Does Marriott Own a Cruise Line Find Out the Surprising Truth

No, Marriott does not own a cruise line, despite its vast global hospitality empire that includes hotels, resorts, and vacation clubs. While the company has partnered with cruise operators for loyalty perks and onboard stays, it has never operated or acquired a cruise brand—debunking the common myth with clear corporate separation between its lodging and maritime ventures.

Key Takeaways

• No cruise ownership: Marriott does not own a cruise line.
• Hotel focus: Marriott’s business centers on hotels, not maritime ventures.
• Partnerships exist: Collaborations may offer cruise-like experiences, but no direct ownership.
• Verify sources: Always check official Marriott sites for accurate brand info.
• Alternative options: Consider Marriott’s hotel packages for land-based luxury stays.
• Brand confusion: Similar names (e.g., Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) aren’t owned by Marriott.

Does Marriott Own a Cruise Line? Find Out the Surprising Truth

When you think of Marriott International, what comes to mind? For most travelers, it’s luxury hotels, award-winning loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, and iconic brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Westin, and St. Regis. With a portfolio of over 30 hotel brands and a presence in more than 130 countries, Marriott has become a household name in hospitality. But have you ever wondered if this hospitality giant has dipped its toes into the world of cruise vacations? After all, the allure of combining Marriott’s renowned service standards with the romance of ocean voyages seems like a match made in traveler heaven.

The short answer? No, Marriott does not own a cruise line. But the full story is far more intriguing and layered than a simple “yes” or “no.” In fact, the relationship between Marriott and the cruise industry is a fascinating case study in corporate strategy, missed opportunities, and unexpected partnerships. Whether you’re a Marriott loyalist, a cruise enthusiast, or just curious about how major corporations expand (or don’t expand) their empires, this deep dive will reveal the surprising truths behind Marriott’s absence from the high seas. From historical missteps to strategic partnerships, we’ll explore why Marriott chose to stay anchored to land—and what it means for travelers seeking the ultimate Marriott experience on water.

The History: Marriott’s Missed Cruise Opportunity

The 1980s Cruise Venture That Never Was

Believe it or not, Marriott did flirt with the idea of launching a cruise line. In the 1980s, the company acquired Royal Caribbean International—a bold move that positioned Marriott as a potential player in the cruise industry. At the time, Royal Caribbean was a mid-sized cruise line with a fleet of four ships, including the iconic Sovereign of the Seas. The acquisition seemed like a natural fit: Marriott could leverage its expertise in luxury hospitality to elevate the onboard experience, while Royal Caribbean’s nautical infrastructure provided instant access to the cruise market.

However, the partnership was short-lived. By 1988, Marriott had divested its stake in Royal Caribbean, selling it back to the cruise line’s original owners. Why? The reasons were both strategic and cultural. As a hotel-focused company, Marriott found it challenging to adapt to the unique operational demands of the cruise industry, from itinerary planning to marine engineering. Additionally, the two brands had different corporate cultures—Marriott’s meticulous attention to detail clashed with the fast-paced, high-volume environment of cruise operations.

Lessons Learned: Why Marriott Stayed on Land

The Royal Caribbean experiment taught Marriott a critical lesson: hospitality on land and hospitality at sea are fundamentally different beasts. Cruise lines require massive capital investments in ships, specialized crew training, and complex logistics for international voyages. Meanwhile, Marriott’s core strength lies in managing hotels, resorts, and service-oriented real estate. The company realized it was better to focus on what it did best—delivering exceptional guest experiences within the four walls of a property—rather than spreading itself thin across an entirely new industry.

Fun fact: The sale of Royal Caribbean turned out to be a smart financial move. Royal Caribbean went on to become one of the world’s largest cruise lines, while Marriott doubled down on its hotel empire, acquiring brands like Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016. Today, Marriott Bonvoy boasts over 180 million members—proof that sticking to its core business paid off.

