There’s something incredibly addicting about wanting to climb the ranks of a cruise line’s loyalty programme. Whether it’s for the priority boarding, free laundry, or a few cheeky drinks on the house – it feels like your loyalty is being rewarded. But is it actually worth it? Or are these schemes just clever ways to keep you booking the same brand over and over again, even when better deals are out there?

Let’s dig into the reality of cruise line loyalty.

You Need to Spend Tens of Thousands to Reap the Real Perks

Take Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society or Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, for example. You’ll start as a lowly Gold or Classic member, where the perks are… let’s be honest, a bit crap. Maybe a welcome drink or a discount on internet (that’s still overpriced and slow). But the truly valuable benefits – suite upgrades, priority tendering, dedicated lounges, specialty dining – are reserved for the highest tiers.

And reaching those tiers? It’s not a matter of a few cruises.

You often need to cruise multiple times a year, or splash out on suite categories consistently to even get close. We’re talking tens of thousands of pounds/dollars spent before you see anything seriously tempting.

Staying Loyal Can Mean Getting Stuck

Once you’ve started building points or nights with a cruise line, it’s easy to fall into the “sunk cost” mindset. You might find yourself booking the same cruise line, over and over again, just to inch up the loyalty ladder. Even if their itineraries aren’t ideal, the prices are higher, or the ships aren’t the most exciting anymore.

And that’s the real catch.

Loyalty can lock you in. You may find yourself sticking with a cruise brand out of habit, not because it’s offering the best overall experience or value. Meanwhile, other cruise lines – possibly with better ships, newer itineraries, or more all-inclusive packages, are quietly cruising by.

Better Deals Elsewhere Are Easy to Miss

Cruise lines know how to keep loyal cruisers coming back. They’ll send you “exclusive loyalty offers,” bonus point promotions, or member-only pricing. But it’s worth comparing these so-called perks to what new cruisers are getting elsewhere.

I’ve often seen first-time cruiser deals outshine loyalty pricing. Especially during wave season or flash sales, you might find an entirely different cruise line offering more value for less.

If you’re focused purely on working your way up the tiers, you might miss out on these opportunities – assuming that loyalty means better value. Spoiler: it doesn’t always.

Carnival Just Proved That Perks Can Be Taken Away

In June 2025, Carnival Cruise Line announced a major revamp of its loyalty program, replacing the long-standing VIFP Club with a new spend-based system called Carnival Rewards, launching in June 2026. Under the new program, cruisers will earn 3 stars for every $1 USD spent on cruise fares and onboard purchases, rather than earning credit based on nights sailed. To reach Diamond status, you’ll now need 100,000 stars – roughly $33,000 in spending over two years.

Perhaps the most controversial change is that loyalty status will no longer be permanent. Instead, your tier will be valid for the two-year period in which you qualify, plus a two-year “enjoyment” phase. After that, you’ll need to re-earn your status. Current Diamond members are being grandfathered in until May 31, 2032, but after that, they’ll also need to meet the new spending requirements to maintain their tier.

Unsurprisingly, the move has caused frustration among loyal Carnival fans -nparticularly those who were close to hitting Diamond under the old night-based system. It’s a reminder that cruise loyalty programs can and do change, and long-term cruisers may want to consider how flexible their loyalty strategy really is going forward.

It’s no longer a loyalty programme, but a rewards programme.

MSC’s Status Match is a Game-Changer

Here’s where things get interesting.

MSC Cruises has one of the most generous loyalty perks in the game: Status Match. If you’ve earned status with another cruise line (or even a hotel or airline), MSC will match it – sometimes giving you their highest loyalty tier without ever having cruised with them before.

That means you can access priority embarkation, complimentary gifts, discounts, and late check-out from your very first sailing with MSC. No need to grind through years of bookings.

It’s a clever strategy that rewards experienced travellers without asking them to start from scratch. And if you’re cruise-savvy, it’s an excellent way to skip the queue and still feel like a VIP without being tied down long-term.

So… Are Cruise Loyalty Programmes Worth It?

The honest answer? In 2025, not really. Unless you’re already somewhat high.

If you truly love a cruise line – their service, their ships, the experience – and you’re cruising regularly, loyalty programmes can be a nice little bonus. But if you’re a casual cruiser or someone who values variety, adventure, and great deals, being too loyal might end up costing you more than you gain.

Before you book your next sailing, take a step back. Are you booking this cruise because it’s what you want… or because of a few loyalty points?

If you’re keen to mix things up but still want the VIP treatment, don’t forget to check if MSC’s status match can work in your favour. A little cruise-hopping might just be the best loyalty strategy of all.

Have you ever felt “trapped” by a cruise loyalty scheme? Or have you reached the top and think it was worth every penny? Let me know over on Instagram @OwenPlaces.