Cruise loyalty programs in 2025: Compare 10 cruise lines & stack rewards with Cruisebound Cash

What exactly are cruise loyalty programs? Simply put, they're reward systems that used to work like this: cruise with one line, get rewards only from that line. But today, there's a smarter way to maximize your benefits — double-dipping your rewards. By stacking cruise rewards with Cruisebound Cash (an extra 3–5% back on top of your status perks), you can easily stretch your rewards across multiple sailings without losing your hard-earned loyalty benefits.

In this guide to cruise loyalty programs, we'll walk you through how these programs work, what each cruise line offers, and how to maximize every point, perk, and dollar you earn at sea.

On this page:

• How cruise loyalty and rewards programs work
• 10 cruise line programs compared
• Cruise loyalty program snapshots
• Do OTA bookings affect your status?
• Platform OTA rewards you can stack
• Are cruise credit cards worth it?
• How to maximize your cruise rewards in 5 steps
• Cruise reward programs FAQ
• Key takeaways

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How cruise loyalty and rewards programs work

At their core, cruise loyalty programs are pretty simple: the more you sail, the more perks and cruise points you unlock. But unlike airline or hotel loyalty programs, cruise programs come with one major advantage, your status doesn’t reset every year.

Most cruise lines base loyalty points on either the number of nights you sail or the number of cruises you take. Some lines, like Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line, award one point per night on board. Others, like Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, give you bonus points for booking suites or solo cabins. Either way, every sailing adds to your total — and once you reach a new tier, you usually keep that status for life.

This lifetime status model means that your rewards never expire, even if you take a few years off from cruising. You don’t have to requalify annually or worry about losing your perks — a major difference from most airline and hotel programs.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Look for suite upgrades or solo traveler bonuses if you want to rack up points faster. Some lines double your points automatically when you book qualifying cabins.

10 cruise line programs compared

Every major cruise line runs its own loyalty program, offering different ways to earn perks like free drinks, free Wi-Fi, priority boarding, and even free cruises. Here we compare cruise lines side-by-side to see how they stack up and where you’ll find the best ways to boost your benefits.

Cruise loyalty program snapshots

Looking for the best cruise loyalty program for your travel style? Here’s a closer look at how each major cruise line loyalty program works, including a brief cruise line tier list for each brand, so you can see how points, perks, and rewards grow as you move up in status.

1. Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society

Royal’s Crown & Anchor levels are part of the Royal Caribbean loyalty scheme, which rewards loyalty with points based on the number of nights sailed, plus double points for booking suites. The program has six tiers: Gold (3–29 points), Platinum (30–54), Emerald (55–79), Diamond (80–174), Diamond Plus (175–699), and Pinnacle Club (700+).

Top benefits include daily drink vouchers (up to $14 each) starting at the Diamond level, access to the Crown Lounge, priority boarding, and complimentary cruises at Pinnacle Club.

The best level for frequent cruisers is Diamond, where the perks meaningfully step up, especially the four free daily drinks and lounge access. However, Pinnacle Club offers the ultimate rewards with free cruises and unlimited internet.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Royal Caribbean ship classes guide (2025): Find the best ship for your cruise style

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2. Carnival VIFP Club

If you're loyal to Carnival, the Carnival loyalty program, known as the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club, offers perks that grow with every cruise. You’ll earn one point per night sailed, with Carnival tiers ranging from Blue (first cruise), Red (2–24 points), Gold (25–74 points), Platinum (75–199 points), and Diamond (200+ points). Early perks are modest, but Carnival VIFP benefits at Platinum and Diamond include priority boarding, free laundry, and a one-time specialty dining experience.

Carnival rewards program perks kick in at Platinum, where the priority embarkation and debarkation make a real difference. The best Carnival loyal levels begin with Diamond, offering all Platinum perks plus a dedicated phone line, guaranteed seating times, and a special milestone cruise reward.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Navigating Carnival ship classes? Start here

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3. Norwegian Latitudes Rewards

The Norwegian loyalty program, Latitudes Rewards, lets you earn one point per cruise night, with bonus points for suite stays or special Insider Offers. The NCL Latitudes status tiers move from Bronze (1–19 points), Silver (20–44), Gold (45–74), Platinum (75–149), Sapphire (150–349), Diamond (350–699), to Ambassador (700+ points). As you progress, you unlock benefits like priority embarkation, free shore excursions, complimentary specialty dining, and even a free 7-night cruise at Ambassador level.

