How to Use Points and Miles to Book Dream Cruises Without Breaking the Bank
Cruises bundle lodging, dining, and entertainment—making them one of the highest-value ways to use points. With strategic spending, you can earn 200K+ points annually—enough to book luxury cruises worth thousands, plus upgrades and perks, all without increasing your budget.
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Cruises combine lodging, dining, and entertainment into a single ticket, making their typical price tag—often $1,000 to $5,000 per person for week-long trips—one of the highest-value redemptions for points. For example, booking a $3,000 Mediterranean cruise with points valued at 1.5 cents each requires just 200,000 points, delivering exceptional value compared to standard flights or hotels where cost per point can be lower. Over a year, strategic credit card use can accumulate 200,000+ points from everyday spend, enough to book one luxury cruise annually without extra cash outlay.
Many premium credit cards earn between 3x and 5x points on travel-related expenses, including cruise bookings. By consolidating $50,000 in monthly spend onto these cards, a business or individual can generate 150,000 to 250,000 points monthly, or nearly 3 million points annually. This translates into roughly $45,000 worth of cruise travel value per year—enough to fund multiple trips or upgrades for a family or corporate team.
Booking through credit card travel portals often yields a fixed redemption value of 1 to 1.5 cents per point, allowing users to maximize their points without complex award charts. In contrast, direct cruise line bookings typically offer little to no points value. Additionally, some premium cards offer annual travel credits up to $300 that can be applied directly to cruise fares, effectively reducing net cost by 10% or more, further amplifying savings.
Onboard perks, such as spa credits, specialty dining, and excursions, can also be funded via points redemption or statement credits, adding an extra 5-10% value to the total cruise experience. When combined with travel insurance and other premium card benefits, points-based cruise bookings deliver both financial and experiential ROI—transforming large-ticket travel into a smart, sustainable reward strategy.
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Introduction
Cruising has long been synonymous with luxury, relaxation, and exploration. Whether you're sailing through the Caribbean, navigating the Alaskan fjords, or sipping wine along the Mediterranean coast, cruises offer a seamless way to explore multiple destinations with minimal hassle. However, while points and miles enthusiasts often focus on flights and hotels for redemption, cruises are frequently overlooked — and that’s a missed opportunity.
Cruises, when booked strategically with points and miles, can offer exceptional value — often surpassing traditional redemptions. Unlike flights or hotel stays, which are usually booked through airline and hotel loyalty programs, cruise bookings follow a different model. But with the right tools and knowledge, travelers can transform everyday spending into dream vacations at sea. This guide walks you through the process — from earning the right points to booking the cruise, upgrading your cabin, and accessing valuable perks.
Understanding Cruise Bookings and Points
The Basics of Cruise Pricing
Cruise pricing is more complex than simply buying a plane ticket. The fare typically includes not just transportation, but also lodging, meals, entertainment, and certain onboard amenities. Because of this bundling, calculating the value of a cruise redemption using points requires a broader perspective than comparing airfare.
Key factors influencing cruise prices:
- Cabin type (inside, oceanview, balcony, suite)
- Itinerary length and destination
- Cruise line brand tier (e.g., Carnival vs. Celebrity vs. Silversea)
- Seasonality and departure port
- Onboard perks (e.g., drink packages, Wi-Fi)
For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise in an interior cabin might start around $600 per person, while the same cruise in a balcony suite could cost $2,000 or more.
How Points Work for Cruises
Most airline and hotel loyalty programs don’t allow direct cruise bookings. Instead, you’ll use:
- Credit card travel portals (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Travel, Citi ThankYou Travel)
- Cruise-specific partners or cruise agency gift cards
- Statement credits for travel expenses
- Onboard credit redemptions
Each program has its own quirks. For instance, while you can use Chase points at a fixed value (1.25 or 1.5 cents each, depending on the card), Amex and Citi may offer lower redemption rates — unless you catch a promotion.
Step 1: Maximize Points Earning Through Everyday Spend
Choose Cards with Cruise and Travel Bonuses
Many premium cards offer bonus points for travel expenses — and this often includes cruises.
Examples:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3x points on travel (including cruises)
- American Express Green or Platinum Card: 3x or 5x on travel booked through Amex Travel
- Citi Premier Card: 3x on air travel and hotels (can include cruise travel agents)
Consolidate Spend on High-Value Cards
You can build a robust points balance by directing daily spend onto cards with high earn rates:
- Groceries: 4x on Amex Gold
- Dining: 3x on Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Streaming and gas: 3x on Citi Custom Cash (with category tracking)
If you spend $2,500/month and earn an average of 3 points per dollar, you’ll accrue 90,000 points a year — enough for many cruise redemptions.
Use Bonus Categories Strategically
Maximize rotating or quarterly bonus categories:
- Chase Freedom Flex offers 5x points on different categories (e.g., PayPal, travel, grocery stores) up to $1,500 per quarter.
- Time large purchases (e.g., electronics, annual memberships) to align with these bonuses.
Step 2: Know Which Points Programs Work Best for Cruises
Flexible Points Programs
Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Best value: 1.25 cents per point with Sapphire Preferred or 1.5 cents with Sapphire Reserve via Chase Travel Portal.
- Example: 100,000 points = $1,500 in cruise value with Sapphire Reserve.
