Owning stock can do more than just (hopefully) make you money. Some companies take it up a notch by giving their shareholders extra perks—like onboard credits for cruise lines or discounts on hotels. If you travel often, these benefits can add up fast. The trick is knowing which companies offer these hidden perks and how to use them.
Let’s look at how owning stocks in cruise giants like Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) can make your next trip a little cheaper.
Carnival Corporation Shareholder Benefits
If you hold at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc, you’re eligible for onboard credit when you sail with them.
How Much Can You Get?
The onboard credit varies by cruise length, region, and operational currency:
| North America Brands | Continental Europe Brands | United Kingdom Brands | Australia Brands | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Lines | Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard | Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises | P&O Cruises (UK), Cunard, Princess Cruises (UK) | P&O Cruises (Australia), Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line |
| Onboard Credit (14+ days) | US $250 | €200 | £150 | A$250 |
| Onboard Credit (7-13 days) | US $100 | €75 | £60 | A$100 |
| Onboard Credit (6 days or less) | US $50 | €40 | £30 | A$50 |
The onboard credit for Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, and Princess Cruises is determined based on the operational currency onboard the vessel.
How to Claim It
Carnival Corporation has partnered with Stockperks to make the process easier. Follow these steps:
- Download the Stockperks app from your app store.
- Create a user profile.
- Search for “Carnival” in the app and select the cruise line you’re sailing with.
- Click “Validate your portfolio” and provide proof of ownership.
- Submit a claim for each eligible booking at least three weeks before departure.
The onboard credit cannot be transferred, used for cash, or applied to gratuities or casino credits. Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, tour conductors, or anyone sailing on a discounted or complimentary rate are not eligible.
This benefit is valid on sailings through December 31, 2025, and only one onboard credit is permitted per shareholder-occupied stateroom. Carnival Corporation reserves the right to modify or terminate this benefit at any time.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) Shareholder Benefits
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. provides exclusive onboard credit perks to shareholders who hold a minimum of 100 shares at the time of sailing. This benefit applies to cruises booked on Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises®, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, excluding charter sailings.
How Much Can You Get?
The onboard credit varies by cruise length and applies across all NCLH brands:
| Cruise Length | Norwegian Cruise Line | Oceania Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
| 15 days or more | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| 7 to 14 days | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| 6 days or less | $50 | $50 | $50 |
How to Claim It
Unlike Carnival, NCLH requires a form submission instead of using an app:
#1: Complete the Shareholder Benefit Request Form
#2: Attach proof of ownership (like a shareholder proxy card or a brokerage statement)
#3: Submit it via mail or email to the respective cruise line’s Shareholder Benefit Department at least 15 days before departure
The onboard credit only applies to the shareholder’s stateroom and isn’t transferable. Some promos won’t stack with it, and employees, travel agents, and tour operators can’t use it.
Turning Investments into Travel Upgrades
These shareholder perks are a nice way to squeeze extra value out of an investment. If you cruise often, holding 100 shares in these companies could pay for itself in onboard credits over time. Just remember to follow the deadlines and submission rules so you don’t miss out.
And it’s not just cruise lines—some airlines and hotel groups offer similar rewards for shareholders. It’s always worth checking before you book. Who doesn’t like getting rewarded just for holding stock?