Defining benefits begin at Platinum, where perks like free specialty dining and priority tendering make a big difference. The best level is Ambassador, offering top-tier rewards like the free cruise and exclusive concierge service.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Norwegian Aqua review 2025: Cabins, slidecoaster, dining & tips

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4. MSC Voyagers Club

MSC Cruises’' loyalty system, MSC Voyagers Club, awards points based on cruise length, cabin experience (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, Yacht Club), and onboard spending. Members move through tiers: Welcome (after first booking), Classic (1–2,199 points), Silver (2,200–4,299), Gold (4,300–9,999), and Diamond (10,000+ points). Benefits include future cruise discounts, free Wi-Fi packages, priority embarkation, and, at higher tiers, free thermal spa access and complimentary specialty dining.

High-value benefits emerge at Gold, where members enjoy free spa sessions and dining perks. Diamond delivers premium rewards, including priority services, thermal spa access, and an onboard gift ceremony.

Download the PDF here.

Related: MSC World America first look—everything you need to know

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5. Princess Captain’s Circle

The Princess cruise loyalty levels are based on cruise credits and nights sailed, making it easier to move up whether you take longer trips or frequent voyages. Princess Cruises loyalty program lets members earn one cruise credit per cruise and one cruise day per night onboard, with bonus credits awarded for suite bookings. Tiers move from Gold (after your first completed cruise), Ruby (3 cruises or 30 cruise days), Platinum (5 cruises or 50 cruise days), to Elite (15 cruises or 150 cruise days).

Key perks unlock with Princess Platinum benefits, where members enjoy priority boarding, discounted MedallionNet Wi-Fi, and early access to dining reservations. One of the best Princess loyalty levels is Elite, offering premium rewards like complimentary laundry service, priority tender service, upgraded bathroom amenities, and a private lounge for disembarkation.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Caribbean Princess review — what it’s really like onboard

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6. Celebrity Captain’s Club

Celebrity Cruises offers one of the best loyalty paths for suite lovers. Points are awarded per night based on your cabin category, with higher points for premium suites. As you move through the Captain’s Club levels — Preview (after first sailing), Classic (2–149 points), Select (150–299), Elite (300–749), Elite Plus (750–2,999), and Zenith (3,000+ points) — you unlock richer rewards.

Celebrity Elite perks include free daily cocktails, spa access discounts, internet savings, and laundry services. The best level is Zenith, offering premium rewards like complimentary cruises, unlimited internet, and exclusive event invitations.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Which Celebrity cruise cabin class is best—Concierge, Aqua, or Suite?

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7. Disney Castaway Club

The Disney cruise loyalty program, Castaway Club, is simple: you earn one cruise credit for each completed Disney sailing. As you move through the Disney cruise tiers, which include Silver (1 completed cruise), Gold (5 cruises), Platinum (10 cruises), and Pearl (25 cruises), you unlock more privileges.

Key perks include early booking windows for itineraries, shore excursions, and onboard activities, plus exclusive character meet-and-greets. The best level for many cruisers is Platinum, which offers high-value rewards like a complimentary Palo dinner and priority boarding. Pearl members receive the earliest access to new itineraries along with special gifts.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Unique Disney Magic restaurants you can’t miss

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8. Holland America Mariner Society

The Holland America rewards program awards one cruise day credit for each night sailed, with double credits for suite bookings. Members earn Mariner points toward Star Mariner levels, which include 1-Star (1 completed cruise), 2-Star (30 cruise day credits), 3-Star (75 credits), 4-Star (200 credits), and 5-Star (500 credits).

Major benefits begin at 4-Star, where members enjoy free laundry, priority embarkation, discounts at specialty dining venues, and complimentary wine tastings. The best level is 5-Star, offering premium rewards like a free subscription to premium news services, priority tender service, and exclusive dining events.

Download the PDF here.

