
Imagine stepping onto a cruise ship and being treated like a rockstar. No long lines, no waiting around for your room to be ready, no wondering if you’ll get a table at that impossible-to-book steakhouse. Instead, you’re breezing past the crowds with priority boarding, a glass of something bubbly waiting for you, and a cabin upgrade you didn’t even ask for (but will absolutely accept).
That’s the magic of cruise line loyalty programs—they reward you for doing what you were already going to do anyway: sail the seas, eat too much at the buffet, and pretend you’re the kind of person who “hits the gym” on vacation.
But not all loyalty programs are created equal. Some cruise lines roll out the red carpet for their most devoted guests, while others toss a free cocktail your way and call it a day. So, which ones are worth your loyalty? Let’s break it down.

Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society
Best for: Adventure-seekers who love Royal’s mega-ships and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Why join? You’ll get perks early on, but the real magic happens once you hit Diamond status.
How to Earn Points:
You earn 1 Cruise Point per night sailed in a standard stateroom.
Book a suite? Double points! (2 points per night).
The longer the cruise and the higher the cabin category, the faster you’ll climb the ranks.

Notable perks:
✔️ Priority boarding & departure (skip the chaos)
✔️ Free drinks at happy hour (Diamond level and above)
✔️ Discounted & complimentary Wi-Fi (because Instagram needs proof of your trip)
✔️ Balcony & suite discounts
Top-tier perks (Pinnacle Club):
A free 7-night cruise (yes, really)
Exclusive Concierge Lounge access
VIP reservations for sold-out excursions
Verdict: If you’re planning multiple cruises, Royal’s loyalty program is one of the best for stacking perks over time.

Carnival – VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
Best for: Families and fun-seekers who love an affordable, casual cruise.
Why join? Carnival keeps it simple—fun ships, low prices, and perks that start kicking in quickly.
How to Earn Points:
1 Cruise Point per night sailed in any stateroom.
No bonus points for suites—every guest earns the same rate, regardless of cabin type.
More nights = More points—longer cruises help you level up faster.

Notable perks:
✔️ Early check-in & boarding (Red level and above)
✔️ Free drinks at brunch (Platinum and above)
✔️ Priority dining reservations & disembarkation
✔️ Complimentary laundry service (so you can pack light)
Top-tier perks (Diamond):
Dedicated cruise vacation planner
One-time free cabin upgrade
Special event invitations
Verdict: If you cruise Carnival often, the free laundry alone makes it worth it. Plus, who doesn’t love a surprise upgrade?

Norwegian – Latitudes Rewards
Best for: Freestyle cruisers who like flexibility, modern ships, and no fixed dinner times.
Why join? NCL keeps it chill—no rigid schedules, just free perks.
How to Earn Points:
1 Cruise Point per night sailed in any stateroom.
Bonus Points for suites & The Haven – Earn an extra point per night.
Latitudes Insider Offers – Some promotions offer additional points.
More nights = More points – Longer cruises help you level up faster.

Notable perks:
✔️ Priority embarkation & disembarkation
✔️ Exclusive cocktail parties for members
✔️ Free specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion discounts
✔️ Complimentary spa treatments (higher tiers)
Top-tier perks (Ambassador Level):
A free 7-day cruise (huge win)
Concierge assistance for VIP treatment
Priority seating at shows
Verdict: A solid program with one of the best top-tier free cruise rewards. If you like doing your own thing onboard, NCL is your cruise line.

Princess Cruises – Captain’s Circle
Best for: Travelers who love a refined, elegant experience (a.k.a. less belly-flop contests, more wine tastings).
Why join? Think old-school luxury, with some seriously good perks as you level up.
How to Earn Points:
1 Cruise Credit per completed cruise, regardless of duration.
Bonus: Earn by Cruise Days – 1 point per day sailed.
More cruises = Higher status – Longer voyages and frequent sailings help you level up faster.

Notable perks:
✔️ Priority boarding & disembarkation (skip the crowds)
✔️ Free Wi-Fi & minibar setup (higher tiers)
✔️ Exclusive behind-the-scenes ship tours
✔️ Specialty dining & wine discounts
Top-tier perks (Elite Level):
Complimentary laundry (this perk is gold)
Priority shore excursion reservations
Private lounge access with free drinks
Verdict: If your idea of a perfect cruise involves sipping wine and avoiding long lines, Princess treats its loyal guests right.

Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club
Best for: Luxury cruisers who appreciate modern elegance, spa perks, and a quieter vibe.
Why join? Chic ships, fantastic food, and a loyalty program that rewards you generously.
How to Earn Points:
Earn points per night based on stateroom category.
Standard Staterooms – 2 points per night.
Concierge & AquaClass – 3 points per night.
The Retreat (Suites) – 5 to 12 points per night, depending on suite type.
More nights + higher category = More points – Upgrade your stateroom to level up faster.

Notable perks:
✔️ Complimentary specialty coffees & wine tastings
✔️ Discounts on shore excursions & spa services
✔️ Priority embarkation & tender service
✔️ Exclusive access to members-only events
Top-tier perks (Zenith Level):
Free premium drinks package
Unlimited complimentary laundry
Free cruises in select categories
Verdict: If you love luxury but don’t want to pay extra for all the perks, Celebrity’s top-tier rewards are worth chasing.

