MGM Rewards Unveils More Marriott, Royal Caribbean Perks

Posted on: March 25, 2025, 04:20h. 

Last updated on: March 25, 2025, 04:20h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • It’s one of the gaming industry’s biggest loyalty programs
  • Furthers relationship with Marriott Bonvoy

MGM Resorts International announced today that its loyalty program, which is one of the largest in the casino industry, is adding new avenues for accruing perks, including some via established partnerships with Marriott and Royal Caribbean.

MGM Rewards
MGM Rewards cards. The gaming company announced a significant expansion of that program.(Image: MGM Resorts)

In a broad expansion of its partnership with Marriott, which went into effect last year, MGM said members of its rewards program will now have access to tier-matching benefits with Marriott Bonvoy. For example, Pearl members of MGM Rewards are eligible for Silver Elite in Marriott Bonvoy while those with Gold status in the casino rewards plan can leverage that for Gold Elite in the hotel loyalty plan. The same goes for MGM Rewards Platinum members.

These elevated tier match benefits, collectively, provide more MGM Rewards members with additional access to perks at over 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy global destinations, such as priority late checkout, room upgrades, welcome gifts and more,” according to a statement.  “Previously linked accounts will reflect the new tier status match automatically.”

Those in the invitation-only Noir tier of MGM Rewards will continue garnering benefits Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite – the highest level of that loyalty scheme.

Cruising for MGM Rewards Points

MGM Rewards members also have new avenues for earning points with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Added perks include an annual cruise benefit for MGM Rewards Gold members.

Those that like to bet during their voyages on the high seas might like the fact that regardless of their MGM Rewards status, they’ll earn a free play offer on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises. The catch is that the free play is earned when traveling on offer through the gaming company, on a certificate or when traveling in a group.

“MGM Rewards Platinum and NOIR members will receive greater access to benefits for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, including upgraded stateroom types, a larger variety of exciting itineraries and longer vacation options redeemable through their Annual Cruise Benefit,” according to the statement.

Royal Caribbean Group also has a points-sharing agreement with Hard Rock International’s Unity by Hard Rock casino rewards program.

Other MGM Rewards Enhancements

In addition to the broadening of the Marriott and cruise partnerships, MGM said its rewards program participants can now earn what it’s calling milestone rewards that can ease to the move to higher tiers by allowing some tier credits to be carried over to the following year.

Most casino loyalty programs allow points to be carried over from year-to-year, but customers’ tier credits are typically reset with the start of a new year. MGM Rewards’ milestone plan allows for carrying over of 7,500 tier credits to 2026 for clients that earn 50,000 tier credits this year. Those that garner 125,000 tier credits this year can keep 17,500 for 2026.

The gaming company also unveiled the MGM Rewards eGift card, which can be used to book stays at the operator’s casino hotels or for food and beverage purchases at those properties.