MGM makes player-friendly change to its loyalty program with better cruise benefits

In:
25 Mar 2025
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts' loyalty program, is launching enhanced benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. 

MGM-2025-Cruise-Enhancements-Hero

MGM and Royal Caribbean have had a longstanding loyalty match. If you're an Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society, you're eligible to be matched to MGM Rewards' Gold Tier. 

In addition to Sapphire and Pearl Tier benefits, Gold members receive access to an expedited reservations line, tier appreciation events, VIP line access to select nightclubs in Las Vegas, a waived resort fee when booking direct, complimentary valet parking at participating locations, and an enhanced room upon check-in. 

The 2025 upgrades take it one step further for MGM Rewards members looking to hit the high seas with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. 

Read more: Loyalty Perks Beyond the Cruise: Using Crown & Anchor Society Rewards on Land

Onboard FreePlay

MGM-2025-Cruise-Enhancements

Now, all MGM Rewards members will receive a new Onboard FreePlay benefit when sailing on any MGM Rewards loyalty offer, certificate offer, or group cruise. 

The amount received is based on the member's MGM tier status. For example, entry-level Sapphire members will receive $25, while top-tier NOIR members will receive $200 in Onboard Freeplay:

  • Sapphire ($25)
  • Pearl ($50)
  • Gold ($75)
  • Platinum ($100)
  • NOIR ($200)

Read more: Royal Caribbean is adding a new casino to one of its ships in an unusual spot that non-smokers will love

Wonder-Casino-Slot-Cashout-Voucher

This benefit isn't replacing the existing onboard credit offer for Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members. Instead, it’s an additional perk that will enhance the overall cruise experience and, arguably, encourage more time spent in the ship's casino. 

The onboard credit perk is based on the member's MGM Rewards tier status and can be spent on add-ons like specialty dining, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi:

  • Gold ($125)
  • Platinum ($200)
  • NOIR ($300)
Casino entrance

Note that these benefits aren't available to Crown & Anchor Society cruisers who matched into MGM Rewards, as the perks are available only to persons who earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with each level, or who were invited to the NOIR Tier Level during the Tier Status Earning Year based on spending. 

Read more: I gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean ships to earn free cruises. Here are my 10 hacks to maximize the cruise casino perks

Annual Cruise Benefit

Casino Bar on Vision of the Seas

What's a good way to encourage cruisers to visit the casino? By gifting them a free cruise, of course! As part of MGM Rewards' 2025 enhancements, more members have the chance to earn a free cruise.

Not only that, but qualifying members can enjoy upgraded staterooms, access to better itineraries, and more onboard benefits. Gold Tier members are also eligible for the benefit for the first time, and based on the tier, members can receive a set trade-in value:

  • Gold: Oceanview cabin on an eligible voyage of up to five nights (or up to $750 toward a cruise of their choice)
  • Platinum: Balcony cabin on an eligible voyage of up to seven nights (or up to $1,500 toward a cruise of their choice)
  • NOIR: Junior Suite on an eligible voyage of up to ten nights (or up to $3,000 toward a cruise of their choice)

MGM Rewards members who have already redeemed their annual cruise can enjoy the upgraded perks by calling Royal Caribbean at 800-762-0702 or Celebrity at 855-227-2537. Have your booking number handy!

In addition to the annual cruise benefit, MGM Rewards launched exclusive stateroom savings on additional cruises:

  • Pearl (5%)
  • Gold (10%)
  • Platinum (10%)
  • NOIR (10%)

Read more: Royal Caribbean rolls the dice on a new casino to address a problem cruise passengers hated for years

New land perks

Marriott

Not ready to commit to an ocean voyage or planning your pre-cruise stay? Through MGM's enhancements, loyalty members can match their status to Marriott Bonvoy:

  • Pearl: Marriott Silver Elite status
  • Gold: Marriott Gold Elite status
  • Platinum: Marriott Gold Elite status (existing benefit)
  • NOIR: Marriott Ambassador Elite status (existing benefit)

MGM is also selling e-gift cards at a discount, allowing guests the chance to save on their upcoming travels. All MGM members who purchase e-gift cards valued at $300 or more by March 28 will receive 5% off. 


Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. 

Get our newsletter

Stay up-to-date with cruise news & advice

    We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy