To show appreciation for military personnel, many popular cruise lines offer military cruise discounts to active and retired military. Discount rates vary depending on the cruise line, and some have blackout dates. Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, offer a military cruise discount on select cruises throughout the year. For that reason, the best way to ensure you are getting the best military cruise discount is to check with your travel agent first.
Here are details about some of the best military cruise discounts and who is eligible for one. Be sure to bring all required documentation with you to the port for embarkation.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises in 2021 offer military personnel up to 50% off standard fares for one stateroom on most of its sailings.
Who’s eligible:
Active and retired members of the United States military and Canadian National Defense, as well as U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Services personnel, and Cadets. Veterans who actively served in the military for at least two years or during a wartime period and have been honorably discharged are also eligible for military cruise discount rates.
Required documentation:
A copy of military LES (Leave and Earning Statement) for active members. Military retirement papers (form DD-214 or DD-256), or proof of honorable discharge (form DD-214) for retired personnel. Cadets can provide a letter from their Commander or a military pay stub.
Princess Cruises
Another great cruise discount for military members is Princess Cruises Military Cruise Benefit Program. Princess offers up to $250 free onboard spending money to military personnel and veterans on any of its cruises. The amount depends on the length of the voyage and starts at $50 for a cruise six days or less, $100 for seven to thirteen day voyages, and $250 for voyages fourteen days or longer. You have to apply at least two weeks prior to your departure date by submitting a completed Military Benefit Application Form found on the official Princess Cruises website.
Who’s eligible:
Active, retired and disabled military personnel and veterans of the U.S. Military and Canadian National Defense are eligible.
Required documentation:
A valid military ID or other proof of service, including a DD-214 form.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers savings up to $100 on any of its cruises. The savings is based on stateroom type, starting at $25 for inside or ocean view cabins, $50 for verandas, and $100 off of its Concierge Class, AquaClass or Suite Class suites.
Who’s eligible:
Veterans and active and retired personnel of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, National Reserves and Canadian National Defense.
Required documentation:
A valid U.S. or Canadian military ID.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a military cruise discount up to half off standard cruise prices depending on the sailing.
Who’s eligible:
Active and retired military personnel of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or National Reserves, and Canadian National Defense. Spouses of actively deployed military members and spouses of deceased military personnel are also eligible to book one stateroom at the discounted rate. Veterans who have been honorably discharged after serving at least two years or six months in a war zone are also eligible.
Required documentation:
A WHITE identification card or a WHITE ND 21 identification card for active members of the U.S. or Canadian military. A U.S. uniformed RED, BLUE or TAN identification card, or a Canadian green NDI-75 card for retired personnel. DD-214 form and a current photo for veterans. PINK or TAN dependent military ID for spouses of military personnel.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers up to 10% off on select sailings for military personnel and their family members. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line for eligible sailings.
Who’s eligible:
Veterans and Active Duty Military, National Guard, and National Reserves personnel.
Required documentation:
A WHITE identification card for active members or DD-214 form for veterans and honorably discharged personnel.
Holland America
Holland America Cruises occasionally offers a military discount on select sailings to active members of the U.S. military. Your travel agent will be able to provide you with the best information on military cruise discounts with Holland America.
Who’s eligible:
Veterans and Active Duty Military, National Guard, and National Reserves personnel.
Required documentation:
A WHITE identification card for active members or DD-214 form for veterans and honorably discharged personnel.
Most major cruise lines also offer discounts for police & firefighters on select sailings. You must present a copy of your official ID or badge & a drivers license at the time of booking. Please call for details.