Related: Ireland is a must on European cruises & why HAL does it best

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9. Virgin Voyages Sailing Club / Sea-Blazers

Virgin Voyages rewards repeat sailors through its Sailing Club and Sea-Blazers programs. Early Sea-Blazers, who sailed during Virgin’s first year, received lifetime perks such as exclusive event invitations and access to special loyalty discounts. The new Sailing Club expands rewards with future cruise bonuses, discounted upgrades, exclusive onboard events, and priority booking access for loyal guests.

Major benefits start with Sailing Club status, offering strong value through future cruise credits and exclusive access opportunities. The most rewarding tier remains Sea-Blazers, where lifetime perks and ongoing bonuses create premium loyalty experiences.

Find more details here.
Related: Top bucket list cruises to take in 2025

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10. Viking Explorer Society

Viking Explorer Society keeps loyalty simple. There are no points to track and no complicated tier system. After completing your first cruise, you automatically join the Explorer Society and unlock benefits such as $100 to $200 travel credits toward your next sailing, depending on cruise length and destination. Members also receive special offers on select sailings, early booking privileges, and referral rewards when introducing new travelers to Viking.

Key perks start immediately after your first cruise, with travel credits and early access offering strong value. Frequent cruisers benefit most by stacking travel credits over time, making the Explorer Society a rewarding program for repeat guests.

Find more details here.

Related: What is a repositioning cruise? A smarter way to explore more for less

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Do OTA bookings affect your status?

Good news: booking through an online travel agency (OTA) like Cruisebound does not affect your cruise loyalty status. Your points, tier level, and perks, from priority boarding to free specialty dining, are tied to your cruise line account, not where you make the reservation.

No matter where you book, your loyalty number is attached to your sailing. You’ll continue earning points or credits, enjoying your existing benefits, and moving up the loyalty tiers as usual. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess all recognize OTA bookings the same way they recognize direct ones.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Always double-check that your loyalty number is added at booking or on your online check-in to make sure you get full credit.

Enter Cruisebound Cash

Here’s where it gets even better: by booking with Cruisebound, you can double-dip your rewards. You’ll still earn all your usual cruise line loyalty perks — plus you’ll earn Cruisebound Cash back on your booking, typically between 3% and 5%. It’s like stacking cashback on top of your elite perks without giving up a thing.

Learn more about Cruisebound Cash here

Platform OTA rewards you can stack

Booking through an online travel agency (OTA) doesn't just protect your cruise loyalty perks — it also opens the door to stacking additional platform rewards on top of what you earn from the cruise line.

Here’s how Cruisebound’s reward system compares to two other major OTA loyalty programs:

Why Cruisebound Cash stands out

With Cruisebound Cash, you earn 3–5% real cash back, applied automatically to your account after your trip. There are no blackout dates to worry about, so you can redeem your rewards whenever it works best for you. Unlike other programs, there are no minimum thresholds you have to meet before using your rewards. You also won't have to deal with confusing redemption catalogs or complicated points conversions.

Even better, Cruisebound Cash can be stacked with your cruise line loyalty points, promotions, and perks. That means you earn rewards from both your cruise line and your booking platform every time you sail — giving you even more value from every trip you take.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Watch for bonus Cruisebound Cash offers during limited-time sales, you could earn even higher cash back on select sailings.

Are cruise credit cards worth it?

Here’s the short version: there isn’t a great cruise credit card rewards program right now.
Many major cruise lines offer co-branded cards, but the value is often underwhelming:

• Points are usually worth less than 1 cent each

• Redemption is limited to onboard credits or branded merchandise

• Few cards offer strong travel protections or bonus categories

For example, the Carnival® Mastercard® offers 2x points on Carnival purchases, but points can only be redeemed for Carnival-branded perks. The Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® suffers from similar issues, and even Royal Caribbean credit card points have limited flexibility, mainly redeemable for discounts, onboard spending, or merchandise tied to Royal Caribbean cruises.

Most savvy cruisers will get more value from a flexible travel rewards card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture®, earning transferable points, stronger travel insurance, and broader perks — all while still being able to pay for cruises directly.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you’re a cruise line shareholder, check if you qualify for a shareholder onboard credit (OBC) — many lines offer bonuses without needing a co-branded credit card.

