If you’re planning a cruise, there’s more to consider than just the itinerary, cabin type, or excursions—you also want to think strategically about how you pay for it. That’s because some credit cards offer valuable bonus points or enhanced travel protections when used for cruise line purchases. But not all travel cards treat cruise bookings equally.
Many cruise lines incentivize guests to book their next sailing while still onboard, often offering discounts, onboard credit, or perks if you commit with a deposit. We’ve taken advantage of one of those offers, and now that it’s time to pay the balance, I had to decide which credit card to use to get the best return and benefits.
While most cruise lines don’t have their own co-branded credit cards, a few do—including Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean. However, these cards often come with underwhelming reward rates and limited benefits, especially when compared to flexible travel cards. If you’re aiming to maximize points and earn useful perks like travel insurance, you may want to look elsewhere.
American Express Green Card
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3X Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible travel and transit purchases.
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This includes airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and bookings made through third-party travel websites and AmexTravel.com.
Sapphire Preferred
Bilt Rewards
- 2X Bilt Rewards points on travel expenses booked directly with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and cruise lines.
Sapphire Reserve
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3X Ultimate Rewards points on all travel purchases, including cruises.
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Note: Charges reimbursed by the $300 annual travel credit don’t earn bonus points, but they do still trigger travel insurance coverage.
Other options include cards like the Capital One Venture X, Citi Double Cash, or Fidelity Rewards, which earn 2X points or 2% back on all purchases—solid, but not cruise-specific.
My Decision: Why I Chose the Sapphire Reserve
For our cruise, it came down to the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve since both earn 3X points for cruise purchases. I went with the Sapphire Reserve for two reasons:
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Superior Travel Insurance – This includes trip cancellation, delay protection, and, crucially, medical evacuation coverage.
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Point Diversification – I already have a healthy stash of Amex Membership Rewards points, so I’d rather earn Chase Ultimate Rewards to keep my points portfolio balanced.
Final Thoughts
When paying for a cruise, don’t assume your travel credit card will earn bonus points—or provide useful protections. Some cards only offer extra rewards for airfare and hotels while ignoring cruise line charges altogether. Even if your cruise line has its own credit card, make sure to compare its benefits and earning potential to more flexible travel cards.
The right choice can make your cruise a little more rewarding—even before you board the ship.
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