Luxury Cruising Editorial

A decision involving a cruise ship crew member who recently got engaged while on vacation in the U.S. is stirring up a discussion online. The trouble could begin if he hops back on the ship after getting married.

People who watch the popular reality TV show 90 Day Fiancé often see couples facing challenges with U.S. immigration rules. A Reddit post by a former cruise ship employee pointed out something unique involving a cruise ship worker and his K1 visa.

That twist involves Juan, a former cruise ship bartender, and his fiancé, Jessica. Their situation points out this issue: Juan’s cruise job in international waters clashes with U.S. immigration rules as the wedding date gets closer.

From Cruise Ship to K1 Visa Life

Juan used to work on Carnival Magic, which sails out of PortMiami. He came to the United States with a K1 fiancé visa so he could marry Jessica. The K1 visa is designed to let a foreign national come to the U.S. to marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days.

After they get married, the foreign spouse typically applies to change their status to become a permanent resident, which people often call getting a Green Card.

Immigration and Life at Sea

Now, here’s where working on a cruise ship adds a complication. As a former cruise ship employee explained online, having a job on a cruise ship, even one based in the U.S., means you spend time in international waters. For immigration purposes, sailing out of U.S. waters is generally seen as leaving the United States.

Under U.S. immigration rules, people in the U.S. who came on a K1 visa or who are married and waiting for their Green Card application to be approved have big limits on traveling internationally.

Leaving the United States without getting special permission first (called Advance Parole) can look like they are giving up on their application for permanent residency. This could mess up their whole immigration process.

As the former employee put it, Juan “requires a Green Card to leave and come back, and can only apply for one after his marriage.”

Cruise Ship Contracts Are Strict

The former cruise worker’s comments on Reddit point out what it’s like to work at sea. Cruise ship employees have contracts that require them to be on the ship when it’s scheduled to sail. If you miss when the ship leaves, the company usually treats it like you quit your job.

The former employee on Reddit stressed the strict nature of these jobs, noting you “cannot pause a contract with a cruise ship.” If you are told to be in the home port to get on your next cruise and you miss it, “the company considers your employment terminated.”

Even though employees get vacation time, their job status is tied to being on that ship as it travels internationally.

The Potential Problem

The social media post mentioned that on the reality TV show, Juan didn’t officially quit his cruise job, which made some think he might have wanted to go back. But trying to start a cruise ship contract again soon after getting married on that K1 path, and before getting the travel permit (Advance Parole), would likely be seen as leaving the U.S. without permission.

If that happens, his Green Card application could be denied. This might mean he would have to leave the U.S. and go through the long and complicated immigration process from his home country all over again.

What might seem like an easy choice for Juan to return to work could have a big impact on his potential new life with Jessica in the U.S., adding more drama to the situation.  But then again, reality TV would not exist without a bit of drama, right?

I’ve visited well over 100 ports around the world on cruises over the past decade, but an island I stopped at on a recent cruise quickly became one of my favorites.

The port is Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. The port offers a private island experience and a safari though the Arabian Wildlife Park.

Sir Bani Yas was originally a private island for MSC Cruises when they started visiting there a decade ago, but other cruise lines now also visit the island. The port was one of five stops on my recent sailing on Celestyal Journey.

So what makes Sir Bani Yas so unique and incredible? Let’s dig in!

Private Island Experience

As soon as you step off the pier at Sir Bani Yas, you are on the beach. On the day that I visited there were two ships in port, our ship Celestyal Journey and MSC Euribia.

Each cruise line had their own beach area, although MSC’s was much larger since their ship held four times as many passengers as ours.

You really could just sit in whichever lounger you wanted, but if you wanted a drink, you had to go to your cruise line’s bar at their beach. This is because you used your cruise card to order drinks like you do at all cruise line private islands.

The beach was really large and just gorgeous. It rarely rains there so it really is a great beach stop on a cruise. There were tons of loungers and umbrellas.

There was live music and even gift shops to pick up some souvenirs. I highly recommend picking up some Dubai chocolate.

Safari

Even though the beach is gorgeous on Sir Bani Yas, the highlight of the day was the safari.

At the center of the island is Sir Bani Yas Arabian Wildlife Park and you can book a shore excursion to take a 90 minute safari through it. You board an open air bus right at the cruise port and it’s a very short drive to the park.

This wildlife refuge is home to 17,000 free roaming animals and it takes up over half the island.

