22 First-Class Cruise Perks You Can Get Without Paying First-Class Prices

11. Use Travel Agent or Credit Card Perks for VIP Treatment

You don’t need to be a big spender to enjoy the perks of premium cruise bookings. Many travel agents—especially those affiliated with consortiums like Virtuoso or Signature—have access to blocked group space that includes extras like welcome champagne, cabin upgrades, or prepaid gratuities. These perks are added to your booking without raising the fare. Similarly, premium credit cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve offer cruise privileges if you book through their travel portals, including free onboard credit, priority embarkation, late check-out, and access to concierge services. Booking through these channels can often score you more luxury-style amenities than booking directly with the cruise line. Just be sure to compare deals across platforms—sometimes agents can combine credit card offers with their own perks, giving you the best of both worlds. It's like getting a first-class experience layered on top of your budget fare.