Cruise loyalty programs reward repeat travelers with perks like room upgrades, discounts, exclusive events, and priority boarding. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or planning to sail multiple times a year, joining your cruise line’s loyalty program is a smart way to earn rewards just by taking the vacations you already love. With a little strategy, you can unlock some serious benefits.

What are cruise loyalty programs?
These are free programs offered by cruise lines to incentivize repeat bookings. The more you cruise with the same brand, the higher your tier—and the better the perks. Points are typically earned based on cruise nights, cabin category, and spend.

Each cruise line has its own structure, so it’s important to understand how they work and how to leverage them to your advantage.

Carnival Cruise Line – VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person)

• Free to join via their website.

• Points are based on nights sailed

• Perks start with fun freebies like bottled water and progress to priority boarding, cabin upgrades, and special gifts

• Reaching Platinum (75+ nights) unlocks laundry service and early embarkation

Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society

• Details on their website here.

• Earn 1 point per night (2 points per night for suite guests)

• Benefits include discounts, exclusive events, priority check-in, and cabin upgrades

• At 30 points (Platinum), you get priority services and early access to deals

Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards

• Free sign-up here.

• Earn 1 point per night, with bonuses for suites and early bookings

• Perks include welcome gifts, priority disembarkation, laundry discounts, and cocktail parties

• Platinum and above tiers enjoy dinners with officers and complimentary internet

Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle

• Points accrue based on cruise days and cabin category

• Elite members receive complimentary mini-bar setups, priority services, and exclusive lounge access

Tips to maximize your cruise loyalty program

1. Stick to one cruise brand (or a cruise family)
   Cruise brands under the same parent company may not share loyalty points, so stick to one to reach elite status faster.
   Examples: Carnival Corporation owns Carnival, Princess, and Holland America—but their loyalty programs are separate.

2. Book longer cruises or higher-tier cabins
   Suite guests often earn double points, accelerating your path to elite status.

3. Combine loyalty benefits with credit card or cashback rewards
   Some cruise lines have branded credit cards with additional benefits like onboard credits or early access to sales. You can also earn cashback with a Carnival gift card via Fluz and use it toward your booking.

4. Take advantage of member-only deals
   Many loyalty programs offer early access to promotions and exclusive pricing. Always log in before booking to see your member perks.

5. Attend loyalty events onboard
   Even at lower tiers, guests are often invited to exclusive cocktail hours or meet-and-greets. These events can be great for networking and getting insider tips.

6. Plan ahead and use your tier perks wisely
   Higher-tier benefits like priority boarding, tender access, and cabin upgrades can significantly improve your cruise experience. Use them to save time and avoid long lines.

Pro tip: If you’re sailing with Carnival and want to earn cashback while working your way through VIFP Club tiers, purchase your cruise using a digital gift card through Fluz. You can also explore broader cashback tools on the Fluz homepage.