A few animals are kept in secure areas due to them being predators, but most are free to roam the 5.5 square mile park.

If you are visiting Sir Bani Yas as a family, kids will love the safari. It’s not too long and not too short, it’s really perfect at 90 minutes.

It really is one of the most unique cruise ports I’ve ever visited and it’s one that I would love to return to.

Carnival Cruise Line is ditching paper tickets for shore excursions as they announced a new digital platform that will also provide enhanced functionality.

Carnival Cruise Line is piloting this new mobile app with some tour companies in select ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean. When their new destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key, opens in July, the cruise line is planning on integrating the platform into all shore excursions at the new port.

How will it work?

When a guest books a shore excursion, it will automatically be linked to their account. And instead of using paper tickets, guests will use their Sail & Sign card to check in for their shore excursions.

Guests can use the Carnival HUB App to see digital confirmations for all shore excursions that they booked.

In-app notifications will give guests all the important details they need like meeting times and locations.

This will also allow guests to book shore excursions at the very last minute since it enables tour operators to make real-time sales and register guests in the moment.

As Carnival rolls out its ticketless system at popular destinations, the cruise line’s team is working directly with partners to train operators on using the new tools.

Once the platform is fully functional for all shore excursions at Celebration Key, the Carnival team will continue collaborating with operators across The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico to fully implement the new platform throughout the remainder of the year.

By next summer, the platform is scheduled to be available on cruises to Alaska and in Europe.

Carnival Cruise Line implemented this new system on cruises to Australia earlier this year.

Sam Ackrill, vice president of shore excursions for Carnival Cruise Line, said the following:

“Our new ticketless platform prioritizes convenience for our guests and equips our tour operator partners with better tools, making the shore excursion experience more seamless, efficient and enjoyable.

“Eliminating the need for physical tickets and streamlining the process of checking in for shore excursions will be a great benefit, but the real-time functionality that’s built into our platform will give tour operators more opportunities and guests more choices.”

Health checks on cruise ships are still ongoing as at least 49 inspections scores across 16 cruise lines have been released so far this year.

The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently conducted a Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee.

The inspection, which took place on April 12, 2025, resulted in a score of 97 out of a possible 100 points.

According to data released by the CDC, Carnival Jubilee‘s inspection marks the 12th time a Carnival ship has been tested by the agency so far in 2025.

Ships calling on U.S. ports and carrying 13 or more passengers are subject to these unannounced inspections which could take place twice within a year.

The VSP inspection covers a wide range of public health areas on a cruise ship, including medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool spas, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation systems, and common areas.

Scores are awarded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 86 or higher considered satisfactory.

Jubilee Improves Score by 6 Points

Carnival Jubilee‘s score of 97 showed a high level of compliance with the CDC’s thorough public health standards.  The same ship was last tested in 2024 and scored a 91, so it’s good to see a solid improvement in the areas mentioned in the report.

Comparing the findings from the June 2024 and April 2025 inspections revealed this progress. In 2024, the report noted issues with tracking and documenting passenger illnesses, particularly concerning children in youth programs, and found high chemical levels in a water play area – a finding that was immediately addressed.

By the April 2025 inspection, the water chemical issue was resolved, and the ship demonstrated improved procedures for handling and tracking potential illnesses onboard.

Even with the good score, the April 2025 check did find a few things the ship needs to keep working on, like making sure kitchen areas are extra clean every day, dealing with flies, and dealing with some construction details from when the ship was initially built.

Other Carnival ships inspected by the CDC in 2025, based on data from the CDC, include:

• Carnival Freedom: January 13, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Elation: January 30, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Conquest: February 7, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Sunrise: February 13, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Mardi Gras: February 15, 2025 – 95
• Carnival Glory: February 17, 2025 – 99
• Carnival Firenze: February 20, 2025 – 92
• Carnival Horizon: February 23, 2025 – 93
• Carnival Miracle: March 3, 2025 – 96
• Carnival Sunshine: March 8, 2025 – 91
• Carnival Vista: March 13, 2025 – 94

Princess Cruises has announced an incredible 129-day cruise that will set sail in early 2027 and visit 20 countries and 61 destinations.

Princess Cruises’ World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 6, 2027 and feature nine late night port visits. The cruise will take place on Coral Princess, a 2,000 passenger cruise ship.