Marriott’s Indirect Connections to the Cruise Industry

Partnerships with Cruise Lines

While Marriott doesn’t own a cruise line, it has formed strategic partnerships with several major players in the industry. For example, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—launched in 2022—is a collaboration between The Ritz-Carlton (a Marriott brand) and Dream Cruises, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong. This luxury “yacht” experience features three small-scale vessels designed to offer an intimate, high-end alternative to traditional cruise ships. Think of it as a floating Ritz-Carlton: private balconies, gourmet dining, and a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

Another notable partnership is with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, members can bid points for exclusive cruise packages, including onboard experiences like private dinners with the captain or behind-the-scenes tours of the ship’s galley. These partnerships allow Marriott to tap into the cruise market without the risks of ownership.

Cruise-Themed Experiences on Land

Marriott has also created cruise-like experiences at its resorts. For instance, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a “Cruise & Stay” package, combining a 7-night hotel stay with a 4-night Caribbean cruise. Similarly, the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has a private yacht for day trips, complete with a butler and chef—blurring the line between resort and cruise.

Pro tip: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, keep an eye on the Bonvoy Moments portal. New cruise-related experiences are added regularly, from VIP embarkation to themed voyages (e.g., wine-tasting cruises or culinary tours).

Why Marriott Avoids the Cruise Business (And Why That’s Smart)

The High Risks of Cruise Ownership

The cruise industry is notoriously volatile. Factors like fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and pandemics can disrupt operations overnight. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire cruise sector to a halt in 2020, with ships sitting idle for months. Marriott, which relies on consistent revenue from hotel stays, would have faced massive losses if it owned a cruise line during this period.

Additionally, cruise ships are expensive to maintain. A single vessel can cost over $1 billion to build and requires a crew of 1,000+ people. By contrast, Marriott can open a new hotel for a fraction of that cost. As CEO Tony Capuano once noted, “Our capital allocation strategy prioritizes assets with predictable returns.” In other words, hotels are a safer bet than ships.

Focus on What Marriott Does Best

Marriott’s decision to avoid the cruise business aligns with its broader strategy: stick to the core. The company has instead invested in expanding its hotel portfolio, acquiring brands like AC Hotels, Moxy, and Protea, and launching new concepts like Autograph Collection and Eden. This focus has paid off—Marriott’s revenue grew by 12% in 2023, outpacing competitors like Hilton and Hyatt.

Another advantage? Marriott can partner with cruise lines without the baggage of ownership. For example, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is operated by a third party, reducing Marriott’s exposure to operational risks while still earning royalties from the brand name.

Alternatives for Marriott Fans Who Love Cruising

Book a Cruise Through Marriott Bonvoy

If you’re a Marriott loyalist who dreams of sailing the seas, you’re in luck. Marriott Bonvoy members can use points to book cruises through partners like Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. Here’s how:

• Redeem points for cruise packages: A 7-night Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean starts at 150,000 Bonvoy points.
• Use the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card: Earn 6 points per $1 spent on Marriott stays, plus 2 points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to cruise bookings.
• Bid on exclusive experiences: The Bonvoy Moments auction often features VIP cruise perks, like private excursions or suite upgrades.

Stay at Marriott’s “Cruise-Like” Resorts

For travelers who want the cruise vibe without leaving land, Marriott offers several standout properties:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Features a private yacht for guest use and a “Cruise Concierge” to plan island-hopping trips.
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa: Offers a sunset cruise with a private butler and Thai-inspired cocktails.
• Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club (Hawaii): Includes a “Cruise & Stay” package with a catamaran snorkeling tour.

Insider tip: Book a suite with a balcony for a “private deck” experience—complete with room service and ocean views.

The Future: Could Marriott Ever Launch a Cruise Line?

