Which Cruise Line Has the Best Loyalty Program in 2025?
If you’ve taken a cruise before, chances are you’re already part of a loyalty program. Most cruise lines enroll guests automatically after their first sailing, giving travelers a chance to start earning perks with every trip. The concept goes, as you cruise more, the perks grow richer, including complimentary Wi-Fi, drink vouchers, suite upgrades, and priority boarding.
According to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, 25 percent of cruise travelers sail at least twice a year, and 11 percent cruise three to five times annually. This repeat behavior is driving cruise lines to invest in programs that make loyal guests feel recognized and rewarded.
We compared 10 major ocean cruise lines to help you understand how their loyalty programs work, when benefits begin, and which ones offer the most meaningful value at sea based on your cruising style.
How Cruise Loyalty Programs Work
Most loyalty programs are free and automatic. Guests are typically enrolled after their first sailing and start earning credit based on either cruise nights, number of cruises, or onboard spend.
Initial perks might include welcome-back gifts or early access to sales. But higher tiers unlock more substantial rewards, such as complimentary internet, priority embarkation, drink vouchers, and cabin upgrades. Some cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages, also offer status matching for travelers with elite standing in other programs.
What’s New in 2025
- Carnival Cruise Line plans to sunset its VIFP Club in 2026 and launch Carnival Rewards, a spend-based program more in line with airline models.
- Virgin Voyages rolled out its full Sailing Club in 2024, granting perks like Wi-Fi and bar credit by a guest’s third cruise.
Loyalty Program Highlights
Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society
Perks begin after 80 nights. Diamond members receive four daily drink vouchers, Wi-Fi access, and laundry service. A complimentary cruise is awarded at Pinnacle status, usually reached after around 700 nights.
Good for travelers who cruise frequently or sail in suites, where points accumulate faster.
Norwegian – Latitudes Rewards
Perks start at 75 points, about 10 nights in a balcony stateroom. Members enjoy priority check-in, dining discounts, and cabin upgrades. At 700 points, guests receive a free seven-night cruise, one of the most accessible top-tier benefits in the industry.
Good for cruisers looking for strong value and attainable rewards.
Celebrity – Captain’s Club
Perks begin at 150 points, or roughly 15 nights in a balcony cabin. Elite guests enjoy premium internet, access to exclusive lounges, and complimentary laundry service. At Zenith level, members are awarded a free cruise after reaching 3,000 points.
Good for premium travelers, especially those with matched status from Royal Caribbean or Silversea.
Princess – Captain’s Circle
Perks start after five cruises. Members receive early access to new itineraries, priority embarkation, and exclusive onboard events.
Good for loyal Princess cruisers who value steady, reliable perks and shared benefits with Holland America Line.
MSC Cruises – Voyagers Club
Perks begin after just one cruise. Members receive a welcome gift, onboard discounts, and can match elite status from hotel, airline, or cruise programs.
Good for travelers with existing status who want immediate perks on their next sailing.
Virgin Voyages – Sailing Club
Perks start by a guest’s third cruise. Members enjoy Wi-Fi, bar tab credits, and access to special onboard events.
Good for new or younger cruisers seeking quick and stylish loyalty rewards.
Loyalty Program Comparison Chart
Below is a side-by-side summary of the loyalty programs offered by the major cruise lines featured in this article. You can use this to quickly compare qualifications, key perks, and how soon benefits begin.
| Cruise Line | Program Name | Qualification Basis | Free Cruise | Status Match | When Perks Begin | Top-Tier Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | VIFP Club / Carnival Rewards (2026) | Days sailed (VIFP); Spend-based (2026) | No | No | 25 nights: free drinks, upgrades | Concierge, priority services |
| Celebrity Cruises | Captain’s Club | Nights + stateroom category | Yes – after 3,000 points | Yes (Royal, Silversea) | 150 pts. (~15 balcony nights): lounge, internet | Free cruise, lounge access |
| Cunard Line | World Club | Cruise count or nights | No | No | 5 cruises: dining, events | Loyalty dining, exclusive events |
| Disney Cruise Line | Castaway Club | Cruise count | No | No | 5 cruises: early booking, photo gift | Photo package, early check-in |
| Holland America Line | Mariner Society | Cruise days + onboard spend | No | Yes (with Princess) | 30 nights: dining, events | Dining, discounts |
| MSC Cruises | Voyagers Club | Nights, spend, suite class | No | Yes (hotel, airline, cruise) | After 1 cruise: discounts, gift | Priority boarding, upgrades |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Latitudes Rewards | Nights + cabin category | Yes – after 700 points | No | 75 pts. (~10 balcony nights): upgrades, discounts | Free cruise, upgrades, discounts |
| Princess Cruises | Captain’s Circle | Cruise count or nights | No | Yes (with HAL) | 5 cruises: early booking, boarding | Priority embarkation |
| Royal Caribbean | Crown & Anchor Society | Nights sailed (+2x in suites) | Yes – after ~700 nights | Yes (Celebrity, Silversea) | 80 nights: drinks, Wi-Fi, laundry | Free cruise, drink vouchers |
| Virgin Voyages | Sailing Club | Cruise count | No | Yes | 3rd cruise: bar tab, Wi-Fi | Bar credit, Wi-Fi, private events |
