6 Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Booking a cruise can be expensive, but the right credit card helps turn that cost into valuable rewards and perks. The best options provide strong travel protections, flexible redemption choices, and bonus points or cash back on cruise purchases. Travelers can earn rewards while also unlocking benefits that make trips smoother and more enjoyable.

  • American Express Green Card®

    The American Express Green Card® is a travel-focused rewards card designed for people who spend often on trips and everyday transit, making it a solid option for booking a cruise. It offers a simple way to earn rewards while covering a wide range of travel categories.

    This card also includes useful perks that can add value beyond rewards. It works well for those who want to earn points without needing a premium travel card.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on travel, including flights, hotels, cruises, and transit
    • 3x points on dining worldwide
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $150
    • APR: Variable, around 20.24%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Statement credits on select travel purchases
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn points on both travel and dining
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra discounts
    • Ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel bookings, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to loyalty programs.

    Credit Requirements:

    For higher chances of approval, applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and may not be ideal for those who rarely travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides strong rewards in common spending areas while keeping the card simple to use.

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card is a flexible travel rewards option that works well for cruise bookings and other travel purchases. It focuses on straightforward earning and redemption rather than luxury perks.

    Travelers who want simple rewards and consistent value may find this card appealing. It avoids complicated rules and provides steady returns on both travel and everyday purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on travel (including cruise line purchases) and dining
    • 1.5x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership, worth $600.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel statement credits, purchase protection, trip delay reimbursement
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong earning rates on travel and dining
    • Points never expire
    • Travel protections included
    • Preferred Rewards® members earn higher bonuses

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670–850, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not include airport lounge access or luxury travel perks.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning and redemption, making it easy for new cardholders to understand and maximize rewards.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a flexible travel card that fits well for cruise bookings. It offers simple rewards earning without the need to track rotating categories.

    Travelers can use it for everyday spending and easily apply rewards toward cruise costs. Its straightforward design makes it appealing for both frequent travelers and those new to rewards cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 2x miles on every purchase

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 19.99%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, transfer partners
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Simple flat-rate earning
    • Flexible redemption for cruises and travel
    • Miles never expire while the account is open
    • Ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for statement credits on travel purchases, transferred to partners, or booked directly through Capital One Travel.

    Credit Requirements:

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

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not offer higher earning rates in specific categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides easy-to-understand rewards, making it a good fit for those starting with travel credit cards.

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card designed for frequent travelers. It offers flexible rewards and simple earning opportunities that appeal to a wide range of users.

    This card focuses on travel perks that are easy to use without requiring complex planning. It suits both frequent flyers and those booking occasional vacations, including cruises.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on every purchase
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 10x miles on flights 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: 19.99%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Airport lounge access, annual travel credit, anniversary bonus miles
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • High earning rates on travel booked through Capital One
    • Lounge access at airports
    • Annual travel credit
    • Anniversary bonus miles
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for statement credits.

    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 worth it for those who travel infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The straightforward earning structure makes it easy for new cardholders to earn and redeem rewards without confusion.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards card that appeals to those who want simple earning and flexible redemption. It works well for people who book cruises, flights, or hotels and want to collect points on those purchases.

    It is often recommended as a good starter card for travel rewards. The card balances solid earning rates with useful benefits that help travelers save and protect their trips.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
    • 2x points on travel purchases, including cruises
    • 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: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage, purchase protection
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong travel protections
    • Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners
    • High earning on dining and travel
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Easy-to-use reward portal

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back, gift cards, and purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often starting around a 670 FICO score.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and may not offer the highest earning rates for non-travel categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning, flexible redemptions, and strong protections, making it easy for new travelers to get value without confusion.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent travelers who want strong rewards and flexible redemption options. It offers valuable perks that make it appealing for booking cruises and other major trips.

    Cardholders earn points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which provides access to multiple airline and hotel partners. This makes it easy to plan both cruise travel and the flights or hotels needed before and after sailing.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel, including The EditSM
    • 4x points on flights and 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 20.24%–28.74%
    • Other benefits: Travel protections, lifestyle credits, airport lounge access
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong earning rates on travel and dining
    • Flexible point transfers to partners
    • Complimentary airport lounge access
    • Built-in travel protections
    • Annual travel credits

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed through Chase Travel for cruises, flights, hotels, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants need excellent credit, with a FICO score of 740–850, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worthwhile for those who do not travel often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides easy-to-use rewards and strong travel protections, making it beginner-friendly for those new to premium travel cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maximize points or cashback when booking a cruise?

Booking directly through a card’s travel portal often earns extra points. Stacking card rewards with cruise line promotions, such as onboard credit, increases value. Using a card that rewards all travel spending ensures points add up quickly.

Can I use credit card points to book a cruise directly, and if so, how?

Yes, many travel cards allow booking cruises through their travel portals. Points can be redeemed at a fixed value or transferred to partners, depending on the program. This flexibility helps travelers choose the most cost-effective booking method.

How far in advance should I book a cruise to find the best value on fares and rewards?

Cruise prices often start lowest when itineraries are first released, typically 12 to 18 months out. Booking early can secure the best cabins and allow you to use credit card points or miles before availability drops. Last-minute deals are available but may restrict available room selections and redemption options.

Do cruise ports in foreign countries add extra fees that affect credit card rewards?

Yes, port fees and taxes are common on international sailings and may not qualify for bonus travel rewards. These charges are usually added to your final bill and processed separately. While still eligible for base rewards, they might not earn the elevated travel category rate.

How does seasonal demand affect the ability to use credit card points for cruises?

Cruise prices and award availability often rise during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays. Higher demand can lead to fewer cabins available for points redemption or increased point requirements. Booking during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can stretch your rewards further and offer more flexible options.