Cruise lines really know how to make their most loyal passengers feel special by showering them with free perks the moment they step onboard the ship. From free meals to free drinks to free cruises, these perks are all about showing appreciation and keeping their loyal passengers coming back for more. When it comes to generosity, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise really go above and beyond and stand out as the most generous when it comes to pampering their loyal guests.
Free Cruise
The ultimate loyalty reward on a cruise is the free 7 day cruise. This prestigious prize is given to the most loyal passengers of a cruise line—those who have reached the highest loyalty level.
Specialty Coffee
If you’re a higher-tier loyalty member, certain cruise lines will give you complimentary specialty coffee. This includes espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos, which typically cost between $3 and $6 at the ship’s café.
Lounge Access
Some cruise lines have an exclusive lounge especially for its higher tier loyal members. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Crown Lounge is for Diamond level and higher members. This VIP lounge has complimentary drinks, bites and even a dedicated concierge.
Laundry
Many cruise lines give free laundry service as perk for being a loyal cruise passenger. For example, Norwegian cruise line gives a free bag of laundry service for passengers who are Platinum level or higher.
Backstage Tour
Many cruise lines give free backstage tour as a loyalty perk. This exclusive VIP experience typically takes place on a sea day and is available by invitation only. For example, Celebrity Cruise Line gives a special backstage tour of the theater for Select level members and above.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is another perk that many cruise lines give to its loyal members. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises extend invitations to exclusive wine tasting events for their mid to high-level members. This wine tasting event usually takes place on a sea day.
Free WiFi
Many cruise lines give complimentary WiFi to their loyal passengers. For example, Royal Caribbean gives free internet access starting at the Diamond Level, where members receive one day of free WiFi. At the highest tier, the Pinnacle Club, members enjoy unlimited WiFi throughout their entire cruise.
Free Bottled Water
Some cruise lines give free bottled water as a loyalty perk. Buying bottled water on a cruise is not cheap- it’s a $5.50 benefit for just being a loyal cruise passenger!
Free Artwork
Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise, give free artwork as a thank-you for attending their art auctions. Typically you’ll get a free print as a gift for being a loyal cruise passenger.
Free Cabin Upgrades
One of the most valuable loyalty perks that cruise lines give to their loyal passengers is the free cabin upgrade. Typically, this benefit is reserved for their highest-tier loyalty members.
Cruise Discounts
Loyal cruise passengers can also get discounts on cruises. For example, Royal Caribbean offers special savings on Balcony and Suite staterooms for members at the Platinum level and above.
Casino
Some cruise lines give complimentary gambling credits as a loyalty perk. For example, Royal Caribbean gives free play money for the slot machines, typically ranging from $2 to $6.
Free Room Service
Room service on cruises is no longer complimentary, except for continental breakfast, which remains free. Many cruise lines charge a fee for room service, typically ranging from $8 to $10, or they offer items à la carte. But, as a loyalty perk, some frequent cruisers get free room service. Check out Best Things to Order from Room Service Breakfast on a Cruise
Invitation to VIP Cocktail Parties
Invitations to exclusive cocktail parties are one of the best loyalty perks on cruises. These VIP events, typically held on one of the early sea days, are by invitation only. Guests can enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and the chance to meet the captain and senior officers. It’s an elegant party that makes you feel like a VIP. Check out An Inside Look at the Celebrity Cruise Captain’s Club Welcome Party
Priority Tender Tickets
Higher tier loyal cruise passengers usually get priority tender tickets. This way, you don’t have to wait long to board the tender boat that ferries you to the cruise port! Check out 8 Cruise Tender Port Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
Alcoholic Beverages
One of the biggest perks of being a loyal cruise passenger is that you can get free drinks. For example, on Celebrity Cruise, Elite level members and above can get free drinks during cocktail hour every day from 5pm to 7pm at any of the ship’s bars and lounges. There’s a special menu with complimentary options such as wine, beer, select cocktails, soda, and bottled water. If you’re not a heavy drinker, you might find that this is more than enough, and you won’t need to buy the cruise beverage package. Check out 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money
Priority Embarkation and Disembarkation
One of the biggest perks for being a loyal cruise passenger is that you can get priority check-in and priority disembarkation. Almost all cruise lines offer this as a loyalty perk to its mid-tier level members and above. Here is a photo of complimentary drinks and snacks at the embarkation lounge for loyal members. Check out 16 Cruise Ship Embarkation Hack (How to Board the Ship Faster)
Discounts
Many cruise lines give discounts as a reward for loyal customers. Members who stick with the brand will enjoy perks such as discount on spa services, discounts at the gift shop, photo package savings, drink package savings, shore excursion discounts, WiFi deals, and specialty dining discounts. These savings typically range from 10% to 30%. Check out 21 Smart and Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise