If you've earned top-tier status with one cruise line, you shouldn't have to start from scratch when you want to try another. The good news? Several cruise lines will match your elite status from competitors — if you know how to ask. I've successfully matched my Diamond status between three different cruise lines, and the process is more straightforward than you'd expect.
Not every cruise line participates in status matching, but the ones that do can save you thousands of dollars in missed perks. Here's what I've learned from personal experience:
Royal Caribbean will match status from any major cruise line if you're Diamond Plus or higher. I matched my NCL Platinum Partner status to Diamond in 2023, and they honored it through 2026. You'll need to provide a screenshot of your current status page and submit through their Crown & Anchor Society portal.
Norwegian Cruise Line is surprisingly generous with matches. They matched my Royal Caribbean Diamond to Platinum Partner status, including the free internet and priority boarding. The catch? You need at least 75 cruise points with your current line.
Celebrity Cruises will match from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess. I helped my neighbor match her Princess Elite status to Celebrity's Select level, which came with free laundry and priority dining reservations.
Here's where status matching gets tricky. You're not getting an exact replica of your original benefits — each cruise line has different perks at different levels.
Benefits That Usually Transfer:
Benefits That Rarely Transfer:
When I matched from Royal Caribbean to Norwegian, I lost access to the Diamond Lounge but gained free WiFi for my entire party instead of just the primary guest. Sometimes the trade-offs work in your favor.
Discuss your status matching experiences in our loyalty programs forum!
I've done this process four times now, and there's definitely a right way to approach it. Here's exactly what works:
Step 1: Document Everything
Take screenshots of your current status dashboard, including your tier level, cruise nights, and current benefits. Don't just screenshot the main page — get the detailed benefits list too.
Step 2: Find the Right Contact
Don't call the general reservation line. Each cruise line has a dedicated loyalty program team:
Step 3: Make Your Case
Don't just ask for a match — explain why you're considering switching lines and mention any upcoming bookings. When I requested my Norwegian match, I mentioned I was considering a 14-night Baltic cruise, and they expedited the process.
After doing multiple status matches, I've learned some tricks that significantly improve your chances:
Timing Matters
Apply for status matches in January or February. Cruise lines are more generous with matches when they're trying to secure bookings for the upcoming year. I applied for my Celebrity match in February 2026 and got approved within 48 hours.
Book First, Then Request
If you have a cruise already booked with the new line, mention it in your request. They're much more likely to approve a match when they know you're already committed to sailing with them.
The 'Trial' Approach
Some cruise lines will offer a "status trial" for one cruise if they won't do a full match. Princess gave me Elite benefits on my Alaska cruise, then offered a full match after I completed it.
Leverage Group Bookings
If you're booking multiple cabins or have friends who cruise, mention it. When I was organizing a group of 8 cabins for a family reunion, Royal Caribbean not only matched my status but upgraded it to Diamond Plus.
I've seen people get rejected for matches that should have been automatic. Here are the biggest mistakes:
Don't Lowball Your Status
If you're between tiers, always present your highest achieved level. I almost requested a lower match than I qualified for because I was looking at nights instead of points.
Don't Accept the First "No"
The first person you talk to might not have authority to approve matches. I was initially rejected by Norwegian, but when I called back and spoke to a supervisor, they approved it immediately.
Don't Forget to Follow Up
Status matches can take 2-4 weeks to appear in your account. Set a calendar reminder to check your status 30 days before your next cruise.
Sometimes a direct status match isn't possible, but there are other ways to fast-track your elite status:
Status Challenges
Carnival and Princess both offer "status challenges" where you can earn elite benefits after completing 2-3 cruises within a year. It's not instant like a match, but faster than starting from zero.
Credit Card Partnerships
The World of Hyatt credit card gives you Explorist status, which Princess will match to Elite level. It's an indirect route, but I've used this method twice.
Double-Dip Your Cruises
Book back-to-back cruises on your new line to accelerate your status earning. Norwegian counts each segment separately, so a back-to-back Caribbean cruise gets you 14 cruise points instead of 7.
The key to successful status matching is persistence and timing. I've never had a request approved on the first try, but I've also never been permanently rejected. Cruise lines want your business, and elite status matching is one of their most effective tools for winning over loyal customers from competitors.
Have questions about status matching with specific cruise lines? Join the conversation in our loyalty programs forum where experienced cruisers share their latest success stories and strategies!
Which Cruise Lines Actually Do Status Matches
Not every cruise line participates in status matching, but the ones that do can save you thousands of dollars in missed perks. Here's what I've learned from personal experience:
Royal Caribbean will match status from any major cruise line if you're Diamond Plus or higher. I matched my NCL Platinum Partner status to Diamond in 2023, and they honored it through 2026. You'll need to provide a screenshot of your current status page and submit through their Crown & Anchor Society portal.
Norwegian Cruise Line is surprisingly generous with matches. They matched my Royal Caribbean Diamond to Platinum Partner status, including the free internet and priority boarding. The catch? You need at least 75 cruise points with your current line.
Celebrity Cruises will match from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess. I helped my neighbor match her Princess Elite status to Celebrity's Select level, which came with free laundry and priority dining reservations.
What Benefits Actually Transfer (And What Doesn't)
Here's where status matching gets tricky. You're not getting an exact replica of your original benefits — each cruise line has different perks at different levels.
Benefits That Usually Transfer:
- Priority boarding and embarkation
- Complimentary internet packages (usually basic tier)
- Priority dining reservations
- Laundry services or credits
- Beverage credits ($50-$150 per cruise)
Benefits That Rarely Transfer:
- Suite upgrades (these are loyalty-program specific)
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Exclusive lounges (Norwegian's Haven areas, Royal's Diamond Lounge)
- Free specialty dining (this varies wildly between lines)
When I matched from Royal Caribbean to Norwegian, I lost access to the Diamond Lounge but gained free WiFi for my entire party instead of just the primary guest. Sometimes the trade-offs work in your favor.
Discuss your status matching experiences in our loyalty programs forum!
The Step-by-Step Status Match Process
I've done this process four times now, and there's definitely a right way to approach it. Here's exactly what works:
Step 1: Document Everything
Take screenshots of your current status dashboard, including your tier level, cruise nights, and current benefits. Don't just screenshot the main page — get the detailed benefits list too.
Step 2: Find the Right Contact
Don't call the general reservation line. Each cruise line has a dedicated loyalty program team:
- Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society status match form online
- Norwegian: Email platinumservices@ncl.com with "Status Match Request" in the subject
- Celebrity: Call the Captain's Club line at 1-800-647-2251
- Princess: Submit through Captain's Circle status challenge form
Step 3: Make Your Case
Don't just ask for a match — explain why you're considering switching lines and mention any upcoming bookings. When I requested my Norwegian match, I mentioned I was considering a 14-night Baltic cruise, and they expedited the process.
Insider Secrets That Actually Work
After doing multiple status matches, I've learned some tricks that significantly improve your chances:
Timing Matters
Apply for status matches in January or February. Cruise lines are more generous with matches when they're trying to secure bookings for the upcoming year. I applied for my Celebrity match in February 2026 and got approved within 48 hours.
Book First, Then Request
If you have a cruise already booked with the new line, mention it in your request. They're much more likely to approve a match when they know you're already committed to sailing with them.
The 'Trial' Approach
Some cruise lines will offer a "status trial" for one cruise if they won't do a full match. Princess gave me Elite benefits on my Alaska cruise, then offered a full match after I completed it.
Leverage Group Bookings
If you're booking multiple cabins or have friends who cruise, mention it. When I was organizing a group of 8 cabins for a family reunion, Royal Caribbean not only matched my status but upgraded it to Diamond Plus.
Common Status Match Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen people get rejected for matches that should have been automatic. Here are the biggest mistakes:
Don't Lowball Your Status
If you're between tiers, always present your highest achieved level. I almost requested a lower match than I qualified for because I was looking at nights instead of points.
Don't Accept the First "No"
The first person you talk to might not have authority to approve matches. I was initially rejected by Norwegian, but when I called back and spoke to a supervisor, they approved it immediately.
Don't Forget to Follow Up
Status matches can take 2-4 weeks to appear in your account. Set a calendar reminder to check your status 30 days before your next cruise.
Alternative Strategies When Status Matches Fail
Sometimes a direct status match isn't possible, but there are other ways to fast-track your elite status:
Status Challenges
Carnival and Princess both offer "status challenges" where you can earn elite benefits after completing 2-3 cruises within a year. It's not instant like a match, but faster than starting from zero.
Credit Card Partnerships
The World of Hyatt credit card gives you Explorist status, which Princess will match to Elite level. It's an indirect route, but I've used this method twice.
Double-Dip Your Cruises
Book back-to-back cruises on your new line to accelerate your status earning. Norwegian counts each segment separately, so a back-to-back Caribbean cruise gets you 14 cruise points instead of 7.
The key to successful status matching is persistence and timing. I've never had a request approved on the first try, but I've also never been permanently rejected. Cruise lines want your business, and elite status matching is one of their most effective tools for winning over loyal customers from competitors.
Have questions about status matching with specific cruise lines? Join the conversation in our loyalty programs forum where experienced cruisers share their latest success stories and strategies!
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