Cruise Loyalty Programs: Your Guide To Rewards

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Cruise loyalty programs reward returning guests with a wide range of benefits that enhance the cruise experience.
  • Benefits typically increase with higher loyalty tiers, which are earned through points or cruise nights.
  • Perks can include priority services, onboard credits, discounts, complimentary amenities, and exclusive events.
  • Each major cruise line offers a distinct loyalty program with unique benefits and qualification criteria.

Loyalty programs across major cruise lines are truly fantastic, offering a delightful array of benefits that make every sailing more special and rewarding for returning guests. These programs are designed to recognize and appreciate your continued adventures at sea, with perks that grow more exciting as you earn more points or accumulate more nights. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your cruise experience, turning each journey into a step towards even more exclusive privileges.

From the moment you become a member, usually after your very first cruise, you start unlocking a world of advantages. These can range from valuable discounts on future bookings and special members-only offers to convenient benefits like priority check-in and disembarkation, saving you precious vacation time. As you ascend through the tiers, you might discover delightful surprises such as complimentary bottles of water, delicious treats delivered to your stateroom, or invitations to exclusive cocktail parties where you can mingle with fellow loyal cruisers and even senior officers.

Higher loyalty levels bring even more enticing rewards, including onboard credit to splurge on anything from specialty dining to relaxing spa treatments, complimentary laundry services, and discounted internet packages to stay connected with loved ones. Some of the most exciting top-tier benefits can include free specialty dining experiences, significant discounts on future cruises, or even complimentary voyages. Each cruise line crafts its program with unique touches, creating a personalized journey of rewards that celebrates your passion for the sea and makes every future cruise something truly to look forward to.

Here’s a breakdown of the loyalty programs for the major cruise lines you listed, including their tiers and typical benefits. Please note that these programs can evolve, so it’s always a good idea to check the cruise line’s official website for the most current details.

–Important Note on Earning Points/Nights–

  • Most programs award points based on nights sailed. Often, booking suites or certain higher-category cabins will earn you double points or more per night, accelerating your ascent through the tiers. Solo travelers paying for double occupancy may also earn double points.

Carnival Cruise Line – VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person) / Carnival Rewards (Starting June 2026)

Current VIFP Club (until June 2026):

  • Earning: 1 point per day sailed.
  • Blue (First Sailing): Members-only offers, e-newsletter.
  • Red (2nd sailing – 24 points): All Blue benefits, complimentary 1.5L bottle of water.
  • Gold (25-74 points): All Red benefits, complimentary beverage on 5+ day cruises, Gold VIFP pin, priority spa reservations (on request).
  • Platinum (75-199 points): All Gold benefits, priority check-in and boarding, Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party (5+ day sailings), welcome treat (5+ day cruises), unique collectible VIFP pin, priority water shuttle boarding, $5 arcade credits (under 18), VIFP logo gift, priority Guest Services, priority debarkation, priority main dining room and specialty restaurant reservations, complimentary wash & fold laundry service (2-5 bags depending on cruise length).
  • Diamond (200+ points): All Platinum benefits, guaranteed preferred main dining room time, unlimited complimentary wash & fold laundry, special Captain’s invitation, one-time free cabin upgrade OR 3rd/4th/5th guests sail free, one-time complimentary specialty restaurant meal for two, VIFP Club luggage tag set, dedicated toll-free number.

Upcoming Carnival Rewards (starting June 2026):

  • Earning: Dual system – Status Qualifying Stars (determine loyalty status) and points per dollar spent. Status resets every two years.
  • Red (First sailing – 9,999 stars): Members-only deals, ability to earn/redeem points, free 1.5L bottle of water.
  • Gold (10,000 – 49,999 stars): (More details on specific Gold benefits beyond Red are forthcoming with the new program, but generally an improvement on Red).
  • Platinum (50,000 – 99,999 stars): Dedicated embarkation lounge, early cabin access, priority tendering/guest services, priority debarkation. (Some VIFP Platinum perks like welcome treats and logo gifts are being removed).
  • Diamond (100,000+ stars): All Platinum perks, guaranteed preferred main dining room time, invitation from Captain to special onboard event. (Unlimited free laundry and other high-tier VIFP benefits are being re-evaluated or removed).

Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society

  • Earning: 1 cruise point per night sailed. Suites and solo travelers earning double points.
  • Gold (3-29 points): Exclusive offers, member newsletter, 25% discount on coffee beverages, 10% off internet packages (onboard purchase), loyalty desk access, $2 Free Play at casino, free bingo card.
  • Platinum (30-54 points): All Gold benefits, 50% discount on coffee, 15% off internet, 15% off spa services, $5 off wash-and-fold laundry, special member discounts on balcony/suite cabins, matching status with Celebrity Cruises, exclusive top-tier events, robes delivered to cabin.
  • Emerald (55-79 points): All Platinum benefits, two complimentary bottles of water in cabin, 25% off photo packages.
  • Diamond (80-174 points): All Emerald benefits, 25% discount on beer/wine/soda, 5 complimentary drinks per day ($14 limit), complimentary dining for 2nd guest at specialty restaurant (first 2 nights), 30% off Deluxe Beverage Package, two free days of Surf + Stream internet, personalized gift, one free wash-and-fold laundry bag (5+ nights), complimentary spa add-on, exclusive Diamond Plus call center.
  • Diamond Plus (175-699 points): All Diamond benefits, 6 complimentary drinks per day, 40% off Deluxe Beverage Package, access to Coastal Kitchen (select ships, space available), daily breakfast at specialty restaurant, free unlimited Surf + Stream internet, flexible arrival, suite/concierge lounge access.
  • Pinnacle Club (700+ points): All Diamond Plus benefits, complimentary 7-night cruise for two in a balcony cabin (at 700, 1050, 1400 points, etc.), exclusive onboard events, personalized recognition.

Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club

  • Earning: Points per night based on stateroom category (e.g., Inside/Oceanview: 2 pts/night, Veranda: 3 pts/night, Concierge/AquaClass: 5 pts/night, Suites: 8-12 pts/night).
  • Preview (0 points): Access to online newsletter, loyalty desk, promotions, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership.
  • Classic (2-149 points): All Preview perks, pre-sailing specialty restaurant reservations, quarterly savings certificates, exclusive onboard celebration event, complimentary one-category cabin upgrade (not suites), free specialty coffee in specialty restaurant, one free gelato scoop, 10% off laundry, 10% off wine bottles over $40, 10% off internet/photo packages, free spa add-on with massage/facial, casino perks, loyalty host access.
  • Select (150-299 points): All Classic perks, Senior Officers’ party invitation, backstage tour, 25% off single internet package, 15% off wine bottles over $40, 15% off photo packages, 10% off spa treatment (port day), free pressing of two garments, discount on laundry bag (12+ nights), priority embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, priority excursion wait-lists, exclusive cocktail party (5+ nights).
  • Elite (300-749 points): All Select perks, daily access to Captain’s Club Lounge (or designated venue) with complimentary coffee/tea, nightly cocktail hour with unlimited complimentary drinks, free 90-minute internet package (plus 30% off first package), 20% off wine bottles over $40, 20% off photo packages, complimentary Persian Garden access (single port day), 15% off spa treatment (port day), complimentary dry cleaning of one garment, one complimentary bag of laundry, private departure lounge access, priority tender service, priority main dining room wait-list, exclusive afternoon tea.
  • Elite Plus (750-2,999 points): All Elite perks, additional free bag of laundry, additional discounts on onboard services (e.g., 15% off specialty dining cover charges), complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and tea.
  • Zenith (3,000+ points): All Elite Plus perks, complimentary cruise for two, significant onboard discounts, premium upgrades, dedicated Concierge access.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards

  • Earning: 1 point per cruise night. Additional point per night for Suite/The Haven or Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer.
  • Bronze (1-19 points): Members-only offers, digital magazine, insider offers, early new product access, Caesars Entertainment offers, keycard recognition, signature tier pin, onboard representative, 10% off logo merchandise, free art for attending auction, 30% off unlimited open bar package.
  • Silver (20-44 points): All Bronze perks, 10% off shore excursions, 20% off photos (not packages), 15% off spa treatments (port days), 15% off logo merchandise, 40% off unlimited open bar package, exclusive cocktail party.
  • Gold (45-74 points): All Silver perks, 25% off photos, 20% off spa treatments (port days), 50% off one bag of laundry, priority tender tickets, priority disembarkation, one complimentary carton of water.
  • Platinum (75-149 points): All Gold perks, priority check-in/embarkation, 15% internet package discount, chocolate-covered strawberries, dinner for two with wine, additional dinner for two, Wines Around the World tasting, behind-the-scenes ship tour, concierge service, dedicated pre-cruise service desk, early pre-booking access (125 days).
  • Sapphire (150-349 points): All Platinum perks, two complimentary cartons of water, 20% internet package discount, 15% off shore excursions, dinner with ship officers, priority restaurant and entertainment seating.
  • Diamond (350-699 points): All Sapphire perks, 50% off unlimited open bar package, exclusive mixology experience, one-time free cabin upgrade, 25% internet package discount.
  • Ambassador (700+ points): All Diamond perks, one complimentary 7-day cruise, 20% off shore excursions, early pre-booking access (130 days), special Ambassador gift.

