4000 vs 6500 points in May 2026

At 6,500 points, the structure stays the same but the cash value improves to $500 free play. Sailing count rises to 1,443, and the average sailing length holds at 5.5 nights. That makes 6,500 the cleaner version of the same tier: more inventory, more cash, and no meaningful loss in trip length.

The main difference is not the cabin structure. Both tiers are two-guest only. The difference is the amount of free play and the depth of the list. 6,500 adds 190 sailings over 4,000, which gives it more room to find a better itinerary without giving up the same basic offer shape.

The best cruises at both tiers are Alaska sailings on Ovation of the Seas. At 4,000 points, the top result is a 7-night southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier sailing from Seward with oceanview and $300 free play. At 6,500 points, the top result is the same ship and region, but with balcony inventory and $500 free play.

If the goal is to maximize free play while staying in the same general offer family, 6,500 is the better tier. The extra 2,500 points buy a larger bonus and a wider list. If the goal is to conserve points and still get into the two-guest, bonus-cash part of the certificate, 4,000 is the lower-cost entry.

The gap between them is not about destination access. Both tiers are still Caribbean-first with Alaska as the standout premium region. The gap is about how much cash you get for moving up the ladder.