Loyalty pays off if you’re someone who cruises frequently. All of the major cruise lines offer loyalty programs that reward travelers for continuously choosing to vacation with their brand.
In fact, having a top-tier loyalty status can afford you very lucrative amenities. Some of these could include complimentary drinks, shore excursion discounts, specialty dining credits, priority embarkation or disembarkation, free internet, reserved seating at shows, and even a free cruise.
Cruise line loyalty programs are free to join, offering exclusive perks for loyal cruisers. The programs are structured with multiple status tiers, allowing frequent cruisers to rack up points with each night spent onboard a cruise. On certain lines, those who stay in suites or cruise solo can earn additional points to earn status quickly.
Unlike airlines, loyalty programs are accrued over the cruiser’s lifetime. In this way, status does not need to be earned again each year. Over the years, cruisers can work their way up the loyalty ladder if they choose to sail with the same brand. The one exception is MSC Cruises, as Voyager Club status is subject to expiration if your last cruise's disembarkation date is over three years (36 months) old.
These programs not only incentivize travelers to come back to the same cruise line but also reward and recognize the most loyal cruisers. Most cruisers will consider their loyalty perks when deciding which cruise to take, as the savings and perks can be substantial.
For instance, Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program - Crown and Anchor Society - provides free daily drink vouchers, laundry, and internet to its top-tier members. Even entry-level loyalty members can earn exclusive discounts with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program. After earning just three loyalty points, Crown and Anchor Society members start to save money on their next Royal Caribbean cruise.
Gold members in Royal Caribbean’s program can earn a 10% discount on any glass of wine, beer, or soda and a 25% discount on any coffee beverage. They are also eligible to receive 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda per sailing. Considering most cruises are 3-nights long or more, pretty much anyone who cruises again with Royal Caribbean can enjoy these perks.
As someone who has been on nearly 50 cruises, I have loyalty status with four different cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises. Although each loyalty program has its own benefits, some of the perks and amenities are more lucrative than others.
Here’s how the loyalty programs compare, along with the best perks that save me money time and time again.
Carnival Cruise Line - Gold
As one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line has their VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program. There are five tiers in the VIFP program, including Blue status for first-timers and up to Diamond for those with 200+ points. You can actually join the VIFP program before you even set sail with Carnival Cruise Line for the first time.
I started cruising with Carnival back in high school when my family sailed on a 4-night spring break cruise. A few years later, my husband and I sailed over spring break in college with the cruise line. Within the last few years, I’ve been sailing more with Carnival with six recent cruises onboard these "Fun Ships."
After 8 cruises over the last 13 years, I have 41 VIFP cruise points; this earns mid-tier Gold status in the VIFP program. Cruisers can earn Gold status with 25-74 points, which is a fairly wide range for somewhat loyal Carnival cruisers. With Gold status, I receive a complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water, a collectible gold VIFP pin for each cruise, and a free drink on the last day of a cruise longer than five nights.
Read more: Is a spring break cruise with Carnival too crazy?
However, in my opinion, Carnival Cruise Line has one of the weakest loyalty programs with only five different loyalty tiers. The highest tier only requires 200 cruise points, leaving the most frequent cruisers with little room to move upwards. In comparison, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line’s highest status tiers require 700 or more cruise points.
Moreover, the highest Diamond tier falls short of top-tier statuses from other cruise line loyalty programs. While other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line provide free cruises, internet packages, and daily drink vouchers to their top-tier members, Carnival Cruise Line only provides a limited list of perks to its top-tier cruisers.
VIFP Diamond members receive one complimentary drink, free laundry, priority embarkation and disembarkation, guaranteed dining reservations, and one complimentary specialty dining meal during their cruise. Personally, I find these benefits to be pretty weak for top-tier loyalty status.
Pros of Carnival VIFP Program:
- Accessible Mid-Tier Status: Achieve mid-tier status after just a few cruises, making it easy to climb the ranks.
- Basic Perks: Includes free bottled water, a collectible pin, and a free drink on cruises over five days.
- Easy Entry: Open to all cruisers, including first-timers, with no barriers to join.
Cons of Carnival VIFP Program:
- Fewer Tiers: The program offers fewer loyalty levels compared to other cruise lines, limiting status progression.
- Limited Top-Tier Perks: Even at the highest levels, perks like one free drink and laundry service are not as extensive as other programs.
- Lack of High-Value Benefits: Carnival’s program doesn’t include free cruises or daily drink packages, which are common with competitors.
