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Best credit cards for cruises

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While the cruise industry came to a screeching halt at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the major cruise lines are back in full operation now. In fact, guests looking for a cruise in North America and elsewhere will find a full roster of ships and itineraries to choose from. This includes options from budget-friendly operators like Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as luxury or adults-only cruises with companies like Virgin Voyages and Silversea.

All of this means that it’s a great time to start earning rewards for your next cruise. But, which credit card for cruises should you choose? That depends on what you hope to get in return.

Best credit cards for cruises in 2023

Many travel credit cards can help you to cover the cost of your cruise with rewards, and some can also help with flights and hotels. Note that all of the cards that made our ranking can be used to book cruises with any cruise line, not just with a specific carrier.

Here are the best credit cards for cruises in 2023:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for its bonus offer

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points — worth $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards — after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. With the card’s relatively low spending requirement, anyone can earn $750 toward their next cruise within a short amount of time.

The Sapphire Preferred also makes it easy to quickly earn points, allowing cardholders to earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs); 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on all other spending. A $95 annual fee applies.

Discover it® Miles: Best for no annual fee

The Discover it® Miles is a solid rewards credit card for cruises if you don’t want to pay an annual fee. This card gives you 1.5X miles for each dollar you spend, and Discover will match all of the miles you earn during your first year of card membership (after the first year is up). You can redeem your miles in the form of statement credits to cover eligible travel purchases (including cruises) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

With this 1.5X earning rate, spending $10,000 on your card within a year will net you 15,000 miles. With Discover’s offer to match your rewards , Discover will turn your 15,000 miles into 30,000 miles at the end of your first year, which you could redeem to cover $300 in cruise fare. Better yet, the Discover it® Miles card offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 17.24% – 28.24%. This means you could charge your cruise to your card and pay it down interest-free for more than a year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexibility

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card keeps everything simple by offering 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. You can also earn 75,000 bonus miles — worth $750 in travel — when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening.

When you go to redeem, you can use your Capital One miles to cover cruise fare at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also cash in your rewards for purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal, or transfer your rewards to Capital One airline and hotel partners . A $95 annual fee applies, but you can recoup this fee by utilizing the card’s up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck .

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for a premium travel card

If you’re a frequent cruise traveler seeking a premium travel credit card, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . This card includes an annual fee of $550, but you’ll get perks like a $300 annual travel credit (good toward cruises and other travel); airport lounge access; up to a $100 credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS; and 50 percent more points value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve provides 60,000 points — worth $900 through Chase Ultimate Rewards — after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards, 10X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 5X points on air travel booked through Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on general travel and restaurants and 1X points on other purchases.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for VIP perks

If you’re in search of a credit card for cruises that comes with VIP benefits, you should consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It has a $395 annual fee, but cardholders can enjoy up to $300 in annual travel credits for Capital One Travel purchases, up to a $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and access Capital One airport lounges , among other benefits.

New cardholders are also eligible to earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. That’s on top of earning 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

When it comes to redeeming rewards for a cruise, Capital One Venture X cardholders can cover all or part of a cruise that’s charged to their card with a redemption rate of 1 cent per mile. Other redemption options include transfers to Capital One travel partners, purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal and more.

What about travel insurance for cruises?

Considering all of the costs that go into taking a cruise (cruise fare, airfare, hotels and so on), you’re also probably wondering about travel insurance . Many of the best travel cards offer travel insurance — such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance , baggage insurance and emergency travel services.

But if you want to purchase travel insurance, your best bet is to purchase a plan that comes with “cancel for any reason” coverage. Many cruise lines offer specific travel insurance plans you can add to your cruise booking, too. For example, with Carnival Vacation Protection , you’ll get trip cancellation and interruption coverage that lets you cancel for any reason. You’ll also get baggage insurance (up to $1,500), medical coverage (up to $10,000) and emergency evacuation coverage (up to $30,000) — all starting at $49 per person.

Is a card that offers rewards for cruises right for you?

The best credit cards for cruises can help you save money or access special perks if you know how to use them. A credit card for cruises may be right for you if:

• You’re debt-free and plan to stay that way
• You’re disciplined enough to use a 0 percent intro APR offer for purchases without racking up long-term debt
• You find travel card benefits like airport lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits appealing
• You’re not in a hurry to earn a free cruise with rewards
• Your credit score is very good or excellent

If you’re struggling with debt, you may want to steer clear of credit and save up for the cruise you want. While everyone needs a vacation — and taking a cruise is one of the best options out there — coming home to a mountain of bills (including interest payments) can ruin the fun in a hurry.

How to choose a credit card for cruises

The right credit card for your next cruise depends on the type of spender you are, your credit score and what you hope to accomplish. These tips can help you pick the best credit card for your goals:

• Decide if you want a 0 percent intro APR . Many rewards credit cards offer a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for a limited time, which can help you make payments on a cruise without any interest. These offers should be used sparingly and only if you have a plan for repayment, but they can still be a good deal.
• Compare bonus offers. If you’re able to meet the spending and timeframe requirements to earn a welcome bonus for a new credit card, you could earn a bonus worth hundreds of dollars or more toward your next cruise.
• Understand which travel benefits you want the most . Note that many of the best travel credit cards have benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits. You’ll pay more for a card with a broader selection of perks, but the investment can be worth it if you travel often.
• Check for earning rates that make sense with your spending . Be sure any credit card you pick offers rewards that align with your spending habits.
• Consider annual fees . There’s nothing wrong with paying an annual fee for a credit card, but you should be sure any perks or benefits you receive make the annual fee worth paying .
• Look for no foreign transaction fees . If you plan to visit cruise ports outside of the U.S., you’ll want to be sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees .

The bottom line

If you’re thinking of picking up a credit card for your next cruise, you should select one that gives you the most bang for your buck. This means picking a card with a generous welcome offer and plenty of rewards for your spending. If you get some extra travel perks along the way, that’s even better. With the right credit card, you’ll be cruising before you know it — and with fewer out-of-pocket expenses, too.

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The 7+ Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises [2024]

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Cruises can be a wonderful way to travel. They are a convenient way to see many places on a single trip and can provide good value since most of your food and entertainment are included.

We’ve previously discussed the best ways to book your cruise with points and miles , but what’s the most rewarding option when paying for your cruise with a credit card?

When you book a cruise, there are a few things you should think about: do you want to earn transferable points or cash-back, or would you prefer to earn cruise line perks like onboard credit or discounts?

In this article, you can discover the best credit cards for booking cruises, whether you want to earn points, cash-back, or get the best onboard perks. And once you’re ready to set sail, book your cruise through a website that offers great prices, bonuses, and perks.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ® — Best for Earning Points & Travel Insurance
• American Express ® Green Card * — Best Mid-Tier Card for Travel
• Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express — Best for Cash-Back
• American Express ® Gold Card — Best for Earning Points on Gift Card Purchases at U.S. Supermarkets
• Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card — Best Business Card for Earning Points – Sub-$100 Annual Fee Card
• The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express — Best Business Card for No Annual Fee & Cash-Back
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business — Best Business Card for  Earning Miles

*The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Some credit cards earn bonus points on the general “travel” category, which includes cruises, while other cards earn bonus points at stores that sell cruise line gift cards. Meanwhile, some cards offer a flat rate for earning points or cash-back. All of these types of cards can be good for booking cruises.

