Want to get free things on your next cruise? The trick is knowing where to look and who to ask.
From free champagne to free onboard credit and even complimentary laundry, there are plenty of ways to get free stuff during your cruise vacation.
Below, I’m sharing some of the best ways to get free things on your next cruise.
Free Champagne at the Art Auction
One of the easiest freebies on a cruise is free champagne at the art auction. Cruise ships often host art auctions onboard, and one of the ways they encourage people to attend is by offering complimentary champagne.
You can relax, enjoy a glass of bubbly, and leave whenever you want. There is no obligation to buy.
Sometimes, cruise lines will even hand out free prints just for attending the event. Do know that some cruise lines, such as MSC cruises, don’t have art auctions.
Free Onboard Credit from Future Cruises
Another freebie to take advantage of is onboard credit. If you cruise regularly, this can save you a surprising amount of money. One of the easiest ways to get free onboard credit is by booking your next cruise while you’re still onboard your current sailing.
Most cruise lines have a future cruise desk, and they’ll often reward passengers with bonus onboard credit for booking ahead.
That onboard credit can usually be used toward drinks, excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, shopping, or other onboard expenses during your future cruise.
Free Onboard Credit as a Shareholder
Another easy way to get free onboard credit that many cruisers don’t know about is by being a cruise line shareholder. If you own stock in the cruise line, you may qualify for free onboard credit just for being a shareholder.
Several major cruise such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise line offer shareholder benefits to guests who own at least one hundred shares.
Depending on the cruise line and sailing length, the free onboard credit can range anywhere from around fifty dollars to two hundred and fifty dollars per stateroom. If you cruise often, it’s definitely worth looking into.
Free Spa Massages and Giveaways
Believe it or not, there are actually ways to get free massages on a cruise. Many cruise ship spas will set up free chair massages to encourage people to book spa treatments.
Another way to get free spa treatments and cruise products is by entering the spa raffle. The spa will often hold giveaways, especially during the first day of the cruise when they’re promoting services.
The important thing to remember is that you usually need to be present when they announce the winners. A lot of people enter and then forget to come back during the drawing, which means your chances of winning may actually be higher than you think.
Free Liquor Tastings on the Ship
If you enjoy trying different spirits, there are often free tastings available onboard. Cruise gift shops will sometimes host bourbon, whiskey, tequila, or rum tastings where passengers can sample at no cost.
Sometimes these events are advertised in the cruise planner, while other times you’ll stumble across them while walking through the shopping area.
It’s always worth checking your daily cruise schedule to see if any tastings are being offered.
And if you’re browsing the gift shop and see featured liquor displays, it never hurts to politely ask whether samples are available. You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Free Gifts at Cruise Game Shows
One of the most fun ways to get free stuff on a cruise is simply by participating in game shows. Cruise directors are always looking for volunteers, and if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, there are often prizes involved.
Sometimes it’s champagne, cruise merchandise, souvenirs, or small gifts as a reward for participating.
Popular activities like the Newlywed Show, belly flop competitions, karaoke contests, trivia games, or talent shows often include giveaways for participants.
You definitely don’t need to be the funniest, most talented, or most outgoing person onboard. Sometimes just volunteering is enough to walk away with a free prize.
Free Raffle Prizes and Gifts at Port Talks
Now, I know a lot of people skip port shopping talks because they assume they’re boring, but if your goal is getting freebies, you may want to reconsider.
Cruise ships often host destination shopping talks before arriving in port, and they’ll frequently raffle off free items just for attending. Things like hats, tote bags, T-shirts, jewelry, and cruise merchandise are pretty common giveaways.
But the real hidden perk is the coupons they hand out. Many shopping talks include vouchers for free charms, pendants and bracelets that you can claim in port stores.
The best part is that you usually don’t have to buy anything. You simply walk into the participating store, present the coupon, and collect your free item.
Since many of these stores are part of larger jewelry chains with locations in different cruise ports, some cruisers actually turn it into a fun tradition and collect a different charm at every port stop.
Free Jewelry Raffles
Cruise ship gift shops frequently hold raffles throughout the sailing. You’ll often see opportunities to enter drawings for free necklaces, pendants, earrings, watches, and sometimes even bottles of champagne. The secret here is simple: actually be there when the winner is announced.
Many passengers sign up for raffles and forget to return for the drawing. If you’re present, your odds may be much better than you think.
Loyalty Parties and Free Drinks
If you’ve cruised with a cruise line before, you may be invited to exclusive loyalty events. And if you get the invitation, definitely go.
Many cruise lines host complimentary cocktail receptions for returning guests, and these often include free drinks, appetizers and opportunities to meet ship officers or even the captain.
Some cruise lines also use these gatherings to preview upcoming ships, new itineraries, or future cruise announcements. And yes, many loyalty parties include giveaways too, so you have a chance to win free champagne and special souvenirs.
Free Casino Lessons and Drinks
Even if you’re not a gambler, the cruise casino may have some free perks worth checking out. Many cruise ships offer complimentary casino lessons where you can learn games like roulette, blackjack, poker, or craps from dealers who are happy to explain the basics. It’s a great low-pressure way to learn something new.
On some cruise lines, guests who are actively gambling can also receive complimentary drinks. Policies vary depending on the cruise line and sometimes even the ship, so it’s always worth checking the rules.
But if you already enjoy casino games, this can definitely help save money on beverages.
Free Laundry
Here’s a practical freebie that many cruisers forget about: laundry. Some cruise lines such as Cunard and Princess cruises have self-service laundromats that are free or extremely inexpensive.
Higher-tier loyalty members may also receive complimentary wash-and-fold laundry services as part of their benefits.
Free Toiletries
If you forgot something important at home, don’t panic just yet. Items like toothbrushes, razors, toothpaste, combs, or other basic toiletries may sometimes be available at no cost.
Before paying gift shop prices, check with your cabin steward first. They often know exactly what’s available and may be able to help.
Surprise Gifts from Travel Agents
Sometimes the freebies start before your cruise even begins. If you regularly book with the same travel advisor, you may occasionally receive surprise gifts delivered directly to your cabin.
This could be a bottle of wine, champagne, chocolates, or other treats waiting for you when you arrive.
This is especially common if you mention you’re celebrating something special like a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or milestone vacation. It never hurts to let your travel agent know because you never know what little surprise might be waiting for you onboard.
Don’t Forget Your Loyalty Perks
One of the best ways to get cruise freebies is through loyalty benefits. If you’re a returning cruiser, don’t assume you already know everything included with your status. Cruise lines regularly update their programs, and you may qualify for perks you didn’t even realize existed.
Depending on your loyalty level, you could receive complimentary drinks, free specialty dining, free laundry service, internet perks, spa discounts, exclusive events, free gifts, priority boarding, free access to the spa thermal suite, loyalty pins, or onboard credits.
If you’re not sure what you qualify for, stop by the loyalty desk and ask. You might be surprised by what you’ve been missing.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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