How Many Points Do I Need for a Free Cruise?

By Alice Nichols

Are you dreaming of going on a free cruise? Who wouldn’t want to spend a week or two on a luxurious ship, enjoying the sea breeze, delicious food, and exciting entertainment?

But how many points do you need to earn in order to get a free cruise? Let’s find out.

First of all, it’s important to understand that different cruise lines have different loyalty programs with different rules and benefits. However, most of them work on the basis of points or levels that you accumulate by booking and taking cruises with that particular line. The more cruises you take, the higher your status becomes, and the more perks and rewards you get.

So, how many points do you need for a free cruise? It depends on the cruise line and the program. Some programs offer free cruises as soon as you reach a certain level or number of points, while others require much more effort and dedication.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line has a loyalty program called VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club. It has five levels: Blue (first-timer), Red (second cruise), Gold (25 points), Platinum (75 points), and Diamond (200 points). Each level comes with its own set of perks such as priority check-in, free drinks, spa discounts, and more.

To earn one point with Carnival Cruise Line, you need to spend $1 USD on your cruise fare (excluding taxes, fees, and gratuities). Therefore, to reach Gold status and get a free two-to-five-day cruise for two people in an ocean view stateroom with Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Club promotion, you would need to spend $1875 USD or take 25 cruises if each costs $75 USD or less.

Another example is Royal Caribbean International’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. It has six levels: Gold (3 points), Platinum (30 points), Emerald (55 points), Diamond (80 points), Diamond Plus (175 points), and Pinnacle Club (700 points). Each level comes with its own set of perks such as priority boarding, exclusive events, and onboard credit.

To earn one point with Royal Caribbean International, you need to spend $1 USD on your cruise fare (excluding taxes, fees, and gratuities). Therefore, to reach Gold status and get a free seven-night Caribbean cruise for two people in an ocean view stateroom with Royal Caribbean International’s Crown & Anchor Society promotion, you would need to spend $3000 USD or take 3 cruises if each costs $1000 USD or less.

As you can see, earning enough points for a free cruise requires a significant investment of time and money. However, it’s not impossible if you plan ahead, take advantage of promotions and discounts, and stick to one cruise line that fits your budget and preferences.

In conclusion, how many points do you need for a free cruise? It depends on the loyalty program of the cruise line you choose.

Do your research, compare programs, and calculate the costs before making a decision. And remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination!