MGM Rewards & Cruises:
How to Earn Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Benefits
If you've ever visited Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or another MGM destination, you've probably heard of MGM Rewards.
But MGM Rewards isn't limited to hotels and land-based casinos.
Through MGM's partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, eligible MGM Rewards members can receive benefits at sea—including casino FreePlay, onboard credit, discounted cruise fares, exclusive cruise offers and, for some qualifying members, an annual complimentary cruise.
And the relationship now works in another interesting direction:
You can earn MGM Rewards from qualifying casino play while sailing on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
MGM Rewards members can earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits and SLOT DOLLARS from eligible onboard gaming when sailing under qualifying MGM Rewards cruise offers, certificates, group programs and other eligible MGM-related bookings.
So if you're already an MGM Rewards member—or you enjoy casino play when you cruise—this partnership is definitely worth understanding.
But there is one particularly important rule we need to clear up right away:
Having MGM Gold or Platinum status does not automatically mean you're entitled to a free cruise.
How you earned that status matters.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
What Is MGM Rewards?
MGM Rewards is the loyalty program for participating MGM Resorts destinations.
Members can earn rewards through eligible gaming activity and spending at participating MGM properties, with benefits increasing as members move through the program's five tiers:
Sapphire
Pearl
Gold
Platinum
NOIR
Pearl begins at 20,000 Tier Credits, Gold at 75,000 and Platinum at 200,000. NOIR is invitation-only.
MGM Rewards includes traditional benefits such as hotel offers, gaming rewards and other resort perks.
But MGM's relationship with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity extends some very valuable benefits onto cruise ships.
What Cruise Benefits Do MGM Rewards Members Receive?
Every MGM Rewards tier currently has access to at least some cruise-related benefits, provided the applicable eligibility and booking requirements are met.
And those benefits become substantially better as you move through the MGM tiers.
Instead of another table that might send Systeme.io into a nervous breakdown, here's the breakdown:
Sapphire
$25 Onboard FreePlay
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Ability to earn MGM Rewards from qualifying onboard casino play
Pearl
$50 Onboard FreePlay
5% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Ability to earn MGM Rewards from qualifying onboard casino play
Gold
$75 Onboard FreePlay
$125 Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
Annual Cruise Benefit of up to 5 nights in an Oceanview stateroom for qualifying members
Platinum
$100 Onboard FreePlay
$200 Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
Annual Cruise Benefit of up to 7 nights in a Balcony stateroom for qualifying members
NOIR
$200 Onboard FreePlay
$300 Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
Annual Cruise Benefit of up to 10 nights in a Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean or Concierge Class on Celebrity for qualifying members
The Annual Cruise Benefit has additional qualification requirements.
Simply holding Gold, Platinum or NOIR status does not necessarily make you eligible.
Even Sapphire Members Can Receive Cruise Benefits
You don't necessarily have to be a high-level MGM player before this partnership becomes useful.
Under MGM's current program, Sapphire members can receive $25 in Onboard FreePlay, while Pearl members can receive $50 in FreePlay plus 5% Exclusive Stateroom Savings on eligible cruises.
MGM also currently lists Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers for every tier, including Sapphire.
That means you don't necessarily have to reach Gold before the cruise partnership starts providing something of value.
There are eligibility and booking requirements attached to these benefits, however, so don't assume you can book any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise at any fare and simply show your MGM card once you're onboard.
What Is the MGM Rewards Annual Cruise Benefit?
This is probably the benefit that gets the most attention.
Qualifying MGM Rewards members at the higher tiers can receive an Annual Cruise Benefit with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.
Gold members who qualify can receive one cruise for two people in an Oceanview stateroom for either 3 or 5 nights on select itineraries. The length is based on recent MGM Resorts gaming activity.
Platinum members who qualify can receive one cruise for two in a Balcony stateroom for either 5 or 7 nights on select itineraries.
NOIR members who qualify can receive one cruise for two in a Royal Caribbean Junior Suite or Celebrity Concierge Class stateroom for up to 10 nights on select itineraries.
For the current benefit year, MGM states these annual cruise benefits must be booked by January 31, 2027, for eligible sailings through April 30, 2027. Restrictions, taxes, fees and other limitations apply.
Those can be substantial benefits.
But now we need to talk about the catch.
MGM Gold Does NOT Automatically Mean You Get a Free Cruise
This is probably the single most important distinction in this article.
Someone can legitimately hold MGM Gold or Platinum status without having earned all of the Tier Credits normally associated with that level—for example, through certain status-match opportunities.
But MGM specifically states that members who received their tier status through a third-party or partnership tier-match program are not eligible for the Annual Cruise Benefit merely because they hold that matched status.
Members must earn the minimum Tier Credits associated with the qualifying tier.
That's important because otherwise someone might hear:
“MGM Gold members get a free Royal Caribbean cruise!”
...obtain MGM Gold through a status match and understandably assume there's a complimentary cruise waiting for them.
There may not be.
MGM tier status and eligibility for MGM's Annual Cruise Benefit are not necessarily the same thing.
What About Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Loyalty Status?
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society and Celebrity Captain's Club members may be eligible for a reciprocal MGM Rewards tier match based on their cruise loyalty status.
That matched status can provide associated benefits at participating MGM Rewards destinations.
But MGM specifically says Crown & Anchor and Captain's Club members who received MGM status through the partnership Tier Match are not eligible for MGM's onboard cruise benefits or Annual Cruise Benefit based on that matched status.
So before planning a vacation around a supposed complimentary cruise, check your actual MGM Rewards eligibility.
You Can Now Earn MGM Rewards While You're at Sea
This is one of the most interesting parts of the expanded partnership.
Eligible MGM Rewards members can now earn:
MGM Rewards Points
Tier Credits
SLOT DOLLARS
from qualifying casino play aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
However, it doesn't apply to every cruise booking automatically.
MGM says the benefit applies when sailing through eligible arrangements such as a Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offer, Annual Cruise Benefit, Annual Cruise Benefit trade-in value, eligible Group Cruise Program, eligible Cruise Certificate or Exclusive Stateroom Savings discount.
Members need to provide their MGM Rewards number when booking the eligible cruise and use their SeaPass card while playing qualifying slots, video poker or table games onboard.
Play that isn't tracked on the SeaPass card isn't eligible.
MGM says to allow approximately 30–45 days after sailing for updated balances to appear.
That creates an interesting relationship for people who already enjoy casino play.
You can earn MGM Rewards on land, potentially qualify for valuable cruise benefits, and then continue earning eligible MGM Rewards through qualifying casino play at sea.
But just like we discussed in How Cruise Casino Programs Work: Can You Really Earn Free Cruises?, that doesn't mean you should start gambling simply to chase rewards.
If you're going to gamble anyway, make sure you're getting credit for the eligible play.
If you're spending money you otherwise wouldn't gamble because you're trying to manufacture a “free” cruise?
That's a very different proposition.
How Valuable Are the Gold, Platinum and NOIR Annual Cruise Benefits?
The higher your qualifying MGM Rewards tier, the longer the potential cruise and the better the included stateroom category.
MGM Rewards Gold Annual Cruise Benefit
Qualifying Gold members can receive an annual cruise for two in an Oceanview stateroom for up to five nights on select Royal Caribbean or Celebrity sailings.
Gold members also currently receive:
$75 in Onboard FreePlay
$125 in Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
That's considerably more than simply getting a discounted cabin.
MGM Rewards Platinum Annual Cruise Benefit
Qualifying Platinum members move up to an annual cruise for two in a Balcony stateroom for up to seven nights on select itineraries.
Platinum members currently receive:
$100 in Onboard FreePlay
$200 in Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
For someone who already cruises regularly, the jump from an Oceanview to a Balcony—and potentially from a shorter sailing to as many as seven nights—can make Platinum's annual benefit substantially more valuable.
MGM Rewards NOIR Annual Cruise Benefit
NOIR is MGM Rewards' highest tier and is invitation-only.
Qualifying NOIR members currently receive an annual cruise for two for up to 10 nights, with a Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean or Concierge Class stateroom on Celebrity Cruises on select itineraries.
NOIR members currently receive:
$200 in Onboard FreePlay
$300 in Onboard Credit
10% Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Welcome Amenity
Waived SeaPass cashless wagering fee
That's potentially a very valuable cruise benefit—but remember that NOIR isn't a tier you simply reach by hitting a published Tier Credit threshold. Membership is by invitation.
You Don't Necessarily Get to Pick Any Cruise You Want
Here's another important detail that can get lost when someone says:
“MGM gave me a free Royal Caribbean cruise.”
The Annual Cruise Benefit applies to select sailings.
You don't simply choose any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise on the calendar, select your preferred cabin, and tell MGM to pay for it.
That doesn't make the benefit worthless—not even close.
But it does mean you should look at the actual cruises available to you before deciding how much your benefit is worth.
A complimentary Balcony on a seven-night itinerary you already wanted to take could be extremely valuable.
A complimentary cabin on dates you can't travel?
Not so much.
What Is the Cruise Fare Trade-In Value?
Suppose you've earned an Annual Cruise Benefit, but none of the included sailings works for you.
You may be able to use the trade-in value of your Annual Cruise Benefit toward another Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise instead.
MGM says the trade-in value can be applied toward a cruise that isn't included in your offer, excluding Galapagos and World Cruise segment sailings.
The value varies according to the offer and can depend on factors including tier level and recent MGM Resorts spending and gaming play.
There is another important limitation:
The trade-in value cannot be combined with another discount on the same reservation.
So compare the numbers.
Sometimes using your complimentary cruise exactly as offered may provide the greatest value.
Other times, applying its trade-in value toward a cruise you genuinely want could make more sense.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
What Are MGM's Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers?
The Annual Cruise Benefit isn't the only way MGM Rewards members can receive cruise offers.
MGM currently lists Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers for every MGM Rewards tier—including Sapphire.
That's an important distinction.
You don't necessarily have to reach Gold and qualify for an Annual Cruise Benefit before MGM's cruise partnership can become useful.
The specific quarterly offers available to you can vary, so I wouldn't attach a guaranteed dollar value to them.
Instead, think of them as another reason to check your MGM Rewards cruise offers periodically rather than assuming the annual benefit is the only cruise opportunity available through the program.
What Is Onboard FreePlay?
Every MGM Rewards tier currently receives some amount of Onboard FreePlay on qualifying Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings:
Sapphire — $25
Pearl — $50
Gold — $75
Platinum — $100
NOIR — $200
FreePlay is casino play—not cash handed to you to spend anywhere on the ship.
MGM says Onboard FreePlay and Onboard Credit must be requested when the initial booking is made and at least 10 days before departure. The benefits are non-transferable and aren't redeemable for cash.
There's another detail that's especially important after the casino article we just wrote:
Wagers made using MGM Onboard FreePlay do not earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits or SLOT DOLLARS.
Your qualifying regular casino play can earn MGM Rewards.
The promotional FreePlay itself does not.
What Can MGM Onboard Credit Be Used For?
Gold, Platinum and NOIR members currently receive:
Gold — $125
Platinum — $200
NOIR — $300
in Onboard Credit on qualifying sailings.
Unlike FreePlay, MGM says Onboard Credit can be used for eligible spending throughout the ship, including beverages, shops, shore excursions, spa purchases, art and the casino.
However, it cannot be used toward gratuities, taxes or port fees.
Unused Onboard Credit expires at 10:00 PM on the final night of the cruise.
So if you have MGM Onboard Credit attached to your sailing, don't forget about it until you're standing in the terminal after disembarkation.
By then, it's too late.
Can You Combine MGM Cruise Benefits With Other Cruise Deals?
This is where you need to read the terms for the particular benefit.
For example, MGM says its Exclusive Stateroom Savings can be combined with certain in-market offers, although several rate categories are excluded.
The Annual Cruise Benefit, on the other hand, isn't combinable with another promotion or offer, and its trade-in value cannot be combined with another discount on the same reservation.
So don't automatically assume:
MGM benefit + every Royal Caribbean promotion + another discounted rate = giant stack of savings.
Before booking, compare the actual final price and benefits available under your MGM offer with whatever other cruise rate you're considering.
How Do You Book an MGM Rewards Cruise Benefit?
For Royal Caribbean, MGM currently instructs members to access Club Royale, link MGM Rewards under partner accounts using their MGM Rewards number, view eligible offers and submit a booking form.
Celebrity uses a similar process through its Blue Chip Club.
The important part is:
Don't book a random cruise first and assume you can attach your MGM benefits afterward.
MGM says the Onboard Credit and FreePlay benefits must be requested when the initial booking is made and at least 10 days before departure.
If you're using an MGM cruise benefit, make sure the reservation is being booked correctly under that benefit from the beginning.
Can You Earn MGM Rewards on Any Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise?