Here’s a quick look at the best options for earning rewards on your next cruise purchase.

Card Summary

Chase sapphire reserve card — best for earning points & travel insurance.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a powerhouse among travel rewards credit cards. The list of benefits it offers is long and includes perks that come in handy when traveling on a cruise, including a $300 yearly travel credit, a Priority Pass membership, primary car rental insurance , excellent travel insurance coverage , and a fee credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS .

Plus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points . When you pay for your cruise with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll earn  3x points. According to our points and miles valuations , Ultimate Rewards points are worth ~2 cents each, which means you’d be getting a ~6% return.

Another benefit to using a Chase credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is access to Chase Offers. You’ll often find discounts or rebates for cruises that can help you save money on your vacation.

Amex Green Card — Best Mid-tier Card for Travel

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

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The American Express ® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards ® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

• 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
• Up to $199 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR ® Plus membership with the Card.
• Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.
• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express ® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® Points on transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
• $199 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $199 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express ® Green Card.
• $100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express ® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
• Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
• Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express ® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
• $150 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

While the Amex Green card might not be the most exciting travel rewards credit card, it’s got some great bonus categories — including travel. With this card, you’ll earn 3x points  on all types of travel, including cruises.

In addition, this card earns 3x points on transit purchases, including trains and subways, and at restaurants, so it’s a great one to keep in your wallet if you want to earn lots of American Express Membership Rewards points .

Keep an eye out for Amex Offers on cruises — you can stack these rewards with other points and perks offered by your American Express card.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card — Best for Cash-Back

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

The Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases , this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases , this could be the card for you!

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers an impressive earning rate at U.S. supermarkets, where you can purchase cruise line gift cards . With this card, you’ll earn 6% cash-back on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets annually. Your cash-back can be redeemed as a statement credit, which could be an excellent option to help offset the price of your cruise.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card also earns 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash-back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash-back on all other purchases. And the card offers unique benefits like a monthly Disney Bundle credit and return protection.

Amex Gold Card — Best for Earning Points on Gift Card Purchases at U.S. Supermarkets

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $325 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express ® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

The Amex Gold card offers excellent earning potential — 4x points — at U.S. supermarkets, which means you can use it to purchase cruise line gift cards.

This is excellent news, mainly because the cap on how much you can spend at that earning level is $25,000 per calendar year, much higher than other cards.

Aside from U.S. supermarket earnings, the Amex Gold card earns 4x points at restaurants, making this an excellent option for collecting many Membership Rewards points. There’s also a $10 monthly dining credit and a $10 monthly Uber cash credit to help offset the annual fee cost.

Be careful when using an American Express card to purchase gift cards. Each card’s terms can vary, and many state that gift card purchases don’t count toward welcome bonus minimum spending or bonus points. That said, we’ve used this card to purchase gift cards at U.S. supermarkets and still earned points, so your experience may vary. Just be aware your points might not post or could be clawed back.

Additional Personal Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card — This card earns 2x points  spent on travel, including cruises. That gives you about 4% return on your spending, which is a solid value. However, if you book your cruise through the Chase Travel portal , you can earn 5x points spent, which nets out to a 10% return.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — This card earns 2x miles on every purchase, including cruises . Plus, it comes with a nice list of additional benefits , including airport lounge access , a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and $300 in annual credits for travel booked through Capital One Travel .
• The Platinum Card ® from American Express — With this card, you’ll earn 2x points on cruises booked through AmexTravel.com . Additionally, you’ll be eligible for the Cruise Privileges Program . This program includes a shipboard credit of $100 to $300 per stateroom (based on cabin type and cruise line) on eligible cruises of 5 nights or more, plus an exclusive amenity based on your cruise line. The Amex Platinum card comes with many premium benefits that make it one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards available.
• Citi Double Cash ® Card — With this card, you’ll earn 2% cash-back — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay your bill on time. There are no categories to consider or maximum to the amount of cash-back you can earn. If you also have a premium Citi card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card , you’ll unlock access to all of Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners , making your points even more valuable.

You can easily earn 2x to 3x points or miles when you pay for your cruise with the right card. Don’t forget to stack these rewards with those offered by the cruise line or an online travel agency. You can use many great websites to book your cruise that offer perks and bonuses like onboard credit or free specialty dining.

Ink Business Preferred Card — Best for Earning Points – Sub-$100 Annual Fee Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

The Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases , especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance , rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of the best business credit cards to book a cruise .

In addition to great benefits like travel insurance and cell phone protection , the Ink Business Preferred card earns 3x points on travel, including cruises (up to $150,000 per year). Don’t forget you’ll also earn 3x points on flights to get you to your departure port, a hotel room for the night before your cruise, and even your taxi ride to the cruise port. Based on our valuations, that gives you a return of about 6% on your spending.

Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, these points can be used for travel in the Chase travel portal, or you can transfer them to one of the Chase airline and hotel partners .

Amex Blue Business Plus Card — Best for No Annual Fee & Cash-Back

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is an excellent option for business owners who want to earn lots of Membership Rewards points and value simplicity because it earns 2x points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year).

While this card doesn’t offer many premium benefits, it does come with some perks that will appeal to business owners , such as employee cards, the ability to connect to Quickbooks, and Vendor Pay by Bill.com. Plus, you won’t be on the hook for paying an annual fee.

Capital One Spark Miles Card — Best for Earning Miles

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

• Unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• 5x miles per $1 spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year
• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
• Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
• APR: 26.24% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a no-nonsense business card with an earn rate of 2x miles spent. What’s great is that the 2x earnings aren’t capped, so the points can add up quickly.

This card also has benefits such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, $0 fraud liability on unauthorized charges, and a virtual credit card number.

Additional Business Cards for Booking Cruises

• American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card — This card is a great option for business owners looking for cash-back instead of points. It earns 2% cash-back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually. Other benefits of the Amex Blue Business Cash card are car rental insurance, the ability to connect to Quickbooks, purchase protection, Vendor Pay by Bill.com, and extended warranty protection.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card — This card earns a flat 2% cash-back on all purchases with no limit. Additionally, this card earns 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

There are both personal and business cards that offer 2% cash-back on purchases, so aim for at least that much cash-back on your next cruise purchase.

We couldn’t write a post about the best credit cards to book a cruise without mentioning cruise line-specific credit cards. Unfortunately, these cards don’t offer as much value as other travel rewards credit cards unless you’re a cruise-only traveler with zero interest in earning flexible points or cash-back. Usually, a cruise line-branded credit card won’t be your best option.

So while we generally don’t recommend these cards , we wanted to mention them for those rare times when they may make sense.

• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card — This card earns 2x MyCruise points on qualifying purchases with Royal Caribbean and its sister brands Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. MyCruise points can be redeemed at 1 cent each for onboard credit, stateroom upgrades, and cruise discounts.
• Princess Cruises ® Rewards Visa ® Card — This card earns 2x points  on all Princess Cruises purchases. Each point is worth 1 cent and can be redeemed for onboard credits, amenities, cruise rewards, and discounted airfare.
• Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® — This card earns 3x WorldPoints on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, 2x WorldPoints on air and hotel purchases, and 1x WorldPoints on all other purchases. WorldPoints are worth 1 cent each and can be redeemed in several ways, including onboard credits, upgrades, and cruise discounts.
• Carnival ® World Mastercard ® — This card earns 2x FunPoints on purchases with Carnival Cruise Lines plus any other “World’s Leading Cruise Lines” brands, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, and more. FunPoints can be redeemed as a statement credit towards any Carnival purchase, including onboard charges.
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card — This card earns 2x MyCruise points  on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean and 1x MyCruise points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for stateroom upgrades, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Cruise line credit cards don’t offer the most bang for your buck when it comes to travel rewards. For maximum travel rewards and benefits, stick to cards that earn transferrable points or cash-back.

There are so many great credit cards out there that it can sometimes be confusing to know which one is right for you. When choosing a credit card to book a cruise, consider what benefits you would like to earn — bonus points, cash-back, or cruise line perks.

Once you know what you’re after, you can narrow down your options to choose the right credit card for your vacation. Now all that’s left to do is pack your bags and set sail.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa ® or Mastercard ® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your eligible enrolled American Express card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.

The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Double Cash ®  Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Carnival ® World Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.   For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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We recommend the Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card as our top choice for best credit cards for cruises because it has a $0 annual fee, you can earn travel rewards on everyday purchases, and you can redeem rewards for cruises.

But depending on your travel preferences and how you like to earn rewards, we’ve included four more cards to choose from.

Let’s explore the best cruise credit cards to see which one makes the most sense for you.

Key takeaways

The 5 best credit cards for cruises, compare the best credit cards for cruises.

• Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

How to choose the best credit card for cruises

Cruise line credit cards, redeeming points for cruises, best credit cards for cruises: bottom line, methodology.

• We recommend the Bank of America Travel Rewards and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (Rates and fees) if you want to earn travel rewards on cruises and everyday purchases.
• Many of the best travel credit cards also make sense as cruise credit cards because they typically earn bonus rewards on travel purchases, which often include cruises, flights, hotel stays, and more.
• We don’t recommend cobranded cruise credit cards (like the Carnival ® World Mastercard ® ) because general travel credit cards tend to offer more flexibility and value with their benefits and rewards.
• $0 annual fee
• Simple rewards rate
• 0% foreign transaction fees
• Average earning rate

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card makes sense if you want to use one credit card to earn rewards on all your eligible purchases. You can then redeem your rewards as statement credits to offset eligible travel purchases, including purchases from cruise lines and travel agencies.

Welcome offer: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Rewards rate: Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.

Why we like it: With a simple rewards rate and $0 annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards takes all the stress out of earning rewards on your everyday purchases. It also has 0% foreign transaction fees, which could be useful if you take international cruises.

What we don’t like: The earning rate is average. However, you could boost your earning potential by up to 75% as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

Other benefits include:

• 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable)
• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable)

Apply for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card  |  Read our full Bank of America Travel Rewards review

• Elevated earning potential on everyday purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Not as useful if your spending habits don’t align with its bonus categories

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card makes sense for earning elevated rewards on your travel purchases, including cruises.

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value).

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases.

Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Autograph provides high earning rates on multiple everyday categories, making it easy to boost your rewards balance from purchases you already plan on making.

With Wells Fargo Rewards, you can redeem your points for travel, including cruises, airline tickets, car rentals, hotel room rentals, and more.

Since the Wells Fargo Autograph has no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal card to use when exploring foreign ports.

What we don’t like: There are better rewards credit cards available if your spending habits don’t align with the Wells Fargo Autograph bonus categories.

• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable)
• Cell phone protection

Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph card | Read our full Wells Fargo Autograph review

• Get 25% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Extensive travel coverage
• $95 annual fee

The Chase Sapphire Preferred makes sense if you want credit card travel insurance for upcoming trips, including flights and hotel stays you may have booked together with a cruise.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards rate: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.

Why we like it: The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and provides travel coverage if you pay for eligible purchases with your card. The travel coverage includes:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Travel and emergency assistance services

It’s common to book flights and hotel stays along with cruises, and having travel insurance could help make sure all your travel plans stay intact.

What we don’t like: There’s a $95 annual fee for Sapphire Preferred cardholders.

• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• Transfer your points to over 12 airline and hotel travel partners, including Marriott Bonvoy, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, and World of Hyatt.

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred  |  Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred review

The Citi Strata Premier Card makes sense if you want to earn travel rewards (that can be redeemed for cruises) on your travel and everyday purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

Rewards rate: Earn 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com; 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Why we like it: You don’t have to pay foreign transaction fees, and the Citi Strata Premier bonus categories can easily align with your everyday purchases. That makes it easy to rack up rewards that you can later redeem for cruises, flights, and hotel stays for upcoming trips.

What we don’t like: There’s a $95 annual fee for card membership.

• Enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, through CitiTravel.com once per calendar year.
• Transfer your points to over 12 airline and hotel partners, including Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Choice Privileges, and Wyndham Rewards.

Apply for the Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card (Rates and fees)   |   Read our full Citi Strata Premier Card review

• $300 annual travel credit
• 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Airport lounge access (Priority Pass Select)
• $550 annual fee

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ® makes sense if you want premium travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, that you can use on your way to cruise destinations.

Rewards rate: Earn 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases.

Why we like it: The $300 annual travel credit works with many different types of travel purchases, including cruises, flights, and hotel stays.

You can also take advantage of complimentary airport lounge access with a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. That could make flying to different cruise port cities more convenient and comfortable.

Travel protections on the Sapphire Reserve include:

• Lost luggage reimbursement

What we don’t like: There’s a $550 annual fee for cardmembers.

• Receive one application fee credit (in the form of a statement credit) of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
• Transfer your points to over 12 loyalty program partners, including JetBlue TrueBlue, United MileagePlus, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve  |  Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve review

Consider these factors to help choose the best cruise credit card for you.

Travel rewards

In general, the best cruise credit card should:

• Offer a welcome bonus or sign-up bonus to new cardholders
• Earn travel rewards for any cruise purchases you make
• Earn travel rewards on other types of purchases so you can build your points total with everyday expenses
• Provide multiple redemption options so you can help reduce your cruise trip expenses (Those redemption options could include cruises, flights, and hotel stays.)

Note that certain cash back credit cards could also make sense for cruises. You can typically receive statement credits or deposits into bank accounts with cash back cards, making it easy to use cash back toward travel.

Travel benefits

The cruise itself is the main point of going on a cruise, but you still might have to consider how you’re getting to different cruise ports. That often involves booking flights and hotel stays.

Certain credit card benefits can help enhance your travels to and from cruise port cities. For example, airport lounge access could make for a more relaxing experience at any airport you have to travel through. And having a travel or hotel credit could help reduce your overall expenses for your cruise trip.

Credit requirements

The best travel credit cards typically require good or excellent credit scores to qualify. A good credit score is at least a 670 on the FICO scoring model, while an excellent score is at least an 800.

