How to Balance Your Casino Royale Perks With a Dream Arctic Cruise

We all love those free cruise offers that show up in our inboxes. But if you're dreaming of a wild northern adventure, you've got to plan carefully. A helpful guide from Eat Sleep Cruise shares some crucial lessons about sailing the Arctic that we think every cruiser should know before they book.

They learned the hard way that "the Arctic" isn't just one destination. It's a massive polar region spanning Svalbard, Greenland, and Northern Canada. If you want the best shot at seeing polar bears, you'll want to target Svalbard, though it's never a guarantee. They also pointed out that itineraries don't always deliver what you'd expect. On their 12-day cruise, they only had three actual expedition days, while the rest were standard Norwegian coastal ports and sea days.

Source: Arctic Expedition Cruise Tips: What We Wish We Knew Before Sailing North

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

If you're used to booking your trips with casino comps, a true Arctic expedition is going to look very different from your typical Caribbean getaway. Here's what you need to keep in mind before you trade in your points for a trip north:

• Don't expect a casino onboard: True expedition ships are small and focused entirely on nature. This means they almost never have onboard casinos. If you can't imagine a cruise without hitting the slots or the blackjack table at night, you'll want to think twice before booking a dedicated polar expedition.
• Tier points are off the table: Since you won't find a Casino Royale venue on these specialized ships, you won't be earning any tier points. If you're actively chasing Prime, Signature, or Masters status, a cash-booked expedition cruise won't help you reach your goal.
• The comp trade-off: If you decide to use your Royal Caribbean casino certificates for a northern cruise, you'll likely end up on a standard ship sailing the Norwegian Fjords or Iceland. You'll get your fully functioning casino, your free drinks, and your tier benefits, but you won't get those deep-Arctic expedition landings or high polar bear odds.

The Bottom Line

If you've got your heart set on seeing polar bears in Svalbard, you'll likely need to step outside the Club Royale ecosystem and book a dedicated expedition line. But if you just want to see beautiful northern scenery while keeping your favorite casino perks, sticking to Royal Caribbean's standard Norway or Iceland itineraries is your best bet.