MSC Cruises – MSC Voyagers Club

  • Earning: Points based on “Experience” purchased (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, Yacht Club) and cruise length. Also, points for pre-paid services and onboard expenses ($100 per €/$150 spent, excluding casino).
  • Welcome (Confirmed booking): Online personal area, Ambassador poll, Infopoint access, welcome back cocktail party, onboard dedicated number, discounts (photos, digital accessories, Wi-Fi, F1 simulator, thermal area pass, fitness package, massage, minibar, onboard shops).
  • Classic (1-2,199 points): All Welcome perks, discounts.
  • Silver (2,200-4,299 points): All Classic perks, Milestone Reward pin, 10% off digital accessories, 5% off laundry, €/$50 onboard credit (bookings 9 months in advance), 20% off onboard pictures.
  • Gold (4,300-9,999 points): All Silver perks, complimentary one-hour thermal area session, complimentary gift, priority disembarkation (tender ports), photo at restaurant, complimentary birthday cake, 30% off onboard pictures, 15% off digital accessories, 10% off Wi-Fi, 10% off laundry.
  • Diamond (10,000+ points): All Gold perks, priority boarding, specialty restaurant dinner (members + 1 guest), Spumante with Macarons in cabin, priority disembarkation (end of cruise), courtesy bathrobe/slippers, complimentary dancing class, exclusive Diamond Party, sweet chocolate gift, late cabin check-out, 40% off onboard pictures, 20% off digital accessories, 15% off laundry.

Azamara – Azamara Circle

  • Earning: Points per night based on stateroom category (e.g., Interior: 2 pts/night, Oceanview: 3 pts/night, Veranda: 5 pts/night, Suites: 8-18 pts/night).
  • Adventurer (0-149 points): Onboard future voyage savings (5% / $200 OBC / 50% reduced deposit), 30 free WiFi minutes or 20% off full package, 10% off spa treatments, 5% off Ultimate Beverage Package.
  • Explorer (150-299 points): All Adventurer perks, two earned Complimentary Nights, 60 free WiFi minutes or 35% off full package, one free bag laundry per 7-night voyage, 15% off spa treatments, 10% off Ultimate Beverage Package.
  • Discoverer (300-749 points): All Explorer perks, four earned Complimentary Nights, 90 free WiFi minutes or 50% off full package.
  • Discoverer Plus (750-2,999 points): All Discoverer perks, six earned Complimentary Nights (plus additional at 1500, 2250 pts), 120 free WiFi minutes or 75% off full package, 25% off spa treatments, 20% off Ultimate Beverage Package, priority check-in (select ports), exclusive onboard get-together.
  • Discoverer Platinum (3,000+ points): All Discoverer Plus perks, ten earned Complimentary Nights (plus additional at 750, 1500, 2250 pts), 150 free WiFi minutes or 100% off full package, 25% off spa treatments, 25% off Ultimate Beverage Package.

Viking (Ocean & River) – Viking Explorer Society

  • Earning: Membership starts after your first completed Viking voyage.
  • Benefits (All members):
    • Future cruise credit: $200 discount on next river, ocean, or expedition voyage if booked within one year of original cruise, or $100 discount if booked within two years.
    • Members-only cocktail parties on board to mingle with staff and fellow members, with complimentary cocktails.

Cunard – Cunard World Club

  • Earning: Based on completed voyages and/or nights onboard.
  • Silver (1 Cunard Voyage): Up to 5% savings on early-booking fares, exclusive offers, dedicated loyalty representative onboard, dedicated shoreside help desk, subscription to Cunarder Newsletter.
  • Gold (2 Cunard Voyages and/or 20 Nights Onboard): All Silver benefits, Gold membership pin, complimentary Internet time (2 hours), complimentary cocktail party.
  • Platinum (7 Cunard Voyages and/or 70 Nights Onboard): All Gold benefits, Platinum membership pin, additional internet credit (total $80), 20% saving on Laundry/Specialist Cleaning, priority check-in (New York/Southampton), complimentary wine tasting, 10% saving on White Star Luggage Service, invitation to Senior Officers’ party.
  • Diamond (15 Cunard Voyages and/or 150 Nights Onboard): All Platinum benefits, Diamond membership pin, additional internet credit (total $135), priority luggage delivery, priority sales reservations (onboard), complimentary meal at alternative-dining venue, dedicated shoreside loyalty representative, priority disembarkation.

