- Five complimentary drinks
- Access to theater performances, AquaTherter events, and ice shows.
- Upgraded bathroom amenities
- Spa treatments
It allows you to save a considerable amount of money onboard. And it’s only slightly more restrictive than the Pinnacle Club.
The Crown & Anchor Society program’s best perks begin when you reach the Pinnacle Club. These include free WiFi, exclusive access to onboard events and specialty dining venues, spa treatments, and a free cruise for two.
Many experienced cruisers rate Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society as one of the best rewards programs at the higher tiers. Outstanding features include complimentary lounge drinks, suite stateroom discounts, and upgraded bathroom amenities. One cruiser commented that when you hit Diamond Plus, the perks translate into cost savings.
Celebrity Cruises: Captain’s Club
Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club is a loyalty cruise program with six tiers. The perks range from complimentary specialty coffee to priority boarding, spa treatments, and exclusive access to private lounges. With entry-level benefits starting from 2 points, you can quickly enjoy the program’s benefits.
Unlike Royal Caribbean, earning points in the Captain’s Club depends on the cabin type and the cruise length. The most basic cabins earn 2 points per night, while ocean views and balconies earn more. The Iconic Suites earn 24 points.
The Power-Up system allows you to move faster from the Classic tier to Zennith. You can earn extra points by completing surveys and watching webinars.
Perks with the Captain’s Club loyalty program
Captain’s Club Classic members enjoy perks from as little as 2 points. This gives access to the Captain’s Club welcome party and discounts on wines and drink packages. However, the best benefits only start with Elite status and higher members.
For example, some of the best perks on the Captain’s Club Elite and Elite Plus include the following:
- Priority tender service
- Access to all the Captain’s Club onboard events
- Discounts on drinks and specialty dining
- One or two bags of laundry
- Complimentary WiFi for up to 240 minutes
The Captain’s Club’s top tier, Zenith, offers the most luxurious benefits. The ultimate perk is a seven-night cruise after collecting 3,000 points. Other onboard benefits include complimentary drinks, free room service, access to exclusive onboard events, and unlimited laundry.
Would this perk tempt you to become a loyal Celebrity Cruise passenger?
Members at this level enjoy personalized service and exceptional perks, ensuring a genuinely luxurious cruising experience.
I’ve read that cruisers highly rate the Captain’s Club for its onboard discounts and various ways to earn more points faster than other cruise loyalty programs.
MSC Cruises: MSC Voyagers Club
MSC Cruises Voyagers Club is a four-tier loyalty program offering discounts, incentives, and extra amenities for frequent travelers. Its entry-level Classic Membership starts at just one point and offers various onboard discounts.
You earn points in the MSC Voyagers Club in three ways—length of cruise and cruise experience. Unlike other cruise line programs, the cruise length is split into three periods:
- Up to 5 nights
- From 5 nights to 9 nights
- Over nine nights
The number of points depends on which MSC Cruise experience type you book. For example, a 7-night cruise ranges from the Bella experience at 500 points to the MSC Yacht Club experience at 1,500 points.
Perks with the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program
Most perks on entry-level Classic membership are discounts for onboard purchases. These include WiFi packages, fitness areas, the virtual-reality race F1 simulator, and the mini-bar. The next tier, Silver Membership, includes $50 of onboard credit. The Gold status membership is slightly better than the Silver, with priority disembarkation being the only significant difference.
The best perks come when you reach 10,000 points and qualify for the Diamond Membership level. Some of the additional perks Diamond Members enjoy include the following:
- Complimentary room service delivery
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Access to an exclusive onboard cocktail party
- Discounts on specialty dining and spa treatments
- Modest discount on some onboard purchases
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
Many experienced cruisers don’t rate the SC Voyagers Club highly. Its perks are modest compared to other cruise lines, and I’ve not been able to find any “wow” rewards. Even the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant has so many restrictions that it’s hardly worth it. Overall, it’s a poor loyalty program that does nothing to enhance the cruising experience.
Holland America Line: Mariner Society
Holland America Line’s Mariner Society is a five-tier loyalty program with many rewards, especially for 4 and 5-star packages. The basic perks like a complimentary cocktail, special discounts, and a gift are available after your first cruise. The top-tier package includes luxuries like wine tasting and free cruise fares for third and fourth guests on selected sailings.
Members earn cruise day credits for each day sailed. However, you can earn double points by booking a suite or penthouse. However, it’s good to note that you don’t get double points for complimentary cabin upgrades. Additionally, you can earn extra points for every $300 you spend on eligible onboard purchases.
Perks with the Mariner Society loyalty program
Star Mariner members start enjoying perks after their first cruise. After earning 30 points, you become a 2-Star Mariner member. The difference between that and the 1-star status is minimal—a complimentary ship photo. However, you can take a third or fourth cabin guest for a 50% discount.
The best and most valuable loyalty programs are the 4-Star and 5-Star Mariner levels. Here are some of the perks of Holland America’s top-tier programs:
- Exclusive discounts on various restaurant, bar, and mini-bar purchases
- Complimentary laundry
- Priority check-in, tendering, and disembarkation
- 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges
- Complimentary wine tasting
- Free third and fourth cabin guests on selected sailings
Also, all cruise ship guests get $400 of stateroom onboard credit when booking within 90 days of a new season launch.
The best reward in Holland America’s program is the chance to take a third or fourth cabin guest. This is a fantastic perk for families traveling together. And this perk—either a discounted rate or complimentary fare—is available for all Mariner Society members.
Frequent cruisers generally highly rate Holland America’s reward program for its excellent perks. Among the major cruise lines, it ranks alongside Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises programs in terms of value for money.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Latitudes Rewards
With its six-tier system, Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the most extensive loyalty programs. From the first cruise, money-saving perks are available for all guests. And starting from the Gold tier, passengers can enjoy significant savings and discounts.
With NCL, you earn one point for each cruise day, and frequent cruisers quickly progress through the tiers. For example, with 20 points on the Silver Tier, you can benefit from a 40% discount on the unlimited drinks package.
Perks with the Latitudes Rewards Program
Entry-level Latitudes Rewards Bronze members with one cruise point can enjoy discounts on beverage packages and duty-free shops. However, by the Silver and Gold levels, discounts are available on shore excursions, photos, and onboard spa treatments during port days. Also, all Latitudes Reward members from Silver and up can enjoy an exclusive cocktail party.
Here are some of the additional perks available on the Latitudes Rewards program from Platinum and higher:
- Priority tender service, check-in, and embarkation
- Unlimited WiFi discounts
- Discounts on shore excursions
- Complimentary meal for two
- Dedicated concierge service
- Special offers throughout the ship
- Wine tasting
- Access to special events
- Behind-the-scenes ship tour
Once you reach Diamond Level (350 points), you qualify for a free cabin upgrade, and Ambassador Level (700 points) lets you enjoy a free seven-day cruise for two.
From reading cruise forum discussions, the consensus is that NCL Latitudes Rewards program is popular. However, many complain that the only real benefits start from the Gold level and upward. But compared to other cruise line programs, the perks seem fairly generous.
Carnival Cruise Line: VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
Carnival’s VIFP Club five-tier loyalty program is designed to reward frequent cruisers with various benefits. These range from a complimentary bottle of water to priority check-in and priority reservations for dining venues and spa treatment reservations.
Like most cruise line rewards programs, you earn loyalty level points based on cruise days. You start earning benefits from your second sailing. However, this is only a 1.5l bottle of water, which hardly seems like a perk for “very important guests.” You need to earn at least 75 points before any type of serious perks kick.
Perks with the VIFP Club loyalty program
All Carnival Cruise Line VIFP members can access members-only offers from their first sailing. From all the cruise line programs I’ve reviewed, Carnival’s offerings seem the stingiest. For example, earning a complimentary drink requires at least 25 points, and this reward is available only on cruises that are longer than five days.
Here are details of the Platinum level benefits for Carnival cruisers:
- Priority check-in and embarkation
- Priority spa and restaurant reservations
- Tendering priority and debarkation
- Complimentary laundry
After you reach a whopping 200 points at Diamond level, you get treated to a one-time free cabin upgrade, unlimited laundry, guaranteed dining time in the main restaurant, and a complimentary meal at a specialty restaurant.
Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Club
Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club has four tiers in its loyalty program: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Pearl. Access to perks is available from your second sailing. They range from exclusive terminal check-in to an onboard reception, complimentary meal, and digital photo package.
A unique feature of Disney’s Castaway Club is that member loyalty status is based on the number of cruises completed. So, after ten sailings, you get access to the best perks, including complimentary dining, special offers, and variable port arrival times.
Perks with the Castaway Club loyalty program
A standout feature of all Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club membership tiers is the early booking privileges. Imagine being the first to secure reservations for popular activities, dining, and shore excursions. That’s what the Disney program offers. Therefore, you can plan your perfect Disney vacation without missing out on any of the fun.
Comparing the various membership levels, I found little difference between the Platinum tier and the Pearl status. Here is what you can expect after ten sailings with Disney:
- Early access to online booking for cruises and activities
- Complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse
- Complimentary digital photo package (Pearl membership)
Many Disney cruisers love the Castaway Club for its family-friendly perks and the ease of planning magical experiences. With benefits that enhance every aspect of the cruise, from booking to debarkation, the Castaway Club adds a touch of Disney magic to every voyage.
Princess Cruises: Princess Captain’s Circle
Princess Captain’s Circle is a four-tier loyalty program that rewards frequent cruisers with a variety of perks from their second cruise. Program perks start from access to new itineraries to discounts from shore excursions, complimentary mini-bar, vacation insurance, and complimentary wine tasting.
Earning points with Princess Captain’s Circle is based on one of two factors: the number of cruises taken or cruise days. Also, you can earn double points by booking an entire suite or paying the double occupancy fare as a solo traveler.
Perks with the Princess Captain’s Circle loyalty program
Gold-level members enjoy reduced pricing offers, members-only onboard events, and early access to new itineraries. One of the unique benefits I discovered for frequent Princess cruisers is their vacation insurance. After three sailings or 30 cruise days, you qualify for cruise insurance covering cancellation, accident, and medical expenses.
Here is an array of perks you can enjoy in the Platinum Status and Elite membership levels:
- Access to the Platinum and Elite lounges
- Priority debarkation and embarkation
- Discount on shore excursions and spa treatments
- Deluxe canapes on formal nights
- Laundry services
Most frequent cruisers with Princess comment that the Elite state is the only one with value. Some cruise guests find the free laundry and lounges particularly appealing. However, the mini-bar setup and wine tasting are only once per cruise, which some travelers find disappointing.
Cruise Line Loyalty Program vs. Itinerary
Of course, the big question is whether loyalty to a specific cruise line is worth it. Would you prefer loyalty perks or exploring new destinations each time you cruise? Many forum discussions host heated debates on this question.
Some well-traveled cruisers love the valuable perks onboard—free drinks, Complimentary laundry, and discounts. However, other travelers say sticking to specific cruise lines limits choice. This leads to repetitive itineraries, reducing opportunities for unique adventures and cultural exploration.
So it might be better to prioritize the cruise itinerary over loyalty perks, especially for travelers looking for diverse experiences. By doing so you are not letting loyalty perks overshadow the broader travel experience.
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