How to Earn Cruise Rewards
Playing Free Games: PLAYSTUDIOS & myVIP Explained
What if I told you that you could play games on your phone and potentially turn the points you earn into a cruise?
And no—you don't necessarily have to spend real money gambling to do it.
That's the idea behind PLAYSTUDIOS, the company behind a collection of free-to-play mobile games connected to the playAWARDS loyalty platform and its consumer-facing myVIP program.
Players earn loyalty points by engaging with participating games. Those points can then be exchanged for real-world rewards, which can include hotel stays, dining, entertainment—and cruise rewards.
PLAYSTUDIOS currently lists cruise partners including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages.
This isn't some obscure points program that theoretically offers a cruise once in a blue moon, either.
PLAYSTUDIOS says its partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line alone has generated thousands of reward redemptions worth millions of dollars in retail value.
So yes.
People really are turning points earned from mobile games into cruise vacations.
But before you start tapping slot machines on your phone for eight hours straight, there are a few things you need to understand about how the program works.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
What Is PLAYSTUDIOS?
PLAYSTUDIOS is a mobile gaming company with something that makes it very different from most game developers:
It connects gameplay with real-world rewards.
Its playAWARDS loyalty platform allows participating games to award loyalty points based on player engagement.
Those points can then be redeemed through the rewards marketplace for offers from participating travel, entertainment, dining, and hospitality companies.
PLAYSTUDIOS describes the concept very simply:
Play free games. Earn real rewards.
And that's exactly why this caught my attention.
Most mobile games give you virtual coins, levels, badges, or some other digital prize.
PLAYSTUDIOS can give you points that may eventually help put your butt on an actual cruise ship.
Now that is a game reward I can get behind.
What Are playAWARDS and myVIP?
This part can be confusing because you'll see several different names while using the games.
Here's the easiest way to think about it:
PLAYSTUDIOS is the company.
playAWARDS is the rewards platform.
myVIP is the consumer-facing loyalty program associated with that rewards ecosystem.
PLAYSTUDIOS says myVIP also includes a tier system that can provide additional benefits to qualifying players.
There are actually two different types of points involved, and this distinction matters.
Loyalty Points
These are the points you're interested in when you're trying to obtain real-world rewards.
Loyalty points can be earned through qualifying activity in participating games and exchanged for available rewards.
Tier Points
Tier Points determine your status within myVIP.
They are not the same thing as Loyalty Points, and PLAYSTUDIOS specifically states that the two currencies are separate and aren't interchangeable.
In other words:
Loyalty Points = spend toward rewards
Tier Points = determine myVIP status
That distinction will save you some confusion when you first start using the program.
Do You Have to Spend Real Money?
Here's the part that makes this especially interesting for someone trying to save money on cruising:
You can earn loyalty points through gameplay without necessarily purchasing them.
PLAYSTUDIOS says Loyalty Points can be awarded for different types of in-game activity, including logging in, playing, and completing certain events.
The exact earning rules can vary by game, player, and program configuration, and there can also be daily and lifetime earning caps.
The games themselves may offer optional in-app purchases, of course.
But buying virtual chips or other in-game items isn't the basic premise behind earning rewards.
That's an important distinction from cruise casino programs.
With a cruise casino offer, you're wagering real money.
With PLAYSTUDIOS, it's possible to participate in the rewards ecosystem through free-to-play games.
That doesn't mean you're going to download an app tonight and wake up tomorrow with a seven-night Caribbean cruise.
Earning enough Loyalty Points for valuable rewards can take time, and reward availability and redemption requirements change.
But if you're going to spend time playing a game on your phone anyway, earning points toward something you might actually use is certainly more interesting than earning another imaginary trophy.
Can You Earn Points Faster by Playing More Than One Game?
Yes—and this is where the PLAYSTUDIOS ecosystem gets particularly interesting.
PLAYSTUDIOS states that Loyalty Points earned through participating games can be aggregated across its games, allowing players to accumulate points more quickly by engaging with multiple titles.
That means you aren't necessarily limited to earning rewards through one game.
Someone who enjoys several PLAYSTUDIOS titles can potentially build their Loyalty Point balance across the participating games rather than starting from zero every time they open a different one.
However, you'll want to make sure you're properly signed into your account so your activity and rewards are associated correctly.
We'll get into the games themselves—and how to keep your rewards connected—in the next section.
Which PLAYSTUDIOS Games Can Earn Rewards?
This is where we'll slow down a little, because there are more options than you might expect.
