Cruises are one of the best ways to get away from the daily rigors of life.
If you have never been on a cruise before, or if it has been years, why not treat you and/or your family to a special vacation?
Cruise ships are considered luxury voyages that include amenities like all-inclusive buffets and dining options, live entertainment, onboard swimming pools and spas, casinos, movie theaters, shopping, and private rooms.
They are basically a floating city on the sea.
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If you are considering booking a cruise, we recommend that you check with the major cruise lines to find out what, if any, type of military discount they offer for active duty personnel as well as veterans.
Jump To A Cruise Line
11. Carnival
Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world based on number of passengers the company serves each year.
It also has the largest collection of cruise ships in the world.
Carnival Cruise line is headquartered in Doral, Florida. The cruise line was established in 1972.
The Mardi Gras the original ship until the company introduced the Carnivale in 1975. Today, Carnival has 26 vessels.
What discount do they offer?
Carnival is proud to salute the troops.
The Carnival military discount requires a deposit starting at just $49 per person.
The rates vary based on the calendar.
Carnival factors in the best military fares, dates requested, type of stateroom, and departure port or destination in order to determine how good of a discount you can get through Carnival.
The Carnival military discount is available until April 2021.
It also includes free room upgrades and up to $50 on-board credit.
Additionally, you can bring family and friends with two additional cabins priced under the same military special offer.
How to redeem your discount:
You’ll want to visit the booking date calendar at Carnival.com to get started.
Once you select a date you will be presented with available rates as well as times and locations of deporting.
The military discount is available to active duty and retired U.S. Military as well as Canadian National Defense members.
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10. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises was created in 1988 by a Greece organization.
It eventually merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and has operated under the subsidiary since that time period.
Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
It has been named the “Best Premium Cruise Line” and “Best Europe Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly.
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What discount do they offer?
Celebrity Cruises has a very good military discount.
It offers discounts on rooms for the first and second guests.
It depends on the stateroom you book to find out how much you will save:
- $25 off an Inside or Ocean View stateroom.
- $50 off a Veranda stateroom.
- $100 off Concierge Class, AquaClass, or Suite Class stateroom.
The Celebrity Cruises military discount is available for a four-night or longer stay. The offer is good until May 3, 2021.
How to redeem your discount:
The Celebrity military discount is available to all members of the U.S. military.
The special promo applies to active duty, retired, and veterans as well as one other guest.
A valid military ID is required to prove eligibility.
In order to get started, you can view a list of available sailings.
Once you find a date, place of departure, and type of cruise line (round-trip, or line voyage), you can proceed to get the amount of savings related to the type of stateroom.
More info: https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-deals/military-cruise-deal
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9. Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises is an Italian-based cruise line with origins that impressively date back to the 19th century.
The company has since been bought out by Carnival yet continues to remain a major cruise line.
Costa has multiple options to pick from its fleet.
What discount do they offer?
Costa Cruises does not have an exclusive rate or discount to military personnel.
However, they do introduce low interline rates from time to time, some of which are only reserved for military customers.
Yet the offer is seasonal so you need to check back frequently to find out about their latest deals.
The interline rate is traditionally only offered to employees of airlines and is therefore very good.
It can save you big time bucks on your next cruise.
The biggest hassle is you need to check-in frequently with Costa to see what is new.
NOTE: It has also been reported that Costa Cruises will reduce the mandatory deposit to $100 per cabin if you mention to the sales rep that you are military.
How to redeem your discount:
We recommend checking the Costa Cruises – Special Deals web page frequently for exclusive offers.
You may also be able to receive a special deal through a third-party travel website.
More info: N/A
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8. Cunard
Cunard Line is a British and American venture that is based out of Southampton, England.
It’s operated under Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation, which owns a substantial amount of major cruise lines.
Cunard features three hips in Bermuda and also provides transatlantic journeys either round-trip or one-line.
The Queen Victoria (QV) and Queen Elizabeth (QE) are popular luxury cruises.
What discount do they offer?
Cunard Cruise Line provides an onboard credit for military personnel:
- $50 for 6 days or less
- $100 for 7-13 day cruise
- $250 for 14 or more days
The onboard credit is available to active duty military as well as disabled veterans and retirees. Cunard supports all branches of the U.S. military.
Retired personnel is defined by Cunard as having served a minimum of 20 years of service, medically retired, or 100% disabled.
Veterans that were honorably discharged and served a minimum of two years, or six months in active war are also eligible.
Proof of Eligibility Required
Proper identification for the United States military is a DD214 Form, WD AGO (War Department Adjutant General Form), or NAVPERS (Naval Personnel Discharge Form).