Emerging Trends in the Cruise Industry

The cruise industry is evolving rapidly, with a growing demand for luxury, sustainability, and niche experiences. Smaller ships, like those in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, are gaining popularity, as are “expedition cruises” to destinations like Antarctica and the Galápagos. If Marriott were to enter the cruise market today, it would likely focus on these high-end, low-volume segments—avoiding the mass-market model of traditional cruise lines.

Marriott’s Strategic Flexibility

While Marriott has no plans to own a cruise line (as of 2024), the company remains open to partnerships. In a recent earnings call, CFO Leeny Oberg stated, “We’re always exploring new ways to enhance guest experiences, whether on land or at sea.” This suggests that future collaborations—like expanded yacht collections or cruise-themed loyalty perks—are possible.

However, full ownership is unlikely. The risks (and costs) of building and operating a cruise fleet outweigh the potential rewards. As one industry analyst put it, “Marriott is a hospitality company, not a shipping company.”

Data Table: Marriott vs. Major Cruise Lines (2024)

Metric	Marriott International	Carnival Corporation	Royal Caribbean Group	Norwegian Cruise Line
Annual Revenue	$23.6 billion	$21.5 billion	$14.2 billion	$8.5 billion
Number of Properties/Ships	8,300+ hotels	90+ ships	60+ ships	30+ ships
Loyalty Program Members	180+ million	60+ million (VIFP)	15+ million (Crown & Anchor)	10+ million (Latitudes)
Key Strength	Global hotel network	Mass-market cruises	Luxury/experiential cruises	Freestyle cruising

Data sourced from 2023 annual reports and industry analyses.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Marriott and Cruising

So, does Marriott own a cruise line? The answer is a definitive no—but the story doesn’t end there. Marriott’s strategic avoidance of the cruise industry is a testament to its focus on core competencies and risk management. By partnering with existing cruise lines instead of competing with them, Marriott has found a way to cater to travelers who crave both luxury hotels and ocean voyages.

For Marriott fans, the good news is that you can still enjoy the best of both worlds: earn and redeem Bonvoy points on cruises, book exclusive onboard experiences, and even stay at resorts that mimic the cruise experience. And if you’re set on sailing with a Marriott brand, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a taste of the company’s legendary service on the water.

The takeaway? Marriott’s decision to stay out of the cruise business isn’t a limitation—it’s a savvy strategy. After all, why sail into uncharted waters when you can master the land? Whether you’re lounging by a pool in Bali or sipping champagne on a private yacht, Marriott’s commitment to exceptional hospitality remains unchanged. And that’s a truth worth celebrating—on land or at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Marriott own a cruise line?

No, Marriott International does not own or operate a cruise line. While Marriott is a global leader in hospitality and hotels, it has never expanded into the cruise industry as an owner or operator.

Is there a Marriott cruise line or partnership with cruise companies?

Marriott does not have its own cruise line, nor does it currently partner with major cruise companies to offer branded voyages. However, Marriott Bonvoy members can sometimes earn or redeem points through select travel partners, but these are not Marriott-owned cruises.

Why doesn’t Marriott own a cruise line despite its hospitality dominance?

The cruise industry requires vastly different logistics, capital investment, and operational expertise compared to hotel management. While Marriott excels in land-based hospitality, it has chosen to focus on its core strengths rather than enter the complex cruise market.

Can I use Marriott Bonvoy points to book a cruise?

Yes, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points to book cruises through the Marriott Bonvoy travel portal, but these are third-party cruises operated by major lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival—not Marriott-owned. Points are converted to travel credits for booking.

Are there any Marriott-branded ships or luxury yacht experiences?

As of now, there are no Marriott-branded ships or luxury yachts. While the idea has sparked fan interest, the company has not announced any plans to launch a Marriott cruise line or maritime venture.

Which hotel brands are similar to Marriott and do they own cruise lines?

Like Marriott, most major hotel brands (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG) do not own cruise lines. However, some luxury hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton (a Marriott subsidiary) have experimented with private yacht experiences—but these are limited charters, not full-scale cruise operations.