After the ship departs from Florida, it will sail through the Panama Canal before heading to Hawaii. After a stop in Hawaii, Coral Princess will visit the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.

The cruise ship will then visit Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam Hong Kong, Japan etc.) before heading to Alaska.

After six stops in Alaska, the cruise will conclude in Los Angeles 129 days after the ship set sail.

A map of this incredible cruise can be seen below.

The cruise will provide access to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including:

• The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
• Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Sydney Opera House

Princess Cruises is giving guests who book this cruise by October 3, 2025 early booking perks. They include complimentary WiFi, air credits for those who book a balcony cabin or above, roundtrip airport transfers, and onboard credit up to $1,500 per person.

Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement about this new cruise:

“Our upcoming 2027 World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey connecting travelers to the world’s most breathtaking destinations with the signature warmth and elegance only Princess can provide.

“This 129-day adventure is designed for guests who yearn to experience different cultures, history, flavors and the breathtaking spectacles of the Pacific like never before.”

For those who don’t want to sail on all 129 nights of the cruise, shorter world segments are available that include 110-day and 114-day options.

In addition, shorter segments from four to 68 days are available from ports like Auckland, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Vancouver.

Which cruise lines offer the best loyalty programs? Are they worth it? Should I only cruise with one cruise line or try all of them?

These are common questions people have when looking at cruise line loyalty programs.

We have listed the benefits for 8 different cruise line loyalty programs and what it takes to reach each level. See which perks interest you the most and how realistic it is to reach the status required to enjoy them.

Cruise lines want you to keep sailing with them. They offer rewards and incentives for staying loyal to their brand of ships. And the more you cruise on one line the better the benefits get down the line.

Each cruise line has its own name for their loyalty program, and in this article we are going to compare and contrast these status tiers and what it takes to reach them.

Note: Always go directly to the cruise line’s website to get more specific and up-to-date information on a rewards program.

What kind of perks can you get with cruise line loyalty programs?

Just for signing up, many cruise lines will provide you with exclusive deals and discounts. And as you progress you can find benefits as cabin upgrades, free specialty dining, gifts, and access to exclusive lounges and events onboard.

Holland America provides free cruise fares for the 3^rd and 4^th cruise passenger after earning 200 cruise credits.

At Platinum level, Norwegian Cruise Line rewards cruisers with complimentary specialty dining offerings at Cagney’s Steakhouse and La Cucina.

Some of the biggest sought-after perks are priority boarding, tendering, and disembarkation. Cutting down on lines and wait times can be a nice privilege. MSC even has a late check-out for disembarkation so you can enjoy the ship longer.

Carnival does have the FTTF (Faster To The Fun) program for expedited boarding and Royal Caribbean now offers priority boarding and disembarkation with a program called The Key. These services cost extra but it’s a way of getting some of the rewards of a loyalty program without earning status.

The free services and amenities of a cruise line rewards program can be a nice touch as well. Free laundry service, shoe-polishing (Princess), photos, and internet access are some of the special rewards you can earn by staying loyal to some cruise lines.

RELATED: 7 Ways to Bypass Lines on a Cruise

Cruising solo?  Some cruise lines (e.g. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) will give you double points for staying in a double-occupancy cabin if you travel by yourself.

Below we will list 8 cruise lines and what perks are offered for each tier of their loyalty programs.

Carnival Cruise Line – VIFP Program

Eight cruise lines fall under the umbrella of Carnival Corporation, and the parent company operates nearly 100 cruise ships around the world. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most recognized lines in the world. Its loyalty program is called VIFP Club, since the line sees every cruiser as a Very Important Fun Person, especially if they keep coming back for more cruises.

You can sign up for the VIFP Club before your cruise even begins and start enjoying member-only fares and specials.

Carnival has a 5-tier loyalty program. The points for each status are based on the number of days sailed and not on how many cruises have been taken.

Every first-time cruiser with Carnival has Blue status and becomes Red after the 2^nd sailing. Red will include a free bottle of water in your stateroom. Gold status is reached after 25 days at sea with Carnival and will include a free appreciation drink on a 5-night sailing or longer.