For Canadians, the NDI75 Record of Service Identification Card or CF75 certificate of discharge are used.
How to redeem the discount?
For any questions regarding the offer, Cunard requests that you dial 800-728-6273.
Inform the live agent that you are seeking to earn the onboard military credit for your next vacation.
The special military offer is valid for the first and second person in the stateroom. You can combine the onboard credit military offer with other promo deals in order to maximize savings!
However, you cannot use the onboard credit at the casino or for gratuities.
When speaking to a live agent you can also use the promo code: ZMB to get the Cunard military discount.
More info: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/military
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7. Disney Cruises
Disney Cruise Line is a recognizable name given its linked with Disneyland and the multimedia family entertainment corporation.
The company first introduced cruises in 1996 under the name Magical Cruise Company.
It currently operates four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.
Disney has also announced it will introduce more ships beginning in 2021, starting with Disney Wish.
What discount do they offer?
Disney likes to honor the brave men and women that serve the country by offering special military rates on select Disney cruises.
It is possible to save on select 2020 sail dates including 4-night and 7-night Halloween cruises, 5-night Baja Cruises from San Diego, and 14-night Very Merry-time Eastbound Panama Canal Cruises (also depart from San Diego).
Furthermore, you could earn a special military rate on various Bahamian Cruises and Caribbean Cruises. There is also a special offer for Pacific Coast trips.
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The biggest issue with the Disney cruise line military discount is you can only select from certain dates for certain types of cruises.
However, if your schedule is fairly flexible, you can accommodate as Disney is currently booking trips through December.
How to redeem your discount:
Get started by visiting the Special Offers web page. Disney lists a series of cruises and dates available for the special military rate.
Once you find one that will work with your schedule, you can proceed by clicking on “Book Now”.
Active duty and retired military must present valid proof of military service at the time of check-in.
The same rules apply for spouses of the U.S. military.
The special military rates are limited to one stateroom per military member.
The Disney cruises military discount is available to all retired and active duty U.S. Military as well as spouses.
More info: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-rates/
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6. Windstar
Windstar Cruises has a fleet of small luxury cruise ships.
There are six different types of yachts advertised through Windstar that are capable of carrying anywhere from 150 to 310 guests.
Windstar operates in 50 nations with 150 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Central America.
The most recent additions to the fleet are the Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend power yachts.
Windstar has been named the “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line” by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards.
What discount do they offer?
Windstar provides an undisclosed military discount for active duty personnel in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard, Navy, Marines, and Reserves.
The offer is also good for Canadian military personnel.
Additionally, veterans with an honorable discharge serving a minimum of two years are eligible along with retirees with a minimum of 20 years of service, or medically retired, or 100% disabled.
Windstar requests that active duty, veterans, retirees, and reservists present a photocopy of a valid military ID and driver’s license (or passport) at the time of booking to receive a military discount from Windstar Cruises.
How to redeem the discount?
The best way to make sure you are getting a military discount through Windstar is to contact them directly since the amount of savings is undisclosed. You can speak to a live agent at 800-474-5678.
Please note the Windstar Small Cruise Line is based on availability and is sometimes limited to select sailings.
The offer is not compatible with other special deals on Windstar yachts.
More info: https://www.cruisemagic.com/more-travel-services/military-discount-cruises/
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5. Holland America
Holland America Cruise Line is owned by Carnival Corporation and operates both as a British and American company.
Its main headquarters are in Seattle, Washington. Holland America originates from the Netherlands.
What discount do they offer?
There is no year-round military discount featured through Holland America.
However, Holland America does offer special deals exclusive to the U.S. Armed Forces from time to time.
We recommend contacting Holland America directly at 1-855-932-1711. You never know what they may offer you personally until you ask.
You can also speak to a travel agent, who may have some insider knowledge on how to get savings off your next vacation, including the cruise.
How to redeem your discount:
Check back with HollandAmerica.com from time to time to view their latest promotional offers.
The Holland American military discount is seasonal, so once and awhile a new deal will prop up on the website.
More info: N/A
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4. MSC Cruises
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MSC Cruises is a global line that is based in Geneva.
The company originates from Naples and has since become the largest privately held cruise line in the world.
MSC Cruises is the fourth largest cruise company in the world, only behind Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Its current fleet includes: Lirica class, Musica class, Fantasia class, Meraviglia class, and Seaside Class.
What discount do they offer?
MSC Cruises has a very dependable military discount offered year-round.
The cruise line provides 10% off your next trip. Balcony, Suite, and MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites are available for 10% off.
Meanwhile, Interior staterooms and Ocean View rooms are available with 5% off.
Additionally, military personnel can book multiple rooms under the same discount.
