Unlock exclusive perks: Discover the exciting new rewards Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises don’t want you to miss!
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If you’re a seasoned cruiser—or even just cruise-curious—you know that the right rewards program can turn a good vacation into a truly unforgettable one.
Here at The GrayVine, we believe that life’s second act should be filled with adventure, comfort, and a few well-earned perks along the way.
That’s why we’re thrilled to break down the latest updates from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, who have just rolled out a wave of new and improved reward benefits that could make your next voyage even sweeter.
Why Cruise Rewards Matter More Than Ever
Let’s face it: loyalty programs aren’t just for frequent flyers or hotel hoppers anymore.
In the world of cruising, your loyalty can unlock everything from complimentary happy hours to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and even free cruises. For many of us, these perks are the cherry on top of a well-deserved getaway.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society and Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club have long been favorites among cruise enthusiasts.
Whether you’re after a dedicated concierge, a cozy members-only lounge, or those magical hours of free drinks, these programs reward you for every night you spend at sea.

And if you’re a fan of a little casino action, both lines offer their own casino loyalty programs—Club Royale and Blue Chip Club—that can take your rewards to the next level.
Casino Loyalty: More Than Just Lady Luck
If you enjoy the thrill of the slots or the strategy of blackjack, you’ll be happy to know that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have robust casino rewards programs.
Every time you play, you rack up points that can lead to instant cruise certificates, free drinks while you play, discounts on internet packages, and more. The more you play, the higher you climb in the tiers—and the bigger the rewards.
But here’s where things get really interesting: these cruise lines have just expanded their partnership with MGM Resorts, one of the biggest names in land-based casinos.
Also read: Discover insider secrets: How seniors can unlock massive travel discounts today!
That means your play at sea can now earn you MGM Rewards Points, slot dollars, and tier credits—opening up a whole new world of benefits both on land and at sea.
How the MGM Partnership Works
Let’s break it down: When you play in the casino onboard a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity ship, make sure you’re using your SeaPass card.
This tracks your play and ensures you’re earning points not just with the cruise line, but also with MGM’s rewards program. The more you play, the more you earn—simple as that.
And the benefits are better than ever. For example, if you’re a Gold tier member with MGM Rewards, you now get an annual cruise benefit in an Oceanview Stateroom for up to 5 nights (or a trade-in value up to $750).

That’s a big step up, as Gold members previously didn’t get any annual cruise benefit at all. Platinum tier members now get a Balcony Stateroom for up to 7 nights (with a $1,500 trade-in value), up from the previous 5-night benefit. In other words, the higher your tier, the more luxurious your cruise options become.
Not Just MGM: Hard Rock Joins the Party
The cruise-casino connection doesn’t stop with MGM. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have also partnered with Hard Rock International.
Through Hard Rock’s Unity loyalty program, certain tiers can score discounts on cruises, and the coveted X card tier is eligible for annual cruise certificates with up to a $2,500 trade-in value.
Other Unity members may receive invite-only cruise certificates, and eligible casino players can enjoy up to 3-night stays at participating Hard Rock casinos, complete with Comp Dollars and FreePlay.
Also read: Discover who's really steering the joy on this cruise ship—it's not who you'd expect!
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re already a member of any of these programs, now’s the time to check your status and see what new perks you’ve unlocked. If you’re not, it might be worth signing up before your next cruise or casino visit.
Here’s a quick checklist to maximize your rewards:
- Link Your Accounts: Make sure your cruise loyalty and casino loyalty accounts are connected. This ensures you’re earning points everywhere you play.
- Use Your SeaPass: Always play with your SeaPass card onboard to track your play and earn points.
- Check Your Tier: Higher tiers mean better benefits. See if you’re close to leveling up before your next trip.
- Explore Trade-In Values: If you can’t use a free cruise, see if you can trade it in for onboard credit or other perks.
- Ask About Partnerships: If you’re visiting a Hard Rock or MGM property, ask about cruise benefits—you might be eligible for more than you think.
Read next: Maximize your savings: Uncover the loyalty programs that actually save you money on travel!
Have you ever scored a free cruise or a special perk thanks to a loyalty program? Do you have tips for making the most of your casino play at sea? Or maybe you’re curious about how to get started with these programs? We’d love to hear your stories, questions, and advice in the comments below!
Here at The GrayVine, we believe that life’s second act should be filled with adventure, comfort, and a few well-earned perks along the way.
That’s why we’re thrilled to break down the latest updates from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, who have just rolled out a wave of new and improved reward benefits that could make your next voyage even sweeter.
Why Cruise Rewards Matter More Than Ever
Let’s face it: loyalty programs aren’t just for frequent flyers or hotel hoppers anymore.
In the world of cruising, your loyalty can unlock everything from complimentary happy hours to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and even free cruises. For many of us, these perks are the cherry on top of a well-deserved getaway.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society and Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club have long been favorites among cruise enthusiasts.
Whether you’re after a dedicated concierge, a cozy members-only lounge, or those magical hours of free drinks, these programs reward you for every night you spend at sea.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have upgraded their rewards programs, now offering enhanced benefits and cruise certificates to members as they reach higher status tiers, including annual cruise benefits and onboard credits. Image source: Peter Hansen / Unsplash.
And if you’re a fan of a little casino action, both lines offer their own casino loyalty programs—Club Royale and Blue Chip Club—that can take your rewards to the next level.
Casino Loyalty: More Than Just Lady Luck
If you enjoy the thrill of the slots or the strategy of blackjack, you’ll be happy to know that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have robust casino rewards programs.
Every time you play, you rack up points that can lead to instant cruise certificates, free drinks while you play, discounts on internet packages, and more. The more you play, the higher you climb in the tiers—and the bigger the rewards.
But here’s where things get really interesting: these cruise lines have just expanded their partnership with MGM Resorts, one of the biggest names in land-based casinos.
Also read: Discover insider secrets: How seniors can unlock massive travel discounts today!
That means your play at sea can now earn you MGM Rewards Points, slot dollars, and tier credits—opening up a whole new world of benefits both on land and at sea.
How the MGM Partnership Works
Let’s break it down: When you play in the casino onboard a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity ship, make sure you’re using your SeaPass card.
This tracks your play and ensures you’re earning points not just with the cruise line, but also with MGM’s rewards program. The more you play, the more you earn—simple as that.
And the benefits are better than ever. For example, if you’re a Gold tier member with MGM Rewards, you now get an annual cruise benefit in an Oceanview Stateroom for up to 5 nights (or a trade-in value up to $750).

