Does Marriott Partner with Disney Cruise Line for Rewards

No, Marriott does not currently partner with Disney Cruise Line for rewards, meaning you cannot directly earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on Disney cruises. This lack of integration means travelers must use other loyalty programs or credit card points for Disney Cruise Line bookings, despite both brands being leaders in their respective industries.

Key Takeaways

• No direct partnership: Marriott and Disney Cruise Line do not currently offer shared rewards.
• Book separately: Earn Marriott Bonvoy points and Disney Cruise rewards independently.
• Check promotions: Limited-time offers may provide indirect cruise benefits.
• Use credit cards: Leverage travel cards to bridge both programs for rewards.
• Stay informed: Monitor official sites for future partnership announcements.

Does Marriott Partner with Disney Cruise Line for Rewards?

When planning a dream vacation, travelers often look for ways to maximize their loyalty rewards and enjoy premium experiences at a reduced cost. Two giants in their respective industries—Marriott International and Disney Cruise Line—are frequently at the top of travelers’ lists. Marriott, with its vast portfolio of over 8,000 properties across 30+ hotel brands, offers one of the most robust loyalty programs in the world: Marriott Bonvoy. On the other side, Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its family-friendly, immersive, and magical cruise experiences, from themed staterooms to Broadway-caliber entertainment. Naturally, the question arises: Does Marriott partner with Disney Cruise Line for rewards?

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the relationship between Marriott Bonvoy and Disney Cruise Line, exploring current partnerships, reward redemption options, indirect benefits, and strategic ways to leverage both programs. Whether you’re a seasoned Marriott Bonvoy member eyeing a Disney cruise or a Disney fan looking to use hotel points for your next vacation, this article provides actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert tips to help you make the most of your loyalty rewards. While direct integration may not exist, there are still powerful ways to combine these two travel powerhouses for unforgettable experiences.

Understanding Marriott Bonvoy and Disney Cruise Line

What Is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is the award-winning loyalty program of Marriott International, launched in 2019 after the merger of Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest. With over 180 million members worldwide, Bonvoy allows travelers to earn and redeem points across a vast network of hotels, vacation rentals, and experiences. Members earn points through hotel stays, co-branded credit cards (like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card), and partner programs such as airline alliances and car rentals.

Key benefits of Marriott Bonvoy include:

• Point Earning: 10 base points per dollar spent on eligible hotel stays, with elite status multipliers.
• Redemption Options: Free nights, room upgrades, airline transfers (1:1 ratio to 40+ airlines), and exclusive experiences via Bonvoy Moments.
• Elite Status Tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador, each offering perks like late checkout, room upgrades, and annual free night awards.
• Co-Branded Credit Cards: Offer sign-up bonuses, annual free nights, and bonus point categories.

For example, a Platinum member staying at a Category 6 hotel (e.g., The Westin Maui Resort & Spa) earns 15 points per dollar—10 base + 5 elite bonus—making it easier to accumulate points for future redemptions.

What Is Disney Cruise Line?

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, operates four state-of-the-art cruise ships—Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy—with a fifth, Disney Wish, launched in 2022. Known for its family-centric approach, DCL offers themed staterooms, character meet-and-greets, immersive dining (e.g., Frozen or Tangled shows), and exclusive destinations like Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Unlike hotel chains, Disney Cruise Line does not have a traditional loyalty program. Instead, it offers the Castaway Club, a tiered system based on the number of cruises taken:

• Silver: 1–5 cruises
• Gold: 6–10 cruises
• Platinum: 11+ cruises

Benefits include early booking windows, onboard discounts, and exclusive gifts. However, Castaway Club does not allow point redemption for cruises, nor does it partner with external loyalty programs—making direct integration with Marriott Bonvoy unlikely.

Current Status: Is There a Direct Marriott-Disney Cruise Partnership?

No Direct Rewards Integration

As of 2024, there is no direct partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and Disney Cruise Line for point redemption or earning. You cannot:

• Use Marriott Bonvoy points to book a Disney cruise.
• Earn Bonvoy points for Disney Cruise Line bookings.
• Transfer Bonvoy points to a Disney-specific rewards program.

This absence is due to several factors:

• Disney’s Closed Ecosystem: Disney Cruise Line operates independently from third-party loyalty programs, preferring to control the guest experience and revenue streams.
• Marriott’s Focus on Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy’s partnerships are primarily with airlines, credit card issuers, and hotel brands—not cruise lines.
• No Public Announcements: Neither company has announced a collaboration, despite years of speculation among travel communities.

For instance, while you can transfer Bonvoy points to airlines like United, Delta, or Air Canada (via Aeroplan), there is no option for Disney Cruise Line or its parent company, The Walt Disney Company.

Why Hasn’t a Partnership Happened?

