Owning cruise line stock can possibly bring financial gains and offer little-known perks, like onboard credit.
We will explore the shareholder benefits of owning stock in Carnival Corporation (CCL), Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH).
There are plenty of reasons to invest in a company’s stock, but cruise lines offer a unique perk: while owning shares in McDonald’s won’t get you a free burger, holding enough shares in your favorite cruise line could earn you hundreds of dollars in onboard credit per sailing (varies by length).
Opportunities as Cruise Stocks Rebound
As some cruise line stocks still recover, I remember Warren Buffett’s famous words: “Bad news is an investor’s best friend.”
When markets face downturns, savvy investors often find opportunities to purchase shares at reduced prices, positioning themselves for future gains.
| Those who bought Royal Caribbean Group at $23 a share or Carnival Cruise Line & plc at $7.80 a share know precisely what I’m talking about. For reference, Royal Caribbean hit $200 per share in October 2024. |
With rising travel demand and increased bookings, cruise stocks, which had hit historic lows, are beginning to recover, and some are already making record profits.
Many investors now see potential for significant growth as the industry stabilizes and consumer confidence in cruising returns.
How to claim your shareholder benefit
Keep in mind you must hold at least 100 shares of stock for the cruise line you are trying to claim. Proof of your last investment statement (with sensitive data blocked out), booking number, legal name, and email are required to pick up your shareholder benefit.
Below we outline each cruise line’s process and the amount you will get.
Carnival Corporation Shareholder Benefits (CCL)
Carnival Corporation, which operates brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, P&O Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Seabourn, provides onboard credit to shareholders who own at least 100 shares.
The credit depends on the length of the cruise:
| Cruise Length | Onboard Credit |
|---|---|
| World Cruise | $1000 |
| 14 Days or More | $250 |
| 7-13 Days | $100 |
| 6 Days or Less | $50 |
Important Notes:
- Employees, travel agents cruising at reduced rates, and anyone sailing on a complimentary basis cannot use the credit.
- The onboard credit is not transferable or can be used for casino credits or gratuities.
- Shareholders must submit proof of ownership, such as a brokerage statement or shareholder proxy card, at least three weeks before the sailing date.
How to Claim: Shareholders can submit their documentation through the Stockperks app, email, or mail. However, we hear that more and more people are getting rejected when sending it by email and are being directed to the Stockperks app.
Royal Caribbean Group Shareholder Benefits (RCL)
For those holding at least 100 shares in Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, onboard credit is provided based on the cruise length:
| Cruise Length | Onboard Credit |
|---|---|
| 14 Days or More | $250 |
| 6-13 Days | $100 |
| 5 Days or Less | $50 |
Important Notes:
- The credit is applied per stateroom, not per person.
- It cannot be combined with charter sailings or Galapagos sailings.
- The onboard credit is not transferable or can be used for casino credits or gratuities.
- Proof of ownership must be submitted three weeks before the sailing date to receive the credit.
How to Claim: Submit your shareholder benefit request via email, fax, or mail to Royal Caribbean’s investor relations website.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Shareholder Benefits (NCLH)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, also offers onboard credit to shareholders with 100 or more shares.
| Cruise Length | Onboard Credit |
|---|---|
| 15 Days or More | $250 |
| 7-14 Days | $100 |
| 6 Days or Less | $50 |
Important Notes:
- The credit is per stateroom and cannot be used on charter sailings or combined with discounted rates like those for travel agents.
- Submit proof of ownership at least 15 days before your time of sailing to qualify for the credit.
How to Claim: Complete the shareholder benefit request form on Norwegian’s investor relations website and send it via mail or email to the appropriate cruise line.
Inside stock tip for double value: After our recent cruise on Carnival Spirit, my family discovered a helpful tip thanks to my travel agent: if you’re booking multiple cabins and have two people who each hold 100 or more shares of stock, assign each shareholder to a different cabin. Once on board, you can swap cabins if needed, allowing both shareholders to maximize their benefits.
Depending on how often you cruise, the investment could pay for itself if redeemed enough times.
How do I buy cruise stock?
To buy cruise line stock, you’ll need a brokerage account through an investment platform like E*TRADE, Fidelity, or TD Ameritrade .
Can shareholders combine onboard credit with other promotions?
Generally, shareholder onboard credit cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional credits, especially for special rates like travel agent discounts, charter sailings, or complimentary cruises.
