Top 10 Most Profitable Cruise Affiliate Programs for 2024

Looking to supplement your income with a bit of extra cash? If you love cruising or are interested in travel, you’re in luck! There are some fantastic opportunities to earn money through cruise affiliate programs.

The global cruise industry is booming and is expected to reach a value of $200 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by rising incomes, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing preference for vacations that offer relaxation and adventure.

Let’s delve into the world of cruise affiliations and discover how you can make money while sharing your passion for cruising.

Top 10 Best Cruise Affiliate Programs: Let’s Make Some Cash!

Orbitz

If you’ve booked a vacation online in the last 15 years, you’ve probably heard of Orbitz. It’s a popular price comparison website helps people find affordable hotels and flights.

Many may not know that Orbitz also helps you discover cruise deals for popular destinations, even world cruises. Basically, you can book everything you need for your vacation, from flights to hotels and more, through Orbitz.

If you’re familiar with Commission Junction, you’ll see that Orbitz has an excellent 5/5 ‘Network Earnings’ rating, indicating many affiliate transactions happen there. According to the affiliate marketing stats, it’s also the 4 most popular affiliate network.

For those unfamiliar with that, just focus on their impressive EPC (Earnings Per Click) of over $100.

Now, there are some downsides to this affiliate program. The cookie duration is a 7-day, and you can earn from affiliate marketing depending on what your visitors purchase.

You start earning from day one, as every eligible transaction through your referral links earns you a portion of the revenue. Affiliates will also get access to tools, data feeds, and storefronts.

 

NorwegianClass101

NorwegianClass101 is an online platform dedicated to helping people learn the Norwegian language. Focusing on user-friendly lessons and resources, they cater to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.

Their offerings include audio and video lessons, interactive exercises, and cultural insights to make learning enjoyable and effective. NorwegianClass101 is a valuable resource for those looking to master the Norwegian language and gain insights into its culture.

The NorwegianClass101.com Affiliate Program offers a straightforward way to earn money through your website.

By placing NorwegianClass101.com banners, text, and links on your site, you can attract visitors to their platform. When a visitor clicks on these links and makes a subscription purchase on NorwegianClass101.com, you receive a 25% commission on the qualified sale with a lifetime cookie.

You’ll receive your Referral Fee payments through PayPal on the first Friday of each month. It’s crucial to keep your account details accurate.

If your referral fees in a month don’t reach the $50 minimum (subject to change), you’ll receive payment in the following month once you meet or exceed that threshold or upon agreement termination, whichever comes first.

Also note that the details of affiliate programs may change over time, so be sure to check the most current terms and conditions on their website.

 

Princess Cruises 

Princess Cruises, recognized as a world-class cruises line, offers a distinct cruise experience. With over 380 destinations on all seven continents, they take you off the beaten path to embrace local cultures and cuisines.

Offering a diverse array of cruise itineraries that span the globe, Princess Cruises is celebrated for its luxury amenities, a wide range of onboard activities, and exceptional dining experiences.

The cruise line is renowned for its commitment to passenger well-being and is dedicated to creating unique and unforgettable travel adventures on the high seas.

Princess Cruises offers a decent affiliate program with a 3% commission on the total booking value of cruises. The 60-day cookie period is a reasonable timeframe for earning commissions, but remember that no commission will be paid for bookings canceled within 60 days of being made.

They provide a toolkit with campaign resources, including images and copy, in the ‘documents’ section, but affiliates are expected not to alter the provided creative or text links.

Additionally, hardcoding banners into websites is discouraged for real-time creative updates. For further brand-related images and guidelines, affiliates can contact their affiliate support team.

 

Polynesian Cultural Centre

The Polynesian Cultural Centre, founded in Laie 1865, was created to celebrate and safeguard Polynesian culture, particularly its arts and crafts. In 1963, local college students worked there to support their education and reconnect with their native culture.

Now, it’s the top-paid tourist attraction on Oahu, attracting one million visitors annually. If you’re on a Pacific or Hawaiian cruise, it’s a must-visit place. To promote it, simply make your audience aware of it.

As an affiliate, you can earn 5% for sales with a 30-day cookie period. An interesting point is that the average order size is $550, leading to $27.5 per sale commission.

After you submit your application, they’ll review it within 5-7 business days. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a welcome email containing the essential links and banners to assist you in getting started.

About the payment details, Impact Affiliate processes them via direct deposit or paper check, typically around the 20th day of each month. Publishers must meet a minimum threshold of $50 for direct deposit or $100 for check payments before the payment is issued.

The Polynesian Cultural Center offers all the tools you need to earn through your website. These resources comprise distinctive affiliate links, text links, banners, logos, and a dedicated support team.

 

CruiseAway

CruiseAway is a brand specializing in cruise vacations. They offer a wide range of cruise type packages to various destinations worldwide.

The brand has been operating online for 15 years, focusing exclusively on cruises. Their cruise collection includes daily cruise specials, last-minute cruise options, and affordable P&O and Princess cruise deals.