MSC Cruises will also provide full credit in the event of redeployment.
Kids (11 and under) sail free on select sailing dates.
The offer is open to active duty and retired U.S. and Canadian service members.
The special offer is also good for spouses, parents, in-laws, and dependent children of military personnel.
How to redeem your discount:
The cruise line requests that you call 1-877-665-4655 to receive the MSC Cruises military discount.
When you book your trip ask about the Military and Civil Service Discount to receive 5% or 10% off your next vacation.
More info: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Cruise-Deals/Military-Discount-Rates.aspx
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3. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is often shortened to Norwegian.
The company dates back to the 1960s, and unlike most cruise lines is originally from the United States, despite the name of the company.
Norwegian is the third-largest cruise line in the world based on number of passengers.
Consequently, it offers more than 10 different types of ships and various places of travel.
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What discount do they offer?
Despite Norwegian being one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, and also originally from the United States, it does not feature a year-round military discount.
However, we were able to find a side promo offer featured through iCruises.
The current promotion provides members of the military and their families with 10% off the next cruise.
However, we are not sure how long the offer will remain so it’s wise to take advantage of it as soon as possible!
Norwegian Cruise Line is also a partner with Veterans Advantage.
If you are a member of VA you can find exclusive deals through its website.
How to redeem your discount:
Though Norwegian does not have a military discount offered directly through the cruise line, you can find special deals on other websites.
Norwegian also introduces seasonal, special offers from time to time geared primarily for service members.
We also recommend checking out third-party travel sites for exclusive deals.
More info: N/A
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2. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation.
The headquarters are based out of Santa Clarity, California.
Princess Cruises is classified as the second largest cruise line in the world based on total revenue.
The cruise line currently offers close to 20 different ships.
The cruise line operates across the globe and is marketed for both American and international passengers.
Princess Cruises plans to introduce new LNG powered vessels in the near future!
What discount do they offer?
Princess Cruises provides up to $250 free onboard spending to active duty military, retirees, veterans, and disabled military personnel.
The special offer is available on any cruise, any time of the year unlike a lot of other cruise line military discounts.
The $250 free onboard spending can get applied to a number of different amenities, including Lotus Spa treatments, dining, specialty gifts, and clothing.
The amount of onboard free spending credit you will receive depends on the length of stay:
- $50 = 6 days or less
- $100 = 7-13 days on a cruise
- $250 = 14 days or longer
The Princess Cruises military discount can also get combined with other special offers from the cruise line.
However, you cannot use it on casino credit or charges.
How to redeem your discount:
In order to receive the free onboard spending credit, you need to download and complete the Military Benefit Application Form.
You must submit the completed form and proof of military status in plenty of time.
Princess Cruises will not accept any application that is received less than 14 days from the date of departure.
For any questions call 1-800-774-6237.
The application can get submitted by emailing [email protected], or FAX: 661-753-1394.
If you are speaking to an agent over the phone you can also use the promo code: ZMB.
Once approved the onboard spending credit is automatically applied to your next cruise through Princess.
More info: https://www.princess.com/military_benefit_program/
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1. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is a legendary cruise line that dates back to the late-60s.
It was originally a Norwegian company yet is now based out of Miami, Florida.
Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise line based on total revenue, and the second largest in the world based on the number of passengers served each year.
Royal Caribbean has a gigantic fleet of cruise ships.
The current line includes more than 25 ships, including the four largest cruise ships in the world.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean plans to introduce six new to the lineup in the distant future.
What discount do they offer?
Royal Caribbean has various discounts that it endorses throughout the year. ‘
Though Royal Caribbean does not advertise a year-round discount exclusive to the military there are seasonal opportunities to receive special deals on cabin types as well as onboard credit.
The seasonal offers are generally offered during military-friendly holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.
Military Appreciation Month in May is another good time to check back with Royal Caribbean.
CruiseCheap.com currently has information on a limited time deal you can use for Royal Caribbean that will apparently get you 50% off published fares.
We recommend checking with Royal Caribbean to make sure they will honor this discount before booking a new cruise.
You can reach them at 866-562-7625.
How to redeem your discount:
We recommend checking in at RoyalCaribbean.com to browse their latest special offers.
Military discount or not you may be able to find a good promo offer through Royal Caribbean, or a third-party travel website.
Royal Caribbean military discounts are usually available to active duty and retired military personnel.
You can also ask if your spouse and/or dependents on eligible for a special military rate.
More info: N/A
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Conclusion
The vast majority of the major cruise lines offer some type of military discount.
It can help you save a substantial amount of money on your next vacation whether booking a round-trip ocean liner or seeking a line voyage where the ship transports you from one location to another (with another means to get home).
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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