Military cruise deals: Save big if you’re a service member, first responder or teacher
Many cruise lines honor those who serve our country with various year-round discounts. Some cruise lines extend deals beyond active and retired military personnel, offering special rates to first responders, medical personnel and educators.
From onboard credits to a free cruise, here’s a line-by-line list of military discounts and other deals worth checking out.
AmaWaterways
Active and retired U.S. service members can take advantage of a special military discount of $250 off an AmaWaterways river cruise using the code "MIL250" when booking (excluding Africa safaris and wildlife cruises). You can also combine the discount with other promotions or offers, including the line's Future Cruise Benefits and Loyalty Benefits programs for past guests.
Alternatively, active military members and veterans can utilize an exclusive two-for-one cruise fare promotion for select river cruises in 2024 to destinations like Vienna; Regensburg, Germany; and Paris. Mention the promo code "MIL2FOR1" at the time of booking.
Details: amawaterways.com
Carnival Cruise Line
Active and retired military members receive discounted cruise rates, onboard credits and reduced deposits on Carnival Cruise Line sailings. The line also hosts military appreciation gatherings for service members and their families. Additionally, you’ll find a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge aboard several Carnival ships.
Details: carnival.com
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers active and retired U.S. and Canadian military members $25 off bookings of inside and ocean-view cabins and a $100 discount on veranda cabins and above on select sailings. This discount applies to the first and second guests in the same cabin.
The offer applies to select cruises of four nights or longer and excludes Galapagos sailings.
Details: celebritycruises.com
Disney Cruise Line
Active and retired U.S. military members and their spouses receive special rates on select Disney Cruise Line sailings. Prices start at $200 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. The offer is only valid for new bookings and is limited to one cabin per service member, per sailing.
Details: disneycruise.disney.go.com
Holland America
Active U.S. and Canadian military members and veterans receive a $100 onboard credit per cabin on every new booking of a Holland America cruise. The same discount is extended to educators in the U.S. You can apply the credit to products or services, such as shore excursions, beverages and spa treatments, while on board.
Details: Military discount; teacher discount
Margaritaville at Sea
In 2024, Margaritaville at Sea updated its popular Heroes Sail Free program.
The new program offers all active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement officers, medical personnel and educators in the U.S. a free sailing for both the qualifying passenger and a guest (based on a limited quantity of first-come, first-serve cabins). The offer applies to sailings aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the line's newest ship, as well as Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.
With the addition of the Heroes Sail First component, qualified passengers also receive an Express Pass, which includes priority embarkation and disembarkation at both home and destination ports, two complimentary welcome beverages, priority luggage delivery and expedited booking assistance for shore excursions for all sailing destinations.
The offer applies to windowless inside cabins only. Any additional cabin guest who does not qualify for the program must pay the standard cruise sailing rate. While the cruise is free, guests are required to pay all port taxes, fees and gratuities.
Details: margaritavilleatsea.com
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers discounted fares to all active and retired U.S. military personnel and family members traveling with them. You can receive a 5% discount on inside and ocean-view cabins, a 10% discount on balcony cabins and suites and a “kids sail free” promotion on select sailings.
Additionally, MSC will not penalize cancellations due to deployment. You will receive a 100% future cruise credit for two years from cancellation (with verification from the commanding officer).
Details: msccruisesusa.com
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program provides exclusive benefits to U.S. military members, veterans, the National Guard, reserves and their spouses, as well as Canadian active service members, veterans and dependents. Members of the program receive a 10% discount on all cruise fares. It’s also combinable with the Free at Sea program, which includes free drinks, airfare for a second guest, Wi-Fi and other perks.
Additionally, NCL's Teacher Cruise Discount offers educators across the U.S. and Canada an exclusive year-round 5% cruise fare discount and $50 onboard credit to use toward spa services, specialty dining and other activities. The teacher discount is also combinable with the Free at Sea program.
The line also runs its Giving Joy contest each May during Teacher Appreciation Week. Winning educators within the U.S. receive a seven-night cruise for two.
Details: Military discount; Teacher discount; Giving Joy contest
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises extends up to $250 in free onboard spending credit to U.S. and Canadian veterans and active, retired and disabled military personnel. You can apply the credit toward specialty dining, onboard shopping, shore excursions and spa treatments.
Throughout the year, the line also has special promotions for first responders, medical professionals and teachers (no specials were available at the time of publication). Those who qualify can verify their status through Princess’ website and sign up to receive notifications of promotions.
Details: Military discount; first responder and medical professional discount; teacher discount
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers military rates to active and retired personnel, veterans and their spouses in the U.S. and Canada. The line also extends discounts to police officers (local, state or federal) and firefighters. The discount applies to friends and family members staying in the same cabin as the eligible service member or first responder.
The special rates vary from sailing to sailing, and the best way to access the discount is by booking through a travel agent or directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.
Details: royalcaribbean.com
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
In 2024, Scenic will offer exclusive discounts and specially curated travel experiences for active and retired U.S. military personnel and their families.
For example, active military and veterans will receive an additional $150 discount on Scenic River cruises, a $150 discount for Emerald Cruises river and yacht sailings and a $250 discount on Scenic Eclipse sailings with proof of current or past military status. The discount can be applied to each passenger.
Additionally, the military discount is combinable with current offers on luxury river and yacht cruises. The offer ends Dec. 31, 2024.
Details: emeraldcruises.com
Bottom line
Many of these discounts are minor but are still nice if you want to shave a few dollars off the cost of a cruise vacation. For the best deals in addition to military discounts, do your research, look for sales and compare prices across travel sellers. Enlisting a travel agent to help with vacation planning is another great way to unlock cruise perks and discounts.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.