12 Unexpected Cruising Freebies You Shouldn’t Miss Out On
Cruises are the perfect way to explore stunning destinations, relax on the open sea, and indulge in world-class dining and entertainment—but they don’t have to break the bank.
Many people assume that cruising means high costs, but in reality, there are tons of fantastic perks included in your ticket price.
From free activities to complimentary meals and even some unexpected bonuses, these hidden gems can make your cruise feel like a luxury vacation without the extra cost.
If you haven’t heard about these amazing freebies yet, you’re in for a treat…
Free Cruise Perks
Chat Features
Staying in touch with friends or family while at sea can be tricky with limited cell service. Luckily, many cruise lines offer free messaging features through their mobile apps.
For example, MSC offers the “MSC for Me” app, allowing passengers to text each other without needing an internet package.
This is a great benefit for those who want to stay connected without racking up phone bills or paying for Wi-Fi.
Power Up Perks
Loyalty doesn’t just start when you board the ship. Some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, offer “Power Up Points” programs where you can earn loyalty points before you even step on the ship.
You can rack up points by completing tasks like taking surveys, posting on social media, or engaging with the cruise line’s online content.
This is a great way to start earning rewards even before your cruise begins, helping you unlock perks faster.
Status Matching
If you’ve earned elite status with one cruise line, you might not have to start from scratch when switching to another.
Several cruise lines, including MSC and Virgin Voyages, will match your loyalty status from another cruise line, allowing you to enjoy similar benefits and perks.
This is perfect if you’re looking to try a new cruise line without losing the perks you’ve accumulated from your previous cruises.
Toiletries
Forget to pack essential toiletries like toothpaste or a razor? No need to stress. Most cruise lines offer complimentary toiletries for passengers who need them.
This can include things like toothpaste, shaving razors, and even shampoo. It’s always worth asking at the front desk, and you might find that you can avoid an extra trip to the gift shop for those forgotten items.
However, keep in mind that the shampoo provided may vary by cruise line, with some offering only shampoo and not conditioner.
Bathrobes
Nothing feels more luxurious than slipping into a plush bathrobe after a long day of exploring or lounging by the pool. While not every cruise line offers bathrobes in every room, many do provide them to guests upon request.
Even if your room category doesn’t include a bathrobe, don’t hesitate to ask the guest services desk.
You may be pleasantly surprised to find one waiting for you. It’s a simple touch that can make your cruise feel even more relaxing.
Airfare Credits
Many cruise lines offer airfare credits or discounts as part of booking promotions. If you’re booking your cruise and flights through the same line, you could qualify for free or discounted airfare.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) provides free airfare for the second guest on select cruises, and Viking Cruises often runs promotions that include free or reduced fares.
These deals can add significant savings to your vacation budget.
Second Entree
Can’t decide between two entrees at dinner? Many cruise lines will let you order a second entree at no additional cost in the Main Dining Rooms.
Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, allows passengers to order two entrees at once, while Royal Caribbean typically follows a “clean your plate” policy, meaning you’ll need to finish your first entree before ordering a second.
However, some guests report that Royal Caribbean isn’t too strict about this policy, so don’t hesitate to ask for both entrees if you’re still hungry.
Onboard Credit
Onboard credit is one of the best perks you can get when booking a cruise. It’s essentially free money you can spend on anything from excursions to specialty dining or spa treatments.
Cruise lines often offer onboard credit during promotional periods, and if you book a future cruise while onboard, you might earn additional credit.
It’s like receiving a bonus just for booking your trip and can be used to enhance your cruise experience.
Loyalty Perks
Frequent cruisers are often rewarded with loyalty perks, which vary by cruise line. These benefits can include things like priority embarkation, free laundry service, or even complimentary drinks and snacks.
For example, after completing just five cruises, you could become a Disney Gold tier passenger and start receiving special benefits like discounts and perks.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival have more complex loyalty programs, so it’s worth signing up early and accumulating loyalty points to maximize your rewards.
Mattress Toppers
Comfort is key when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, especially when you’re away from home.
If the bed in your stateroom isn’t quite as comfortable as you’d hoped, many cruise lines offer mattress toppers free of charge.
Simply ask guest services when you board, and they will bring one to your room. Be sure to request it early, as there are a limited number of toppers available.
Free Sauna and Steam Room
Most spa treatments on cruise ships come with a price tag, but the sauna and steam room are usually complimentary and open to all guests.
Located in the fitness center, these spaces are a great way to unwind after a workout or just relax without paying for access to a luxury thermal suite.
So if you’re looking for a rejuvenating experience, head to the gym’s sauna or steam room and enjoy the relaxation for free.
Personalized Extras
Some cruise lines offer “pick-your-perk” programs, where you can choose from a variety of complimentary extras.
For instance, Windstar, a luxury cruise line, offers perks such as a free hotel night or an all-inclusive upgrade.
While these types of perks aren’t available on every cruise line, it’s always worth checking what personalized extras you might be eligible for when booking.
These options can make your cruise feel more tailored to your needs.
Cruises can offer incredible value if you know how to take advantage of all the free perks available to you.
From room service to entertainment, these perks help make your vacation more enjoyable while keeping your budget intact.
Always ask about available freebies when you book or board your ship, as you never know what you might be missing out on. By using these perks, you’ll get the most out of your cruise without spending extra money.
