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As a regular cruiser, you can really benefit from the loyalty programmes offered by cruise lines. These programmes reward you with points for cabin upgrades, better locations on board or even free nights. Each programme works differently. The benefits add up quickly if you choose to sail more often. Read on and discover how to make your next cruise more comfortable and better value for money.
What are loyalty programmes at cruise lines?
Loyalty programmes are reward systems that cruise lines use to recognise returning guests. You collect points or credits every time you book a cruise. These points give access to benefits such as upgrades to a better cabin category, priority when booking or exclusive discounts.
Most cruise lines have several tiers within their programme. You often start as a basic member and move up after a certain number of cruises or days on board (sea days). Higher tiers offer more and more benefits, such as free internet access (Wi‑Fi), access to special lounges or upgrades at no extra cost. Each programme has its own rules, but the principle remains the same: the more often you sail, the more you benefit.
‘ With enough points you can swap an inside cabin for a balcony cabin or even a suite. ’
How do loyalty programmes help with cabin upgrades?
One of the most popular benefits is an upgrade of your cabin. With enough points you can swap an inside cabin for a balcony cabin or even a suite. Some cruise lines offer automatic upgrades subject to availability for higher‑tier loyalty members. This applies from a certain level upwards. Other cruise lines give you the option to redeem points for an upgrade to a specific category.
How this works varies by cruise line. With MSC Voyagers Club, for example, you get priority for upgrades to balcony cabins as soon as you reach a certain tier. Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers similar benefits, with extra focus on suite upgrades at the highest tiers. Carnival’s VIFP programme works with a points system where you can redeem credits for better cabin locations or upgrades.
Upgrades are often subject to availability. Do you book early? Then you increase your chances of an upgrade. Higher loyalty tiers often get priority when allocating available cabins.
Do you get better cabins if you book more cruises?
Yes, if you book more cruises. The number of cruises has a direct impact on the quality of your cabin. As you sail more often, you climb the loyalty ladder and gain access to better cabin options. For example, you might get a cabin on a higher deck, closer to the lift. Or a cabin in a more convenient location in relation to facilities on board.
Many programmes also offer special cabins for loyal guests (cabin allocations). Think of cabins in quieter zones, larger balconies or interconnecting cabins for families. Some cruise lines even reserve certain cabin categories exclusively for loyalty members. This only applies from a certain level.
You can also use loyalty points to choose a specific cabin in advance. Normally, this costs extra. It gives you more control over your stay and ensures you get the most comfortable option within your budget.
How much can you save with a loyalty programme?
The savings vary. They’re often quite substantial. An upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin normally costs between 200 and 800 euros extra, depending on the route and cruise line. With loyalty points you often get this upgrade at no extra cost, or at a heavily reduced rate.
There are other benefits too. Think of on‑board credit you can spend on excursions, drinks or spa treatments. Some programmes offer discounts of 10 to 20 per cent on future bookings. Free internet access (Wi‑Fi), a perk that would otherwise easily cost 100 euros per week, is often included as standard at higher tiers.
Do you book several cruises a year? Then the savings can run into the hundreds of euros. Regular cruisers can easily save 500 to 1000 euros a year. This is thanks to clever use of their loyalty status. They use their benefits strategically.
Important differences between cruise lines
Each loyalty programme has its own benefits and conditions. MSC Voyagers Club, for example, has five tiers, and from the second tier upwards you already get a discount on upgrades. Royal Caribbean uses a system of points per sea day, which means that longer cruises earn points faster. Carnival’s VIFP programme rewards you per cruise, regardless of duration.
Compare the following points:
- The number of cruises or sea days needed to reach a level
- The benefits per level, such as upgrades, discounts and on‑board credit
- Whether points expire or remain valid for life
- Whether the programme applies to all routes or only specific destinations
- Whether you can redeem points for different types of benefits
Some cruise lines also offer partnerships, allowing you to earn points with sister brands. This speeds up your progress and gives you more choice of destinations. You don’t lose your loyalty status in the process.
Practical tips for maximum benefit
Sign up for the loyalty programme as soon as you book your first cruise. Many travellers forget this. As a result, they miss out on valuable points. Make sure your membership number is registered for every booking, even if you book via a travel agency.
Bundle your cruises with one cruise line or within the same company. That way, you reach higher tiers faster. If you keep switching between different cruise lines, you build up several programmes slowly instead of quickly collecting benefits with one.
Check the special promotions for loyalty members before each cruise. Some cruise lines offer temporary bonus points or extra discounts on certain routes. Do you book during such a promotion? Then you move up the tiers faster.
Always ask about available upgrades at check‑in. Not automatically eligible? Sometimes better cabins become available for a small surcharge. Loyalty members often get priority for these last‑minute upgrades.
How loyalty programmes contribute to more sustainable cruising
Some cruise lines reward sustainable choices within their loyalty programmes. You earn extra points by consciously choosing reusable facilities on board. Think of using refill stations instead of plastic bottles. Or declining daily cabin cleaning. This saves water and energy.