But it’s not until you’ve sailed with Carnival for at least 75 days that the real perks start making a difference. This is where Platinum status is reached, and these perks are included:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Exclusive VIFP party with free drinks and appetizers
• “Chocolate Delight” plate delivered to stateroom (on 5+ night sailings)
• Collectible pin with specific ship and sailing year
• Priority spa reservations
• Priority tender boarding (ship to shore only)
• Complimentary arcade credits (a $5 value; for passengers 18 and under)
• Carnival logo gift on every sailing
• Dedicated onboard Guest Services phone number
• Priority line at the Guest Services desk
• Priority debarkation
• Priority selection of main dining room seating (early, late or YourTime flexible dining) and priority specialty restaurant reservations
• Complimentary wash-and-fold laundry services (two bags on three- to six-night cruises; three bags on seven- to 12-night cruises; five bags on 12-night cruises or longer)

After you’ve sailed on a Carnival cruise ship for more than 200 nights you will have reached the top tier of Diamond. The perks will include everything you received with Platinum with the additional perks listed below:

• Guaranteed main dining room reservations, in lieu of Platinum’s priority reservations
• Priority reservations at specialty dining restaurants
• Unlimited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry services
• Invitation from the Captain to a special event (such as dinner, a bridge tour or a cocktail party) on each sailing
• One-time free cabin upgrade, or free third-, fourth- or fifth-passenger fares
• One-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant of choice
• Complimentary VIFP Club luggage tag set
• Dedicated toll-free number for sales and services

Carnival also has milestone rewards given to regular cruisers. Members who sail on their 25^th, 50^th, and 75^th cruise get 25%, 50%, and 75% off respectively. VIFP members who have sailed on 100 cruises get a free 8 day cruise to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or Alaska.

Royal Caribbean Cruises – Crown & Anchor Society

As a member of the Crown & Anchor Society with Royal Caribbean you will earn 1 point for every night sailed on a Royal Caribbean ship. These points are doubled when a suite is booked, so getting a suite on your cruises is one way to rank up faster. Solo cruisers who pay double occupancy are also awarded double points.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. As such Royal Caribbean will match the member benefits of these other loyalty programs. Certain restrictions do apply, but it’s nice being able to use your loyalty rewards on other related lines.

There are 6 levels in the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club.

Perks include discounted and reduced rates, priority check-in, exclusive events, and even exclusive perks with MGM Resorts International.

Here are some of the onboard benefits for each level of loyalty within Crown & Anchor Society:

Gold level is reached with at least 3 nights sailed. Perks include some onboard offers, priority check-in if there is availability, WiFi discounts, drink discounts, casino free play, a private departure lounge with continental breakfast, and exclusive trivia.

Platinum level is reached once you have at least 30 points. Perks include everything from Gold level. Additional rewards are an exclusive top tier event, robes for onboard use delivered at request, and a signature lapel pin.

Emerald is reached with at least 55 points earned. Perks include everything from the above levels in addition to complimentary welcome waters,

Diamond is reached with at least 80 points earned. This is where some of the more coveted perks start kicking in.

Perks include all of the above status benefits and the following:

• Four complimentary daily drinks
• Priority waitlist for seating in the Main Dining Room
• Priority wait list for shore excursions and spa services
• Exclusive backstage tour on cruises five nights and longer
• Diamond Club access (on select ships)
• Priority Departure
• Label pin

Diamond Plus is reached with at least 175 points earned. Perks include everything listed above in addition to the following rewards:

• Five complimentary daily drinks
• 30% drink package discounts
• Single supplement reduced fares
• Personalized gift/amenity
• Priority seating at theater, ice shows, and Aquatheater
• Meal with an officer (if over 340 points)
• Upgraded bathroom amenities (if over 340 points)
• Bonus gift (if over 340 points)
• Priority access to seating at shows

Pinnacle Club is reached with at least 700 points earned. This is the top tier. Onboard perks include all of the above in addition to a personalized lapel pin for Pinnacle Club and exclusive privileges like access to the Suite/Concierge Lounge.

Other discounts, cruise certificates for reduced rates, and priority noticed are available at different tiers. You can check out this PDF from Royal Caribbean to see a breakdown of all the benefits offered.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Latitudes Rewards

As with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line gives you a reward point for each night booked on a Norwegian cruise ship.

An extra point is earned per night when booking a suite, and you can get an extra point per night on top of that by booking one of their Latitudes Rewards inside offers. These special offers are sent out monthly and usually provide other perks like $100 onboard credit.

There are seven tiers of status in Latitudes Rewards which are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, Diamond and Ambassador.

Rewards points are applied to your account after you return from your cruise. Points will be applied within 48 hours after you have completed a sailing.