PLAYSTUDIOS has casino-style games as well as casual games, so you don't necessarily have to enjoy slots or casino games to participate.
Depending on current availability, its rewards-enabled portfolio has included titles from the myVEGAS family, POP! Slots, MGM Slots Live, myKONAMI Slots, and Tetris-branded games.
PLAYSTUDIOS specifically confirms that its social casino titles and Tetris-branded mobile games incorporate Loyalty Points tied to playAWARDS.
Which PLAYSTUDIOS Games Can Earn Rewards?
One of the best things about PLAYSTUDIOS is that you aren't limited to a single game—or even to casino games.
The company's current portfolio includes both casino-style and casual games, including:
myVEGAS Slots
POP! Slots
myKONAMI Slots
MGM Slots Live
myVEGAS Blackjack
myVEGAS Bingo
Tetris
Tetris Block Party
Solitaire
Spider Solitaire
Sudoku
PLAYSTUDIOS currently identifies these titles as part of its portfolio and describes myVIP as the loyalty program that connects gameplay with real-world rewards.
So if slot machines aren't your thing, you don't necessarily have to spend your time pretending you're sitting in a casino.
You could play Tetris or Solitaire instead and still participate in the PLAYSTUDIOS rewards ecosystem.
Do Your Points Carry Across Different PLAYSTUDIOS Games?
They can—but there's an important step you don't want to miss.
PLAYSTUDIOS says your games need to be authenticated across its portfolio so your Loyalty Points and Tier Points are connected and synchronized.
In other words, don't download a bunch of games and start playing each one anonymously.
Make sure you're properly signed into the same account across the participating games.
That way, you're building toward rewards through one connected account rather than potentially creating separate game profiles.
How Do You Earn Loyalty Points?
Exactly how Loyalty Points accumulate can vary by game.
The important thing to remember is that PLAYSTUDIOS rewards engagement, not simply how much money you spend.
That may include playing participating games and completing qualifying activities.
There is also a separate myVIP tier system. PLAYSTUDIOS says Tier Points can currently be earned through activities including collecting daily and hourly bonuses and purchasing qualifying chip bundles.
Playing across multiple participating apps can also contribute to your myVIP tier progression.
But don't confuse those Tier Points with the Loyalty Points you redeem for rewards.
Loyalty Points buy rewards.
Tier Points help determine your myVIP status and benefits.
Higher myVIP tiers can unlock additional real-world rewards and greater opportunities to earn Loyalty Points.
What Cruise Rewards Can You Actually Get?
Now we get to the reason we're here.
Cruises.
PLAYSTUDIOS currently identifies Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages among its playAWARDS rewards partners.
However—and this is important—the rewards marketplace is not a permanent cruise catalog.
Available offers can change.
You might see a cruise discount, cruise credit, complimentary sailing, promotional offer, or special cruise-related event at one point and find something completely different later.
That's why I wouldn't recommend spending months accumulating points with the assumption that one particular ship or itinerary will still be available when you're ready to redeem.
Think of it more like this:
Build your Loyalty Points → watch the rewards marketplace → jump on a cruise reward that works for you when you find one.
Norwegian Cruise Line Rewards
Norwegian is particularly interesting because PLAYSTUDIOS has published quite a bit of information about its partnership.
PLAYSTUDIOS says Norwegian places high-value complimentary cruise inventory in the myVIP Reward Store every quarter.
That's considerably more substantial than a coupon for a few dollars off a cruise.
When Norwegian relaunched its PLAYSTUDIOS partnership, the companies specifically announced rewards that included complimentary cruises and discounted cruises redeemable with Loyalty Points earned through PLAYSTUDIOS' free-to-play games.
That doesn't mean a complimentary Norwegian cruise will be sitting in your rewards account every time you look.
Inventory is limited, and individual rewards have their own requirements and restrictions.
But yes—the free-cruise part of this program is very real.
What About Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean also has an established relationship with playAWARDS.
The companies have previously worked together on myVEGAS promotions and even a hosted myVEGAS at Sea cruise involving PLAYSTUDIOS players.
And PLAYSTUDIOS continues to identify Royal Caribbean as one of its rewards partners in its 2026 corporate filings.
Again, though, don't assume that a specific Royal Caribbean cruise reward will always be available.
Check the current reward store.
And Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is also currently identified by PLAYSTUDIOS as a playAWARDS rewards partner.
That's another reason this program is worth watching rather than treating it as a one-and-done trick.
