Comp Cruises in 2026: Earn Free Cruises with Credit Card Rewards | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join host Justin Vacula and returning guest Marc Konchinsky on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as they explain practical strategies to earn complimentary cruises in 2026.

Learn how to combine credit card points, casino loyalty programs, and MyVegas games to sail for little out-of-pocket cost.

Justin and Marc discuss how to:

Turn everyday spending into free or discounted cruises

Use MyVegas and MGM status for comp cruise offers

Stack credit card rewards with casino benefits

Status and offer match into additional cruises

Improve your odds of room upgrades and better offers over time

They also discuss recent changes to cruise offers, the current landscape of MGM status benefits, creative ways to upgrade cabins, and how upcoming events and meetups can help you level up your travel game.

Recorded December 10, 2025. Subscribe for more strategies to travel more while spending less.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:45 Meet the Guest: Marc Konchinsky

02:22 Why Choose Cruises?

03:54 Earning Comp Cruises with MyVegas

07:30 Status Matching for Comp Cruises

09:02 Maximizing MGM Rewards for Cruises

13:13 Gambling and Credit Card Strategies on Cruises

17:33 Best Practices for Cruise Travel

21:04 Announcements and Upcoming Events

23:13 Conference Circuit and Meetup Growth

24:12 Comp Cruises in 2026 with Marc Konchinsky

24:26 Upgrading Rooms on Cruises

24:40 Bidding for Room Upgrades

31:38 MyVegas and Other Rewards Programs

33:53 Upcoming Credit Cards and Travel Plans

38:30 Cruising from Local Ports

42:01 Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

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