9 Best Credit Cards For Cruises

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Choosing the right credit card can make cruises more rewarding by turning purchases into points, miles, or perks that cut travel costs. Both travel cards and cruise line cards offer flexible ways to earn and redeem rewards. The right choice can save on bookings, provide onboard benefits, and add valuable travel protections.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards card that offers strong value for people who want flexible points. It’s great for travelers looking to earn rewards on daily expenses and redeem them with various travel partners.

    This card is designed for those who want a balance of benefits without paying for premium-level perks. It offers valuable travel protections and bonus categories that appeal to cruise travelers, whether booking directly with cruise lines or redeeming points for onboard experiences.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining, select streaming, and online grocery purchases
    • 2x points on other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel protection, purchase coverage, extended warranty
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Strong travel and dining earning categories
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Valuable travel protections
    • Wide range of transfer partners

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is recommended (typically FICO 670–850).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and may not be ideal for people who prefer flat-rate cash back.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a simple rewards structure and flexible redemption choices, making it easy for new cardholders to maximize value.

  • Citi Strata Premier® Card

    The Citi Strata Premier® Card is a mid-tier travel rewards card designed for people who want flexible points for everyday and travel spending. It works well for those who book cruises, flights, or hotels and want to earn rewards without being tied to one brand.

    This card connects to Citi’s ThankYou® Points program, which provides multiple redemption choices. Travelers can use it for cruises, flights, hotels, or even gift cards, making it a versatile option.

    Earning Structure:

    • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
    • 3x points on dining, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels not booked through Citi Travel
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel protections, purchase coverage
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Broad bonus categories for everyday spending
    • Strong earning rate for travel booked through Citi
    • Flexible redemption with ThankYou® Points
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Mastercard travel and shopping protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cruises, flights, hotels, gift cards, or transferred to select airline partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO of at least 670) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries an annual fee and requires careful use to maximize bonus categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemptions, making it easy for new travelers to get value without complex rules.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent travelers, including those who cruise often. It offers flexible rewards and strong travel protections that make both land and sea journeys more secure and rewarding.

    Cardholders gain access to valuable perks that make trips smoother and more rewarding. Its features are focused on travel credits, bonus categories, and a wide range of redemption choices.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel, including The EditSM
    • 4x points on flights booked direct
    • 4x points on hotels booked direct
    • 3x points on dining worldwide
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card offers 125,000 bonus points for new cardholders after spending $6,000 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $795
    • APR: Variable, typically around 20.24%–28.74%
    • Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, travel protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Special benefits when booking through Chase Travel

    Key Benefits:

    • $300 annual travel credit
    • Airport lounge access
    • Strong travel insurance coverage
    • Flexible point transfer to airline and hotel partners

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel, transferred to partners, or used for cash back, gift cards, and more.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need excellent credit, often defined as a FICO score of 740 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries a high annual fee, which may not be cost-effective for those who travel less often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple earning categories and easy-to-use travel credits, making it beginner-friendly despite being a premium card.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express focuses on travel perks and premium benefits, making it appealing for frequent cruisers as well as flyers. It is designed for people who travel often and want added comfort. Its travel-focused benefits add value when booking cruises, flights, or enjoying services on the go.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1x point on most other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Airport lounge access, hotel status upgrades, travel credits
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with Pay Over Time option
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to airport lounges worldwide
    • Hotel elite status with select partners
    • Annual travel statement credits
    • Strong earning rates on flights and hotels
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel via Amex Travel, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for statement credits and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel less often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple earning on travel and easy redemption options, making it straightforward for new users to maximize value.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card designed for frequent travelers who want simple earning and flexible redemption. It offers strong rewards across everyday purchases and travel bookings.

    This card also provides valuable perks that appeal to cruise travelers, such as travel credits and lounge access. It combines ease of use with benefits often found in higher-priced cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on all eligible purchases
    • 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
    • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $395
    • APR: Variable, typically around 19.99%–29.24%
    • Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel, lounge access, cell phone protection
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • High earning rates on travel purchases
    • Annual travel credit to offset costs
    • Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass
    • Flexible miles redemption options
    • Strong travel protections

    Redemption Options:

    Cardholders can redeem miles for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, or transfer to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need excellent credit, often a score of 740 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries a high annual fee, which may not be ideal for light travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward earning at 2x miles on most purchases, making it easy to use without tracking multiple bonus categories.

