Cruises Credit Card Review
No matter how much you travel, where you travel, and what kind of rewards or benefits you’re after — there’s a card here that will best suit your needs. For all the travelers and cruise-goers out there, we’ve gathered a list of cruise credit cards for you to choose from.
Short Review of Best Cruises Credit Cards
Name | Best for | Rewards Rate | APR | Apply |
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Travel, Daily use | 5x Miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.2x Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable | Learn more on our partner’s site |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Travel, Restaurants, Daily use | $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).3x Points on select streaming services.2x Points on other travel purchases.1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 22.49% - 29.49% Variable | Learn more |
| Travel, Restaurants, Daily use | 10x Points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.10x Total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®.5x Total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.3x Points on other travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.3x Points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 22.49% - 29.49% Variable | Learn more |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Young couples | 5x Points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights (per calendar year).5x Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.1x Points on all other purchases. | 21.24% - 29.24% Variable | Learn more |
| Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use | 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.3% Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.1.5% Cash Back on all other purchases. | 20.49% - 29.24% Variable | Learn more |
| Travel | 10x Points on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.3x Points per dollar on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel and air travel purchases.1x Points on all other purchases. | 21.24% - 29.24% Variable | Learn more |
Who should apply
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This credit card is perfect for individuals who use their credit cards to earn rewards points and miles. The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card also has a high rewards rate which makes it easier for cardholders to earn miles to spend on future travels.
Read more about Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
This credit card is suitable for travelers who also prioritize dining on their trips. It's also great for shoppers who want trip cancellation insurance, car rental protection and so on. Additionally, for bookings made through Chase, you can get even better rewards and deals.
Read more about Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
For the frequent traveler and big spender, this card provides excellent value. You can use your points to get great deals when booking with Chase or transfer them to the issuer's many partnered airlines and hotels.
Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you’re a frequent traveler, then you’ll love the perks and rewards provided by The Platinum Card® from American Express®. Wait in the comfort of airport lounges, quickly earn points you can redeem for future travel, and take advantage of other valuable perks.
Read more about The Platinum Card® from American Express
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great option for individuals looking to earn rewards points on general spending. Another selling point for this credit card is its cashback benefits are diverse and apply to a range of purchase types — like travel purchases (5%), dining or takeout (3%), drugstore prushcase (3%), and everyday purchases (1.5%). For those who need a reliable credit card that saves money and earns points, this card is the best option for you.
Read more about Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Strata Premier℠
Most people would benefit from this card as it’s flexible in its use. It’s great for all kinds of expenses — especially for travel. With its high rewards rate and broad usability, this credit card’s perfect for day-to-day spending and traveling.
Read more about Strata Premier℠
How to choose a credit card
Choosing a cruise credit card will depend on the nature of your travels. Will your travels have a lot of dining involved? Do you spend enough in certain categories where you would benefit from a card with high rewards rates? Will your trips be booked with a particular cruise line?
Depending on how you travel and what you spend on, there’s a credit card that's most suitable for you.
How do cruise credit cards work
In general, they function like other credit cards. You can use the card for current purchases and pay later. What sets these cards apart are their deals, rewards, and benefits related to traveling — particularly for anyone who goes on a lot of cruises.
By using these credit cards for booking your trips and other travel expenses, you can earn rewards, get better deals, and use some exclusive perks depending on which card you get. As these cards are designed for travelers and cruise-goers, the rewards and benefits will also be tailored to these types of cardholders.
Are cruise credit cards worth it
That will depend on which card you get and how you travel. If you travel sparingly, getting a credit card with high rewards, but also high annual fees won’t be beneficial for you. Inversely, if you travel frequently and make a lot of purchases, you’ll be missing out on rewards and deals if you aren’t using a credit card that fits your travel style.
Another thing to consider is if you’ll regularly choose a particular cruise line. For example, if your travel plans are always with Princess Cruises, you may benefit from the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa credit card.
What cruise line has the best rewards program
Among the cruise credit cards available today, the most rewarding one is The Platinum Card® from American Express®. Not only can users earn high rewards rates on travel, the card also boasts top-of-the-line security, perks for members such as airport lounge access, and a great welcome bonus.
However, it is important to note that this is the most rewarding for those whose travel style and spending fits The Platinum Card® from American Express®. The best rewards program for you will be a credit card that matches your traveling and lifestyle the most.
Is a card that rewards cruises right for you?
If you go on cruises often and make a lot of purchases, a card that rewards cruises maybe great for you. However, if you travel only on certain occasions, then applying for a card that rewards cruises might not be the best idea.
FAQ
Are cruise credit cards limited to travel-related purchases?
You can use a cruise credit card as you would a typical credit card. However, if you want to maximize points and redeem rewards, it’s best to use these credit cards for travel-related purchases.
Do I need to get a cruise credit card if I plan on going on a cruise?
Getting a cruise credit card is not necessary for going on a cruise, but it does have its benefits. With a cruise credit card, you can get better deals, earn more rewards points, and gain credit for future travels.