Their platform allows users to explore, compare, and book a variety of cruises from different cruise lines, allowing travelers to find the perfect cruise experience that suits their preferences and budget.

The CruiseAway affiliate program offers a $10 commission for each booking quote. They have a low cancellation rate, which is good for consistent earnings.

Affiliates can also share regular cruise specials through their newsletters. The 90-day tracking period provides an excellent opportunity to earn commissions.

Through the Rakuten affiliate network that this affiliate program runs through, you can set you payout threshold with a minimum of $50.

If you want to promote cruise bookings due to its simple commission structure and regular promotions, join CruiseAway today!

 

Virgin Holidays

Virgin Holidays is a well-known vacation and travel company, part of the Virgin Group, founded by entrepreneur Richard Branson. They offer many holiday packages, including cruises, beach getaways, city breaks, and more.

The brand is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and providing memorable travel experiences. They cater to travel preferences and budgets, aiming to make vacations enjoyable and hassle-free for their customers.

Regarding this affiliate program, while the 1% commission rate may initially give pause, there are essential factors to consider. The average cost of a Virgin cruise is around £2,500, but people pay up to £45,000 for a world cruise package.

Moreover, Virgin Holidays exclusive offers up to 2% commission, so your earnings for referring customers to Virgin Cruises can range from £25 to £225 per sale. It’s a program worth considering, especially given the potential for higher-priced cruise bookings.

If you love to travel and believe in balancing work with adventure, you’re our kind of people. Join this program to become a part of their travel affiliate program and help others explore the world.

 

Dock & Bay

Dock & Bay is a brand known for its innovative and eco-friendly beach and travel products, particularly beach towels. Founded in 2015 by two friends, Andy and Ben, who were inspired to create a brand that offered high-quality, stylish, and sustainable beach towels and other travel accessories.

They reimagined the traditional towel and introduced quick-drying beach towels, hair wraps, swim shorts, and shawls. These products are perfect for cruise ships due to their compact design and fast-drying properties.

The Dock & Bay affiliate program invites you to join a rapidly expanding, happiness-bringing brand with top-notch towels and more. You’ll present our vibrant products to your audience and, in return, earn some real money, or opt for a convenient bank transfer if you prefer.

The Dock & Bay affiliate program offers 5% commission rates with a 30-day cookie duration. It’s good to know that they can track affiliates on all payment methods, making sure that commissions are assigned correctly.

So, if your target audience is 18-45 years old and interested in beach and travel, home and beauty, and sustainable living, this program is probably for you!

 

Cruise Direct

Cruise Direct is an online platform that specializes in offering cruise bookings. They provide a wide range of cruise options to various destinations worldwide.

The company is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for travelers to explore, compare, and book cruises from different cruise lines. The platform offers a convenient way for people to plan and book their cruise vacations, with options catering to other preferences and budgets.

By referring visitors to CruiseDirect, you can earn a generous 3% commission on the cruise fare from each booking, making it one of the highest rates in the CJ network. With an average order value (AOV) of $2,200, you can earn around $66 for each booking.

Plus, the 45-day cookie duration means you can still earn commissions if customers book within that timeframe after visiting your site. It’s a lucrative opportunity for affiliate marketers in the travel industry.

To enhance the affiliate experience, they have partnered with CJ, a leading affiliate network for easy access and reporting. They offer various marketing tools, including banner ads, text ads, and search boxes, to help you maximize your earnings.

 

Entrepreneurs Cruise

Entrepreneurs Cruise is a yearly gathering for business owners and entrepreneurs on a cruise ship. It’s about learning and using mobile, digital, and social media marketing. At the same time, it offers a chance to relax, connect with similar-minded folks, and expand your professional network.

The Entrepreneurs Cruise 2023 Affiliate Program is an enticing opportunity for individuals looking to earn by promoting this cruise event. Affiliates can make $200 for each paid referral they bring in, which is one of the most high-paying affiliate programs in the list here.

The sign-up process is simplified and quick, facilitated through Eventbrite. The process is straightforward: promote the event using your unique affiliate link, track sign-ups, and earnings, and receive payments via PayPal 30 days after the event concludes.

Affiliates are provided with various resources like banners, ad copy, links, and a unique discount code for promotion. The flexibility of promoting through multiple channels like social media, websites, blogs, or email is a plus.

 

Cruise Compete

Cruise Compete is an online platform that connects cruise enthusiasts with cruise providers. The platform allows travelers to compare and receive cruise quotes from various cruise lines, ensuring they find the best deals for their preferences and budgets.

Cruise Compete is a valuable intermediary, helping users easily plan and book their cruise vacations.

The CruiseCompete.com affiliate program offers a straightforward way to generate additional revenue while providing a valuable resource for your travel site visitors.

When your site visitors use this service and book a cruise within the next 90 days, you earn a percentage of the booking value.

