How to Stack Cruise Deals: Casino Offers + Credit Card Offers + Port Promotions
Stacking cruise deals is the secret to paying far less than the advertised fare—and sometimes scoring nearly‑free sailings. By combining cruise line promotions, casino offers, credit card perks, loyalty discounts, and onboard credit opportunities, you can shave hundreds (or even thousands) off your next vacation. This guide breaks down exactly how to stack deals step‑by‑step, with real examples and links to the best tools, cards, and booking partners.
Cruising can be incredibly affordable — if you know how to stack the right offers. Most people book a cruise at face value and call it a day. But you? You’re about to learn how to combine casino offers, credit card perks, and port‑specific promotions to slash the cost of your next sailing.
This is the exact strategy I use to turn a $2,000 cruise into a $400 cruise… or sometimes even free.
Let’s break it down step‑by‑step.
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
Step 1 — Start With the Cruise Line’s Best Public Offer
Every stack begins with the baseline promotion.
Examples include:
30–70% off second guest
Free drinks + Wi‑Fi
Reduced deposits
Bonus onboard credit
Pro Tip: Check these deals often
💳 Step 2: Add a Credit Card Offer (Easy, Free Money)
Once you have your casino offer, check your credit card portals for:
Amex Offers
Chase Offers
Bank of America BankAmeriDeals
Capital One Offers
Citi Merchant Offers
These often include:
$100 back on a $500 cruise purchase
10% back on Princess or Carnival
$50 back on travel purchases
Extra points on cruise lines
Why this works
You’re already paying port fees, taxes, and gratuities — so you can trigger these offers even if your cruise fare is free.
Step 3 — Add Casino Offers (The Most Underrated Stack)
Casino rates can slash cruise fares dramatically—even if you’re not a big gambler.
What casino offers may include:
Free or nearly‑free cruises
Reduced deposits
Bonus onboard credit
Free drinks in the casino
Learn how I booked a $325 Alaska cruise using casino offers → Alaksa Cruise for $325 thanks to casino cruise deal
Step 4 — Stack Loyalty Program Discounts
Most cruise lines offer loyalty perks that stack with public promotions.
Examples:
Past guest discounts
Free cabin upgrades
Priority boarding
Onboard credit
Tip: Even one prior sailing can unlock perks.
Step 5 — Add Third‑Party Perks (Huge Overlooked Savings)
Travel agencies and booking partners often add:
Extra onboard credit
Free gratuities
Specialty dining
Wi‑Fi packages
Check This Week’s Best Cruise Deals → Cruise Deals
Why this matters
Your pre‑cruise hotel and transportation can cost more than your cruise if you’re not careful. Port promotions help you cut those costs dramatically.
🧩 Step 4: Layer Points & Miles on Top
Use points for:
Flights to the port
Pre‑cruise hotels
Rental cars
Airport lounges
Excursions
Best programs for cruisers
Chase Ultimate Rewards® (Hyatt + United + JetBlue + Southwest)
Amex Membership Rewards® (Delta + Air Canada)
Capital One Miles® (erase travel purchases)
Example
Casino offer: free cruise
Points: free Hyatt hotel night
Airline miles: free flight to Miami
Your total cost? Taxes + tips + maybe a drink package.
🧠 Real‑Life Example of a Fully Stacked Deal
Here’s a real example of how I stacked offers for a Princess cruise:
Crusie Deal: Found a sale on a Holland America Cruise - $880 for the cruise
Credit card offer: $300 back on $750 Holland America purchase
Flight: 10,549 Southwest Rapid Rewards
Onboard credit: $100, my agent scored this for me
Total out‑of‑pocket: $290 a person
🛟 Step 5: Don’t Forget These Extra Stackable Perks
1. Military, teacher, or first responder discounts
Some lines allow you to stack these with casino offers.
2. Referral bonuses
Virgin Voyages and MSC often run referral credits.
3. Travel insurance from your credit card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Reserve® may offer excellent coverage.
4. Gift card stacking
Buy discounted cruise line gift cards through:
Raise
Costco
Amex Offers
Bank offers
Then use them to pay your taxes/fees.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Stacking Is the Secret to Cruising for Less
Most people book a cruise at face value. But when you stack:
Casino Offer + Credit Card Offer + Port Promotion + Points
…you unlock a level of savings that feels almost unfair.
This is how you cruise more often, for less money, without sacrificing the experience. It’s the perfect excuse to cruise more!
