Note: over the coming weeks, I’m planning several posts discussing cruising. It’s one of my favorite ways to vacation, but I find surprisingly sparse information about it on travel blogs. I’ll kick things off with a discussion of cruise line loyalty programs.
Most travel nerds know the basics of airline and hotel loyalty programs; this site, among others, regularly discusses the ins and outs of the programs. But did you know the major cruise lines have loyalty programs of their own? In this post, I’ll discuss the basics of the loyalty programs of the major cruise lines. These are Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean.
Cruise Line Loyalty Programs – The Basics
The basic structure of cruise loyalty programs is relatively straightforward:
- Earn points generally equal to one point per cruise night.
- Attain status levels by completing a fixed number of cruises or a set number of nights, or a combination thereof.
- Earn an escalating collection of perks as you move up the status ladder, just like with other reward programs.
Unfortunately, one notably absent benefit is the ability to earn free cruises, unlike airline or hotel programs. Most programs either don’t offer the benefit at all, or at such a high cruise credits threshold to make them effectively useless.
Like airline and hotel programs, joining a cruise loyalty program costs nothing. However, all lines I have sailed with (Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity) require that you complete at least one cruise before signing up for the program. Generally, the cruise line automatically assigns a loyalty program number once you complete one cruise; you can find your number on the direct mailers or marketing e-mails that you receive from time to time.
Cruise Line Loyalty Programs – Basics of Elite Benefits
In general, benefits typically include:
- Reduced deposits and preferred pricing on future cruises
- Special “elite only” events on board, usually a welcome party on the first day of the cruise
- Free trinkets like a lapel pin or collectible stamp
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation (usually mid-level elites and up)
- Onboard merchandise discounts
- Free onboard internet minutes and laundry for higher tiers
Most cruise line loyalty programs offer a simple earnings structure – one credit or point per night, with some exceptions.
Also, when I discuss elite tiers below, cruise line loyalty programs work quite different from airline and hotel programs. You qualify based on cumulative cruise credits to date, NOT annual activity. In other words, your loyalty level does not reset each year. In addition, cruise credits never expire, best as I can tell. From my personal experience, I went 14 years between Royal Caribbean cruises and 8 years between Princess cruises. In both cases, all of my (ancient) past activity remained in my profile. So, don’t panic if you cruise infrequently. In general, cruise lines skew rewards to those who take longer cruises, not necessarily more expensive ones.
A Note About Cruise Line Co-Branded Credit Cards
Although most cruise lines offer co-branded credit cards, I won’t talk about them much here. Why? Unlike airlines and hotels, the cards aren’t integrated into the loyalty programs. Just know that the cards generally aren’t worth applying for. They work like cash back cards, except the cash back can only be used on the cruise line. For that, you’re FAR better off with a standard cash back card like the Chase Freedom. Just apply the statement credit to your cruise fare at a penny per point. It’s the same rate as the cruise line cards, and you can take advantage of quarterly bonuses and offers.
With the basics out of the way, let’s examine the specifics of each major cruise line loyalty program.
Carnival Cruises – VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
Talk about a cheesy name, but then again, I guess I should expect that from Carnival.
Earnings Structure
The VIFP Club provides one point per cruise day, regardless of stateroom category.
Elite Levels
The VIFP club has 5 tiers:
- Blue Level (first cruise)
- Red Level (2nd cruise through 24 points earned)
- Gold Level (25-74 points)
- Platinum Level (75-199 points)
- Diamond Level (>200 points)
You can find a full list of benefits by level here. In addition, independent of the VIFP program, Carnival offers a “Milestone Rewards Program” with discounts for completing a set number of cruises. At 25, 50, and 75 cruises, passengers receive an on-board credit equal to 25, 50, or 75 percent of the cruise fare, respectively. On a passenger’s 100th cruise, they receive a free cruise, with limitations. The free cruise includes any 8-day or shorter itinerary to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, or Australia; this includes staterooms up to the Ocean Suite category.
