In short
It depends on how often you travel. For regular travellers, the member price and points that build up between trips often outweigh the monthly fee; if you rarely travel, the fee may outweigh the savings. Count the trips you realistically take a year. If unsure, STARTER is the lower-commitment way to test it.
The pros
- A member price on every booking — typically about 17% below the listed price, not only during sales.
- Points between trips: every paid month adds points towards the next cruise, up to 50% of its price.
- Planning ahead pays off: if you book 270 days or more before departure, points can cover up to 100% of the cruise price — you need enough points saved up first.
- A price match guarantee on cruises booked with Reward Points + payment.
- Not locked in: you can turn off auto-payment with a switch in your account (ending the membership is a separate request to support).
- A 14-day refund window after joining.
The cons
- A monthly fee, whether or not you travel that month.
- A narrower choice: the value is in ocean and river cruises, hotels and resorts available through the club — not every type of trip, and not every cruise line.
- Points don't cover everything: flights, insurance, fees, gratuities, excursions, specialty dining and drinks are excluded.
- Missed payments cost value: after 30 days unpaid, points turn into Base Points worth at most 17% off.
- It needs using: a membership you don't use is just a cost.
Who it suits — and who it doesn't
| Usually worth it if you… | Usually not worth it if you… |
|---|---|
| take a cruise or holiday stay every year | travel once every few years |
| like to plan months ahead | mostly book last-minute city breaks |
| can keep the monthly payments up | can't plan a fixed monthly amount |
| travel as a couple or family | want only flights and apartments |
A simple way to decide
- Count your trips: how many cruises or holiday stays did you really take in the last two or three years?
- Pick the matching plan and its monthly fee — see the membership plans.
- Estimate the savings on those trips with the savings estimator, and compare them with the fee over the same period.
- Still unsure? Take the 1-minute quiz →
The lowest-risk way to find out
If you are genuinely unsure, STARTER is the lower-commitment way to test whether the club fits your habits: no activation fee and the lowest monthly fee. If it doesn't suit you, auto-payment can be turned off at any time, and within 14 days of joining you can get your payments back. Compare the membership plans →
Compared with the alternatives
- Travel club vs. travel agency
- Travel club vs. booking sites
- Travel club vs. airline miles
- Club price vs. standard booking
And the partner side?
Some members later look at the partner side — a separate, optional activity of sharing the club. It isn't part of membership, and income is never guaranteed. If you are curious: how partnership works →
Common questions
Is the travel club worth the monthly fee?
For people who cruise or take holiday stays regularly and plan ahead, often yes. If you rarely travel, the fee may outweigh the savings.
What are the main downsides?
A monthly fee whether or not you travel, a narrower choice than general booking sites, and points that don't cover flights, excursions or extras on board.
Can I try it without a big commitment?
Yes. STARTER has no activation fee and the lowest monthly fee, auto-payment can be turned off at any time, and there is a 14-day refund window.
Can I lose my points?
If a bill stays unpaid for 30 days, your points turn into Base Points: no time limit, but at most 17% off and no new points.
Do I have to become a partner?
No. Membership and partnership are separate. You can be a member without ever looking at the partner side.
Reflects membership terms as of March 2026 (Membership 3.X). Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.