Bally’s, Carnival Cruise Team Up on Points Deal

Carnival Cruise Line is the latest cruise operator to partner with a gaming company to appeal to customers’ enthusiasm for loyalty programs.

The cruise company said Thursday that Bally’s Rewards members will be able to earn benefits aboard Carnival’s 27 ships.

In addition to special events, Bally Rewards’ Legend, SuperStar and Star tier guests are now eligible for complimentary and discounted Carnival cruises. The new partnership between Carnival and Bally’s also extends the reach of both brands,” according to a statement from the Miami-based company.

Carnival sails from 14 ports in the US while Rhode Island-based Bally’s runs 15 casinos across 10 states. Bally’s Rewards consists of four tiers — Pro, Star, SuperStar, and Legend. The press release didn’t mention if there will be points-sharing or status-matching between the Carnival Players Club and Bally’s Rewards.

Carnival Expanding Casino Footprint

The partnership with Bally’s is the latest effort by Carnival to better cater to guests who are also bettors — synergies the cruise industry has long attempted to capitalize on.

“We’re committed to our Carnival Players Club guests and in Bally’s, we have a partner that values its own loyal guests with the same fervor. We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership,” said Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of global casino operations,” in the statement.

In addition to its namesake mark, Carnival’s brands include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Seabourn, among others.

Bally’s/Carnival Deal Comes on Heels of Rival Accord

Bally’s and Carnival announced their points partnership less than a month after a pair of rivals revealed similar moves. In late April, Hard Rock International and Royal Caribbean Group detailed a broad points-sharing accord for customers of both travel and leisure companies.

Hard Rock International is the gaming entity of Florida’s Seminole Tribe and is one of the largest Tribal casino operators in the US. Royal Caribbean is Carnival’s nearest rival.