The lack of a partnership isn’t due to disinterest but rather strategic alignment. Disney Cruise Line:

• Generates high revenue from premium pricing and onboard spending (e.g., excursions, spa, dining upgrades).
• Prioritizes brand control—allowing external points could dilute the exclusivity of its Castaway Club.
• Has its own credit card partnerships (e.g., Disney Premier Visa Card), which offer cruise discounts and onboard credits.

Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy has focused on expanding within its core hospitality market, recently launching Marriott Homes & Villas and Bonvoy Moments for unique experiences—not cruises.

Indirect Ways to Use Marriott Bonvoy for Disney Cruises

Transfer Points to Airlines for Cruise Flights

One of the most effective indirect strategies is to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline partners and use airline miles to book flights to/from Disney cruise ports. Since most Disney cruises depart from major hubs like Port Canaveral (Florida), Miami, or Vancouver, you can:

1. Transfer Bonvoy points to an airline partner (e.g., United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan).
2. Use airline miles to book free or discounted flights.
3. Save money on airfare, making the cruise more affordable.

Example: A 7-night Disney cruise from Port Canaveral costs ~$4,000 for a family of four. Round-trip flights from Chicago to Orlando cost ~$1,200. By transferring 60,000 Bonvoy points to United (1:1 ratio), you can book two round-trip tickets (30,000 points each via United’s Saver Awards), saving $1,200.

Tip: Use Marriott’s 5,000-point bonus on 60,000+ point transfers to maximize value (e.g., 60,000 Bonvoy points → 75,000 United miles).

Book Marriott Hotels Near Cruise Ports

Many Disney cruise ports have Marriott properties nearby, allowing you to use Bonvoy points for pre- or post-cruise stays. For example:

• Port Canaveral, FL: Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral
• Miami, FL: JW Marriott Miami, AC Hotel Miami Beach
• Vancouver, BC: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Example: A 2-night stay at the Courtyard Cocoa Beach (Category 4) costs ~25,000 Bonvoy points. Add a $50/day resort fee (paid in cash), and you’ve secured a comfortable pre-cruise stay for under $100 total.

Tip: Use the 5th Night Free benefit (available to all Bonvoy members) to stretch points. For a 5-night stay at a Category 6 hotel, you’d pay only 120,000 points instead of 150,000.

Use Bonvoy Points for Onboard Experiences via Airline Transfers

Some airline loyalty programs offer onboard cruise credits when you book flights through their portals. For instance:

• United Cruises: Book a cruise via United’s portal and earn 10,000+ MileagePlus miles. Occasionally, United offers onboard credit (e.g., $100) for cruise bookings.
• Air Canada Aeroplan: Partnered with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, but not Disney. However, you can use Aeroplan points to book flights to Disney ports, then book the cruise separately.

Strategy: Transfer Bonvoy points to United → Book Disney cruise via United Cruises → Earn miles + potential onboard credit.

Alternative Loyalty Programs for Disney Cruises

Disney Premier Visa Card

For Disney Cruise Line enthusiasts, the Disney Premier Visa Card (issued by Chase) offers the best direct benefits:

• Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in first 3 months.
• Earning: 2% back on Disney purchases (including cruises), 1% on everything else.
• Redemption: Points can be used for cruise discounts, onboard credits, or Disney merchandise.
• Exclusive Perks: 10% off Disney cruise excursions, 10% off select Disney hotels, and early booking access for Castaway Club members.

Example: A $4,000 Disney cruise earns 8,000 points (2% of $4,000). Redeem for an $80 onboard credit to cover specialty dining or spa treatments.

Tip: Combine with Castaway Club status for maximum savings. A Platinum Castaway Club member + Disney Visa holder can save up to 20% on excursions.

Credit Card Transfer Partners (Indirect)

If you have flexible credit card points (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards), you can:

• Transfer to airline partners (e.g., Chase to United, Amex to Air Canada).
• Book flights to Disney ports using miles.
• Use cash to book the cruise and save points for future travel.

Example: Transfer 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards to United → Book flights to Port Canaveral → Use cash for the cruise. This frees up Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays or other redemptions.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card vs. Disney Visa

Compare the two cards for your travel style:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®: 3 points/$1 on travel (including flights), 6 points/$1 at Marriott. Annual free night award (up to 35,000 points).
• Disney Premier Visa: 2% on Disney, 1% on all. No annual fee. Cruise-specific perks.

Recommendation: Use Marriott card for flights/hotels and Disney Visa for cruise bookings and onboard spending.

Maximizing Value: Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios

Case Study 1: Family Cruise from New York

Scenario: A family of four plans a 7-night Disney cruise from New York to Bermuda. Total cruise cost: $5,000. Round-trip flights: $2,000.

Strategy:

1. Transfer 120,000 Bonvoy points to United (→ 150,000 United miles).
2. Book 4 round-trip flights (30,000 miles each) = 120,000 miles.
3. Use Marriott Bonvoy for a 2-night stay at The Westin New York at Times Square (Category 6, 50,000 points/night, 5th Night Free).
4. Book cruise with Disney Visa → Earn 10,000 points (2% of $5,000) → Redeem for $100 onboard credit.