Bronze status is obtained after sailing at least one night on Norwegian. Perks include:

• 10% discount in duty-free shops
• Signature tier pins
• Free artwork for attending art auction
• Insider offers on select sailings
• Latitudes rewards magazine

Silver is reached from 20-44 points earned on Norwegian. Perks include everything from Bronze in addition to:

• 15% discount in duty-free shops
• Exclusive cocktail party
• 10% discount on shore excursions
• 20% discount on photos
• 15% discount on spa treatments (while the ship is in port)

Gold level is reached from 45-74 points earned on a Norwegian ship. Perks include everything from Silver in addition to:

• 20% discount on spa treatments (while ship is in port)
• 1 bottle of water
• 50% off 1 bag of laundry service
• 25% discount on photos
• Priority tender tickets
• Priority disembarkation

Platinum level is reached from 75-149 points earned on a Norwegian ship. Perks include everything from Gold level in addition to:

• 30% discount on photos
• 25% discount on spa treatments (while ship is in port)
• 15% WiFi discount
• 1 free bag of laundry service
• Priority Embarkation
• Dinner For Two At Cagney’s Or Le Bistro With A Bottle Of Wine
• Dinner For Two At Moderno Or La Cucina
• 30 minutes of free internet
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Behind the scenes ship tour
• Concierge service

Sapphire level is reached from 150-349 points earned on a Norwegian cruise ship. Perks include everything from Platinum level in addition to the following:

• 2 bottles of water
• 20% discount on WiFi
• Dinner with officers
• Priority restaurant and entertainment seating

Diamond level is reached from 350-699 points earned on a Norwegian cruise ship. Perks include everything from Sapphire level in addition to the following:

• Free bag of laundry
• 25% discount on WiFi
• One free cabin upgrade

Ambassador level is the top tier. It is reached after obtaining at least 700 points on Norwegian Cruise Line. Perks include everything from Platinum Plus in addition to 25% off WiFi and a very big bonus. A free 7-day cruise is awarded to the Latitudes Rewards member who has reached Ambassador status.

See the full list of rewards and perks with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards here.

MSC Cruises – MSC Voyagers Club

Anyone who has sailed with MSC since 2006 or has a current confirmed booking can join MSC Voyagers Club.

MSC has also done something different in matching loyalty reward levels from other cruise lines and hotels. So, if you already have reached status with Royal Caribbean or Carnival you can reap some of those rewards with MSC if you quality. By applying for the Status Match program with MSC Cruises you will be assigned a membership level from Classic to Black.

Read more on the MSC Cruises Status Match program here.

Keep in mind that if you are applying for the Status Match program you should not register for MSC Voyagers Club.

Here are some of the perks you may receive if you do quality for the Status Match program.

• If you belong to a loyalty program with a hotel, cruise line or tour operator, you may qualify
• You will be assigned an MSC Voyagers Club membership, from Classic to Black
• A guaranteed 5% discount on any cruise
• Get similar or higher privilege status than your current loyalty program
• Other perks include: priority boarding, bottle of spumante, courtesty towel bathrobe, access to the thermal area in the MSC Aurea Spa, complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant* (these perks vary by membership level)

MSC has six tiers in Voyagers Club: Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Blue Diamond.  Here is the breakdown of the point values needed for each tier:

• Welcome Membership – 0 points
• Classic Membership – From 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver Membership – From 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold Membership – From 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond Membership – From 10,000 to 24,999 points
• Blue Diamond Membership – Over 25,000 points

How to earn points with MSC Voyagers Club

The points system is a little more complicated with MSC Cruises. The amount of points you earn with each cruise depends on the experience purchased and the length of the cruise

Points are earned based on the type of experience booked (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, MSC Yacht Club), the length of your cruise, and any prepaid onboard services.

Let’s look at what you actually get for reaching these different membership levels with MSC Voyager Club.

Welcome Membership allows you access to an online private area, and you will receive a newsletter. You will also receive 10% discounts on spa and salon services.