MSC Voyagers Club, for example, offers free reusable water bottles after a certain number of cruises, with refill kiosks spread across the ship. Carnival’s programme gives on‑board credit if you choose to have towels and bedding changed less frequently. These initiatives reduce waste and lower costs. In return you receive extra benefits.
If you use resources on board consciously, you help reduce the impact of your trip. At the same time, you build up loyalty points more quickly. A win‑win for comfort and the environment.
‘ Do you sail once every three years? Then the benefits are limited to a basic discount or small on‑board credit. ’
When do loyalty programmes pay off most?
Loyalty programmes are especially worthwhile if you plan at least one cruise a year. With less frequent cruises it takes a long time to reach higher tiers. Do you sail once every three years? Then the benefits are limited to a basic discount or small on‑board credits.
Regular cruisers sail two or more times a year. They see the benefits increase quickly. You reach the mid‑levels within one to two years, where upgrades and discounts become substantial. Do you spend several weeks a year at sea? Then the highest tiers are within reach, with far‑reaching privileges such as free excursions and suite access.
The length of your cruises also plays a role. Longer trips earn more points in programmes that calculate per day on board (sea day). Short weekend cruises are less efficient for building status. They do help to maintain a level if it has to be revalidated annually.
Combine loyalty benefits with smart planning
Use your loyalty status strategically. Combine it with early‑booking discounts or last‑minute deals. Some cruise lines stack discounts. As a loyalty member, you then save extra on top of general promotions. Always check the terms and conditions. Not all offers can be combined.
Choose routes where upgrades are most valuable. An upgrade to a balcony cabin is much more worthwhile on a cruise along the Norwegian fjords or the Mediterranean than on a short crossing where you spend little time in your cabin. Plan to use your loyalty points for trips with lots of views and comfort.
Take advantage of special booking periods for loyalty members. Many cruise lines open new routes first for higher tiers, which means you get access to the best cabins before they become available to everyone.
Would you like to know more about cruise destinations, cabin categories or the best times to book? Discover on Traveler Tips how to prepare for your next cruise in the best possible way, from route to luggage and from booking to on board. That way you plan with confidence and get the most out of your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Sign up in advance for free loyalty programmes from hotel chains, car rental companies and train operators so that you earn points on every booking for discounts or free nights/journeys. Combine these with cashback or co‑branded credit cards that give extra points on travel spending. Check promotions regularly (such as double points, weekend deals or “stay X, get Y free”) and adjust your route to take advantage of them. Where possible, book directly with the provider, as you often get extra points, upgrades or free extras there (such as breakfast or an additional driver).
Whether the benefits of a loyalty programme outweigh the loss of flexibility depends on how often you book with the same provider and how much you value the perks (discounts, upgrades, extra services). If you return regularly and actively use the benefits, the savings and extra comfort can more than make up for being limited to one provider. If you are very price‑ or route‑sensitive and often switch providers, you may miss out on better deals elsewhere. So make a rough calculation of the expected savings and benefits per year versus any higher costs or missed opportunities with other providers.
For self‑organised car, train and road trips, hotel chain programmes (such as IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors) and broad booking‑platform loyalty (such as Booking.com Genius) usually offer the best value thanks to flexible location choice and free nights or upgrades. For those who drive a lot, fuel and petrol‑station programmes (e.g. Shell, BP) are interesting because of ongoing discounts on fuel and snacks. For train travel, national rail passes and discount cards (such as NS subscriptions or foreign railcards) are often more valuable than classic “points” programmes, as they give direct discounts on journeys. Credit‑card loyalty with transferable points (e.g. American Express Membership Rewards) can offer extra value because you can move points to multiple hotel or travel partners, depending on your route.
You earn loyalty points by signing up for the cruise line’s loyalty programme and using your membership or loyalty card when booking, for purchases on board and for sustainable actions such as using refill stations or declining daily cleaning. The more often and more sustainably you travel, the faster you build up points and status. You can then use these points for cabin upgrades (for example to a balcony cabin), extra comfort such as priority check‑in or free/cheaper excursions, and sometimes free reusable amenities. Check in the app or on the cruise line’s website which specific actions earn points and which upgrades or comfort options you can redeem them for.
Yes, there are loyalty programmes, for example with major cruise companies such as MSC, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, that specifically reward sustainable behaviour and re‑use. You then earn extra points or receive discounts and upgrades if you use reusable water bottles and refill stations, eco‑cabins with refill dispensers, or if you have towels and linen replaced less frequently. Through apps, you can sometimes earn badges or credits by separating waste or declining daily service, which can lead to on‑board credit or free excursions. In this way, these programmes link repeat bookings and status benefits to less waste and more conscious consumption.
Always read the full terms and conditions of the loyalty programme before signing up, and pay attention to point expiry dates, minimum spend requirements and exclusions for peak periods. Compare the benefits with the standard prices to check whether “discounts” haven’t already been factored into higher base prices. When booking, only use loyalty benefits that are clear and immediate (such as fixed discounts or free nights) and avoid offers with vague descriptions or lots of small print. Where possible, pay with a credit card with no extra foreign‑exchange fees or service charges to avoid unexpected additional costs.