Unique Benefits
Carnival provides all passengers at the Red level or higher a complimentary 1-liter bottle of water per stateroom. This might seem dumb, but cruise ships put crazy markups on bottled water. Plus, no other program offers this benefit. Also, Carnival’s Milestone Rewards Program probably offers the best discount program for frequent cruisers. (Granted, that’s not saying much.) A 25% onboard credit at 25 cruises at least potentially provides enough for free shore excursions or something.
Also, on all Carnival family cruise lines, Carnival Corporation shareholders owning at least 100 shares receive onboard credits. Credits range from $50 to $250 depending on cruise length; you can combine them with other special offers.
Program Drawbacks
Carnival provides no meaningful benefits until the Platinum level. That means until you complete 11 7-night cruises, at most you receive – a bottle of water and one free drink. Not even priority boarding. That’s really chintzy, if you ask me. The VIFP club also seems to offer the smallest variety of on-board discounts.
Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club
Earnings Structure
Unlike most other cruise line loyalty programs, Celebrity offers a varying earnings structure based on stateroom category:
- 2 points per night for Inside and standard Oceanview staterooms
- 3 points per night for Veranda and “Infinite Veranda” staterooms
- 5 points per night for Concierge Class and Aqua Class staterooms
- 8 points per night for Sky Suite staterooms
- 12 points per night for Celebrity, Signature, Royal Suite, and Edge Villa staterooms
- 18 points per night for Reflection, Penthouse, and Iconic Suite staterooms
Elite Levels
Celebrity’s Captain’s Club offers six elite tiers as follows:
- Preview (first cruise)
- Classic (2-149 points)
- Select (150-299 points)
- Elite (300-749 points)
- Elite Plus (750-2,999 points)
- Zenith (3,000-99,999 points)
No word on what happens if you somehow exceed 99,999 lifetime points…
You can find full details of program benefits here. Elite members of the Captain’s Club receive reciprocal benefits with sister companies Azamara Club Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Unique Benefits
Compared to other programs, the Captain’s Club offers a fairly decent grab bag of benefits. Among those are special “member’s only” cruises, complimentary espresso drinks for Elite Plus and Zenith members, and discounts on wine bottles and spa treatments. Members also receive a free 7-night Bermuda or Caribbean cruise upon reaching the Zenith level, with additional free cruises every 6,000 points thereafter. While 3,000 points is a high bar to reach, at least Celebrity offers a tangible incentive to keep cruising after that.
Celebrity also offers partner discounts for members, including discounts at MGM Resorts and on movie tickets.
Finally, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean International, RCCL shareholders owning at least 100 shares receive on-board credits ranging from $50-250, depending on cruise length.
Program Drawbacks
The Captain’s Club is perhaps the most revenue-based cruise line loyalty program, which has both advantages and drawbacks. On the one hand, if you usually book higher-class staterooms, you can move up tiers much faster. On the other hand, if you stick to short cruises in the cheap seats, prepare to spend a LONG time at sea for that free cruise. For example, it takes 214 (!) 7-night cruises in an interior stateroom to reach the Zenith level.
Cunard Cruises – Cunard World Club
Earnings Structure
Cunard does not award “points” towards loyalty status. Rather, membership tiers are based on cruises completed/nights sailed.
Elite Levels
The Cunard World Club offers four elite levels:
- Silver – complete one cruise
- Gold – two cruises or 20 nights
- Platinum – seven cruises or 70 nights
- Diamond – 15 voyages or 150 nights
You can find full details of program benefits here.
Unique Benefits
Cunard offers one of the “easiest” paths to top-tier status. I consider 15 cruises more achievable than, say, 200 points at a point per night. If internet is important to you, Cunard offers the best free internet benefit among the major lines. Gold members (just two cruises) receive two hours free, with 8 hours for Diamond members. Finally, Platinum members receive a free wine tasting.
In addition, as a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, CCL shareholders receive on-board credits as noted in the Carnival section.
Program Drawbacks
For an upscale line, Cunard offers very little, even for a cruise line loyalty program. Considering that Cunard is Carnival’s answer to Celebrity, they fall short here. For example, no path at all to free cruises, lacking basic benefits like free espresso drinks, etc.
