Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program guide: Everything you need to know
Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner selection process and methodology for the 2024 TPG Awards.
Showing loyalty to Norwegian Cruise Line can get you some great rewards.
Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, the winner for Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program in the 2024 TPG Awards, offers members such enticing perks as discounts on normally pricey drink packages, shore excursions and spa treatments after only a few sailings. And that’s just a hint of what’s to come for loyal cruisers who reach the program’s top tiers.
At the very top tier of the Latitudes Rewards program, the Ambassador level, members get one of the most spectacular rewards in the cruise loyalty program universe: a free cruise for two.
Other perks Norwegian doles out to higher-tier members include discounts of up to 25% on internet packages, free wine tastings and free dinners at high-end restaurants on Norwegian ships.
Ways to earn points
Earning points in the Latitudes Rewards program is relatively straightforward. You will get:
- One point for every night you spend on a ship.
- An additional 1 point per night when staying in a Concierge-level cabin, full-fare suite (not minisuites or club balcony suites) or The Haven rooms.
- An additional 1 point per night when on a cruise booked via a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer. These are special offers for Latitudes Rewards members.
Note that the extra point per night for suites only applies to stays in suites booked when a reservation is originally made. It doesn’t apply to stays in suites that result from an upgrade.
Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line
Program tiers and benefits
There are seven tiers to the Latitudes Rewards program:
- Bronze (1 to 19 points)
- Silver (20 to 44 points)
- Gold (45 to 74 points)
- Platinum (75 to 149 points)
- Sapphire (150 to 349 points)
- Diamond (350 to 699 points)
- Ambassador (700 or more points)
The Latitudes Rewards program is one of the more robust cruise line loyalty programs, with some solid perks available to almost all members.
After just one cruise, as a newly minted Bronze member, you will receive a 30% discount on an unlimited open bar package — a perk that could save you a significant amount of money when cruising if you’re a drinker. This perk was added in September 2022, much to the delight of Norwegian fans.
As a Bronze tier member, you’ll also receive a 10% discount at onboard duty-free shops, early access to new product information and exclusive offers, a signature pin and a few other minor things.
Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs
Moving up to the Silver level of the Latitudes Rewards loyalty program will bring all the above, plus:
- An invitation to a complimentary onboard cocktail party
- A 10% discount on shore excursions
- A 20% discount on photos
- A 15% discount on spa treatments performed when the ship is in port
- A higher 15% discount at onboard duty-free shops
- A higher 40% discount on an unlimited open bar package
The Gold level bumps up the discounts on photos and spa treatments to 25% and 20%, respectively, and also brings:
- A complimentary carton of water
- A 50% discount on a bag of laundry
- Priority tender tickets (for applicable ports)
- Priority disembarkation (U.S. citizens and some international passengers only)
As noted above, it’ll take you just one cruise to reach the initial Bronze tier. Reaching the Silver level would require three seven-night cruises, assuming you stay in standard cabins. If you book suites or book only Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, you’ll reach the Silver level much faster.
Reaching the Gold tier can be done in as few as three seven-night cruises if you book a suite and also only book Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers. If you book standard cabins and don’t use Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, it would take five seven-night cruises.
The elite level that makes a difference
In our view, the Platinum level is where being a loyal Norwegian customer starts really paying off.
Once you reach Platinum, you’ll get all the above plus a 15% discount on internet packages, which is a great perk. Internet packages on Norwegian can be pricey.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian cruise
Another great perk at the Platinum level is access to two free dinners at some of the top restaurants on Norwegian ships on every voyage of five nights or longer.
Norwegian relatively recently expanded the value of this perk by making the free dinners available at more onboard restaurants. Previously, one of the free dinners, which included a complimentary bottle of wine, could only be booked at the Cagney’s steakhouses and Le Bistro French eateries on Norwegian ships. Now guests can book it at any onboard restaurant that has a complimentary wine list. Guests can also book a second free dinner at a wider range of eateries.
Note that upcharges apply to certain premium menu items when taking advantage of the free dinner perk.
Platinum members also get:
- Priority check-in and embarkation
- Chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to their room
- A Wines Around the World tasting
- A behind-the-scenes ship tour
- A higher 30% discount on photos
- A higher 25% discount on spa treatments
- A dedicated precruise service desk
In addition, Platinum members can prebook entertainment on ships 26 days prior to sailing. Platinum members can also prebook dining 125 days prior to sailing and typically prebook shore excursions one year prior to sailing.
Related: Why Norwgian’s new Prima class of ships may be its best ever
It can take as many as 11 seven-night cruises to reach Platinum status if you stay in standard cabins. However, it also can be done in as few as four cruises if you stay in higher-level cabins and book using Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers.
Best elite perks
Once you reach the Sapphire level, you’ll get all the above perks plus a dinner with ship officers and priority restaurant and entertainment seating (subject to availability). The latter is really a wonderful perk, as it means you won’t be stuck dining too early or too late on nights when shipboard restaurants are busy (which is pretty much every night). It also means you can breeze into theaters for onboard shows with the knowledge that a decent seat is waiting for you.
Just added in early 2022, the Diamond tier brings two more cool perks, both new to the program: access to a complimentary Sail & Sustain Mixology experience and a one-time free cabin upgrade.
But the ultimate perk for Latitudes Rewards members comes upon reaching the top Ambassador tier. You’ll get a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin. You can pick any destination, but you can’t select a holiday sailing (Christmas and New Year’s).
The free cruise is for two people. You can bring a third and fourth guest, but you’ll pay their fares. You’ll also pay all taxes, fees and service charges (including gratuities). You have one year to take your free cruise after hitting the Ambassador tier.
Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained
Sapphire, Diamond and Ambassador level members also get bigger discounts on shore excursions. For Sapphire and Diamond members, the discount on shore excursions amounts to 15%. It jumps to 20% for Ambassador level members.
Sapphire, Diamond and Ambassador level members also get bigger discounts on internet packages. For Sapphire members, the discount on internet service amounts to 20%. It rises to 25% for Diamond and Ambassador level members.
The Ambassador level, in particular, isn’t easy to reach, as it requires 700 points. That means you might have to take as many as 100 seven-night cruises to qualify. If you stay in higher-end cabins and book a lot of Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, you could reach the Ambassadors level far more quickly — in as few as 34 seven-night sailings.
Do NCL Latitudes Rewards points expire?
No, Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards points never expire.
As is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Norwegian customers do not have to requalify for status each year. Latitudes Rewards members keep their points at the end of each year and continue to accrue points indefinitely. That means that someone who hits Ambassador status will remain at that top-tier level forever (or until Norwegian makes a change to the program).
Such “forever status” is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.
Related: Everything to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships
Bottom line
Norwegian has one of the more alluring frequent cruiser programs. Even after just a few cruises, loyal fans will find they are entitled to a nice array of valuable perks, from discounts on various types of onboard spending to exclusive cocktail parties. We’re particularly fans of the free dinners at extra-charge onboard eateries that come with Platinum-level status.
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TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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.