How to Get Free Cruises

An experience that promises opulence, discovery, and an opportunity to break free from the banality of reality. However, the price tag is a hurdle many are unable to clear to set sail. Imagine enjoying this luxurious escape FOR FREE. It may seem like a pipe dream, but it is possible to cruise for free, or close to it, with the right travel strategies. With a bit of research and ingenuity, you can probably make your ideal trip at the cost of your time.

In this article, we’ll look at different ways to get free cruises — from loyalty programs to contests and discounts — so you can keep your budget above water while you enjoy the high seas.

How Cruise Line Loyalty Programs Work

A lot of cruise lines give repeat travelers special treatment in the form of loyalty programs, with benefits that go from complimentary amenities to free cruises in some cases.

Cruise loyalty programs work on a points basis: Take more cruises, unlock more rewards. For instance, programs such as the Crown & Anchor Society with Royal Caribbean or Carnival’s VIFP Club reward their repeat passengers with complimentary cabin upgrades, priority boarding, and even complete free cruises for top-level members.

Focusing on trips with the same cruise line will help you get your rewards benefits quicker, so use those tips. Look for loyalty programs with bonuses for referrals and for booking deals at certain times. On select sailings, some cruise lines will even double your points, so those free trips may be closer than you think.

Read: How to Save Money for Travel

Participate in Cruise Line Sweepstakes

If you are lucky, you can score a free cruise by entering the sweepstakes. Cruise lines often have contests to publicize new ships, destinations, or seasonal packages. Getting in is often as easy as signing up for newsletters or entering your details in an online form. Many major cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises hold yearly contests and frequently award week-long cruises as prizes.

To boost your odds, watch the travel sites that offer advice and the cruise forums and social media accounts that advertise these sweepstakes. The competition is fierce, but you only have to win once to earn an all-expenses-paid trip to be free out on the open seas.

Attend Timeshare Presentations

While it’s not exactly the most traditional method for scoring a free cruise, attending a timeshare presentation is another option. Companies use incentives such as deeply discounted trips or free cruises to entice attendees to attend a pitch. The process generally consists of a few hours of high-pressure sales pitching.

While that works, this method is fraught with risks. Salespeople have a way with words, and you might be convinced to do something you are not 100% comfortable with. Know that you are only going for the freebie, and be prepared to say NO to any purchase unless you genuinely have an immediate interest.\

Use Credit Card Rewards for Free Cruises

Using credit cards that offer travel reward programs is one of the best ways to manage cruise expenses or even cruise free. Numerous big banks have credit cards with points or miles that may be applied toward travel expenses, with cruises included! Certain cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, enable cardholders to apply earned points toward the cost of a cruise.

A few cruise lines even offer their co-branded credit cards with bonus awards. One example is Carnival, which has a Mastercard that earns FunPoints, which you can use to make statement credits towards cruises. Aim to use your cards for purchases that will yield you points, but pay off all balances every month to avoid crippling interest charges.

Take Advantage of Casino Player Clubs

Casinos on cruise lines want players who stay loyal. Simply signing up for a casino player’s club and playing in the casino aboard could earn a player discounted and even free cruises at a later time. These programs monitor your outlays, and in particular, high-rollers receive heavy benefits.

It helps moderate players as well. For instance, Carnival provides its casino patrons with complimentary cocktails, complimentary tours, and complimentary cruises through its Players Club program. But, just as with terrestrial gambling, know your limits and consider this strategy a sweetener, not a surefire way to reel in a free vacation.

Book Through Travel Agents with Free Offers

Cruise agents often have access to special offers, such as free cruise promotions. Several agencies partner with cruise lines to provide incentives such as reduced fares, complimentary amenities, or even free cruises when you reserve a group or book pre-paid tours.

With a good agent, you are more likely to receive insider tricks and information on where to find good-value itineraries. Cruising has a different culture, so do your research and connect with an agent who is versed in the ins and outs of the industry for optimal results.

Join Cruise Line Affiliate Programs

If you have an actual platform – blog, YouTube channel, or large social media following – joining a cruise line affiliate program may even score you a free cruise. These programs compensate influencers and affiliates for advertising their cruises. Sometimes, you can even be rewarded with a free cruise or two or with huge savings on future cruises.

The only way to make this work is by producing high-quality content around the cruising lifestyle and attracting an audience. Cruise lines are more inclined to agency or affiliate sponsors who can further broaden the reach of their brand, but in a way that reflects positively on that brand.

Volunteer on Cruise Ships

If you want to combine adventure with purpose, you can volunteer onboard a cruise ship. Whether entertaining for an evening or providing lectures on topics such as astronomy, photography, or health, the volunteers can take on multiple roles. You may have the opportunity to receive a free or highly reduced cruise and/or excursion when working as a ship volunteer.

Some cruises also host charity events or fundraisers where volunteers can get perks. Contact cruise lines or event managers for information on current openings.

Utilize Teacher and Healthcare Worker Discounts

Cruise lines regularly offer promotions to teachers, healthcare professionals, and other service workers as a thank-you. Some organizations provide educators and nurses with discounts of up to 10%, which includes companies such as MSC Cruises.

When booking, customers must show proof of employment or credentials to qualify for these deals. These discounts, which can sometimes be combined with other promos, make your savings potential even greater.

Read related blog: How to Save Money for a Cruise?

Explore Group and Charter Cruise Deals

Going with a big group of people can really help lower your costs — and even get you a cruise for free! Typical cruise lines grant free tents to organizers of aggregations once a number of tents are reserved. This  means that when you book a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or even some type of themed voyage with friends, you may earn free travel.

Plus there are private charter bonuses on offer for the individual hosting an entire cruise ship. This is ideal for everyone with a big social network or a big milestone to celebrate.

How Beem Can Help You Save Money on Cruises

Beem is a fintech platform that enables savvy travelers to manage finances without hassle while gaining the most from cross-border trips. Beem will provide all the tools available to track your expenses and search for the best travel deals to help simplify your search for free cruises. It compiles deals, monitors loyalty bonuses, and brings attention to low-cost opportunities at multiple cruise lines to cut through the cost-base spam.

If you want to book discounted trip packages or manage group bookings, Beem helps you keep your financial goals in perspective and have the holiday of your dreams. For more information, download the Beem app here.

Conclusion

It is possible to get a free cruise; this often takes a bit of work, a few tricks, and the grace of random chance. From utilizing the loyalty programs to obtaining a sweepstake win or simply playing the long game with credit card rewards, there are many options. Each strategy has its nuances, and the ideal strategy will ultimately be determined by your own tastes, expertise, and way of life.

Now get out there, get resourceful and with persistence, you might find yourself getting on your next cruise for free.

FAQs on How to Get Free Cruises