Is a Cruise Line Credit Card Right for You?

In 2018 – prior to the pandemic – 28.5 million people stepped aboard cruise ships large and small to visit ports and rivers all over the world.¹ If you’re a traveler who enjoys the comforts of these floating palaces – and you take cruises fairly often – a cruise credit card could help you sail toward greater rewards.

But cruise credit cards have some limitations, which could mean that a more general travel credit card might be better suited to your needs. When deciding whether a cruise credit card is right for you, it’s important to plumb your travel preferences.

Cards tailored specifically to cruise lines focus on benefits and perks that appeal to those who enjoy exotic ports of call. These cards, many of which have zero annual fees, typically accrue points that can be redeemed toward a variety of cruise-related expenses, such as discounts on bookings, onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and merchandise.

Earning rewards points with a cruise credit card is a rather straightforward process. A cruise credit card might, for example, offer two points per dollar spent on qualifying cruise purchases, and up to one point for all other eligible purchases. Depending on the card, it may be possible to earn additional points by booking a cruise through the card provider’s online portal.

Cruise credit cards typically offer a welcome bonus of a few thousand points or a statement credit after you spend a certain amount within the first few months of card membership.

Points can usually be redeemed toward onboard credits, but some card issuers allow customers to redeem points toward partner flights, car rentals, and hotel stays. Cruise cards may also deliver secondary benefits, such as concierge services or no foreign transaction fees.

Before applying, first determine whether a cruise credit card fits your travel lifestyle and habits. For example, cruise credit cards typically make the most sense for those who frequently set sail on the same cruise line (or, in some cases, a sister cruise line operated by the same parent company). They can also be useful for travelers who want to access specific cruise-related benefits, such as discounts on shore excursions or the ability to redeem points toward room upgrades and gift shop purchases, for instance.

It's worth noting that many cruise cards have point limitations. In some cases, points may expire after five years, or there may be a limit to how many points you can earn per year. So you may be more likely to benefit from these cards if you plan to earn and use points regularly – after all, you don’t want your hard earned rewards to expire.

If you’re considering a cruise credit card, reviewing the following key factors can help you choose a card that meets your needs:

Identify the cruise line that best fits your travel profile. Today, there are cruises to fit just about every type of traveler and interest. You can cruise anywhere from the Caribbean islands to the fjords of Greenland. There are major cruise lines that circle the world and boutique cruises with smaller ships and highly specialized itineraries. There are also river cruises and lines that cater to families and children. If there’s a specific cruise line that suits your travel preferences, it may make sense to open a cruise credit card with that company. If you prefer to travel on different cruise lines, you may get more out of a general purpose travel card.

Know how the card works and what terms and conditions are in place. Several fine-print factors can influence whether a cruise card is right for you. These might include typical credit card characteristics, like the annual percentage rate (APR) if you carry a balance. It’s also a good idea to check whether the card has any unique stipulations, like if there’s a minimum number of days in advance you can book a cruise. Some cruise credit cards might also invoke blackout dates, point expiration dates, and point-earning limitations.

Compared to cruise credit cards, travel rewards cards tend to offer greater flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points. For example, many general-purpose travel cards make it possible to earn rewards on eligible flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Some general travel credit cards even allow you to earn points by booking cruises, but you may have to book through a dedicated travel portal.

What’s more, most travel cards make it easy to redeem points toward several types of travel-related costs, including flights, hotels, and car rentals – not just cruises. Premium travel cards, which tend to come with higher annual fees, might provide other attractive benefits and perks, such as complimentary airport lounge access and hotel credits, as ways to accumulate points faster.

In short, if you like to travel but only occasionally go on cruises, a general-purpose travel rewards card may be better suited to your travel needs.