Classic Membership provides you with a 5% discount on your MSC cruise which can typically be combined with other promotions unless otherwise stated. Here are some of the additional perks:

• Personalized luggage tags for embarkation in your e-ticket
• On board discounts that range from 10-50%
• Invitation to special members-only event

Silver Membership offers all of the same perks listed above in addition to the following:

• $50 onboard credit
• Bigger discounts on board
• Complimentary fresh fruit basket
• Milestone reward
• Complimentary birthday cake

Gold Membership offers all of the perks listed above in addition to the following:

• Complimentary one-hour thermal area session (once per cruise)
• Complimentary gift
• Priority dining times
• One free F1 simulator credit
• Early access to theater shows
• Bathrobe and slippers

Diamond Membership offers all of the perks listed above in addition to the following:

• Bigger discounts on board
• Free stateroom upgrade
• Priority check-in
• Complimentary specialty restaurant “Tasting Menu” dinner for two (no beverages, one dinner per stateroom)
• Late stateroom check-out at disembarkation
• Priority disembarkation

Blue Diamond Membership offers all of the perks listed above in addition to the following:

• Flexible arrival in port
• Access to Yacht Club Lounge for check-in
• Behind the scenes tour
• Priority access to tender boats

Visit MSC’s rewards page for more details.

Disney Cruise Line – Castaway Club

Becoming a member of Disney Cruise Line’s rewards program takes no more effort than booking a cruise. You are automatically enrolled after your first cruise with Disney, and after your first sailing you will be a Silver member.

Unlike some other reward programs that are based on the number of nights you’ve sailed with them, Disney counts the number of cruises. After 5 cruises you will be a Gold member, after 10 you will be at Platinum level, and after 25 cruises will be Pearl, the top status.

Here are the perks provided for each tier:

Silver Castaway begins after the first cruise is completed.

• Early booking for new itineraries (1 day before public)
• Early access to activity planning online
• Communications just for Castaway Club members
• Dedicated Castaway Club phone number
• Exclusive terminal check-in
• Welcome back aboard gift

Gold Castaway is achieved after 5 completed cruises. It includes the above perks in addition to the following:

• Early booking for new itineraries (2 days before public)
• Early access to cruise activities
• Early access to select port arrival times
• Exclusive member discounts
• Private onboard reception

Platinum member is achieved after 10 completed cruises. It includes the above perks in addition to the following:

• Early booking for new itineraries (3 days before public)
• Early access to cruise activities and port arrival times
• Complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse

Pearl member is achieved after 25 completed cruises. It includes the above perks in addition to the following:

• Early booking for new itineraries (5 days before public)
• Early access to cruise activities and port arrival times
• Complimentary unlimited digital photo package

See Disney’s PDF of rewards listed here.

Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club

Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program breaks down into six different tiers: Preview Level (prior to sailing), Classic Level, Select Level, Elite Level, Elite Plus Level, and Zenith Level.

Points for these loyalty levels are earned based on two things: the stateroom category and the length of the sailing.

Inside and oceanview sailings earn 2 points per night.  Veranda staterooms earn 3 points per night.  Concierge and Aquaclass sailings earn 5 points per night.   Suites can earn anywhere from 8 to 18 points per night depending on the category.

Let’s take a look at what perks are awarded for each level in Captain’s Club.

Preview Level is earned for anyone who has booked a cruise with Celebrity and provides complimentary access to Captain’s Club Loyalty Desk and the program’s newsletter.

Classic Level is earned after just one cruise with Celebrity. This level is for any cruiser with 2-149 points. Perks include the following:

• Exclusive Captain’s Club Celebration
• One complimentary scoop of gelato
• One category upgrade applicable through Aqua Class (based on availability at time of booking)
• 10% discount on drink packages
• 10% discount on internet

Select Level is earned for having 150-299 points. Perks include the above in addition to the following:

• One standard bag of laundry
• 25% off internet
• 10% discount at the spa

Elite Level is earned for having 300-749 points.  Perks include the above in addition to the following:

• Exclusive daily continental breakfast
• Evening cocktail hour
• 30% off WiFi
• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (port day)
• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold)
• 15% drink package discount
• Captain’s Club Coffee House and Captain’s Club Cocktail Lounge

Elite Plus Level is earned for having 850-2,999 points. Perks include the above in addition to the following:

• 35% off WiFi
• 2 complimentary bags of laundry (wash, dry, fold)
• 20% discount on any Drinks Package
• 15% discount on Specialty Dining cover charge

Zenith Level is earned for having 3,000 points and more. Perks include the above in addition to the following:

• Complimentary seven-night cruise
• Access to the Retreat Lounge/Michael’s Club
• Unlimited internet for free
• Complimentary laundry
• 25% discount on Specialty Dining cover charge (member only)
• Complimentary Drinks Package
• Access to Michaels Club Concierge Lounge

Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle

Princess offers 4 different levels in their loyalty program: Gold, Ruby, Platinum, and Elite. Reaching each tier is based both on the number and length of the cruises.