Cruise partnerships and individual rewards can evolve over time.
How Do You Redeem a Cruise Reward?
Once you've accumulated enough Loyalty Points and find a cruise reward you want, slow down before hitting redeem.
PLAYSTUDIOS specifically recommends reading the entire reward description and its terms and conditions first.
Some rewards have limited redemption periods, minimum-stay requirements or other restrictions, and some may become non-refundable once they're booked or redeemed.
The general process is:
Make sure your account is properly connected.
Find the reward you want in the rewards marketplace.
Read all of the terms and restrictions.
Redeem the required Loyalty Points.
Enter the requested identification and contact information.
Follow the booking instructions provided in your confirmation.
PLAYSTUDIOS also notes that the name used for your rewards account should match your legal photo ID.
Don't redeem first and figure out whether you can actually use the cruise afterward.
Is the Cruise Really Free?
Here's our familiar word again:
Free.
A complimentary cruise reward may eliminate the underlying cruise fare, but that doesn't necessarily eliminate everything else associated with taking the trip.
Depending on the particular reward, you may still be responsible for expenses such as taxes, port expenses, gratuities, transportation, hotels, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions and other purchases.
Always read the exact terms of the reward you're considering.
And price out the entire vacation before redeeming your points.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
Knowing the normal price of the cruise gives you something important: perspective on how valuable that reward actually is.
Don't Forget About Getting to the Cruise
A complimentary cruise isn't much of a bargain if you save $600 on the cabin and then discover that airfare and a pre-cruise hotel will cost you $1,200.
Before redeeming a cruise reward, check the departure port and calculate your transportation costs.
If you need to fly or stay overnight before sailing, compare those expenses before committing your Loyalty Points.
Need a pre-cruise hotel or flight?
And once you've chosen the cruise, remember that your PLAYSTUDIOS reward generally isn't going to cover everything you decide to do in port.
Want to see what's available at your cruise destinations?
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Cruise Reward?
This is probably the question everyone wants answered:
How long do I have to play before I can get a cruise?
Unfortunately, there isn't one reliable answer.
The number of Loyalty Points you can earn depends on the games you're playing, how often you play, your myVIP tier, current promotions, and other factors. Higher myVIP tiers can also provide additional opportunities to earn Loyalty Points.
Then there's the other half of the equation: the cruise rewards themselves change.
A reward that requires a certain number of points today could disappear, sell out, or be replaced with a completely different offer later.
PLAYSTUDIOS says reward inventory depends on partner availability and can change without notice. Many rewards are refreshed regularly.
So I wouldn't approach this with:
“I need X points by X date so I can get this exact cruise.”
I'd approach it as:
Play games you actually enjoy, accumulate Loyalty Points, and keep an eye on the Reward Store for an offer that's worth using.
How Much Are These Cruise Rewards Really Worth?
Potentially quite a bit.
PLAYSTUDIOS reports that since restarting its Norwegian Cruise Line partnership in 2023, its myVIP program has generated 4,127 NCL reward redemptions by 3,532 players representing more than $3.7 million in retail value.
It also says complimentary cruise inventory is placed in the Reward Store quarterly.
That doesn't mean your reward will be worth thousands of dollars.
But it does demonstrate that these aren't simply $10 coupons dressed up as cruise rewards.
Before redeeming your Loyalty Points, I'd still compare the cruise's regular price.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
If the same sailing is already heavily discounted, you might decide your points are more valuable when used for another reward.
Tips for Earning Cruise Rewards Without Spending a Fortune
The whole reason this strategy caught my attention was the possibility of earning travel rewards through free-to-play games.
So don't turn it into an expensive hobby just because there's a cruise dangling at the end.
A few sensible rules:
Play games you actually enjoy.
Connect your account properly so your rewards are associated with you.
Try different participating games rather than assuming one is the fastest.
Collect available bonuses and take advantage of legitimate in-game earning opportunities.
Check the Reward Store regularly.
Don't buy virtual currency simply because you're impatient to reach a cruise reward.
Read the terms before redeeming anything.
Compare the value of the reward with what the cruise would cost normally.
The best outcome is pretty simple:
You play games you would have played anyway and eventually turn those points into something valuable.
Watch for Sold-Out Cruise Rewards
This is another important catch.
Cruise reward inventory isn't unlimited.
PLAYSTUDIOS says a reward marked sold out means players have already purchased all available inventory.
The quantity and type of rewards depend on what its partners make available, and inventory can change without notice.
So if you see a cruise reward that genuinely works for you, don't assume it will still be sitting there months later.
At the same time, don't panic-redeem something simply because you're afraid of missing it.
Read the terms first.
Be Very Careful Before Redeeming Your Points
This matters particularly with cruise rewards.
PLAYSTUDIOS tells users to read the complete reward description and terms before purchasing.
Some rewards have limited validity periods, stay requirements, or other restrictions, and rewards may become non-refundable after they're booked or redeemed.
Cruise rewards can be especially restrictive.
PLAYSTUDIOS currently warns that a redeemed cruise reward generally cannot be canceled unless the cruise itself is canceled; an unredeemed eligible reward may be treated differently.
So before redeeming a cruise reward, make sure:
You can travel on the available dates.
The departure port works for you.
You understand the cabin category.
You know what additional charges you'll pay.
You've checked airfare or driving costs.
You've read cancellation restrictions.
You're comfortable using your Loyalty Points on that particular offer.
Those points may have taken you months to accumulate. Don't blow them because you saw the word FREE and got excited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really get a free cruise from PLAYSTUDIOS?
Yes. PLAYSTUDIOS' rewards ecosystem includes cruises, and its Norwegian Cruise Line partnership specifically includes complimentary cruise inventory in the myVIP Reward Store.
Availability isn't guaranteed, however, and individual offers change.
Do I have to spend money in the games?
The games are free-to-play, and Loyalty Points can be earned through qualifying gameplay and engagement.
Optional purchases exist, but spending money isn't what makes this idea interesting.
If your goal is saving money on a cruise, I'd be very cautious about spending significant amounts inside the games merely to chase a reward.
Do cruise rewards sell out?
Yes.
PLAYSTUDIOS says rewards can sell out when all available inventory has been purchased.
Reward availability is controlled partly by its partners and can change without notice.
Can I play more than one PLAYSTUDIOS game?
Yes, and that's one of the advantages of the ecosystem.
Just make sure your games are properly connected to your account so your rewards activity is associated correctly.
Can I cancel a reward if I change my mind?
It depends on the reward and whether you've already redeemed it.
Many unredeemed eligible rewards can be canceled, but PLAYSTUDIOS places much stricter limitations on redeemed cruise rewards.
That's why you should read the terms before redeeming your points.
Are Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean really involved?
Yes.
PLAYSTUDIOS currently describes Norwegian Cruise Line as an active playAWARDS partner and says NCL places high-value complimentary cruise inventory into the Reward Store quarterly.
Royal Caribbean has also partnered with playAWARDS and participated in myVEGAS promotions and cruise experiences.
Is PLAYSTUDIOS Worth Trying for Cruise Rewards?
I think it can be—with realistic expectations.
I wouldn't download these games expecting to earn a free cruise next week.
I wouldn't spend hundreds of dollars buying virtual chips trying to accelerate the process.
And I definitely wouldn't accumulate points for months assuming one particular cruise reward will still be available when I'm ready.
But if you already enjoy playing mobile games?
That's different.
Playing Tetris, Solitaire, slots, or another participating game and accumulating Loyalty Points toward real-world rewards is a pretty interesting proposition.
And if one of those rewards eventually helps put you on a cruise ship for considerably less money?
That's a heck of a lot better than earning another imaginary badge.
Final Thoughts
When I first heard that people were getting cruise rewards from playing games on their phones, my reaction was:
Wait...what?
But the program is real.
PLAYSTUDIOS has built an entire rewards ecosystem around turning gameplay into real-world experiences, and cruises are genuinely part of it. PLAYSTUDIOS says its rewards platform includes hundreds of real-world rewards, including cruises, hotels, meals, and entertainment.
The key is treating this as an opportunity—not a guaranteed shortcut to a free vacation.
Play because you enjoy the games.
Accumulate the points.
Watch the rewards. And when a cruise offer appears that makes sense for you, do the math before you redeem it.
If it works?
You may have just turned time spent playing on your phone into time spent sitting on a cruise ship.
Not bad.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
👉Browse my favorite cruise essentials
Related Cruise Guides
👉How to Get a Free Cruise: Legitimate Ways to Sail for Less
👉How Cruise Casino Programs Work: Can You Really Earn Free Cruises?
👉MGM Rewards & Cruises: How to Earn Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Benefits
👉Heroes Sail Free: How the Margaritaville at Sea GOVX Program Works
Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, book a cruise, or book a travel-related service through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Cruising Style.
Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Affiliate Disclosure