Note that your credit score is often just one of multiple factors that card issuers consider to determine your eligibility.

Credit cards with annual fees tend to provide more perks and benefits than no-annual-fee cards. But, depending on your preferences and personal finance goals, you might choose one type of card over the other.

Foreign transaction fees

It’s common for cruises to visit international destinations, even if you’re departing from the U.S. If you plan on exploring a foreign port, it helps to have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on hand.

In general, we recommend avoiding cruise line credit cards. That’s basically any card that’s offered by a credit card issuer in partnership with a cruise line, such as the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card or Carnival World Mastercard.

We recommend going with travel credit cards that earn general rewards currencies because they tend to have better rewards and benefits. And, most of the time, you can still use rewards from these cards for booking cruises through a card issuer travel portal.

Another benefit is that you’re not locked into a specific rewards currency. For example, the best redemptions on the Carnival World Mastercard are for Carnival cruises and related purchases. That’s not particularly helpful if you want to use points toward airfare or a hotel stay.

That said, if you do opt for a cruise line co-branded credit card, look for one that offers perks like onboard credits and other cruise upgrades.

Using certain credit card rewards currencies could give you more flexibility with your redemption options, including if you want to redeem points toward cruises, flights, or hotel stays.

Some examples of card issuers, general rewards currencies, and associated travel portals include:

Note that the availability of different cruise lines could vary between credit card reward travel portals. If you want to guarantee that you can use rewards to cover a cruise, consider credit cards that offer statement credits to cover past travel purchases.

Using this strategy makes it so you can directly purchase a cruise from any cruise line on any cruise ship, whether it’s Princess Cruises, Disney, or Celebrity Cruises, and then use your credit card rewards to cover that travel purchase.

Should I pay for my cruise with a credit card?

Paying for a cruise with a credit card could help you earn valuable rewards and provide useful travel insurance for your travels. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns travel points on eligible purchases and provides the following travel coverage.

Which credit card is best for cruises?

We recommend these credit cards for cruises because they earn travel rewards that can be redeemed for different cruise itineraries.

• Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card (Rates and fees)

How do I book a cruise with Chase Sapphire Preferred?

You can book a cruise with the Sapphire Preferred in multiple ways.

• Pay for a cruise directly with a cruise line, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Pay for a cruise using a travel agent or third-party company such as Expedia or Cruise Critic.
• Pay for a cruise using cash or points through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card is our overall choice for cruise credit cards because it has a simple rewards rate, a $0 annual fee, and you can redeem your rewards toward cruise trips.

If you prefer higher earning rates on your travel purchases, we recommend the Wells Fargo Autograph and Chase Sapphire Preferred credit cards. For premium travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is our top choice.

For more of our recommendations, compare credit cards to find the right credit card offer for you.

The companies we chose for our list of the best credit cards for cruises are current or past FinanceBuzz partners. We did not review all companies in the market. When evaluating these companies, we considered factors such as reward categories, welcome offers, reward programs, travel perks, and travel insurance.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Card Details

• Simple, flat-rate rewards
• Flexible redemption options
• Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

on Bank of America’s secure website

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Why we like it

The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.

Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.

Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.

Author Details

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LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER

30,000 bonus points, redeem for $300 onboard credit, or stateroom upgrades & more.

THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN VISA SIGNATURE ® CARD

A SEA OF REWARDS

Unlock incredible benefits at sea with the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card. Earn points towards stateroom upgrades, onboard credit, companion fares and more - all for no annual fee .†

EARN & UNLOCK MORE

• Onboard credit
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• Cruise discounts
• Companion fares
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VIP TRAVEL PERKS

• 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge
• Access to the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection & benefits
• Receive special rates and VIP status at select luxury hotels worldwide

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The Best Credit Cards for Frequent Cruisers

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Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

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Cruises are back and better than ever following a pandemic-fueled rough patch that dropped an anchor on the industry for more than a year. The pause has led to pent-up demand, as travelers are ready to explore the epic new ships , glamorous itineraries, and never-before-seen dining experiences that are waiting for them at sea.

But, how you pay for a cruise can make a big difference, thanks to bonus points and added perks along the way. While some cruise lines have their own co-branded cruise credit cards, those may only interest travelers who stay loyal to one company. Instead, check out these five travel credit cards , which deliver solid value when booking some of the newest ships of the year, no matter what line you're cruising on.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

In addition to earning Membership Rewards points, American Express offers the Cruise Privileges program, which tacks on benefits for many sailings. When you book a cruise of at least five nights through Platinum Concierge, you’re eligible for $100 to $300 in shipboard credit and two Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on the cruise fare.

Travel protections for the card also include trip delay or cancellation coverage, and if your luggage goes missing, you’ll get help from American Express to cover missing necessities. Onboard, the perks await with amenities that vary by cruise line, including welcome bottles of Champagne or behind-the-scenes tours of the ship.

Try this out on… Celebrity Beyond , the newest ship from the Readers' Choice Award-winning cruise line, which is sailing around the Mediterranean this summer. It features the cruise line’s first Daniel Boulud restaurant at sea , where you can take advantage of your onboard credit.

United℠ Explorer Card

United has a dedicated booking site for cruises; if you have the United Explorer Card, you can earn some major bonus miles when you book a sailing, too. Depending on the type of cruise and cabin category you choose, you can earn as many as six miles per dollar spent when paying with this card.

If you have United MileagePlus Premier status, then you’re eligible for bonus offers like food, beverage, or spa credits on your sailing, too. While American and Delta have similar cruise bonus offers with bonuses for using their credit card, United’s offer is the most generous.

Try this out on… Azamara Onward, the fourth ship for the newly independent cruise line. This summer, it is sailing to the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean later this year. If you like the small-ship sailing experience, Azamara offers great value. Its ships typically spend more time in ports—including overnight stays—giving travelers more time to explore the destination.

Learn more about applying for the United Explorer card here .

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is a favorite for its low annual fee ($95) and the opportunity to earn two miles per dollar spent on all eligible purchases. The miles you earn can be redeemed like cash when paying for airfare, which means you might be able to cover the cost of your flights to the cruise. Alternatively, you can use miles to “erase” travel-related charges to your credit card. Cardholders can redeem miles in the form of statement credits, which is another incredibly useful perk if you want to temper that extra spending in port.

Capital One also offers the ability to redeem miles in exchange for cruise line gift cards with companies like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. The card has travel accident insurance protections, too, which adds value when using the card to pay for travel.

Try this out on… Emerald Azzurra , the new, 100-passenger super yacht for Emerald Cruises destined for Red and Mediterranean Sea ports. Active cruisers in particular will enjoy the ship, which offers water sport equipment and electronic bikes to use in port.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

This card earns three Chase Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on travel, including cruises. Chase Ultimate Rewards can be redeemed like cash for a variety of travel options (at a value of 1.5 cents per point), making it one of the most flexible and valuable loyalty point offerings. You can also transfer points to airline or hotel partners to offset the cost of a pre- or post-cruise vacation. The substantial trip protections that come with the card have you covered in case your flight is delayed or cancelled or your luggage gets lost en route, too.

