One fun way to see the world and visit unique locations is on a cruise ship. Whether you take a cruise to the Caribbean or Alaska, Europe or Hawaii, this method of travel allows you to sit back and relax with the countless amenities onboard and explore off the ship during shore excursions.
Many cruise lines offer military discounts so before you book your trip, call or check out their website to find out about their deals. Contact the cruise line directly to confirm what they accept as proof of military service; it may range from online verification to providing a copy of your DD 214.
Here are eight popular cruise lines that offer military discounts.
1. Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea, a cruise line sailing out of the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, to Grand Bahama Island, offers a "Heroes Sail Free" program. Active-duty service members and veterans who are verified members through the GovX ID or ShopVCS platform can get free fare on an inside or ocean view stateroom on a three-day, two-night cruise. This offer is valid only for new online bookings through Dec. 29, 2023, and blackout dates may apply based on availability.
2. Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line has 24 ships that depart from every coast in the United States, sailing to fun destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe and more. They offer reduced rates to active-duty and retired service members with proof of service.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line
Through Norwegian Cruise Line, you can sail to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska or Hawaii, among other destinations. Active-duty military, reserve and National Guard members, veterans and their spouses receive an exclusive 10% discount after online verification.
4. Disney Cruise Line
Similar to Disney World and Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line offers military discounts. All active-duty and retired military personnel, National Guard and Reservists and their spouses qualify for special rates on select Disney cruises. This offer is valid only for new bookings and is limited to one stateroom per service member, per sailing.
5. Celebrity Cruises
Active-duty service members and veterans can get special savings when booking with Celebrity Cruises, which sails to more than 300 destinations in 79 countries. Prices vary based on the type of stateroom, and a valid military ID is required at the pier.
6. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offer a wide variety of destinations, including Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, the Panama Canal, South America and Antarctica, and many more. Active-duty military and veterans can get up to $250 free onboard spending money (after online verification) that's eligible on any cruise, any time of the year. This money can be used for things like spa treatments, restaurant dining, gifts and shore excursions.
7. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean, a cruise line that offers itineraries to more than 270 destinations in more than 60 countries, gives special pricing to active-duty service members and their spouses, the National Guard and reserves, retirees and veterans with an honorable discharge who served a minimum of two years or six months in an active war zone. Be prepared to present a valid military ID when checking in for the cruise.
8. MSC Cruises
Through MSC Cruises, you can visit destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, South America, southern Africa, Asia and more. They offer up to a 10% discount to active and retired military personnel, plus family members, including spouses, parents, in-laws and dependent children. The discount can be applied to multiple staterooms.