  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

    The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is built for people who enjoy travel and dining. It provides a way to earn rewards on common expenses while keeping redemption flexible.

    This card fits travelers who want to use points for different types of trips rather than being tied to one program. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a simple process for earning and redeeming rewards, especially for booking cruises or paying for travel expenses.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on hotels
    • 4x points on airlines
    • 3x points on dining
    • 3x points on other travel
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months, worth $600 toward travel.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Cell phone protection, travel protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong rewards on travel and dining
    • Flexible redemption options
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Built-in travel protections
    • Cell phone protection

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, or other reward options through Wells Fargo Rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is recommended (typically FICO 670–850).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and does not offer high rewards for everyday, non-travel spending.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers clear earning categories and simple redemption, making it easy for new travelers to use.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard

    The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard is designed for travelers who enjoy cruising with Norwegian. It focuses on rewarding cardholders with points that can be applied toward cruise-related purchases. The card also provides a straightforward way to earn rewards without complicated structures. It is best suited for those who frequently sail with Norwegian Cruise Line.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases
    • 2x points on eligible travel and dining purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of membership. This can be redeemed for a $200 discount on your next Norwegian cruise.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: None
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Access to Mastercard travel protections
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Bonus rewards on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases
    • Rewards for travel and dining spending
    • Points redeemable toward cruises and upgrades

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cruise discounts, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades with Norwegian Cruise Line.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–739) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card is most valuable for Norwegian Cruise Line customers, so rewards may feel limited for those who do not cruise often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It works for beginners because it has no annual fee and offers simple ways to earn and redeem points.

  • Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card

    The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for travelers who enjoy cruising with Royal Caribbean and its partner brands. It focuses on rewarding cruise-related spending and offers a simple way to earn points toward future trips. The card also provides standard Visa Signature benefits, making it useful for travel and everyday purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: None
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Visa Signature travel and purchase protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Signature
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
    • Easy earning structure for cruise purchases
    • Access to Visa Signature travel protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cruise discounts, onboard credits, and upgrades with Royal Caribbean and its partner cruise lines.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card offers limited value outside of cruise-related spending, and redemption options are restricted to cruise benefits.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a no-fee entry into cruise rewards, making it simple for new travelers to start earning points without added costs.

  • Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card

    The Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently book cruises with Celebrity Cruises. It focuses on rewarding cruise-related purchases and offers perks tied to the cruise line experience.

    This card also provides standard Visa Signature protections, making it useful for both travel and everyday spending. It is tailored to those who want to earn rewards that directly connect to cruise vacations.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Celebrity Cruises purchases
    • 2x points on Royal Caribbean and Silversea purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of card opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: None
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Visa Signature travel protections and purchase security
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Signature credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Extra points on cruise purchases
    • Accepted worldwide through Visa
    • Built-in travel protections
    • Easy redemption for cruise rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cruise discounts, onboard credits, and other travel-related rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–739) is required for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rewards are most valuable when redeemed for Celebrity Cruises purchases, limiting flexibility.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It has no annual fee and offers simple earning categories, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do specific cruise line-branded credit cards compare to general travel cards?

Cruise line-branded cards usually give rewards in the form of onboard credits or points for that specific line. General travel cards offer greater flexibility by allowing points to be used across different cruise lines and travel expenses. The choice depends on whether someone prefers loyalty perks or flexible rewards.

Do credit cards ever include insurance that applies to cruises?

Yes, some travel credit cards provide trip cancellation, interruption, or delay insurance that can cover cruises. These protections may help with missed connections, medical emergencies, or lost luggage at sea. Coverage depends on the card and requires booking the cruise with that card.

Can credit card travel credits be applied to cruise bookings?

Many premium cards offer annual travel credits that can offset cruise fares or related expenses. These credits typically apply to bookings made through the card’s travel portal or with cruise lines directly. It is important to review the issuer’s rules on eligible purchases.

Are points or miles worth more when redeemed for cruises compared to flights?

The value of points often varies depending on how they are redeemed. Flights and hotels often offer better value for point redemption, whereas cruises usually provide less value unless booked through a card issuer’s portal. Travelers should compare redemption rates before applying rewards to cruises.

Do cruise credit cards include perks beyond earning points?

Yes, some cruise line cards provide extras like priority boarding, onboard discounts, or cabin upgrades. These benefits can add value for loyal customers of a specific line. General travel cards may not offer these perks but provide more flexible redemption options overall.