How to maximize your cruise rewards in 5 steps

Want to get the most perks, points, and cashback from every cruise? Follow these five steps to stack your cruise loyalty rewards the smart way:

1. Stay brand-loyal to one cruise line
Most cruise loyalty programs reward consistency. The more you sail with a single cruise line, the faster you climb the loyalty tiers and unlock benefits like free laundry, priority boarding, and even free cruises. Choose a line that fits your style — whether it’s Royal Caribbean for activities, Princess for relaxation, or Celebrity for upscale perks — and stick with it to maximize your returns.

2. Leverage suite bookings for double points
Several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America, offer double points or credits when you book qualifying suites. This can slash the time it takes to reach elite tiers in half. Even one or two suite bookings early on can set you up for faster loyalty benefits over your lifetime of cruising.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If a full suite is out of budget, watch for promotions where mini-suites or upgraded balconies qualify for bonus points.

3. Book through Cruisebound to earn Cruisebound Cash
Booking with Cruisebound lets you keep all your cruise line loyalty perks and earn 3–5% back through Cruisebound Cash. There are no blackout windows, no minimums, and no hoops to jump through — just automatic cashback added to your account after you sail. It’s an easy, guaranteed way to double-dip your rewards without changing how you cruise.

4. Time your booking for double-point sailings
Cruise lines occasionally offer double points promotions on select itineraries, especially during slower seasons or new ship launches. These promotions can accelerate your loyalty status dramatically if you time your bookings right. Sign up for loyalty emails from your preferred cruise lines and keep an eye on Cruisebound’s cruise deals guide for current bonus offers.

5. Pay with a flexible travel rewards card
Instead of using cruise co-branded cards with limited value, pay for your cruise with a flexible travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture®. You'll earn transferable points, get stronger travel protections (like trip cancellation insurance), and keep your rewards flexible for future cruises, hotels, or flights.

Cruise reward programs FAQ

Do cruise lines have rewards programs?

Yes, most major cruise lines have loyalty or rewards programs that let you earn points, perks, and benefits the more you sail. These programs often include free drinks, priority boarding, cabin upgrades, and even free cruises for top-tier members.

How do you earn cruise loyalty points?

You earn cruise loyalty points by sailing with the same cruise line. Points are typically awarded based on the number of nights sailed, your cabin type, or how much you spend onboard. Higher points move you up through loyalty tiers for better rewards.

Can you book with an OTA and still earn loyalty points?

Yes, booking through an online travel agency (OTA) like Cruisebound still earns you loyalty points and perks. Your cruise line status stays intact as long as your loyalty number is added to your booking before you sail.

What is Cruisebound Cash?

Cruisebound Cash is a rewards program that gives you 3–5% cash back on your cruise booking when you book through Cruisebound. It stacks with your cruise line loyalty perks and has no blackout dates, thresholds, or confusing redemption rules.

What’s the best way to maximize cruise loyalty rewards?

The best way to maximize cruise loyalty rewards is to stay brand-loyal, book suites for bonus points, watch for double-point promotions, book through Cruisebound to stack cash back, and pay with a flexible travel rewards card for extra points and protections.

Key takeaways

Before you set sail, here’s a quick recap of what you need to know about maximizing your cruise loyalty perks and stacking rewards for even bigger savings.

• Every major cruise line offers a cruise rewards program, letting you earn points, perks like free drinks and laundry, and even free cruises the more you sail.

• Booking through Cruisebound lets you keep your cruise loyalty perks and stack 3–5% Cruisebound Cash on top — no blackout dates, no restrictions.

• You’ll still earn points and status when booking through an OTA like Cruisebound — your loyalty number just needs to be added to your reservation.

• Flexible travel credit cards usually beat cruise line-branded cards, offering better rewards, stronger travel protections, and transferable points.

• To get the most out of your rewards, stay loyal to one brand, book suites for double points when you can, watch for double-point promotions, and book smart with Cruisebound.

Find the cruise rewards program that fits your travel style

Choosing the right loyalty program can make every cruise more rewarding, whether you're after free drinks, early boarding, exclusive discounts, or even free sailings down the line. No matter which cruise line you prefer, earning rewards is a smart way to get more out of every trip. Take a little time to compare the perks that matter most to you — and set yourself up for even better cruise experiences ahead.

Start earning Cruisebound Cash and stack more rewards every time you sail. Learn more about Cruisebound Rewards here.

Browse over 20,000 sailings and find your next cruise today with Cruisebound.

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