Try this out on… Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas , the line’s newest ship and the largest in the world. Sailing the Mediterranean this summer, some passengers may never want to leave the ship thanks to onboard activities like the FlowRider, a water park, zip lines, and a dedicated neighborhood just for suite passengers. (Of note, Royal Caribbean investors with at least 100 shares also receive complimentary onboard credit —the amount varies based on the sailing length, but can be as much as $250 for stock investors.)

Learn more about applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card here .

Citi/aadvantage platinum select® world elite mastercard®.

If earning American Airlines elite status is a priority, this card can help get you there. The airline’s new loyalty points system allows you to spend your way to status without ever setting foot on a plane—including when paying for a cruise with the card.

Other benefits include comped checked bags on American flights, plus discounts on in-flight food and drink purchases. When using the card for trips booked with American Airlines Cruises , you’ll earn two miles per dollar spent. You’ll also double dip your way to AAdvantage elite status both by using the card to pay for the sailing and for using the airline’s dedicated cruise site.

Try this out on… Seabourn Encore , the 300-suite ship sailing the Mediterranean this summer. With a focus on the ultra-luxury segment, Seabourn is known for exceptional dining and swoon-worthy experiences like tuxedo-attired staff who wade through the shallow sea to pamper guests with Champagne and caviar.

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See rates and fees for The Platinum Card .

For AmEx Platinum's trip delay and trip cancelation coverage, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For AmEx Platinum's baggage insurance plan, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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Should you get a cruise line credit card? Here's a closer look

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

You have a credit card affiliated with your favorite airline, and it gives you free checked bags and extra miles to redeem toward free travel. You have a card associated with your favorite hotel loyalty program, and you earn free nights and elite night credits. If you're also an avid cruiser, does it make sense to get the credit card linked to your favorite cruise line in the hope of earning free cruises and making your way more quickly through the loyalty program tiers?

We'll explore the benefits of applying for a card with your favorite cruise line and compare that to using a more general travel rewards card. You might be surprised at which type of card actually gets you free cruises more quickly.

Should you get a cruise line credit card?

Perhaps surprisingly, the best credit cards for booking cruises are usually not cobranded cards.

Before you apply for a cruise line's credit card, consider which benefits and perks it offers. Then, compare those to TPG's list of the best travel credit cards . It's likely that those cards — though they don't say "cruise" in the name of the card — will actually serve you better.

Why? Because they earn more valuable rewards, often at higher rates, which you can still use to pay for your future cruises. Plus, travel credit cards tend to offer protections cruise line credit cards don't, such as covering the costs associated with canceled trips or flight delays that could cause you to miss your cruise.

If you're chasing high-level elite status in a cruise line's loyalty program, know that owning and spending with a cruise credit card will not get you to certain tiers more quickly. In fact, the two points-earning programs are entirely separate.

A cruise credit card earns points based on dollars spent that can be redeemed as credits to cover card purchases. A cruise line's loyalty program issues a separate type of point, based on days or cruises sailed, that leads to status levels that offer increasing cruise perks, discounts and freebies. Thus, having a cruise line's credit card can help you earn a free cruise but won't help you earn status with that cruise line.

Related: A beginner's guide to cruise line loyalty programs

Details on cruise line credit cards

Carnival® world mastercard®.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 FunPoints after your first purchase or balance transfer. This is enough for a $200 statement credit toward your next cruise booking. The current offer does not state a timeline for when the purchase or balance transfer must be made in order to qualify for the bonus.

Annual fee: $0.

Earning structure: Earn 2 FunPoints per dollar spent with Carnival Cruise Line and World's Leading Cruise Lines (which includes Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourn, Aida, Costa and P&O Cruises) and 1 FunPoint per dollar on all other purchases.

Redeeming points: Points are redeemed at 1 cent apiece in value toward Carnival bookings and onboard purchases, with a minimum redemption of 5,000 points. Redemptions can only be made for purchases made within the past 90 days.

Cruise-related perks for cardmembers: Get 10% back as a statement credit when you book a Carnival shore excursion on Carnival.com prior to your cruise and pay with your Carnival credit card.

Other cardmember perks: New cardmembers enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (then a variable APR of 17.24%, 23.24%, or 27.24). There are no foreign transaction fees when using your card, and you can enjoy multiple perks offered on all World Mastercard credit cards .

Issuing bank: Barclays.

Public application link: Carnival® World Mastercard®

The information for the Carnival card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 10,000 MyCruise Rewards bonus points after one qualifying transaction on the card within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $69 (there is also a no-fee version with fewer benefits but the same welcome offer).

Earning structure: Earn 2 points per dollar on purchases with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean and earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The earning rate is the same on both versions of this card.

Redeeming points: Use points for 1 cent apiece in value toward future cruises or onboard purchases.

Cruise-related perks for cardmembers: The following perks are only available to those who apply for the Visa Signature version of the card with a $69 annual fee: $50 airfare discount on Flights by Celebrity purchases, offered after account approval, plus a 10% discount on Premium Beverage Packages, 10% discount on Private Journeys shore excursions and 50% off a second guest at any specialty restaurant. Cardholders can also earn a $300 discount on qualifying purchases for future cruises after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 60 days from account opening.

Other cardmember perks: Cardmembers also enjoy numerous discounts, offers, travel perks and event access with Visa Signature perks . Both versions of the card have no foreign transaction fees.

Issuing bank: Bank of America.

Public application link: Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® card

The information for the Celebrity Cruises Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $49 (there is also a no-fee version with fewer perks and a smaller sign-up bonus).

Earning structure: Earn 5% back as Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com. Earn 2% back on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most U.S. Disney locations. Earn 1% back on all other purchases.

Redeeming points: Disney Rewards Dollars can be redeemed toward Disney theme park tickets, Disney cruises and onboard spending, Disney movies at participating theaters and on purchases at DisneyStore.com . Cardholders also can redeem their rewards for a statement credit against airline tickets purchased with their card. (This option is not available on the no-annual-fee Disney® Visa® Card.)

Cruise-related perks for cardmembers: Cardholders enjoy an introductory 0% promotional APR for 6 months (then 19.24% to 28.24%) on Disney vacation packages and onboard discounts when paying with your card, including 10% off Castaway Cay Getaway Packages.

Other cardmember perks: 10% off at select Disney dining venues and on Disney merchandise purchases of $50 or more, plus access to limited-time perks and special offers from Disney.

Issuing bank: Chase.

Official application link: Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 5,000 bonus points after your first purchase or balance transfer on the card. The current offer does not state a timeline for when the purchase or balance transfer must be made in order to qualify for the bonus.

Earning structure: Earn 2 points per dollar spent with Holland America and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Redeeming points: Redeem points at 1 cent apiece toward onboard credit, cruises, gift cards or merchandise from Holland America.

Cruise-related perks for cardmembers: None.

Other cardmember perks: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers initiated within 45 days of account opening. After the introductory period, the standard APR of 17.24, 23.24 % or 27.24% will apply. Plus, cardmembers have access to concierge services and pay no foreign transaction fees.

Public application link: Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card

The information for the Holland America Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®

Sign-up bonus: Get 20,000 bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases on the card within the first 90 days of account opening.

