New Cruise Benefits with MGM Rewards Tier Credits, Comps, and More

MGM Rewards just upped the ante with additional cruise benefits. Gamblers booking Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise ships with MGM Rewards can now earn MGM tier credits, MGM Rewards Points (comps), and Slot Dollars or freeplay in addition to cruise company loyalty program benefits.

In March of 2025, MGM Rewards added a yearly comp cruise for MGM Gold members and enhanced the MGM Platinum cruise benefit. Now, in June 2025, MGM added even more reasons for MGM Rewards status holders to cruise through MGM bookings.

I recommended gambling with an advantage on MGM-booked Celebrity cruises thanks to credit card rewards earned on room charges for casino play, and now I can recommend this method even more. Now, earning MGM tier, freeplay, and comps adds even more value—especially when stacking these benefits with already-comped Gold and Platinum cruises.

MGM’s infographic shows new onboard freeplay: $25 for Sapphire status, $50 for Pearl, $75 for Gold, and $100 for Platinum. Gold and Platinum status now also give a welcome amenity (not explained). A small infusion of freeplay atop the earned tier and comps through play is a nice benefit.

As always, I advocate for disciplined credit card use and intelligent, responsible gambling with an advantage. I wouldn’t suggest gambling more just to chase tier, especially when most can easily earn MGM Gold status with MGM credit card spend. Platinum is also achievable with a bit more effort and creative spending on FNBO MGM Credit cards.

MGM’s release doesn’t detail how much tier (or comps) is earned through cruise play, and I imagine this change will take time to properly function—especially for table games. MGM Rewards also indicates that not all cruise ships are eligible for MGM bonuses. Personally, I will wait longer before booking my MGM cruise offers to take advantage of the new benefits.

While some questions remain unanswered, this is promising news that should facilitate the integration of land-based, online, and cruise ship gambling. I already gambled with an advantage on cruise ships, and going forward, there will be even more opportunities for advantage play thanks to MGM’s loyalty program and credit card rewards (gambling with room charges to credit).

The various MGM Rewards cruise updates should also enhance the value proposition of MGM credit cards, as status earned through spending will yield even more rewards. Personally, this gives me additional reasons to apply for the MGM Iconic credit card (read my thoughts here), adding to the value I gain from the no annual fee MGM Rewards Mastercard.

MGM Rewards continues to add value to loyal members both on land and at sea. I look forward to more cruises and more enhancements. I’ll be watching for datapoints as this rolls out—and I encourage readers to share their experiences as these enhancements go live.