Top Credit Cards for Maximizing Cruise Booking Rewards

For many cruise enthusiasts, a common question arises: which credit cards offer the best rewards for booking cruises? While it might seem intuitive to opt for a cruise line’s co-branded credit card, these cards often fall short in terms of value compared to general travel credit cards.

For instance, the Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 30,000 points, equivalent to $300 in onboard credit or cabin upgrades, after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. While this may appear enticing, general travel credit cards frequently provide more substantial welcome bonuses that can be more beneficial for your travel plans.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your cruise purchases, here’s a guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises and the reasons why you should always consider using a credit card for your next voyage.

Using a credit card for cruise bookings not only helps you earn rewards but also provides essential protections. Cruises represent a significant financial commitment, making them an ideal opportunity to rack up valuable rewards. By booking with a credit card, you can meet spending requirements for welcome bonuses and earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel.

Moreover, using a credit card protects your funds in case of billing errors. If you pay with cash or a debit card, any mistakes can lead to lost money before you even notice an issue. Credit cards offer a layer of security, allowing you to address discrepancies without immediate financial loss.

Many travel rewards cards also come with built-in trip delay and cancellation insurance, which can be a lifesaver if your travel plans go awry. Additionally, if you plan to shop onboard, using a card with purchase protection ensures that your items are safeguarded during your trip.

When selecting a credit card for your cruise, consider the rewards it offers on cruise purchases, along with travel and shopping protections. Some cards even provide specific perks, such as statement credits for travel expenses and access to airport lounges, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Here are some top credit cards to consider for booking your next cruise:

1. American Express Green Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first six months, valued at approximately $800.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar on travel purchases, including cruises. This card also provides trip delay insurance covering up to $300 per trip and purchase protection for up to 90 days post-purchase.

2. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days, worth about $600.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: This card earns 2 points per dollar on all travel purchases, including cruises, and offers trip cancellation/delay/interruption insurance. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn an additional 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, valued at approximately $1,388.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: The Venture Rewards card earns 2 miles per dollar on most purchases, including cruise bookings. You can redeem your earned rewards for statement credits against travel expenses.

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth around $1,388.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: Similar to the Venture Rewards card, the Venture X earns 2 miles per dollar on most purchases, including cruises. It also offers additional perks like complimentary airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel.

5. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, valued at about $1,538.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: This card earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases, including cruises, and provides robust travel protections for lost or delayed baggage, trip delays, and cancellations.

6. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
– Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 points and a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months, valued up to $2,550.
– Why It’s Great for Cruises: The Sapphire Reserve earns 8 points per dollar on bookings made through Chase Travel, including cruises. It also offers superior travel protections and a $300 annual travel statement credit, which can significantly offset your cruise costs.

Choosing the right credit card for your cruise booking can lead to significant rewards and protection against various mishaps. Whether you aim to earn a valuable welcome bonus for your next adventure or accumulate points for onboard purchases, using a credit card ensures you’re maximizing your benefits while enjoying your time at sea.

Remember, while selecting a credit card, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions associated with each product. The Points Guy aims to help you leverage everyday spending to unlock travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

If you decide to apply for a new credit card through our site and are approved, we may receive compensation from our partners, which can influence how these products are presented. However, our editorial team independently creates and maintains all analysis of these cards, ensuring our content remains unbiased and informative. For further details, please refer to our advertising policy and product review methodology.