No—and this is an important limitation.
Eligible onboard casino play can earn MGM Rewards when you're sailing through qualifying MGM-related arrangements such as:
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Annual Cruise Benefits
Annual Cruise Benefit trade-in values
Eligible Group Cruise Programs
Eligible Cruise Certificates
Exclusive Stateroom Savings discounts
You also need to make sure your MGM Rewards number is properly associated with the booking and that your casino play is tracked with your SeaPass card.
Eligible play includes slots, video poker and table games.
Non-gaming onboard spending does not earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits or SLOT DOLLARS through this partnership.
So once again:
If you're going to gamble anyway, make sure your play is actually being tracked.
What Does a “Free” MGM Rewards Cruise Still Cost?
Complimentary cruise fare does not necessarily mean a completely free vacation.
MGM says certain restrictions, taxes and fees still apply, and members are responsible for transportation to and from the cruise embarkation and final disembarkation locations.
Depending on your trip, you may still need to budget for things such as:
Taxes and port fees
Gratuities
Transportation to the cruise port
Pre- or post-cruise hotels
Parking or airfare
Specialty dining
Drink packages
Wi-Fi
Shore excursions
Casino gambling
Other onboard purchases
So if MGM gives you a complimentary Balcony cabin that would normally cost thousands of dollars, that's certainly a valuable benefit.
But don't interpret “complimentary cruise” as:
“I'm going on vacation and won't spend a dime.”
Those are two very different things.
The Qualifying MGM Member Has to Sail
The Annual Cruise Benefit belongs to the qualifying MGM Rewards member.
MGM says that person must be the primary guest on the reservation and must sail. If the qualifying member fails to check in at the pier on time, the complimentary cruise fare is forfeited, and guests remaining in the stateroom may be required to pay the prevailing cruise fare.
So this isn't a benefit you can earn and simply hand to someone else.
Are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity MGM Benefits Different?
MGM specifically says its Rewards relationship benefits are identical when sailing with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
The ships, itineraries and overall cruise experiences obviously differ.
At the NOIR level, the accommodation differs by cruise line: the Annual Cruise Benefit provides a Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean or Concierge Class on Celebrity Cruises for up to 10 nights on select sailings.
That means your decision can come down to something much more useful:
Which available cruise do you actually want to take?
Is MGM Gold Worth Chasing Just for the Annual Cruise?
I wouldn't chase MGM status solely because you want a complimentary cruise.
Gold requires substantial qualifying activity, and simply obtaining matched Gold status doesn't automatically give you the Annual Cruise Benefit.
If you're already spending or gambling at MGM properties and naturally earn enough Tier Credits to qualify, the cruise can be an excellent additional reward.
But deliberately spending or gambling significantly more than you normally would because you're trying to earn a cruise doesn't make financial sense.
You have to look at the total amount you're spending to earn the reward, not simply the retail value of the reward at the end.
A free cruise isn't free if you spent far more than the cruise was worth trying to earn it.
What If You're Already an MGM Rewards Member?
Then it's absolutely worth checking your account before booking your next Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise.
Depending on your tier and eligibility, you may have access to:
Quarterly Exclusive Cruise Offers
Exclusive Stateroom Savings
Onboard FreePlay
Onboard Credit
An Annual Cruise Benefit
Don't assume you have no cruise benefits simply because nobody has emailed you about a complimentary cabin.
Check your available offers.
What If You're Already a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruiser?
Eligible Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society and Celebrity Captain's Club members may receive a reciprocal MGM Rewards tier match based on their cruise loyalty status.
But here's the distinction worth repeating:
A reciprocal MGM tier match does not automatically qualify you for MGM's onboard cruise benefits or Annual Cruise Benefit.
The status match can still be useful at MGM destinations.
Just don't confuse matched MGM status with an earned MGM complimentary cruise.
Can Your Cruise Casino Play Help You Reach MGM Gold or Platinum?
Yes—provided you're sailing under an eligible MGM-related cruise arrangement and your play is properly tracked.
Tier Credits earned through eligible onboard gaming on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity can count toward your MGM Rewards Tier Credit balance.
Eligible play includes slots, video poker and table games.
However, Onboard FreePlay does not earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits or SLOT DOLLARS, and ordinary non-gaming cruise spending doesn't earn them either.
So your spa treatment, specialty dinner and shore excursion aren't helping you reach MGM Gold.
