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Best Credit Cards for Cruises in 2025 – Maximize Your Cruise Rewards
July 1, 2025
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Co-branded cruise line credit cards might seem like the obvious choice for booking a cruise, but they often offer weaker rewards compared to general travel cards. In fact, many cruise line cards have subpar bonuses and lock you into redeeming points only with that cruise brand.
By contrast, flexible travel credit cards can earn you bigger rewards, provide better perks (like travel insurance), and give you more ways to redeem points. Below, we highlight the best credit cards to use for a cruise—so you can maximize your rewards, perks, and protections on your next voyage.
Why Use a Credit Card for Your Cruise?
Using a credit card to pay for your cruise isn’t just convenient – it also unlocks valuable benefits that cash or debit can’t match. Here are some key advantages:
Earn Tons of Rewards on a Big Purchase
Cruises can be expensive, which means lots of potential points. The average cruise fare runs around $160–$260 per person, per day, so a week-long cruise for two can cost a few thousand dollars. Paying that with a good rewards credit card earns you a hefty pile of points or miles. You might even hit a new card’s sign-up bonus threshold with one cruise booking. For example, if a card offers a bonus after spending $4,000 in 3 months, your cruise could cover much of that in one go. Many travel cards also give bonus rewards for travel purchases, which typically includes cruises, so you’ll earn extra points on top of the base rewards.
Travel Insurance and Protections
When you charge your cruise to a quality travel credit card, you often get built-in trip insurance at no extra cost. This can reimburse you if your cruise is canceled or interrupted, or cover costs if you’re delayed due to weather and miss the ship. You also get peace of mind with benefits like baggage delay insurance or lost luggage reimbursement on many cards. In other words, if things go awry, your card’s protections can save the day (and save you money on buying separate travel insurance). Cruise trips involve flights, hotels, and the cruise itself – a good card’s coverage can protect all these arrangements.
Fraud Protection and Dispute Support
Using a credit card is safer than using debit or cash for big purchases like cruises. Billing mistakes happen – and if you use a debit card or cash, the money is gone from your account immediately and can be hard to recover. With a credit card, your money stays safe while you dispute any errors. Credit cards also have zero liability policies, meaning you aren’t responsible for fraudulent charges if your card number is compromised. On a cruise (especially international voyages), this added security is crucial. In short, a credit card keeps your funds protected and gives you leverage to resolve any issues before you actually pay for them.
Top 5 Credit Cards for Cruises
Not all travel cards are created equal. For cruise lovers, the ideal card will earn bonus rewards on travel, offer strong travel protections, and maybe even throw in some cruise-specific perks. We’ve rounded up five of the best credit cards to use when booking a cruise, and why each one stands out:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High Travel Rewards"} ]]
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "189", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Decent Travel Rewards"} ]]
American Express Platinum Card®
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Honorable Mention)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
Not sure which card gives you the most back on your cruise? Kudos automatically compares your credit cards and shows the best rewards when booking. It's like having a personal credit card advisor – sail away with maximum savings every time.
Are Cruise Line Credit Cards Worth It?
Cruise companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney offer their own branded credit cards – usually with no annual fee and some cruise-themed rewards. It might be tempting if you’re loyal to one cruise line, but in most cases these cards are not the optimum choice for avid cruisers. Co-branded cruise cards tend to have low earning rates and limited redemption options. For example, the Royal Caribbean® Visa earns just 2 points per $1 on Royal Caribbean purchases, and its points can only be used as onboard credit or discounts on that cruise line.
Similarly, Carnival’s Mastercard gives a small bonus like 10% off shore excursions but has confusing tiers for redeeming rewards. The biggest drawback is lack of flexibility: your rewards are basically locked into one brand. If you decide to try a different cruise line, or if life changes and you cruise less, those points lose a lot of value.
By contrast, a general travel card (like the ones above) lets you earn points that can be used for any travel – cruises, flights, hotels, you name it. They also often come with much larger welcome bonuses than the $100–$300 value typical of cruise cards. Unless you cruise only with one line and highly value a niche perk, you’re likely better off with a flexible travel rewards card. In short: for most people, cruise line credit cards aren’t worth it when much more rewarding options are available.
FAQ: Cruise Credit Cards & Rewards
Do credit cards count cruise bookings as a travel purchase?
Yes. Most major travel credit cards categorize cruise fares as travel, meaning you’ll earn bonus rewards if your card has a travel multiplier. For instance, the Chase Sapphire cards give bonus points on travel, which includes cruises. Bank of America similarly counts cruises under its broad travel category. Always check your card’s terms, but generally paying for a cruise will earn the same rewards as a flight or hotel booking.
Should I get a cruise line’s credit card instead of a regular travel card?
No, not usually. Co-branded cruise cards tend to have underwhelming rewards and tie you to one cruise company. Their welcome bonuses and ongoing earn rates are often much lower than what general travel cards offer. Unless you are a die-hard loyalist to a specific cruise line (and value a specific perk they offer), a flexible travel rewards card will give you more points and versatility for your spend.
Will my credit card provide insurance for my cruise?
Yes – if it’s a travel rewards card with that benefit. Many travel-focused cards include trip cancellation/interruption insurance and more when you use them to pay for a trip. For example, Chase Sapphire cards cover you if your cruise is canceled or delayed for covered reasons, and they also come with baggage delay insurance and travel accident coverage. Be sure to pay for the cruise with that card to activate the coverage, and read the guide to benefits for specifics. This can save you money compared to buying separate travel insurance.
Can I use credit card points or miles to pay for a cruise?
Yes. Depending on the card and issuer, you have a few options to redeem points for cruises. Some cards let you book travel (including cruises) through their rewards portal using points – for instance, you can book cruises via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal by calling their cruise line desk. Other cards, like Capital One Venture, let you erase travel purchases by redeeming miles for a statement credit after you buy the cruise. You can even convert miles into cruise line gift cards with certain programs. The exact method varies, but the good news is you can use your rewards to offset cruise costs one way or another.
Is it better to use a credit card instead of a debit card for cruise payments?
Yes, absolutely. Paying with a credit card is safer and more beneficial. With a credit card, you’re not liable for fraudulent charges and your money isn’t drawn directly from your account for charges. If there’s a dispute – say the cruise line overcharges you or an excursion charge is wrong – you can contest it without having lost cash from your bank. In addition, credit cards reward you with points or cash back for the purchase; a debit card does not. For the large expense of a cruise, always opt for a credit card to protect your finances and earn rewards, then pay off the card with the money you’ve set aside for the trip.
Conclusion
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A well-chosen credit card can make your cruise vacation even more enjoyable by rewarding you with cash-back or points, covering you with insurance, and providing VIP perks. The best credit cards for cruises ultimately depend on your travel habits – whether you prefer simple cashback-like rewards, transferable points for high-value redemptions, or luxury benefits.
By picking a card that aligns with your needs, you’ll sail smarter and get more out of every dollar you spend on vacation. And remember, if you’re ever unsure which card to use for a particular purchase, tools like Kudos are there to help you make the optimal choice effortlessly. Here’s to smooth sailing and maximized rewards on all your future cruises!
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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