Spirit Airlines Launches Free Spirit Cruises With arrivia to Expand Loyalty Rewards Beyond Flights

Spirit Airlines is taking its loyalty experience beyond the skies with the launch of Free Spirit Cruises®, a new platform powered by arrivia, a global leader in travel loyalty and rewards technology. The initiative gives Free Spirit® members and Spirit credit card holders exclusive access to discounted cruise fares while earning Free Spirit points on every sailing.

The new benefit, which launched on November 3, 2025, offers travelers even more ways to plan value-driven vacations that align with their travel goals and budgets. Members can now earn and redeem rewards not only in the air but also at sea—extending Spirit’s hallmark value experience across new travel categories.

Expanding Loyalty Beyond Flights

Spirit’s partnership with arrivia marks the airline’s latest effort to grow its loyalty ecosystem and engage travelers through more frequent reward opportunities. Arrivia, the technology company powering loyalty programs for major brands including T-Mobile, American Express, USAA, and Alaska Airlines, has extensive experience working with global airline loyalty programs such as AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Vietnam Airlines, and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer.

“With this collaboration, we’re connecting two brands that understand value-conscious travelers,” said Mike Nelson, CEO of arrivia. “We’re excited to help Spirit Airlines elevate its loyalty experience by giving Free Spirit members new ways to explore the world—whether by air or sea—while earning the rewards that make travel even more accessible.”

Capitalizing on a Growing Cruise Market

Cruise travel continues to experience strong growth following a record-breaking 2025. According to new data from AAA, an estimated 21.7 million Americans are projected to take an ocean cruise in 2026—up 4.5% from 2025 and 8.4% from 2024. For airlines, integrating cruise rewards has become a strategic move to deepen customer engagement and strengthen loyalty by creating seamless earning opportunities across the entire travel journey.

“Travelers have long trusted Spirit for affordable flights and exceptional value,” said Chris Daugherty, Director of Loyalty and Guest Experience at Spirit Airlines. “Now, with Free Spirit Cruises, they can unlock exclusive savings and earn points from the airport to the cruise port, making their next vacation even more rewarding.”

Reinforcing arrivia’s Leadership in Loyalty Travel

The Spirit–arrivia partnership expands arrivia’s growing portfolio of global airline and travel loyalty clients, reinforcing its position as one of the most innovative engines behind loyalty travel programs worldwide.

By introducing Free Spirit Cruises, Spirit Airlines is redefining what it means to be a value airline—transforming its loyalty program into a broader lifestyle platform that connects travelers to meaningful rewards both in the air and at sea.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com