Holland America – Mariner Society
Best for: Classically elegant cruisers who love music, culture, and a touch of nostalgia.
Why join? Holland America is all about understated luxury and fantastic service.
How to Earn Points:
1 Cruise Day Credit per day sailed in any stateroom.
Bonus Credits for suite bookings – Earn double points per day in a suite.
Onboard spending earns extra points – Every $300 spent onboard earns 1 additional Cruise Day Credit.
More days + more spending = Faster tier progression – Longer voyages and onboard purchases help you level up quicker.

Notable perks:
✔️ Onboard credit & specialty dining perks
✔️ Discounts on shore excursions
✔️ Free wine tastings & members-only events
✔️ Priority check-in & disembarkation
Top-tier perks (President’s Club):
Free cruise at 1,400 points
50% discount on suites
Complimentary laundry & pressing
Verdict: A great option for travelers who appreciate a refined, laid-back cruise experience.

MSC Cruises – Voyagers Club
Best for: Travelers who love status matching (yes, they’ll match loyalty levels from other programs!).
Why join? If you’ve built up loyalty elsewhere, MSC will match your status and reward you instantly.
How to Earn Points:
1 Point per night sailed in an Interior or Ocean View stateroom.
Double Points for Balcony & Suites – Earn 2 points per night in these categories.
Bonus Points for prepaid packages – Earn extra points for booking dining, excursions, and spa treatments before sailing.
More cruises + upgrades = More points – Higher-tier cabins and advance bookings help you level up faster.

Notable perks:
✔️ Discounted future cruises
✔️ Priority embarkation & disembarkation
✔️ Free birthday cake & anniversary perks
✔️ Exclusive gifts & specialty dining discounts
Top-tier perks (Diamond Level):
Complimentary spa treatments
Personal butler for Yacht Club guests
Priority theater seating
Verdict: If you want instant loyalty perks, MSC’s status match is a game-changer.

Disney Cruise Line – Castaway Club
Best for: Families and Disney fans who want early booking access to the best cabins and excursions.
Why join? Disney cruises fill up FAST, so early access is everything.
How to Earn Points:
1 Completed Cruise = 1 Credit, regardless of length.
No extra points for longer cruises – Every sailing counts as one credit.
More cruises = Higher status – The more Disney cruises you take, the faster you level up.

Notable perks:
✔️ Exclusive merchandise & gifts
✔️ Priority embarkation (higher tiers)
✔️ Early excursion & restaurant reservations
✔️ Special member-only cruise offers
Top-tier perks (Platinum Level):
Free cruise concierge service
VIP character meet-and-greets
First access to new itineraries
Verdict: If you love Disney and hate missing out, this loyalty program is a must.
Loyalty STATUS MATCH programs
Several cruise lines offer loyalty status match programs, allowing travelers to transfer their existing loyalty status from other cruise lines, hotels, or travel operators to enjoy comparable benefits. Here's an overview of some notable programs:
MSC Cruises – Status Match Program
Eligibility: Loyalty members from other cruise lines, hotels, or tour operators.
How It Works: Submit a status match request through MSC's online form, providing details and proof of your current loyalty status. Once approved, you'll be matched to an equivalent tier in the MSC Voyagers Club.
Benefits: Immediate 5% discount on future MSC sailings, onboard discounts for photos, Wi-Fi, spa services, complimentary gifts, and other savings.
More Information: msccruisesusa.com
Royal Caribbean Group – Loyalty Status Match Program
Brands Included: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
How It Works: Members of one brand's loyalty program are automatically matched to equivalent tiers across the other brands. For example, a Crown & Anchor Society member with Royal Caribbean will have their status recognized in Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club and Silversea's Venetian Society.
Benefits: Enjoy comparable benefits across all three brands, enhancing your cruising experience with each.
More Information: royalcaribbean.com
Which Cruise Loyalty Program Is Right for You?
At Lodestar Travel Guide, we’ve seen a lot of loyalty programs, and if we had to crown a champion (pun absolutely intended), Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society takes the gold. Why? Because this program doesn’t just reward you—it actually makes your cruising experience better. Free drinks? Check. Priority perks that let you skip the lines? Absolutely. And let’s talk about that top-tier reward: a free cruise at the Pinnacle Club level. Even at mid-tier status, you’re getting serious value with exclusive events, complimentary perks, and discounts that add up fast. Unlike some programs that feel like a slow climb up Mount Everest, Crown & Anchor is structured in a way that makes progress feel achievable. If you’re planning to cruise more than once, this is the loyalty program that keeps on giving. 🚢✨
Want a free cruise? 👉 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America
Love VIP treatment? 👉 Celebrity, Princess, MSC
Cruising on a budget? 👉 Carnival, MSC
Bringing the kids? 👉 Disney, Carnival
Bottom line: If you’re cruising more than once, sign up for your cruise line’s loyalty program. It’s free, and the perks stack up fast—meaning more freebies, more upgrades, and more VIP moments on board.
Now, where are you sailing next? 🚢✨