Royal Caribbean - Diamond Plus
I have the highest status with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society as a Diamond Plus member. This is the second highest tier, only second behind Pinnacle status. Diamond Plus status requires 175 points in the Crown and Anchor Society, which was something I achieved back in college.
Growing up, my family and I cruised exclusively with Royal Caribbean for our annual family vacation. There were a few years when we sailed multiple times per year as well. By the time I turned 21 in college, I had achieved Diamond Plus status after earning 175 points. I’ve been enjoying the lucrative perks of their loyalty program ever since!
In my opinion, Royal Caribbean has one of the best loyalty programs in the cruise industry. Although lower-tier statuses have less lucrative benefits, the highest tiers in the Crown and Anchor Society set the program apart from others.
Read more: How to move up the cruise line loyalty program ranks faster
Perhaps the most alluring benefit for top-tier members is the complimentary, daily drink vouchers. As a Diamond Plus member, I receive five free drinks each day of my Royal Caribbean cruise.
Considering these drinks can be worth up to $14 each, this is essentially the cost of a drink package. I’ve saved thousands of dollars with this perk, between daily specialty coffees and cocktails during my cruises. Other lucrative perks include two free days of internet, buy-one-get-one-free specialty dining, free laundry, access to the Crown Lounge with nightly happy hour, three welcome bottles of water, one free professional photo, and balcony stateroom discounts.
Because my husband inherited my loyalty status, he also receives the same Diamond Plus perks. Between the two of us, we have saved a substantial amount of money on drinks, specialty dining, internet, and more.
When it comes to booking a cruise, Royal Caribbean is my top choice because of these loyalty perks. It’s tough giving up status benefits when I venture to another cruise line; however, I do wish there was a loyalty tier between Diamond Plus (175 points) and top-tier Pinnacle (700 points). With such a substantial jump between the tiers, it feels like an eternity until I reach the next status bump.
Even still, Pinnacle members receive alluring amenities, such as a free 7-night cruise in a balcony staterooms, six daily free drink vouchers, free internet for the duration of the cruise, and concierge lounge access. These perks are among some of the best in the mainstream cruise industry.
Read more: Pros and Cons of a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Pros of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society:
- Generous Perks: Diamond members and above enjoy significant perks such as daily complimentary drink vouchers, free days of internet, buy-one-get-one-free specialty dining, and free laundry.
- Cost Savings: The perks, particularly the daily drink vouchers, internet access, and free laundry, lead to considerable financial savings over multiple cruises.
- Shared Benefits: Family members, such as a spouse, can inherit loyalty status, further maximizing the benefits and cost savings for couples or families.
- Exclusive Access: Members gain access to the Crown or Concierge Lounge with nightly happy hour, discounts on balcony staterooms, flexible arrival, and priority seating at shows.
Cons of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society:
- Gap Between Tiers: The significant point difference between Diamond Plus (175 points) and Pinnacle (700 points) can make it feel daunting and slow to progress to the next loyalty level.
- Less Lucrative Lower Tiers: The loyalty perks are not very substantial until reaching Diamond status (80 points) or above.
Norwegian Cruise Line - Platinum
One cruise line that I’ve been sailing with more frequently is Norwegian Cruise Line because of their more exotic itineraries. I’ve sailed on six sailings with Norwegian overall, with five of those taking place within the last year. These cruises have taken me around the world, from Canada to Scotland and all the way to Madagascar and South Africa!
Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program is called the Latitudes Rewards with seven distinct tiers. I was excited to realize that I just achieved Platinum status after my recent New England sailing, which is the fourth highest tier in the program. Although there are still three more tiers for me to achieve, I’m impressed by the lucrative perks I receive as a mid-tier member.
Norwegian’s Latitude loyalty program provides more comprehensive discounts across the cruising experience, which is one of the biggest advantages over other cruise lines. You’ll receive discounts on everything from drink packages to shore excursions, onboard shopping, spa treatments, and internet packages.
Even as a lower-tier Latitude member, I was impressed with the discounts provided. Entry-level Bronze status receives a 10% discount for onboard shopping while the next tier of Silver status already starts to earn a 10% shore excursion discount.
For instance, when I sailed to Africa onboard Norwegian Dawn, I took advantage of this 10% shore excursion discount. Considering I was spending $1,200 on Norwegian-sponsored excursions for my 12-night cruise, I saved $120 because of this perk!
With Platinum status, I will now receive a 15% discount on internet packages, which is something I always purchase for my cruises. Moreover, I will receive two free specialty dining meals on each cruise for two; one of these meals will include a free bottle of wine! These specialty dining meals are at least $100 for two people, so this perk is one that I will eagerly take advantage of each cruise.
Top-tier loyalty members with Ambassador status (700 points) receive a complimentary 7-night cruise. However, the highest tiers fall short in comparison to Royal Caribbean’s top-tier statuses without any complimentary drinks or internet packages provided.
But, with more tiers in their program, Norwegian provides loyal guests with the opportunity to earn better perks more frequently. I also appreciate the program having a high status tier between 350-699 points, which is something I wish Royal Caribbean would integrate into their program.
Finally, Norwegian Cruise Line offers exclusive discounts and promotions to its Latitude members. Last fall, I sailed on a 10-night British Isles cruise and earned quadruple points during this sailing! You can also receive loyalty discounts on specific sailings with insider offers.
Pros of Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards Program:
- Comprehensive Discounts: Provides a wide array of discounts across the cruise experience, including shore excursions, spa treatments, internet packages, and onboard shopping.
- Quick Access to Perks: With seven tiers in the program, guests can access better perks more frequently, allowing them to see rewards early on, even as lower-tier members.
- Lucrative Mid-Tier Perks: Platinum status and above offer valuable benefits like discounted internet packages and free specialty dining meals.
- Exclusive offers and promotions: Receive discounts or extra loyalty points if you take advantage of an insider offer.
Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards Program:
- Spend money to save money: Many perks still require guests to spend money, as most benefits are discounts rather than complimentary services or amenities provided.
- Limited Top-Tier Benefits: Top-tier Ambassador status does not include benefits like complimentary drinks or internet packages. The perks and benefits of the highest tier pale in comparison to other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean.
Celebrity Cruises - Elite Plus
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two distinct cruise lines operated under the same parent company. Because of this, loyalty members receive a status match between the two cruise lines. The loyalty programs are similar, but still separate programs with their own perks and benefits.
For example, with Diamond Plus status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, I also receive Elite Plus status in Celebrity Cruises’ loyalty program, Captain’s Club. Similarly, my husband also received the same status match because he already inherited my Diamond Plus status with Royal Caribbean.
Elite Plus is the second highest loyalty status for Celebrity Cruises, earning some pretty lucrative benefits. The Captain’s Club benefits provide exclusive access throughout your cruising experience for Elite Plus. This includes a nightly complimentary happy hour with unlimited cocktails, special wine tastings, welcome events, private departure lounges, and a private breakfast each morning.
Although different than Royal Caribbean, the happy hour benefit is quite lucrative compared to the other loyalty programs. During the two-hour cocktail party, drinks are served to top-tier members from a limited menu. You can enjoy as many cocktails as you’d like during the happy hour, but I still prefer Royal Caribbean’s flexible drink vouchers that can be used anywhere onboard at any time.
As Elite Plus, I also receive unlimited specialty coffee while cruising with Celebrity Cruises. I love to start my morning with a latte, so this is an exciting perk to receive! Other amenities include free laundry, a 35% discount on internet, 15% off spa services, a 15% discount on specialty dining, priority tendering, and one complimentary fitness class.
During my last Celebrity cruise, I was impressed with how much money I saved using these loyalty perks. Along with the nightly free drinks, the specialty coffee perk saved us more than $100. We also utilized the 15% specialty dining discount and 35% internet package discount, saving us even more money.
Top-tier loyalty perks include not only a free 7-night cruise, but also access to the suites-only Retreat lounge, complimentary internet package, complimentary premium drink package, and free laundry. But, Celebrity Cruises is considered a premium cruise brand; as such, the perks should be more lucrative.
Pros of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club:
- Exclusive Elite Plus Perks: Celebrity’s Elite Plus status offers nightly complimentary happy hours with unlimited cocktails, private breakfasts, and priority services.
- Valuable Discounts: Top-tier loyalty members enjoy perks such as heavily discounted internet, discounted specialty dining and spa services, complimentary specialty coffee, and free laundry.
- Top-Tier Rewards: Highest loyalty levels include benefits such as a free 7-night cruise, premium drink packages, and access to exclusive lounges like the Retreat.
Cons of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club:
- Separate Perk Systems: While there is a status match with Royal Caribbean, the loyalty programs are still distinct with different perks between the two cruise lines.
- Limited Flexibility in Perks: Celebrity’s happy hour offers unlimited drinks, but Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers are more flexible and seemingly better value with little restriction.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