The program has no costs for partners, making it an attractive option. You can earn a share of the revenue by encouraging your website visitors to use CruiseCompete to get quotes for their cruises. The exact revenue share varies depending on your level of participation.

 

Benefits of Joining a Cruise Affiliate Program

Joining a cruise affiliate program can significantly earn extra income by promoting cruise packages and related products. Here are the outstanding benefits of why you should join a cruise affiliate program.

Potential to reach a large audience

Cruises are a significant component of the leisure travel and tourism industry, with a presence in various global regions, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The global revenue of the cruise industry in 2022 approached nearly 19 billion U.S. dollars, showing substantial growth.

The cruise industry is valued at around $130 billion and is growing rapidly.

The cruise industry is constantly growing, and there is a large audience of potential customers interested in booking cruises. Promoting cruises through an affiliate program allows you to tap into this growing market and reach a wide range of potential customers.

Wide range of products

Cruise affiliate programs allow you to promote a wide variety of cruise lines and deals, catering to a diverse range of travel interests and budgets.

Along with cruise packages, you can include other add-ons to increase your average sales per conversion. These add-ons can include travel insurance, shore excursions, and other travel-related products

High Booking Values

Cruise vacations are a significant investment due to the cruise fare and onboard expenses. This translates into higher affiliate commissions, as each booking can be valuable.

Also, many cruise enthusiasts don’t stop at just one cruise. They often become repeat customers, booking multiple trips. As an affiliate, you earn commissions whenever these customers book a new cruise.

Opportunity to build relationships with cruise lines

By joining a cruise affiliate program, you can build relationships with cruise lines and become a trusted resource for their products and services. This can open up opportunities for future collaborations and promotions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Cruise Affiliate Program

When it comes to making money through affiliate marketing, one of the most critical choices is picking the right affiliate program. Joining cruise affiliate programs can be a smart move. It means you can earn money without working too hard, and you get to promote something many people love – going on cruises.

There are several compelling reasons why it’s in your best interest to consider becoming part of cruise affiliate programs:

Trusted Brands

Many cruise affiliate programs are connected to big and well-known cruise companies. This makes your promotions seem more believable and trustworthy. So, people are more likely to use your link to book because they know and trust the cruise brand.

All of the programs listed are trusted brands. However, a few are exceptionally well-respected in the industry, including Orbitz, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

Wide Range of Cruises

You can opt for brands with diverse cruise options catering to various preferences and budgets. This enables you to target a wide-ranging audience, thus increasing your potential for commissions.

Good Commission

Cruise affiliate programs stand out with their desirable commission rates and high earning potential, which can translate into substantial earnings for each booking or sale made through your affiliate link.

For example, the Entrepreneurs Cruise affiliate program offers a $200 commission for every paid referral.

Marketing Support

You need to join programs that typically provide valuable marketing resources, including banners, text links, and promotional content.

This support can significantly help your marketing efforts, saving you valuable time and effort that would otherwise be spent on creating your own marketing materials.

Opportunity for Upselling

Cruises frequently present additional amenities and upgrades, providing opportunities for upselling. This means the potential for even higher commissions when customers enhance their cabins, purchase beverage packages, or book shore excursions.

Best Cruise Affiliate Programs for Beginners 

For beginners in the computer niche, it’s important to choose affiliate programs that meet specific criteria to ensure your success.

If you’re new to affiliate marketing and looking for beginner-friendly options, here are three programs to consider:

NorwegianClass101 Affiliate Program

NorwegianClass101 is a trusted platform for learning the Norwegian language, and their affiliate program offers a straightforward 25% commission for life, making it easy to earn.

The program also has a lifetime cookie duration, ensuring you earn from long-term referrals. While it doesn’t provide extensive marketing support, the commission structure is quite generous, a significant advantage for beginners.

Polynesian Cultural Centre Affiliate Program

This is a well-known tourist attraction, making it a trusted choice for affiliates. It offers a competitive 5% commission per sale, with a 30-day cookie duration for extended tracking.

Although it doesn’t provide extensive marketing support, the higher average order size of $550 can lead to good earnings, and they have resources to help you get started.

Dock & Bay Affiliate Program:

This brand is known for its innovative beach products and offers a 5% commission per sale, making it beginner-friendly. The program has a 30-day cookie duration for extended tracking and offers PayPal as a payment method, which is convenient for payouts.

This program is suitable for affiliates targeting a younger audience interested in beach and travel products.

Final Words 

If you want to make extra money, consider joining the top 10 cruise affiliate programs. They’re an excellent way to earn cash because many folks love going on cruises, and you can make a decent amount of money by promoting them.

You can offer various cruise options to different people, and you’ll get help with your marketing. Even if people don’t book a cruise right away after clicking your link, you can still make money if they book later.

Plus, you can make even more money by selling extra things like better cabins or drink packages.

So, if you’ve got a travel website or blog, these cruise affiliate programs are a wise choice to make some extra dough. Don’t miss out on this chance to set sail towards financial success!