What if you could get free onboard credit just for owning stock? It might sound too good to be true, but if you’re a cruiser, it’s a real and valuable perk offered by major cruise lines. In this post, we’ll break down how shareholder benefits work, focusing on Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. We’ll show you how to get hundreds of dollars in extra onboard credit to spend on your next vacation.
The Basics: What You Need to Know
To qualify for these benefits, you must own at least 100 shares of stock in a publicly traded cruise line. The great news is that the minimum share amount is the same for all three major cruise corporations. Once you own the shares, you can submit for your benefit every time you cruise with them.
The onboard credit you receive is essentially free money to spend on almost anything on the ship. Imagine using it for:
Shore excursions to explore new destinations
Drinks to enjoy by the pool or at the bar
Purchases at the onboard shops, from souvenirs to essentials
Specialty dining at a gourmet restaurant
Wi-Fi packages to stay connected while at sea
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the specifics for each cruise line.
Royal Caribbean Group
This group includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. By owning 100 shares of Royal Caribbean Group stock, you can get onboard credit for sailings on any of these three cruise lines, making your investment incredibly flexible.
Redemption Process
Get Proof of Ownership: The first step is to obtain proof of your stock ownership. This is typically a monthly statement or a screenshot from your brokerage account that clearly shows your name, address, and the number of shares you own.
Submit the Request: Royal Caribbean Group has a convenient online form for submitting your claim. On the form, you’ll be asked to provide your Crown & Anchor number, your cruise reservation number, the ship’s name, and the specific sailing date.
Submit using their online form at: https://rccl.my.salesforce-sites.com/shareholdersobcUpload Your Document: You’ll need to upload your brokerage report. For your security, it’s a good practice to redact or black out sensitive personal information, such as your account number or other stock holdings, before uploading.
Confirm the Credit: Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation that the onboard credit has been applied to your account. You can then log in to your cruise planner and see the credit added to your reservation, ready to be used.
Benefit Amounts
50 dollars for sailings of 5 nights or less.
100 dollars for sailings of 6 to 13 nights.
250 dollars for sailings of 14 nights or more.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation has a huge portfolio of cruise lines, so your investment goes a long way. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, and P&O Cruises. Owning stock in Carnival opens up benefits across this wide range of brands.
Redemption Process
The process for Carnival is very similar to Royal Caribbean. You will need to fill out a separate form or email your proof of stock ownership and submit via their app using the link here: https://www.carnivalcorp.com/investors/shareholder-information/shareholder-benefit/
Benefit Amounts
50 dollars for sailings of 5 nights or less.
100 dollars for sailings of 6 to 13 nights.
250 dollars for sailings of 14 nights or more.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
This group includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Their ships are known for their unique designs and onboard experiences, and their shareholder benefit is a great way to enjoy them even more.
Redemption Process
Norwegian also has a dedicated online form for submitting your shareholder benefit request. They recommend submitting your paperwork at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to your sailing date to give them plenty of time to process the request and apply the credit to your account.
Submit using their online form at: https://nclh.my.salesforce-sites.com/mynclh?formtype=ShareholderRequest
Benefit Amounts
50 dollars for sailings of 5 nights or less.
100 dollars for sailings of 6 to 14 nights.
250 dollars for sailings of 15 nights or more.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits
Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute! The official recommendation is to submit your request 2-3 weeks before your cruise. It’s smart to set a reminder in your calendar a month or two before your sailing date to ensure you don’t forget.
Understand the Limits: The benefit applies once per stateroom. This means if you and your travel partner both own 100 shares, you will still only receive one onboard credit per cabin.
Check the Fine Print: Be aware that some cruise deals, such as those from casino promotions, may not be eligible for this benefit. Always check the terms and conditions for your specific booking.
One Report, Multiple Cruises: If you have multiple cruises booked, you can often submit one brokerage report for all of them, as long as they fall within a specific timeframe (often 90 days). This can save you time and effort.
Stress-Free Investing: Investing in stock can be a wild ride, and the value of your shares will fluctuate. Remember that the benefit is a perk of ownership, not a guarantee. Focus on the long-term value of your investment and the fantastic benefit you receive on your cruises.
Getting free onboard credit is a fantastic way to maximize your cruise budget and enjoy your vacation even more. If you’re considering investing in the market anyway, or you already own stock, this is a powerful perk that can add up to significant savings.
Have you ever used a shareholder benefit on a cruise? Share your experience in the comments below!