The upper tiers of most cruise loyalty programs have amazing benefits, from free cruises to free drinks and free laundry. If you’re a frequent cruiser, you know that earning points quickly is key to reaching these upper membership tiers. There are ways to earn cruise loyalty points quickly and enjoy all the exclusive perks sooner!
Is Earning the Upper Tier Cruise Loyalty Perk Worth It?
Cruise Lines knows how to treat their top-tier loyalty members like VIPs. For example, at Royal Caribbean, Diamond members and up receive free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks every day and free WiFi (for one day or the entire cruise). At the highest Zenith level, you can get a free cruise! These perks are not unique to Royal Caribbean and are pretty much offered in other cruise lines as well. In the long run, being an upper-tier loyalty member pays off!
Go on Longer Cruises
One way to earn loyalty points fast is to go on longer cruises. Reaching the upper loyalty tiers will take forever if you only take cruises that are 7 days or less. To get the most points per cruise, take long cruises that are 10 days or more.
Stay in a Suite
You will earn more points if you stay in a suite than a regular cabin. Cruise lines give bonus points to their suite passengers. Earn points quickly, and stay in a suite! Check out 11 Anti-Theft Cruise Tips that Every Cruiser Needs to Know
Stay in Higher Cabin Categories
One way to earn more points on your cruise is to stay in a higher cabin category. You will earn more loyalty points by staying in a balcony cabin versus an interior cabin. And even more points if you stay in a spa cabin versus a balcony cabin. Depending on the price difference, it can be worth upgrading to a higher cabin category for the extra loyalty points. Check out 10 Tips for Cheap Last Minute Cruise Bookings
Book Back to Back Cruises
An easy way to earn more loyalty points is to book back-to-back cruises. Back-to-back cruises are consecutive cruises on the same cruise line. So, instead of getting off the ship, you stay on to continue another cruise on the same cruise ship. Often, you don’t even have to change cabins! It’s perfect if you are retired and have the time to go on back-to-back cruises. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How I Cruise on a Budget
Cruise During Off-Peak
To attract more off-peak cruise bookings, many cruise lines offer incentives, such as lower prices, free extras, and sometimes free points. Take advantage of this and cruise during off-peak to stretch your dollar and get more points. Plus, you will enjoy a cruise ship with no crowd! Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
Transatlantic Cruises
Another way to earn more loyalty points is to go on transatlantic cruises. Transatlantic cruises are usually long, more than 10 days. And you can typically get a good deal on transatlantic cruises because they’re not very popular and usually sail during off-peak months. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How Much Extra Gratuity I Give to the Cruise Staff
Be Loyal to One Cruise Line
To reach the upper membership tiers on loyalty programs quickly, you need to stick to one cruise line. You are doing yourself a disservice if you bounce from one cruise company to another. Stay loyal to one, and you will quickly earn enough points to get to the upper tiers. Check out 10 Extra Cruise Expenses that Catch People Off Guard When They See the Final Bill