If you are a stockholder of a cruise line, you might be wondering if you can get a discount on your next cruise. The answer is yes, but it depends on the company and the terms and conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how owning stock can affect your cruising experience.
Cruise Line Stock Benefits
Cruise lines offer various perks to their shareholders, such as onboard credit, discounted cruises, and priority boarding. These benefits are designed to reward shareholders for investing in the company and to encourage them to remain invested in the future.
Which Cruise Lines Offer Stock Benefits?
Not all cruise lines offer stock benefits, but some of the major ones that do include Carnival Corporation (CCL), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH). Each company has its own program with specific terms and conditions.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation offers onboard credit to its shareholders who own at least 100 shares of its common stock. The amount of onboard credit depends on the length of the cruise:
- $50 onboard credit for cruises of 2-5 days
- $100 onboard credit for cruises of 6-9 days
- $250 onboard credit for cruises of 10 days or longer
Shareholders must submit proof of ownership at least three weeks before the cruise departure date to receive the benefit.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. offers two benefits to its shareholders who own at least 100 shares of its common stock:
- Onboard Credit: Shareholders receive between $50-$250 in onboard credit depending on the length of their cruise.
- Shareholder Benefit Cruise: Shareholders can book a special cruise at a discounted rate once per calendar year. The price of the cruise varies and depends on availability, itinerary, and other factors.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. offers shareholders who own at least 100 shares of its common stock:
- Onboard Credit: Shareholders receive between $50-$250 in onboard credit depending on the length of their cruise.
- Discounts: Shareholders can receive discounts on cruises booked more than nine months in advance. The discount amount varies depending on the length of the cruise and the cabin category.
How to Take Advantage of Stock Benefits
To take advantage of these benefits, you must be a shareholder in good standing before you book your cruise. You will need to provide proof of ownership to the cruise line at least three weeks before your departure date.
Should You Buy Stock for Cruise Benefits?
While it’s nice to receive benefits for being a shareholder, it’s not recommended to buy stock solely for this purpose. Investing in stocks carries risks, and you should only invest money that you can afford to lose.
Conclusion
If you are already a shareholder of a cruise line or plan to invest in one, make sure to take advantage of any stock benefits offered by the company. It’s a great way to save money on your next cruise while supporting the company’s growth.