The cruise lines have expanded their partnership with MGM Resorts, allowing players to earn MGM Rewards Points, slot dollars, and tier credits while playing in onboard casinos, which can be redeemed both at sea and at MGM land-based properties. Image source: Alonso Reyes / Unsplash.
That’s a big step up, as Gold members previously didn’t get any annual cruise benefit at all. Platinum tier members now get a Balcony Stateroom for up to 7 nights (with a $1,500 trade-in value), up from the previous 5-night benefit. In other words, the higher your tier, the more luxurious your cruise options become.
Not Just MGM: Hard Rock Joins the Party
The cruise-casino connection doesn’t stop with MGM. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have also partnered with Hard Rock International.
Through Hard Rock’s Unity loyalty program, certain tiers can score discounts on cruises, and the coveted X card tier is eligible for annual cruise certificates with up to a $2,500 trade-in value.
Other Unity members may receive invite-only cruise certificates, and eligible casino players can enjoy up to 3-night stays at participating Hard Rock casinos, complete with Comp Dollars and FreePlay.
Also read: Discover who's really steering the joy on this cruise ship—it's not who you'd expect!
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re already a member of any of these programs, now’s the time to check your status and see what new perks you’ve unlocked. If you’re not, it might be worth signing up before your next cruise or casino visit.
Here’s a quick checklist to maximize your rewards:
- Link Your Accounts: Make sure your cruise loyalty and casino loyalty accounts are connected. This ensures you’re earning points everywhere you play.
- Use Your SeaPass: Always play with your SeaPass card onboard to track your play and earn points.
- Check Your Tier: Higher tiers mean better benefits. See if you’re close to leveling up before your next trip.
- Explore Trade-In Values: If you can’t use a free cruise, see if you can trade it in for onboard credit or other perks.
- Ask About Partnerships: If you’re visiting a Hard Rock or MGM property, ask about cruise benefits—you might be eligible for more than you think.
Read next: Maximize your savings: Uncover the loyalty programs that actually save you money on travel!
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have upgraded their rewards programs, now offering enhanced benefits and cruise certificates to members as they reach higher status tiers, including annual cruise benefits and onboard credits.
- The cruise lines have expanded their partnership with MGM Resorts, allowing players to earn MGM Rewards Points, slot dollars, and tier credits while playing in onboard casinos, which can be redeemed both at sea and at MGM land-based properties.
- New benefits include increased value and length of cruise certificates for MGM Rewards members: Gold tier now receives a 5-night Oceanview cruise (or up to $750 trade-in value) and Platinum members can receive a 7-night Balcony cruise (or $1500 trade-in), both significant upgrades to previous offerings.
- Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have also partnered with Hard Rock International’s Unity loyalty program, with eligible casino players able to access cruise discounts, annual cruise certificates (some up to $2,500 trade-in value), and comped hotel stays at participating Hard Rock casino locations.
Have you ever scored a free cruise or a special perk thanks to a loyalty program? Do you have tips for making the most of your casino play at sea? Or maybe you’re curious about how to get started with these programs? We’d love to hear your stories, questions, and advice in the comments below!