Your qualifying tracked casino play can.
How Long Does It Take for Cruise Casino Play to Appear in MGM Rewards?
Don't panic if you get off the ship and your MGM Rewards balance hasn't changed immediately.
MGM's current FAQ says to allow approximately 30–45 days after sailing for eligible onboard gaming rewards to appear in your account.
That's another reason to make sure your MGM Rewards number is attached correctly before you sail and to use your SeaPass card whenever you're playing.
Is the MGM Rewards Cruise Partnership Worth It?
For the right traveler, absolutely.
I think this partnership is particularly valuable for someone who already:
Stays or gambles at MGM properties
Cruises with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity
Would spend that money anyway
That's the sweet spot.
You're allowing activity you were already doing to work harder for you.
A qualifying Gold member could potentially receive an annual Oceanview cruise. Platinum can potentially receive a Balcony cruise. NOIR can potentially receive a Junior Suite or Concierge Class cruise.
Those benefits can come alongside FreePlay, onboard credit, stateroom savings and additional cruise offers.
That's real value.
What I wouldn't recommend is changing your normal spending or gambling habits
dramatically because you've decided you need to reach the next MGM tier.
Use the rewards program to benefit from money you were already comfortable spending—not as a reason to spend more than you intended.
Ready to compare cruise prices?
👉 Browse current cruise deals, itineraries, and cabin options with CruiseDirect before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MGM Rewards members really get free Royal Caribbean cruises?
Yes. Qualifying MGM Rewards Gold, Platinum and NOIR members can receive an Annual Cruise Benefit on select Royal Caribbean or Celebrity sailings. Gold currently receives up to five nights in an Oceanview stateroom, Platinum up to seven nights in a Balcony stateroom, and NOIR up to 10 nights in a Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean or Concierge Class on Celebrity.
Does MGM Gold automatically give me a free cruise?
No. Holding Gold status by itself does not necessarily make you eligible for the Annual Cruise Benefit. This is especially important for people who received MGM status through a third-party or partnership status match.
Can I choose Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises?
Yes. The MGM partnership includes eligible sailings with both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Your choices depend on the particular offer and available select sailings.
Can I give my MGM complimentary cruise to someone else?
No. The qualifying MGM Rewards member must be the primary guest and must sail.
Are taxes and fees included in the complimentary cruise?
Certain taxes and fees still apply. MGM also states that members are responsible for transportation to and from the embarkation and final disembarkation locations.
Can I use my MGM Onboard Credit to pay gratuities?
No. MGM states that Onboard Credit and Onboard FreePlay cannot be used toward gratuities, taxes or port fees.
Does casino play on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity earn MGM Rewards?
It can. Eligible tracked casino play on qualifying MGM-related sailings can earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits and SLOT DOLLARS. Your MGM Rewards number must be associated with the booking, and you need to use your SeaPass card while playing.
Does MGM Onboard FreePlay earn Tier Credits?
No. MGM specifically excludes Onboard FreePlay from earning MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits and SLOT DOLLARS.
Do purchases elsewhere on the cruise ship earn MGM Rewards?
No. Non-gaming onboard spending does not earn MGM Rewards Points, Tier Credits or SLOT DOLLARS through this partnership.
Final Thoughts
The MGM Rewards partnership with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity is much more substantial than a simple cruise discount.
There are benefits available even at the lower MGM tiers, while qualifying Gold, Platinum and NOIR members can potentially receive an annual complimentary cruise for two.
And eligible casino play at sea can contribute to MGM Rewards as well.
But the details matter.
Matched MGM status isn't necessarily earned MGM status.
A complimentary cabin doesn't mean the entire vacation is free.
Not every sailing qualifies.
And spending or gambling more than you normally would just to earn a cruise defeats the purpose of the reward.
If you're already an MGM Rewards member and you already enjoy Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, however, this is absolutely a partnership worth checking before you book your next sailing.
You may already have cruise benefits available that you didn't realize you had.
And if you've legitimately earned them?
Use them. That's exactly what rewards are for.
Plan the Rest of Your Cruise
👉 Compare hotel prices, availability, and traveler reviews on Expedia to find the perfect place to stay before your cruise.
👉 Browse top-rated tours and experiences on Viator and make the most of your time before you set sail.
👉 Browse my favorite cruise essentials
Related Articles
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