Earning structure: Earn 3 WorldPoints for every dollar spent on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, 2 points per dollar on eligible airline and hotel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Redeeming points: Redeem points at 1 cent apiece in value toward future cruises, onboard credits, car rentals, hotel stays, cash or gift cards. You can also redeem a fixed amount of points for a room upgrade certificate or free cruise certificate, which can vary in value.

Other cardmember perks: Enjoy World Mastercard benefits with DoorDash and ShopRunner , multiple travel protections and cellphone insurance , as well as no foreign transaction fees.

Public application link: Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®

The information for the Norwegian Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus points after your first purchase on the card.

Earning structure: Earn 2 points per dollar on Princess cruises purchases — including onboard purchases — and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Redeeming points: Use your points at a value of 1 cent each toward cruises, onboard credits and discounted airfare.

Other cardmember perks: New cardmembers enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (then a variable APR of 17.24%, 23.24%, or 27.24%). Cardmembers have free access to their FICO credit score online, access to concierge services and pay no foreign transaction fees.

Public application link: Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card

The information for the Princess Cruises card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus MyCruise points after your first qualifying transaction within 90 days of account opening.

Earning structure: Earn 2 MyCruise points per dollar spent on qualifying Royal Caribbean purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Redeeming points: Redeem points at 1 cent apiece toward cruise upgrades and discounts, free cruise redemptions, shore excursions or onboard purchases.

Cruise-related perks for cardmembers: You can earn a $50 discount with Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program after making at least $3,500 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening (offer not available for students).

Other cardmember perks: Cardmembers have no foreign transaction fees and can enjoy numerous discounts, offers, travel perks and event access with Visa Signature perks .

Public application link: Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card

The information for the Royal Caribbean card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Comparing cruise credit cards to general travel credit cards

Now that you've seen the sign-up bonuses, earning rates, redemption options and extra perks for the cruise line cards, let's take a look at how they stack up against general travel rewards cards .

Credit cards from cruise lines tend to have a flat redemption rate of 1 cent per point. Thus, it will require significant spending on your credit card to earn enough points for a free cruise this way.

On the other hand, rewards that you can earn from other travel credit cards have higher values, according to our monthly point valuations . Paying for your cruise with a general travel credit card may earn more points in the long run, along with offering points that are more valuable and allow more options in how you redeem your points. Yes, you can use these points to pay for cruises, but you could also redeem them for other parts of your upcoming vacation.

Moreover, the welcome bonuses from cruise credit cards are not strong. They range from $50 to $300 in value. General travel credit cards offer bonuses that are worth much more than this — sometimes providing more than $1,000 in value . Additionally, cruise credit cards usually don't offer travel protections for any problems you encounter during your trip.

Let's look at an example of how a cruise line cobranded card stacks up against a general travel credit card.

Comparing a common travel rewards card to a cruise line credit card

Compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card.

While the Royal Caribbean card has no annual fee, it earns 2 points per dollar only on Royal Caribbean spending and 1 point per dollar on everything else. These points can only be used with Royal Caribbean and are worth just 1 cent apiece.

On the flip side, the Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee of $95. The points it earns, however, are worth 2 cents apiece according to TPG's valuations . Plus, you can earn 2 points per dollar on all travel spending (not just one cruise line) and 5 points per dollar if you purchase travel through Chase's portal. Plus, you'll earn bonus points on additional spending categories, including dining, streaming services and online grocery purchases.

Royal Caribbean's sign-up bonus is easier to earn; you get 10,000 points (worth $100) after your first purchase on the card. You can also earn a flight voucher worth $50 after spending $3,500 on the card within your first 90 days of having the card. While you have to spend $4,000 within three months to earn the Sapphire Preferred's sign-up bonus, it's a much more generous 60,000 points (worth $1,200). That bonus's spending requirement is only $500 more than you need to earn the $50 flight voucher with the Royal Caribbean card — and the 60,000 points could easily earn you multiple free flights (or free hotel nights before and after your cruise).

Additionally, the Sapphire Preferred has far more perks built into what it offers card members than Royal Caribbean's minimal Visa Signature benefits. While both cards offer no foreign transaction fees and include some kind of rental car insurance , the Sapphire Preferred also gives cardholders trip delay reimbursement , trip cancellation insurance and lost/delayed baggage reimbursement . If you paid for at least part of the trip with your Sapphire Preferred, this could come in handy during travel disruptions.

The Sapphire Preferred is also the more flexible card because its points can be redeemed in a variety of ways . Just like with the Royal Caribbean card, you could use the points from your Sapphire Preferred to book a cruise in the Chase travel portal , paying with your points as if they were cash.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Additionally, you could also use your Chase points to book hotels or rental cars, book activities from tour operators available on the site or transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners to book flights and hotel nights. While the Disney Visa and cruise credit cards issued by Barclays do allow you to redeem points for flights, the spending required to earn enough points for these redemptions will be significant, since points are worth just 1 cent each.

Given the weaker sign-up bonuses, lack of travel protections and significant spending required to earn a free cruise, cruise line credit cards pale in comparison to travel rewards credit cards . If you decide to apply for a credit card of any type, review our guide to application rules from each bank. These will help you understand the application process and your chances of approval.

Related: TPG beginner's guide: Everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards

Bottom line

A cruise credit card will not earn you special status with your cruise line, give you a ton of travel perks or get you free cruises quickly. You'll likely get more bang for your buck with a more general travel card . That's true not only because travel cards earn points on your whole vacation (flights, hotels, cruises, transportation to the cruise port, etc.) and allow you to use those points in a variety of ways, but also because they provide perks such as trip cancellation insurance , trip delay reimbursement and other valuable trip protections.

If you are loyal to a particular cruise line and feel its credit card could add value thanks to discounts on shore excursions or other onboard benefits, combining this with one of our best travel credit cards may be your ideal solution. Spend just enough on the cruise card to access the initial bonuses and then only use it to pay for cruise-specific purchases. Use your general travel card for everything else.

The reality, however, is that most people will be better served by a general travel card. If you ask us if you should get a cruise line credit card, the answer in most cases will be "no."

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

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Princess Cruises Visa Review: Seaworthy, but Hard to Navigate

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

If you want to save on cruises, a general travel card can earn you higher rewards without having to keep track of varying redemption values.

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

• Earn 20,000 Bonus Points after spending $500 in qualifying purchases within the first 90 days - that's enough to redeem for $200 in onboard credit,

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles

Ongoing APR

APR: 20.24%-29.99%, Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Redeem points for cruise rewards, onboard credits, special on board amenities and discounted air fare
• $0 annual fee

No annual fee

New cardholder bonus offer

Intro APR period

Low rewards rate

Complicated redemptions

High minimum redemption requirement

Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime cruise or it's the only way you ever travel, costs can add up. The Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card might help brand loyalists get their travel-reward sea legs, but it's not necessarily the smoothest sailing.

The card, issued by Barclays, offers frequent Princess passengers some decent perks, including a sign-up bonus and a $ 0 annual fee. But plenty of other travel credit cards offer higher rewards rates, richer bonuses and more straightforward redemption rules. Some of these other options do charge an annual fee, but some will waive that fee for the first year — and there are no-annual-fee travel cards to choose from , too.

