In short
Pick the date first, then the route and ship. Start about a year ahead: with enough points saved, a booking made 270+ days before departure lets points cover up to 100%; from 30 days before departure, up to 50%. Book group cabins together and tell the cruise line about the occasion.
Step 1: pick the date first
Working back from a fixed date, rather than "sometime next year", makes everything concrete: you know which sailings include the day, which season it falls in and how much time you have. Look for a sailing where the date falls on a sea day or a relaxed port day, not on embarkation or disembarkation day.
Step 2: choose a route that suits the occasion
| Occasion | Route idea | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding anniversary | Norwegian fjords or a river cruise | Quiet, scenic, time for the two of you |
| Round birthday with friends | Mediterranean or Caribbean | Lively ships, warm evenings, something for everyone |
| Retirement | A longer voyage, a crossing or a few weeks of winter sun | Finally time for a trip that is longer than a week |
| Family reunion | A large ship on a family-friendly route | Something for every age; everyone meets at dinner |
| A once-in-a-lifetime wish | Alaska, the northern lights or Cape Horn | A trip people talk about for years |
Step 3: plan the timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 months before | Agree on the date, budget and who is coming; look at sailings that include the date |
| 270+ days before | Book. Popular dates and connecting cabins go first, and this is the window for paying fully in points if you have enough saved |
| 3–6 months before | Check passports for everyone, arrange travel insurance, book the train or flight to the port |
| 1–2 months before | Book excursions, a specialty dinner for the day itself and any celebration package |
| The week before | Online check-in, luggage tags, a dress-up outfit for the evening |
Step 4: check how far ahead you are booking
This is the detail that changes the budget most when you book through the club. If you book 270 days or more before departure, points can cover up to 100% of the cruise price (the All Reward Points method) — provided you have saved up enough points first. If you book later, but still 30 days or more before departure, points can cover up to 50%. The price match guarantee and Trip Protection do not apply to the 100% method. Full details on booking with points →
Travelling as a group
- Book together: cabins on the same deck or connecting cabins are easier to get in one go.
- Dinner together: ask for one large table or neighbouring tables at the same time — on lines with fixed dining times this is arranged when you book.
- Everyone's documents: each guest checks their own passport and visas, including children. See documents and visas.
- A shared plan, but not every minute: one excursion and one dinner together are often enough; the rest of the time everyone does what they like.
Making the day itself special
- Mention the occasion when you book; it is noted on your booking.
- Many lines offer celebration packages — a cake, flowers, sparkling wine, a photo shoot — usually for a fee.
- A specialty restaurant or a table by the window makes the dinner different from the other evenings.
- A surprise? Arrange it with guest services on the first day, not on the day itself.
Common questions
How far ahead should I book a milestone cruise?
About a year ahead is ideal. Popular dates and family cabins go first, and with enough points saved, a booking 270+ days before departure lets points cover up to 100%.
Can we celebrate a birthday or anniversary on board?
Yes. Tell the cruise line when you book; many lines offer celebration packages for a fee, and the restaurant staff often mark the occasion.
Can a large group sit together at dinner?
Usually yes, if you ask in advance. On lines with fixed dining times, request one large table or neighbouring tables when you book.
Which cruise is best for a big birthday?
It depends on the group: a lively Mediterranean or Caribbean route for friends, a quiet fjord or river cruise for a couple, a large family-friendly ship for several generations.
Does the 100% points option work with the price guarantee?
No. The price match guarantee and Trip Protection do not apply to bookings paid fully with points.
Working out the details
The exact price and how much your points cover depend on the specific cruise, cabin and dates. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search. If you want to go through the options for your date, ask us.
General information; packages and dining arrangements differ by cruise line. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.