The Cruise Credit Card Playbook: Best Cards for Booking & Onboard Spending
Let’s get this straight: Cruise line co-branded credit cards are the red-headed stepchildren of the travel rewards ecosystem. They’re mediocre at best and downright misleading at worst. You’re better off with a general travel rewards card that allows you to spread your points across all your travel needs, not just that one cruise you booked in a moment of desperate escapism. Let’s dive deep into which cards make the cut and how you can use them to your lavish advantage.
General Travel Rewards Cards: The Best Bet for Most Cruisers
If you’re expecting that co-branded card from your fave cruise line to be your golden ticket to free cabins and unlimited piña coladas, I’m here to dash those dreams. General travel rewards cards are the MVPs when it comes to racking up points you can actually use.
Flexibility is Key
General travel rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Platinum, offer you something cruise line cards don’t: flexibility. You can transfer your points to airlines, hotels, and sometimes even straight to cruise lines. You’re not shackled to one company.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: With a low annual fee and 2X points on travel and dining, this card punches above its weight. Its points transfer to major airline and hotel partners, giving you more ways to redeem your hard-earned points.
- Amex Platinum: This bad boy offers 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel. The annual fee is steep, but you’ll get VIP treatment with airport lounge access and hotel elite status. Plus, no foreign transaction fees.
Earning Points for Free Cruises
The holy grail of cruise hacking is, of course, the free cruise. The trick here is to strategically use your general travel rewards card to rack up enough points to cover those hefty cruise costs.
1. **Book flights and hotels for your cruise with your travel rewards card.** Earn those bonus points!
2. **Pay for onboard expenses like excursions and drinks.** Use the card’s lack of foreign transaction fees to your advantage.
3. **Transfer points to cruise line partners.** Some cards let you move points to cruise line loyalty programs, meaning you could cash in for some—or all—of your cruise fare.
The Co-Branded Cruise Card Trap
Co-branded cruise cards might offer you a welcome bonus that sings like a siren, but they often lead to choppy waters. These cards rarely offer the same versatility as a general travel card. Their points are often worth less and can only be redeemed through the cruise line.
Why They Fall Short
These cards usually offer minimal points per dollar spent unless you’re booking directly with the cruise line. That means your everyday spending isn’t going to get you much closer to that balcony suite.
- Lower Redemption Value: Points are often worth less when redeemed for non-cruise-related travel.
- Limited Bonus Categories: Unlike general cards, you’ll likely only earn extra points on cruise bookings.
- Lackluster Perks: Forget about airport lounge access or hotel upgrades; at best, you might get a free drink onboard.
When a Co-Branded Card Might Make Sense
Okay, it’s not all bad. If you’re cruising with the same line multiple times a year or live and breathe by their loyalty program, a co-branded card might be worth a look. But these scenarios are exceptions, not the rule.
Smart Strategies for Onboard Spending
Once you’re onboard, avoiding foreign transaction fees is a must. Here’s where your choice of credit card can save you a bundle. All the cards mentioned here waive these fees, meaning you’re not going to get hit with extra costs each time you buy a cocktail or book a shore excursion.
Use Points for Onboard Credits
Some travel rewards programs allow you to redeem points for onboard credits. This can be a lifesaver for offsetting the cost of drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions. Check with your card issuer to see if this is an option.
Travel Insurance and Protections
Many top-tier travel rewards cards come with travel insurance and purchase protections. If you’re booking excursions or onboard experiences that come with hidden risks—or hidden costs—this protection can be invaluable. Always remember to read the fine print to know exactly what you’re covered for.
The Verdict: Which Cards Are Best?
For flexibility, earning potential, and perks, a premium travel rewards card is your best bet. Here’s a snapshot of why:
- More Ways to Earn: Earn bonus points on a wide variety of travel and everyday purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Essential for making those onboard purchases without extra costs.
- Travel Protections: Comprehensive coverage options that cruise-specific cards typically lack.
For those set on a cruise card, just make sure you understand the limitations and ensure it aligns with your specific cruise patterns.
A Quick Recap
If only our on-shore lives allowed us the same choices that travel rewards cards do for our beloved cruise escapes. But alas, here’s your takeaway:
– **General Travel Rewards Cards:** More versatile, better perks, and the true heroes for cruising veterans.
– **Co-Branded Cards:** Mostly useful if you’re cruising with one line frequently (and I mean frequently).
– **Avoid Foreign Fees:** Pick cards that don’t charge these, saving you bucks for better onboard experiences.
– **Insurance is Key:** Use cards with travel insurance and purchase protections to keep your cruise stress-free.
Ready to dive into planning your next cruise with these cards in your arsenal? Check out our Cruise Line Dossiers for more insider info before you swipe that card. Bon voyage—and may your credit card points lead you to free cruises and endless sunsets on the open ocean!
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