Seabourn – Seabourn Club

  • Earning: Club Points based on sailed days, and additional points for suite categories. Milestone Awards based on “Sailed Days” (1 point per day).
  • Member (1-19 Club Points): Special events and receptions on board, Seabourn Club Host/Hostess, 5% onboard booking savings, Refer a Friend program.
  • Silver Member (20-69 Club Points): All Member benefits, plus choice of one: 10% shore excursion savings, 10% premium wine/spirits savings, 20 min complimentary telephone, signature massage, Day in the Spa Serene area, one complimentary bag of laundry.
  • Gold Member (70-139 Club Points): All Member benefits, plus choice of two from Silver list, with increased wine/spirits discount (15%) and additional phone time.
  • Platinum Member (140-249 Club Points): All Member benefits, plus choice of three from Silver list, with increased discounts on shore excursions, wine/spirits, and more phone time.
  • Diamond Member (250+ Club Points): All Member benefits (all from Silver list), with greater discounts on shore excursions (15%) and premium wine/spirits (25%), 40 min complimentary telephone calls.
  • Diamond Elite Member (650+ Club Points): All Diamond benefits, $100 spa credit, complimentary dry cleaning, disembarkation/embarkation transfer (within 50 miles), upgraded welcome aboard Champagne.
  • Milestone Awards: Complimentary cruises at 140 Sailed Days (7-day cruise) and 250 Sailed Days (14-day cruise). Gifts at 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 Sailed Days.

Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle

  • Earning: Membership levels based on number of cruises completed or cruise days. Booking a suite or sailing solo (paying exclusive-occupancy fare) counts as two cruises.
  • Gold (After 1st cruise): Launch savings/reduced deposit on future bookings, preferential pricing offers, members-only onboard events, collectible destination stamps, access to Circle Host onboard, Captain’s Circle Savings Account, Gold Member pin.
  • Ruby (After 3 cruises or 30 cruise days): All Gold benefits, Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade, exclusive shoreside access to Captain’s Circle Help Desk, Ruby Member pin.
  • Platinum (After 5 cruises or 50 cruise days): All Ruby benefits, 50% off MedallionNet package, early access to Dine My Way reservations, preferred check-in, 10% off Lotus Spa treatments, 10% photo gallery discount, Platinum and Elite Lounge access.
  • Elite (After 15 cruises or 150 cruise days): All Platinum benefits, 10% discount in The Shops of Princess, 10% off shore excursions, priority ship to shore tender embarkation, complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting, complimentary Mini-Bar Set-Up, Deluxe Canapes Selection on formal nights, complimentary Afternoon Tea in Stateroom, Priority Disembarkation, upgraded bathroom amenities, shoe polishing service, complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services, Elite Member pin.

Holland America Line – Mariner Society

  • Earning: Cruise Day credits (1 credit per day sailed). Double credits for booking a suite or select onboard purchases.
  • 1-Star Mariner (After 1st completed cruise): Up to $400 onboard spending money for cruises booked within 90 days of new season launch, 15% discount at shophollandamerica.com, Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Lunch, collectible gift, “Mariner Cocktail” voucher, complimentary ship photo.
  • 2-Star Mariner (30 Cruise Day credits): All 1-Star benefits, discount on select spa treatments, Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Reception.
  • 3-Star Mariner (75 Cruise Day credits): All 2-Star benefits, 50% discount on Sommelier Suite packages, 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges (Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Canaletto), 50% discount on specialty coffees, 50% discount on mini-bar purchases, complimentary James Suckling Regional Wine Tasting.
  • 4-Star Mariner (200 Cruise Day credits): All 3-Star benefits, complimentary laundry and pressing service, priority check-in, tendering and disembarkation, free cruise fares for 3rd/4th guests (on select sailings), 15% discount on select HAL logo clothing.
  • 5-Star Mariner (500 Cruise Day credits): All 4-Star benefits, two complimentary dinners in choice of Pinnacle Grill/Tamarind/Canaletto, complimentary day pass to Greenhouse Spa & Salon Thermal Suite, up to $30 internet package credit.