Disney Cruise Line – Castaway Club
Earnings Structure
Disney does not award “points” towards loyalty status. Rather, membership tiers are based on cruises completed.
Elite Levels
Disney’s Castaway Club features three elite levels:
- Silver – one cruise
- Gold – five cruises
- Platinum – 10 cruises
You can find full details of program benefits here.
Unique Benefits
Disney doesn’t offer all that much, but what they do offer looks pretty innovative. The program looks a lot like a “Fastpass” program at sea. It offers early booking windows for Castaway Club members, as well as first priority to book onboard activities such as character greetings. I’ve not sailed on a Disney Cruise yet – perhaps next year – but I imagine those sell out quickly. Perhaps the best benefit is the ability to select a specific check-in time for Gold and above members. Cruise check-in can take a while, with long lines often out in the heat. The ability to skip those is huge.
Program Drawbacks
As mentioned above, there’s just not much there there. What I described above is pretty much what you get. Not even a few minutes of free internet for frequent guests.
Holland America Line – Mariner Society
Earnings Structure
Mariner Society members earn one “cruise credit” per cruise day, or two per day in suites and penthouses. In addition, members earn an additional credit for every $300 in onboard purchases, with a maximum bonus equal to the length of the cruise. In other words, on a 7-day cruise, you can earn 7 bonus credits, even if you spend more than $2,100.
Elite Levels
The Mariner Society features five elite tiers:
- Star Mariner – 1-29 cruise credits
- 2-Star Mariner – 30-74 cruise credits
- 3-Star Mariner – 75-199 cruise credits
- 4-Star Mariner – 200-499 cruise credits
- 5-Star Mariner – 500 or more cruise credits
You can find full details of program benefits here.
Unique Benefits
On select sailings, Holland America offers half off the 3rd/4th guest fee for all members. Or, for 4- and 5-Star Mariners, 3rd and 4th guests sail free on those sailings. That’s a big benefit, assuming the “select sailings” fit your schedule. (The list of eligible itineraries actually is pretty extensive.) Also, given the bonus credits for on-board spend, it’s easier to reach mid-tier status than other cruise line loyalty programs. (Trust me, with a family, it’s easy to run up a $1,000 bill without even trying very hard.)
Program Drawbacks
The Mariners Club provides no opportunities for free cruises, even at the top elite level.
MSC Cruises – MSC Voyagers Club
Earnings Structure
The MSC Voyagers Club features the most complex earnings structure of the major cruise line loyalty programs. Part of that stems from MSC’s different pricing structure, where you choose a stateroom and “experience” level. Point earnings vary by experience level and cruise length:
| EXPERIENCE | 4 Nights Or Less | 5 To 9 Nights | 10 Nights Or More |
| Bella | 200 points | 500 points | 700 points |
| Fantastica | 400 points | 700 points | 1000 points |
| Aurea | 600 points | 1000 points | 1500 points |
| MSC Yacht Club | 800 points | 1500 points | 2000 points |
In addition, MSC awards additional points for on-board and prepaid spend (100 points per $150). You can even earn 100 points just for updating your profile at least 72 hours before sailing. Certain cruises also qualify for double points.
Elite Levels
The MSC Voyagers Club offers five elite tiers:
- Welcome – one confirmed booking
- Classic – 1 to 2,199 points
- Silver – 2,200 – 4,299 points
- Gold – 4,300 – 9,999 points
- Black – 10,000 or more points
You can find full details of program benefits here (click on the “Membership Benefits” tab).
Unique Benefits
All Classic and above members receive an automatic 5% discount off cruise fare. In addition, all Classic members and above receive one free welcome aboard cocktail. Black-level members receive a couple of unique benefits, such as a free dance class and a free spumante. Also, thanks to the earnings structure, it’s theoretically possible to jump straight to Gold after one cruise.
Program Drawbacks
It’s a big one – unlike other cruise line loyalty programs, Voyagers Club points expire after three years. Unless you’re a very frequent cruiser, that’s a tough requirement. I cruise a fair amount, but even then, usually only every 2-3 years. I’d say for the average cruise fan, that means remaining exclusively loyal to MSC.
Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards Program
Earnings Structure
Most cruises and staterooms earn a flat 1 point per night. Latitudes awards 2 points per night for Concierge, Suite, and Haven level staterooms. In addition, those booking a “Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer” earn 1 additional point per night. The drawback to that – you might receive better pricing and on-board credits through a travel agent.
Elite Levels
The Latitudes Rewards Program includes 6 elite tiers:
- Bronze – 1-29 points
- Silver – 30-54 points
- Gold – 55-79 points
- Platinum – 80-174 points
- Platinum Plus – 175-699 points
- Ambassador – 700 or more points
You can find full details of program benefits here.
Unique Benefits
All members, regardless of level, receive a free bottle of sparkling wine, along with bonus minutes on internet package purchases. Platinum Plus and Ambassador members also receive a dinner with the ship’s officers. That’s kind of cool. Finally, members receive a complimentary 7-night cruise upon reaching the Ambassador level.
NCL also partners with Caesar’s Entertainment, offering members discounts at Caesar’s properties throughout the US. Finally, like Carnival and RCCL, NCL offers shareholders owning more than 100 shares on-board credits ranging from $50 to $250.
Program Drawbacks
Comparatively speaking, it takes a long time to reach the 2nd tier. You need five 7-night cruises in non-suite staterooms. That compares to 4 in the Carnival or Princess programs.
Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle
Earnings Structure
The Captain’s Circle awards elite status based on cruises completed and nights sailed, rather than awarding points. However, when booking in a full suite, or for solo travelers paying the full cabin fare, members receive credit for 2 sailings, rather than one.
Elite Levels
The Captain’s Circle is relatively simple, with only four elite levels:
- Gold – one completed cruise
- Ruby – 4 completed cruises, or 31-50 nights
- Platinum – 6 completed cruises, or 51-150 nights
- Elite – 16 completed cruises, or 151+ nights
You can find full details of program benefits here.
Unique Benefits
If internet is important, Princess offers the best free internet packages for high-level elites. Platinum and above members receive 150-500 free minutes, depending on cruise length. Elite members receive one complimentary in-room minibar setup, including alcoholic drinks (actually a big value). Also, something to file under odd – Elite members receive upgraded bath amenities.
As a subsidiary of Carnival, Princess passengers receive the same shareholder benefits described earlier in this post.
Program Drawbacks
For a full-service, mass market line, Princess offers very little in the way of frequent cruiser benefits. It’s relatively easy to reach the top tier, but the only real high value offering is the free mini-bar setup.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – Crown & Anchor Society
Earnings Structure
Crown & Anchor Society members earn 1 point per cruise night. Passengers receive 2 points per night when booking suites, or when paying full cabin fare when traveling solo.
Elite Levels
The Crown & Anchor Society features six elite tiers:
- Gold – 3-29 points
- Platinum – 30-54 points
- Emerald – 55-79 points
- Diamond – 80-174 points
- Diamond Plus – 175-699 points
- Pinnacle Club – 700 or more points
You can find full details of program benefits here. Note that Platinum and above members receive reciprocal status in the Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises loyalty programs.
Unique Benefits
RCCL offers perhaps the most lucrative free cruise opportunities for a cruise line loyalty program. It takes a lot of time out at sea to earn, one, though – 700 points for a 7-night cruise in a balcony stateroom. However, beyond that, members receive a free cruise certificate every 350 points thereafter. After reaching 1,400 points, you even receive the free cruise in a Mini-Suite. Granted, that’s still a ton of sailing. 350 points equates to 50 seven night cruises. But still, I suppose a free cruise per 7 paid ones provides a pretty good perk to remain loyal.
Also, the Crown & Anchor Society is the only line to officially provide priority boarding to even lowest level elites. Finally, RCCL shareholders receive on-board credits as described in the Celebrity Cruises section above.
Program Drawbacks
RCCL sneaks in a lot of exclusions to its perks. For example, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive half off the “single supplement” when traveling solo. That’s a huge price break – but RCCL excludes holiday sailings and the entire months of July and August from the discount. This is one program where you need to read the fine print closely.
