Loyalty Programs and Upgrades
What past-guest status can and can’t do for your cabin.
Ask Us About Upgrade OptionsEvery major cruise line runs a past-guest loyalty program, and many cruisers assume that reaching a high tier means automatic upgrades. The reality is more modest — and varies a lot from line to line.
What Loyalty Programs Usually Offer
Recognition and onboard perks
Typical benefits include member events, discounts on some purchases, priority services and small amenities, increasing with tier.
Priority access
Higher tiers may get priority check-in, boarding or reservations.
Member pricing and offers
Some lines email past-guest offers or member-only promotions.
Upgrade-related benefits
Some programs include upgrade-related perks at certain tiers or on certain sailings. They are tier-specific, subject to availability and change over time.
Program Names at Major Lines
| Cruise line | Loyalty program |
|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | VIFP Club |
| Royal Caribbean | Crown & Anchor Society |
| Celebrity Cruises | Captain’s Club |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Latitudes Rewards |
| Princess Cruises | Captain’s Circle |
| Holland America Line | Mariner Society |
Benefits, tiers and rules are set by each line and change from time to time. Check the current benefits on the cruise line’s website rather than relying on forum posts, which are often out of date.
Honest Advice for Loyal Cruisers
- Don’t book down expecting status to bump you up. Book the cabin you want.
- Make sure your loyalty number is on every booking, including bookings made by a travel advisor, so you earn credit.
- Read your tier’s actual benefits each year; they do change.
- Consider staying with one line if perks matter to you, since most programs don’t share status. Some sister lines offer status matching; check the current rules.
- Combine loyalty with smart booking. Watching fares and responding to bid invitations often matters more than tier.
Where Status Can Help Indirectly
Even when a program does not include a cabin upgrade, status can still make a better cabin easier to afford. Member-only offers or onboard credit may narrow the gap to the next category, and some lines send targeted offers to past guests. Priority services can also make a standard cabin feel like more of a step up. The point is to treat those benefits as part of the overall value of a booking — not as a reason to book a cabin you won’t enjoy in the hope of being moved.
Remember too that status is usually tied to your own past-guest number. If you travel with a partner or family members, each person’s status may be different, and benefits can depend on who is in the cabin.
If you sail with more than one line, compare offers across lines rather than chasing a tier for its own sake. A better itinerary or a well-priced balcony on another line can be worth more than the perks of a status level.
Get the Most From Your Past-Guest Status
Tell our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise your line and loyalty tier. We will make sure your number is on the booking and look for the best cabin value.
Ask Us About Upgrade Options