Amex Membership Rewards
- Cruises can be booked through Amex Travel at around 1 cent per point.
- Tip: Watch for limited-time offers where redemption value increases or includes onboard credits.
Citi ThankYou Points
- Cruises available through the Citi travel portal. Value ranges between 1–1.25 cents per point depending on your card.
Other Options
Barclays Arrival Miles, Capital One Miles
These can be redeemed as statement credits for any travel purchase, including cruise fares. Typically worth 1 cent per mile.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
Redeem points for statement credits against cruise expenses.
Step 3: Booking Cruises with Points — Practical Strategies
Use Credit Card Travel Portals
This is the most direct way to book a cruise with points.
Example:
You want to book a 5-night Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise that costs $1,000:
- Using 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points via the portal (with Sapphire Reserve at 1.5 cpp), you cover the full cost.
- You may still earn loyalty points with the cruise line, unlike when booking award flights.
Leverage Statement Credits
Some premium cards offer annual travel credits:
- Amex Platinum: $200 hotel credit, but can also provide Amex Offers for cruise discounts.
- Capital One Venture X: $300 annual credit on travel booked through Capital One — often includes cruises.
Watch for Promotions
Cruise lines often run bonus offers through portal partners:
- Extra points
- Onboard credit (e.g., $100 OBC when booking with Amex)
- Free gratuities or beverage packages
Step 4: Optimize Cabin Selection and Upgrades with Points
Understand Cabin Types
- Interior: Most affordable, but no windows.
- Oceanview: Has a window, typically small.
- Balcony: Private outdoor space — a popular mid-tier upgrade.
- Suite: Luxurious accommodations with added perks like concierge service.
When booking with points, start with a base cabin and look for upgrade offers:
- Cruise lines often allow bidding on upgrades even for point-booked cruises.
- Example: After booking with Chase points, a user bid $200 to upgrade from inside to balcony on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Use Points for Onboard Spending
Some travel portals or cruise lines allow redemption of points for:
- Specialty dining
- Shore excursions
- Spa treatments
- Internet packages
Example: Royal Caribbean may allow onboard credit purchases during booking, which you can pay for using credit card points.
Step 5: Add Value with Ancillary Benefits
Travel Insurance and Protections
When you use premium travel credit cards to pay for your cruise (even partially), you may receive:
- Trip interruption/cancellation insurance
- Lost or delayed baggage protection
- Emergency medical coverage
Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred includes $10,000 per trip in cancellation/interruption protection.
Airport Lounge Access
If your cruise requires a flight to the departure port:
- Amex Platinum, Venture X, and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer Priority Pass lounge access.
Cruise Loyalty Program Benefits
Joining cruise line loyalty programs (like Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society) can earn you:
- Early boarding
- Complimentary internet
- Discounts on spa or beverage packages
Sometimes, booking through a travel portal using points still earns loyalty credit — always confirm with the cruise line.
Step 6: Real-World Examples and Case Studies
Case Study 1: Caribbean Cruise Using Chase Ultimate Rewards
Traveler: Family of four
Cruise: 7-night Western Caribbean with Royal Caribbean
Cost: $1,800
Points used: 120,000 Chase UR (1.5 cpp via Sapphire Reserve)
Outcome: Entire cruise fare paid with points; used onboard credit from a Chase offer to cover drink packages. Paid out-of-pocket for excursions and tips.
Case Study 2: Mediterranean Cruise with Amex Platinum
Traveler: Retired couple
Cruise: 10-night Celebrity Cruise from Rome to Barcelona
Cost: $3,000
Used:
- $200 Amex Platinum travel credit
- 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards points via Amex Travel (1 cpp)
Outcome: Covered $1,500 in cruise fare with points, used cash for rest. Upgraded to a balcony room during a flash sale onboard.
Case Study 3: Statement Credit for Alaska Cruise
Traveler: Solo traveler using Capital One Venture Miles
Cruise: 7-night Alaska cruise on Holland America
Fare: $2,200
Used: 220,000 Capital One miles as statement credit after booking
Outcome: Booked directly with cruise line to access loyalty perks, used miles to erase the charge. Gained early boarding and free specialty dinner through loyalty tier.
Book Early: Fares rise as ships fill; book 6–12 months ahead.
Be Flexible: Off-season or repositioning cruises offer the best value.
Stack Benefits: Use points, statement credits, and loyalty perks together.
Track Offers: Sign up for emails from cruise lines, credit card issuers, and travel agencies.
Consider Group Rates: Travel agents or credit card portals may offer special pricing for group bookings.
Use Points for Upgrades or Perks: Onboard credits and excursions can add luxury without cost.
Final Thoughts
Cruising offers a uniquely luxurious yet cost-effective way to travel, especially when booked using points and miles. While cruises aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about travel rewards, they can deliver significant value — often beyond that of flights or hotels — when approached strategically.
By maximizing everyday spend through the right credit cards, understanding the nuances of cruise pricing, and leveraging flexible travel portals and statement credits, you can turn your hard-earned points into full or partially funded cruises around the world. Whether it’s a sunny Caribbean escape or an epic European voyage, dream cruises are well within reach — even if you're on a budget.
With a smart strategy and a bit of planning, your next ocean adventure may be just a few swipes away.
