My 4th free cruise offer due to status matching

Earlier this month, I wrote about how much value I’ve received from my original Hyatt Diamond status match back in 2015. Well, now I can add one more free cruise to that list of benefits.

Free Princess Cruise from Matching MGM Gold Status

For the past few years, I’ve been on the Hyatt Explorist/MGM Gold matching merry-go-round. Unfortunately, this match is not possible go forward as Hyatt and MGM are no longer partners. But, I was able to use my MGM Gold status to get two free Carnival cruises (earlier this year) and one free Holland America cruise (next month).

Then a few months ago, I saw on some blogs that Princess Cruises had a similar status match offer. Princess, Carnival and Holland America area all under the same parent company. I did not gamble on board my previous free Carnival cruises. And, based on comments from other readers, I figured my odds of receiving a free cruise from this match were slim. So, I didn’t bother with it.

But then recently, a reader’s comment got me curious, and I decided to submit my match request to see what happens. And, to my surprise, Princess offered me a free cruise! The details:

Cabin: Inside cabin for up to 2 people

Cruise: Up to 10 nights, valid on cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, California Coast and Eastern Coast.

Deadline: Book within 60 days, cruise by March 31, 2024 (although some folks have had luck cruising later than this date)

Cost: $200 deposit per person, given back as on-board credit. Must pay port taxes and fees for each person (which range from $100-$300+ depending on number of ports)

Am I crazy to turn down this offer?

Most normal people would jump on this “free” cruise offer. However, I’m probably not going to take it. Why not?

• The cruise is not entirely free. Even if I go just myself, the $200 deposit plus taxes and fees would total $300-$400. Then I’d have to use miles and points for flight and hotel. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still very inexpensive. But, it’s not free.
• I have gone on 6 cruises in 2023. Six!
• My travel schedule for 2024 is already very full. I have 3 big international trips booked and I’m hoping to book one more.
• When I travel, I can’t substitute teach. And, I need to keep earning money to help with college expenses for my kids.
• When I leave my family to travel by myself, they tend to go out to eat more than when I’m at home. That cost adds up, too.
• Honestly, I’m not super intrigued by any Princess ship or itinerary. Even the cruises from Galveston, which would be easy to get to, don’t offer ports I haven’t been to or a ship that I’d be excited to sail.

Of course, when it’s February and I’m sick of the snow and ice in Texas, I might be regretting my decision to skip this tropical cruise. But for now, it’s the right decision.

Any MGM Gold members out there who are going on a free Princess cruise? Where are you sailing?