Even if 100% of your travel budget goes toward cruises, you might be better off charting a different course for a travel rewards credit card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for cruises

Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card : Key features

Card type: Travel .

Annual fee: $ 0

Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 Bonus Points after spending $500 in qualifying purchases within the first 90 days - that's enough to redeem for $200 in onboard credit,

Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases, including onboard purchases.

Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Points can be redeemed for statement credits, starting at 5,000 points for a $50 statement credit toward an eligible Princess Cruise Line purchase. But what makes this card different, and confusing, is that the amount of points needed to redeem will vary by transaction because redemption value is tied to the amount of your Princess Cruise Line purchase:

$50 - $499.99: You'll get a statement credit redemption value of 1%.

$500 - $2,000.99: Statement credit redemption value of 1.25%.

$2,001 - $4,000.99: Statement credit redemption value of 1.5%.

$4,001 and up: Statement credit redemption value of 2%.

You can also redeem points for statement credit toward several other cruise lines, plus:

Onboard amenities (when available).

Gift cards/certificates. You'll need a minimum of 3,300 points for a $25 gift card, meaning points are worth less than a penny each when used this way.

Merchandise. Point values will vary.

Intro APR: 0% intro APR balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, and then the ongoing APR of 20.24%-29.99%, Variable APR .

Ongoing APR: 20.24%-29.99%, Variable APR .

Balance transfer fee: 5 % (min $5).

Foreign transaction fee: 0 %.

Many travel cards charge annual fees, meaning you'll have to figure out whether you're earning enough in rewards and perks to outweigh the yearly cost of card ownership. Not an issue with the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card .

Flexible redemption options

When you're ready to cash in points, you're not limited just to Princess cruises. You can also redeem points for statement credits toward Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Aida and Fathom. Other travel-related redemptions are available, too, not to mention gift cards.

Good terms for balance transfers

If you have credit card debt, the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card can help you save money on interest. The issuer phrases the offer this way: 0% intro APR balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, and then the ongoing APR of 20.24%-29.99%, Variable APR . But you will have a balance transfer fee of 5 %.

Redemption complexity

With many travel cards, points are often worth a penny each. But the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card has a tiered system of varying statement credit redemption values, which can make it tough to know what exactly your points are worth. When you erase a $50 Princess purchase by redeeming points for statement credit, you get a penny a point. But when you erase a purchase over $4,000, you get 2 cents per point.

If you're looking for a little more simplicity, a general cash-back card could be a better option. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns an unlimited 2% back on purchases, and you can redeem rewards for a statement credit, a mailed check or a direct deposit (if you bank with Wells Fargo).

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also comes with a solid sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

» MORE: Credit cards with potentially confusing rewards programs

There's no 0% intro APR for purchases

The ongoing APR for purchases kicks in on Day One. If you're planning to spend a few thousand dollars on a cruise and pay it off over several months, for example, the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card isn't your best option.

For a better introductory 0% period, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card . You'll get 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply .

An added perk: This $0 -annual-fee card also earns 1.5 points on purchases and comes with a great sign-up bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

The Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card can offer some benefit to Princess Cruises fans who spend a lot with the cruise line, and its flexible redemption options are a plus. But its complicated redemption tiers can be confusing.

Even if you do take to the sea on a regular basis, other travel cards offer more lucrative sign-up bonuses and point-earning programs that are easier to understand and potentially better fits for everyday spending. Research these options to make sure the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa® Card is seaworthy for you.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also has no annual fee, but it earns much richer rewards on a much wider variety of spending. You get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase; 3% back at restaurants and on drugstore purchases; and 1.5% cash back on other purchases. Technically, that cash back comes in the form of points, which can also be used toward travel.

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Sara Rathner

The carnival® world mastercard® EARN 25,000 FUNPOINTS – WORTH $250 TOWARD YOUR NEXT CRUISE PURCHASE 1 --> Earn 25,000 FunPoints® after spending $500 in the first 90 days, redeem for $250 toward your next cruise purchase 2

No annual fee 1, the carnival® world mastercard® get 20,000 funpoints worth up to $200 after your first purchase or balance transfer, just like that..

Get 0% promotional APR for 6 months on Carnival cruise bookings. After that, a variable APR will apply, 20.24% to 29.99% , depending on your creditworthiness and other factors. 1

25,000 FUNPOINTS

Earn 25,000 FunPoints after spending $500 on purchases within the first 90 days. That's enough to redeem for $250 toward your next cruise. 2

Earn 2X FunPoints for every dollar spent on purchases with Carnival Cruise Line. 2

1X FunPoints

Count on earning a FunPoint for every dollar spent on all other purchases. 2

No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Enjoy greater freedom with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees on international purchases. 1

2X FunPoints

Earn 2X FunPoints for every dollar spent on any purchases with Carnival Cruise Line AND with the brands of the World's Leading Cruise Lines. 2

Low intro APR on balance transfers

0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply, 20.24% to 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness and other factors. There is a fee for balance transfers. 1

Redeem points on Carnival purchases

Redeem for statement credits toward any Carnival purchase, onboard experiences, and more. Redemptions start at 5,000 FunPoints for a $50 onboard credit or toward an eligible Carnival Cruise Line purchase in the last 180 days. 2

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

Pre-Cruise FAQ

Onboard faq, post-cruise faq, cruisetours faq.

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FAQ: Princess ® Rewards Visa ® Card

Earn points with every purchase and you will be on your way to a variety of cruise rewards, earn 20,000 bonus points.

= $200 onboard credit

Earn 2X Points

on all Princess purchases

Earn 1X Points

on all other purchases

Terms apply

How can I apply for the Princess Rewards Visa?

To apply for the Princess Rewards Visa Card, fill out the online application form.

Do the points ever expire?

Points do not expire as long as your account is open, active, and in good standing.

Are there a maximum number of points I can earn during the year?

There is no limit on the number of points you can earn on purchases, as long as your account is open and in good standing.

How do I contact Princess if I have questions about a cruise?

You can speak with a Princess Representative Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm ET by calling 1-800-774-6237 or by logging in to princess.com

How do I earn points?

You can earn two points per $1 spent on Princess Cruise Line purchases including cruise bookings and onboard amenities; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases made with your Princess Rewards Visa Card.

How can I redeem my points?

You can redeem your points at any time online or by phone. To redeem online, log in to your account at  BarclaysUS.com  and click on the Rewards and Benefits link, then select Start using my Points at the top of the page. To redeem by phone, call the number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.

What can I redeem points for?

Your points can be redeemed toward onboard credit and amenities, travel, gift cards and merchandise. You can also redeem points toward eligible purchases with Princess Cruises or other World’s Leading Cruise Lines, or an airline purchase that is equal to or greater than $50, that posts to the Account within 180 days.

Will I lose my points if I close my account?

Points earned through the Princess Rewards Visa Card will be forfeited 60 days after a voluntary account closure.

Will transactions made by Authorized Users earn points when they use the Princess Rewards Visa Card?

