The best credit cards for booking cruises: How to save big on your next sailing
The Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises: How to Save Big on Your Next Sailing
If you love cruising, then you know that finding the perfect cruise at an affordable price can be challenging. That’s where having the right credit card comes in handy. Saving money on your next sailing could be as easy as grabbing the best credit card for booking cruises. To help you make the most out of your vacation budget, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of the top 10 credit cards for booking cruises. Each card provides numerous perks and benefits tailored specifically to cruisers, from onboard spending credits and lounge access to points towards future trips. So whether you’re a seasoned sailor or embarking on your first voyage, these credit cards are just the ticket to making your dream cruise a reality.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
A popular choice amongst travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers incredible rewards and bonus points for travel-related expenses, including cruises. With 2X points on travel and dining purchases, this card allows you to accumulate significant points quickly. Take the Johnson family, for instance. They booked a $3,000 cruise using their Chase Sapphire Preferred and earned 6,000 points. Thanks to those points, they later enjoyed a free night at a hotel before boarding their ship. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can:
- Receive a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 within the first three months
- Earn 2X points on travel and dining purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases
- Enjoy no foreign transaction fees
- Redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a 25% increased value
- Transfer points to many hotel and airline loyalty programs
- Benefit from trip cancellation/interruption insurance and other travel protections
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for cruising enthusiasts who are looking for a hassle-free way to accumulate miles. This card boasts a sizable sign-up bonus and a manageable annual fee, as well as the ability to earn 2X miles on all purchases, which makes it a top contender for anyone looking to save on cruising costs. Suppose you’re a solo traveler like Alex, who booked a $1,500 cruise using his Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. By doing so, Alex earned 3,000 miles and took advantage of his sign-up bonus to further offset expenses. With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months
- Receive unlimited 2X miles on all purchases
- Enjoy no foreign transaction fees
- Rely on travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services, and more
- Redeem miles with ease through Purchase Eraser or booking new travel
- Pay an annual fee of $95
Summary Table
| Credit Card | Sign-up Bonus | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 60,000 points | 2X points on travel and dining, 1X points on all other purchases | $95 | None |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | 60,000 miles | 2X miles on all purchases | $95 | None |
3. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is perfect for those who frequently book cruises or other travel packages through a travel agency or website. Offering a substantial sign-up bonus, as well as earning 3X points on travel and at gas stations, makes this card ideal for cruisers. Let’s say you’re like the Smith family and book a $4,000 cruise package through a travel agency. By using their Citi Premier Card, they not only receive 12,000 points for their purchase but also enjoy added benefits during their voyage. With the Citi Premier Card, you can:
- Earn a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 within the first three months
- Receive 3X points on travel, including gas stations, and 2X points on dining and entertainment
- Enjoy no foreign transaction fees
- Benefit from an annual $100 hotel savings
- Redeem points for travel or transfer to airline partners
- Pay an annual fee of $95