Breaking Down the Major Cruise Line Loyalty Programs: What You Get & How to Maximize It

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Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society

How to Join: Automatically enrolled after your first sailing.
Tiers: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle Club

Key Perks:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Discounted balcony/suite upgrades
• Free drinks (4 per day starting at Diamond level)
• Exclusive events and nightly Diamond Lounge access
• BOGO spa services and onboard discounts

Insider Tip: The biggest jump in perks happens at Diamond level (80 points)—you’ll start receiving daily drink vouchers, lounge access, and more.

 

Carnival Cruises – VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club

How to Join: Enroll online or after your first cruise.
Tiers: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond

Key Perks:

• Priority boarding and debarkation (Platinum+)
• Complimentary laundry (Platinum+)
• Free drink on your birthday
• Special offers and discounts
• Dedicated member phone line

Insider Tip: Platinum status (75+ days at sea) unlocks the best perks, particularly priority access and free laundry.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards

How to Join: Automatically enrolled after your first sailing.
Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, Diamond, Ambassador

Key Perks:

• Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
• Priority embarkation & disembarkation
• Complimentary specialty dinners and laundry
• Behind-the-scenes ship tours (Platinum+)
• Exclusive cocktail parties

Insider Tip: Earn points faster by booking suites or solo cabins. Platinum status offers excellent value, with perks like free meals and laundry.

Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle

How to Join: Automatically enrolled after your first cruise.
Tiers: Gold, Ruby, Platinum, Elite

Key Perks:

• Priority boarding (Platinum+)
• Free internet minutes
• Exclusive events and cocktail parties
• Complimentary laundry (Elite)
• Room service perks and discounts

Insider Tip: Elite status provides some of the best loyalty benefits in the industry—especially great for travelers who prioritize internet access.

Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club

How to Join: Automatically enrolled after your first cruise.
Tiers: Preview, Classic, Select, Elite, Elite Plus, Zenith

Key Perks:

• Free laundry and internet
• Access to exclusive events and lounges
• Complimentary specialty coffees
• Discounts on drinks, spa services, and shore excursions
• Priority boarding and tendering

Insider Tip: Elite status (300 points) is where perks like lounge access, free cocktails, and priority service start becoming very noticeable.

MSC Cruises – Voyagers Club

How to Join: Free to enroll online or after your first cruise.
Tiers: Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond

Key Perks:

• Onboard discounts on photos, spa services, and shore excursions
• Welcome gifts
• Priority embarkation and late disembarkation (Gold+)
• Special cocktail receptions
• Voucher for milestone cruises

Insider Tip: MSC offers a valuable Status Match—if you’re elite with another cruise line or hotel program, MSC may match your level for similar perks.

Holland America Line – Mariner Society

How to Join: Automatically enrolled after your first sailing.
Tiers: Based on cruise days with milestone levels at 100, 200, 500+ days

Key Perks:

• Priority embarkation
• Exclusive discounts and offers
• Welcome reception and onboard gifts
• Free laundry service (200+ days)

Insider Tip: Status is based on total cruise days—not number of cruises—so longer sailings help you level up faster.

Tips to Maximize Your Cruise Loyalty Status

• Stick with one cruise line (or one cruise family like Royal Caribbean/Celebrity) to accumulate points more quickly.
• Book longer sailings—many loyalty programs count days at sea rather than number of cruises.
• Take advantage of promotions—many lines offer double points for suites or solo cabins.
• Use status match options—most notably offered by MSC Cruises.

Final Thoughts

Loyalty pays off on the high seas. These cruise line programs are free to join, automatically track your progress, and unlock valuable perks over time. From priority boarding to complimentary drinks, laundry, and lounge access—small perks can turn into big benefits.

Not sure which cruise line best fits your travel style or goals? I’d be happy to help you choose the right ship and plan a trip that sets you up for long-term rewards.

Ready to set sail toward elite status? Let’s start planning your next cruise!