Total Savings: $2,000 (flights) + $1,000 (hotel) + $100 (onboard) = $3,100.

Case Study 2: Couple’s Alaska Cruise

Scenario: A couple books a 7-night Disney Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Cruise: $4,200. Flights: $800.

Strategy:

1. Transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points to Air Canada Aeroplan (→ 75,000 points).
2. Book 2 round-trip flights (35,000 points each) = 70,000 points.
3. Use 25,000 Bonvoy points for a 1-night stay at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver.
4. Book cruise with cash; use Disney Visa for 2% back (840 points → $8.40 credit).

Total Savings: $800 (flights) + $300 (hotel) + $8.40 = $1,108.40.

Data Table: Marriott Bonvoy Redemption Value for Disney Cruises (Indirect)

Strategy	Bonvoy Points Used	Value Achieved	Best For
Transfer to United Airlines	60,000 (→ 75,000 miles)	$1,200 (2 round-trip flights)	Families from Midwest
Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay	25,000 (Category 4)	$300 (2 nights)	All travelers
5th Night Free + Hotel	120,000 (Category 6)	$1,500 (5 nights)	Extended stays
Air Canada Aeroplan Transfer	70,000 (→ 87,500 points)	$800 (2 flights to Vancouver)	Alaska/Bermuda cruises

Note: Values based on average cash rates and award availability in 2024. Always check current pricing and availability.

Future Outlook: Could a Partnership Happen?

Signs of Potential Collaboration

While no partnership exists today, several trends suggest future possibilities:

• Disney’s Expansion: Disney Cruise Line plans to launch three new ships by 2025, increasing demand for integrated rewards.
• Marriott’s Experience Push: Bonvoy Moments offers unique events (e.g., Broadway shows, sports games). A Disney cruise could be a high-value addition.
• Travel Industry Consolidation: As loyalty programs merge (e.g., Marriott-SPG), cross-industry partnerships become more common.

Expert Insight: Travel industry analysts speculate that a partnership could emerge if Disney seeks to attract more luxury travelers—a demographic Marriott Bonvoy excels at serving.

How to Advocate for a Partnership

You can help make it happen:

• Contact Customer Service: Email Marriott Bonvoy and Disney Cruise Line to express interest.
• Use Social Media: Tag @MarriottBonvoy and @DisneyCruise on Twitter/X with the hashtag #BonvoyToDisney.
• Join Travel Forums: Participate in discussions on FlyerTalk or Reddit’s r/DisneyCruise to build community momentum.

Real-World Example: In 2021, Delta SkyMiles partnered with Airbnb after customer demand. A similar grassroots movement could inspire Marriott and Disney.

In conclusion, while Marriott does not currently partner with Disney Cruise Line for direct rewards, savvy travelers can still leverage Marriott Bonvoy points to significantly reduce the cost of a Disney cruise. By transferring points to airline partners, booking pre-cruise hotel stays, and combining with other loyalty programs (like the Disney Visa), you can unlock thousands in savings. The key is strategic planning—start accumulating Bonvoy points early, monitor award availability, and use the 5th Night Free benefit to stretch your points further. As both companies evolve, the possibility of a direct partnership remains a tantalizing prospect for the future. Until then, the indirect pathways offer a powerful way to turn your Bonvoy balance into a magical Disney cruise experience. So pack your bags, charge your Disney Visa, and let your Marriott points pave the way to the high seas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Marriott partner with Disney Cruise Line for rewards?

No, Marriott Bonvoy does not have an official partnership with Disney Cruise Line for earning or redeeming points directly. However, you may still earn points through third-party travel bookings or Marriott-affiliated credit card spending.

Can I use my Marriott Bonvoy points for a Disney cruise?

Currently, you cannot redeem Marriott Bonvoy points directly for Disney Cruise Line vacations. Points are primarily usable for Marriott hotel stays, flights, or select travel packages via their portal.

Are there any Marriott and Disney Cruise Line promotions or packages?

As of now, there are no joint promotions between Marriott and Disney Cruise Line. Occasionally, Marriott may offer cruise deals through its travel partners, but these are not exclusive to Disney cruises.

How can I earn Marriott Bonvoy points when booking a Disney cruise?

You can earn points by booking your Disney cruise through a Marriott Bonvoy Moments or travel partner site, or by using a Marriott co-branded credit card for the purchase. Always check for eligible booking channels to maximize point accrual.

Is there a Marriott Bonvoy status match with Disney Cruise Line?

No, Marriott does not offer a status match with Disney Cruise Line. Your Bonvoy elite status won’t grant special perks or discounts on Disney cruises.

Does the Marriott Bonvoy program include Disney Cruise Line in its hotel exchange perks?

No, Disney Cruise Line is not part of the Marriott Bonvoy hotel exchange program. Cruise bookings are separate, and points cannot be transferred or applied to Disney Cruise Line itineraries.