7 Best Cruise Line Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Choosing the right cruise line credit card can make vacations smoother and more rewarding. The best cruise line credit cards give access to perks like onboard credits, discounts, and exclusive rewards that match specific cruise brands. Travelers can find a card from this list that fits their style and maximizes value on every trip.

  • Carnival World Mastercard

    The Carnival World Mastercard is designed for travelers who enjoy cruising with Carnival and its partner brands. It focuses on rewards that tie directly to cruise purchases and everyday spending.

    This card keeps things simple, offering a straightforward way to earn points without requiring complex tracking. It works best for those who prefer a no-frills approach to cruise-related rewards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Carnival Cruise Line purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.74%–29.99% variable
    • Other benefits: Basic Mastercard protections
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: World Mastercard
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
    • Earn bonus points on Carnival purchases
    • Accepted worldwide as a Mastercard

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed toward Carnival cruise purchases, onboard credit, or other eligible rewards, though the system can feel restrictive compared to general travel cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 700.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card lacks extras like travel insurance, lounge access, or flexible point transfers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is easy to use, has no annual fee, and gives straightforward rewards for Carnival cruisers.

  • Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card

    The Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for travelers who sail with Celebrity Cruises and want to earn rewards tied directly to their trips. It provides a way to collect points that can be redeemed for onboard perks and cruise savings.

    This card focuses on giving value to loyal Celebrity guests. It is most useful for frequent cruisers who want to offset costs and enjoy added benefits during their voyages.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 MyCruise® bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel and purchase protections
    • Network: Visa Signature
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Issuer: Bank of America

    Key Benefits:

    • Onboard credit redemption options
    • Bonus rewards on cruise and airline purchases
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Visa Signature travel protections

    Redemption Options:

    Cardholders can redeem points for onboard credit, cruise discounts, and other travel-related rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s rewards are most valuable only when redeemed with Celebrity Cruises or partner cruise lines.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card is straightforward to use and provides cruise-focused rewards without complex redemption rules.

  • Disney Premier Visa Card

    The Disney Premier Visa Card focuses on Disney fans who want to earn rewards for their trips and purchases. It offers cardholders access to Disney-specific perks that can add value to vacations.

    This card isn’t the best for general travel rewards, but it’s great for people who frequently spend on Disney experiences. It works best for families who plan Disney park visits or cruises.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
    • 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores
    • 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $49
    • APR: 18.24%–27.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Disney shopping and dining discounts, special character meet-and-greets
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: May apply
    • Additional perks: Access to limited-time Disney promotions

    Key Benefits:

    • Discounts on select Disney purchases
    • Special photo opportunities with characters
    • Rewards usable for Disney vacations and cruises
    • Simple earning structure

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for Disney theme park tickets, cruises, shopping, and dining at Disney locations.

    Credit Requirements:

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

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rewards are limited to Disney-related redemptions, which reduces flexibility compared to general travel cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward rewards and easy redemption for Disney expenses, making it beginner-friendly.

  • Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card

    The Holland America Line Rewards Visa Card is designed for travelers who enjoy cruising with Holland America. It offers rewards that tie directly to cruise purchases and related expenses. Cardholders can earn points on everyday spending while also collecting extra rewards for cruise-related purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Holland America purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 20,000 points after spending $500 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24%–29.99% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Holland America Mariner Society perks
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional details: Points do not expire as long as the account remains open

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Extra points on Holland America purchases
    • Earn rewards on everyday spending
    • Access to cruise line loyalty perks
    • Points never expire with an active account

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed toward Holland America cruises, onboard amenities, and upgrades.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has few bonus categories beyond Holland America purchases.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It has no annual fee and a simple earning structure, making it easy to manage for first-time rewards card users.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard

    The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard is a co-branded travel credit card designed for loyal NCL cruisers. It allows cardholders to earn rewards that can be redeemed for cruise-related perks and other travel expenses.

    This card focuses on building value for those who frequently sail with Norwegian. It offers a straightforward way to earn points and apply them toward future trips and onboard extras.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can qualify for 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months, redeemable for $200 in onboard credit.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Mastercard World benefits
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Special financing offers on cruise bookings

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Rewards tailored to Norwegian Cruise Line travel
    • Ability to redeem points for onboard credit and upgrades
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Mastercard World benefits

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for onboard credit, cabin upgrades, cruise discounts, free cruises, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, or cash rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s rewards are most valuable when redeemed for Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, limiting flexibility for those who prefer broader travel rewards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It works well for beginners because it has no annual fee and offers simple point redemption options tied directly to Norwegian cruises.

  • Princess Rewards Visa Card

    The Princess Rewards Visa Card is designed for travelers who enjoy sailing with Princess Cruises. It offers rewards that can be used toward cruise-related purchases and onboard perks. The card is issued by Barclays and runs on the Visa network, making it widely accepted. It focuses on simple earning categories and straightforward redemption options.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Princess Cruises purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 within the first three months of joining, redeemable for $200 in onboard credit.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, around 19.24%–29.99%
    • Other benefits: Access to Visa Signature perks
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Special financing options for cruise bookings

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Earn rewards directly tied to Princess Cruises
    • No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
    • Access to Visa Signature travel and shopping protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for cruise discounts, onboard credits, upgrades, and other Princess Cruises purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card offers the best value only for those who frequently sail with Princess Cruises.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is easy to use, with no annual fee and straightforward redemption options, making it beginner-friendly.

  • Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card

    The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for travelers who often sail with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. It focuses on rewarding cruise-related purchases with points that can be redeemed for onboard perks and discounts.

    The card is simple to use and provides direct value for cruise fans. It works best for those who prefer to earn rewards tied directly to their cruise experiences instead of flexible travel points.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Visa Signature travel and purchase protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Issuer: Bank of America

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Bonus points on cruise line purchases
    • Access to Visa Signature benefits
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Simple redemption process for cruise rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for onboard credits, cabin upgrades, cruise discounts, companion fares, and even free cruises.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit for approval, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rewards are limited to cruise-focused redemptions, which may not appeal to travelers who want flexible points for flights or hotels.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The card has no annual fee and simple rewards, allowing new cardholders to easily earn and redeem points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top benefits of using a cruise line credit card for onboard purchases?

These cards usually provide extra points or credits when used for onboard spending such as dining, drinks, or excursions. Travelers can also receive discounts on purchases like souvenirs or spa services. Some cards include perks like priority boarding or onboard credits that reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How do reward points work with the Norwegian Cruise credit card?

The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard earns points on everyday spending and bonus points on cruise purchases. These points can be redeemed for onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or even discounts on future sailings. It’s a simple way to save money on Norwegian cruises while still earning from daily expenses.

What exclusive perks are offered by the Carnival Cruise credit card?

The Carnival World Mastercard provides points that can be redeemed for cruise discounts, onboard amenities, and cabin upgrades. Cardholders may also access exclusive Carnival offers tied to sailings. This makes the card valuable for travelers who frequently cruise with Carnival.

Is the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card beneficial for frequent cruisers?

The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card earns MyCruise points for everyday spending and higher rewards for cruise purchases. Points can be redeemed for onboard credits, upgrades, and even free cruises. Frequent Royal Caribbean travelers benefit most since redemptions are tied directly to the cruise line.

What type of rewards can I earn with the Princess Cruise credit card?

The Princess Rewards Visa earns points on cruise purchases and everyday spending. Rewards can be redeemed for onboard credits, discounts, and cruise upgrades. It is best suited for guests who sail with Princess often.