After your first completed cruise with Princess Cruises you will be Gold status. Here are some perks you will receive as a Gold member:

• Preferential pricing offers
• Access to new itineraries
• Exclusive events onboard
• Gold member recognition pin

You will reach Ruby status once you have been credited with your 4^th to 5^th cruise or have sailed 31-50 days with Princess. You will receive all of the perks from Gold in addition the following perks:

• Princess Platinum vacation protection upgrade
• Exclusive shoreside access to Captain’s Circle help desk phone line
• Ruby member recognition pin

You will reach Platinum status from your 6th-15th cruise credit, or 51-150 cruise days.  You will receive all of the perks from Ruby in addition the following benefits:

• Early access to dining reservations
• 10% off spa treatments
• Platinum and Elite Lounge
• 50% off WiFi
• Platinum member recognition pin

You will reach Elite status from your 16^th cruise and on or after sailing on Princess for 151 plus cruise days. You will receive all of the benefits from Platinum plus the following perks:

• Priority ship to shore tender embarkation
• Priority disembarkation
• Complimentary laundry and cleaning services
• Complimentary mini bar set up
• Deluxe canapes selection
• Afternoon tea
• 10% discount in the shops of Princess
• Complimentary wine tasting
• Elite member recognition pin

Read more information about Princess Cruises’ loyalty program here.

Holland America Line – Mariner Society

Once you have taken your first cruise with Holland America you are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society program.

One cruise credit is earned for every full day sailed with the cruise line. These credits are doubled if a suite is booked. So, a 7 day cruise in a suite on a Holland America ship will earn you 14 cruise credits.

Cruise credits can also be earned through onboard purchases. For every $300 spent on eligible purchases you can earn 1 cruise credit.

Holland America has 5 tiers of status in Mariner Society. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each of these tiers below:

1-Star Mariner status can be attained simply by returning to Holland America on a 2^nd cruise. As a Star Mariner you will receive:

• Up to $400 in credit for cruises booked within 90 days of a new season launch
• A special collectible gift presented to you on board
• Mariner Cocktail voucher
• A 50% cruise fare discount on the 3rd/4th guest staying in your stateroom on select sailings

2-Star Mariner status is attained once you are able to earn 30 cruise credits. You will then get the following benefits in addition to the above perks:

• A complimentary photo of the ship
• A 10% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)

3-Star Mariner status is achieved once you have earned 75 cruise credits. At this 3^rd tier you will enjoy these perks in addition to the above perks:

• Discount on select spa treatments
• A 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges 
• Mariner Welcome Onboard Reception
• 25% discount on Sommelier Suite packages
• 25% discount on mini-bar purchases

4-Star Mariner status is yours once you have sailed with Holland America enough to earn 200 credits. You will receive the above perks in addition to the following:

• Free cruise fares for 3rd and 4th guests
• 50% discount on Sommelier Suite Packages
• An increase of a 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and specialty coffees in all dining venues
• 50% discount on mini-bar purchases
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Priority tender and check-in
• Priority Disembarkation
• An increase of A 15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
• Discounts on select spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon

5-Star Mariner status is the top tier you can reach with Holland America. It requires 500 cruise credits and includes the above tier benefits in addition to the following:

• $30 credit toward WiFi
• Two complimentary dinners at Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind or Canaletto
• Complimentary day pass to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon Thermal Suite (1 per cruise)

Please refer to the Holland America Line page on Mariner Society for more terms and conditions on member benefits.

Which program looks best to you?

Are you a member of a loyalty program with a cruise line? Which program do you think offers the best perks for the least amount or cruises?

Signing up for a loyalty program is a no-brainer. It’s free, easy, and in most cases automatic. But does this mean you should only sail with that one cruise line?

With more new ships coming out all the time and great deals being offered all across the board, it makes sense to try out different lines before you commit to one if you really are set on utilizing a company’s loyalty program as much as possible.

While the perks can be nice features to your cruise, many of them require a vast number of cruises before they really make a difference. And with some cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean allowing you to pay extra to receive some perks like priority boarding and embarkation, you can benefit from VIP status a lot earlier.

Note: This article was updated on May 3, 2025.