Yes. Transactions made by Authorized Users will earn points at the same rate as the primary cardmember. The points are applied to the primary cardmember’s account.

How can I track my points and redemptions?

Monthly Statement: Your monthly billing statement will display your points balance as of the end of the billing period, and you’ll see a summary of the net points you've earned and redeemed in that period. Online: After logging in to your account at  BarclaysUS.com  and clicking the “My Account” section, you can view your Points balance and redemption history 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also call the number on the back of your credit card and a representative will assist you with that information.

More Frequently Asked Questions

• Prepare for Your Cruise
• Before You Leave for Your Cruise
• What To Pack for a Cruise
• Travel & Transportation
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Experience
• Cruising with Family & Kids
• Dining & Nightlife
• Keeping in Touch
• Disembarkation
• Report a lost item or luggage
• Onboard stateroom account
• Onboard medical records
• Alaska Cruisetours
• Asia Cruisetours
• Australia Cruisetours
• Canada & New England Cruisetours
• Europe Cruisetours
• South America Cruisetours

Common questions and topics

The OceanReady® Process

Princess MedallionClass® FAQ

Crew Appreciation

Dress Code and What to Pack for a Cruise

Cancellation Policy

Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

Travel Documents

Prohibited Items

You may also like

• Princess Vacation Protection
• Princess EZair®
• Cruise Tips, Advice and Information
• Military Cruise Benefit Program
• Princess® Rewards Visa® Card
• Onboard Gifts & Services

Richard Skinner gets you set for the game at 4:25 p.m. on Local 12

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• Preview & prediction
• Bengals worth billions

Woman says she received 35 credit cards in other names drawn on her account

by KGO/CNN/CNN Newsource

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) - A woman said she received 35 credit cards in all different names.

It appears to be a scam, though it's not exactly clear how it would work.

California resident Jodi Hayes said dozens of people got added to her credit card account as authorized users, telling KGO-TV that they all showed up in her mailbox and that she isn't familiar with any of the names.

There are 35 names in total that Hayes hasn't ever heard before.

With the power to charge up to $19,000 on her Marriott Bonvoy Chase Card or get $950 cash back, leaving Hayes on the hook.

"I know I have good credit, but I've never seen anything like this ever," Hayes told KGO.

Hayes and her husband were on a cruise back in August when she got an "informed Delivery" email from the United States Postal Service (USPS) with what appeared to be dozens of credit cards headed her way.

"This fiasco ruined the end of our vacation," Hayes told the station.

She told KGO that she reached out to Chase from the cruise ship.

"They were just very basic 'oh okay, yeah. Maybe it's some computer glitch. We'll stop it.," Hayes told the outlet.

When speaking to KGO's reporters, Hayes said Chase also put her in-touch with the fraud department, which she said called her back when she returned home.

"With no explanation, just, 'we'll take care of it, we'll send you a new card, a new number,'" Hayes recalled when speaking to the station.

It was a response that was less than satisfactory to her, according to KGO.

"I wanted them to send an email, did you authorize all these people to be on your credit card? And I wanted them to say, we'll investigate it," Hayes told the outlet.

In an emailed statement to KGO, a Chase spokesperson said "we monitor customer accounts for suspicious activity and promptly contact them if something unusual is detected. In this instance, our vigilant customer alerted us first. We closed the unauthorized cards, issued a new account and card, and apologized for the inconvenience caused during her vacation."

KGO put Hayes in-touch with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

"My immediate reaction is that that sounds like an identity fraud scheme," postal inspector Matthew Norfleet told the outlet.

The inspector told KGO that using the mail for any kind of fraud scheme is a crime which carries up to 20 years. Norfleet told KGO that the perpetrator could be overseas or live in the same area as Hayes.

"Search warrants, surveillance, grand jury subpoenas, those are all tools that we use to investigate fraud schemes big and small," Norfleet explained to the outlet.

According to KGO, the scheme didn't end with Chase Cards, however.

"Capital One, Discover, Citibank. I got from every bank an application," Hayes explained to KGO.

Every application was denied.

"Not enough credit history," Hayes told the outlet.

The names on the application were a little more familiar to Hayes, however.

"All of these names are the same as some of the people on the credit cards they sent. A lot of repeated names. Brittany Jackson like 4 times," Hayes explained to KGO.

When speaking to the station, Norfleet said "once somebody's figured out a fraud scheme, they are going to do it as many times as they can."

KGO reported that it wasn't clear if the fraudsters were planning on stealing Hayes' mail, but in addition to informed consent, she also happens to have a lock box on her mailbox.

While no mailbox is perfectly secure, USPIS told the outlet that Hayes did a lot of things correctly.

Another tip the post office gave was requesting to have your mail held at the post office when you travel.

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Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®

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Online Offer: 20,000 bonus points

That’s enough for a $200 onboard credit or $200 off your next Norwegian cruise

Card Details

Earn triple points.

Earn 3 WorldPoints ®  points for every $1 spent on Norwegian purchases, 2 WorldPoints ® points per $1 spent on eligible air and hotel purchases and 1 WorldPoints ® point per $1 spent on all other purchases

No annual fee †  and no foreign transaction fees †

Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees while earning points to redeem for upgrades, travel, on-board credits and more

You choose the rewards that matter most to you

Redeem points for stateroom upgrades, travel discounts, exclusive redemption opportunities for last minute cruises, onboard credits, car rentals, hotel stays, cash and gift cards.

Get 20,000 bonus points after you make $1,000 or more in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $200 off your next Norwegian cruise

Earn even more rewards

Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25% - 75% more points on every purchase, applied to the base earn of 1 point per $1. Learn more about Preferred Rewards Norwegian Cruise Lines

Interest Rates & Fees Summary †

Introductory apr, standard apr.

19.24% - 29.24%

Balance Transfer Fee

of each transaction †

† Please see Terms and Conditions for rate, fee and other cost information, as well as an explanation of payment allocation. All terms may be subject to change.

Note: minimum payments are applied to lower-interest balances first. Additional payments are applied to higher-interest balances first.

Earn 3 WorldPoints ® points for every $1 spent on Norwegian purchases

Earn 2 WorldPoints ® points per $1 spent on eligible air and hotel purchases

Earn 1 WorldPoints ® point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Redeem points for stateroom upgrades, travel discounts, onboard credits, last-minute cruises, car rentals, hotel stays, cash, gift cards, and more.

Start redeeming your points at 2,500 points

Security & Features

Stay protected, contactless chip technology, balance connect ® for overdraft protection, paperless statement option, digital wallet technology, online & mobile banking, account alerts, fico ® score.

Now, when you opt-in you can access your FICO ® Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking. FICO ® Score Program . The FICO ® Score Program is for educational purposes and for your non-commercial, personal use. This benefit is available only for primary cardholders with an open and active consumer credit card account who have a FICO ® Score available. The feature is accessible through Online Banking, the Mobile website, and the Mobile Banking app for iPhone and Android devices. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries. Data connection required. Wireless carrier fees may apply." data-footnote="ADDITIONAL_BENEFITS_FOOTNOTE_07" aria-label="Footnote 5"> Footnote [5] Learn More   about Free FICO Credit Score opens in a new window

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