Writer: Andrea Woroch
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Cruise bookings are experiencing increased demand after a tough three-year struggle to stay afloat due to pandemic restrictions and consumer fears. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that 52% of US adults say they are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before the pandemic.
If you’ve been thinking about setting sail on your next getaway, researching different cruise lines and destinations are essential steps toward finding the best ship experience as well as getting the best deal. But that’s not the only way to save — even your credit card could help to offset some of your cruise costs.
Here are seven ways your credit card can help you save on a cruise.
1. Snag a Signup Bonus
Before booking your cruise, consider opening a new credit card to pay for the trip. Doing so could help you qualify for a nice signup bonus in the form of cash back, points, or miles rewards. You can then apply those bonus rewards toward your travel expenses to offset some of your cruising costs.
Signup bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount of money within the first few months from account opening, but if you use the new card to pay for the cruise, you can easily meet the minimum and qualify for the bonus.
2. Rack Up Extra Rewards
While general-use credit cards usually offer bigger rewards and more redemption options, using a cruise-line-specific card while onboard means earning more rewards during your trip which can offset your overall travel spend.
For example, the Carnival World Mastercard offers a 10% statement credit for shore excursions booked with the card and 2X “FunPoints” for every $1 spent on any purchases with Carnival Cruise Line or its sister brands. Your points can be redeemed for statement credits toward any Carnival purchase and onboard experiences, among other things.
In addition to earning robust rewards through your credit card, you can earn even more back on your cruise by booking it through a cash back site like Coupon Cabin that offers special discounts on cruise bookings.
3. Enjoy Exclusive Discounts Onboard
Cruise-line-specific credit cards may have limited redemption options compared with general-use credit cards, but they do offer one thing those other cards don’t — exclusive discounts on purchases and access to entertainment aboard the ship.
If you’re planning to take a Disney cruise, the Disney Premier Visa card will get you exclusive discounts, including 10% off non-discounted photo packages, 20% off spa treatments, 10% off $50 worth of merchandise, and 10% off the Castaway Cay getaway packages in the Bahamas.
4. Finance Your Trip With 0% Interest
Planning ahead and saving up for your cruise vacation is the best way to prepare and pay for your trip, but last-minute travelers or those who haven’t had as much wiggle room in their budget in recent months may not have had the luxury to stash away any extra cash. This doesn’t mean you have to be stuck paying interest to finance your voyage. Instead, look for a card that waives interest for the first year.
Best 0% APR Offers:
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won’t automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy – from gifts to groceries – BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
These cards will give you more time to pay off the cruise without fees piling up. Just make sure to read the fine print and pay off the trip before the promo is up.
5. Score Free Flights to and from Your Port
Although your initial cruise expenses may be low, the added cost of getting to and from your departing port can quickly escalate, especially if you have to fly. With airfare prices soaring, booking ahead is key to saving on airfare.
While you’re at it, think about using a co-branded airline credit card for daily purchases and monthly utilities to rack up miles that can be redeemed for roundtrip flights or cover at least one leg of the trip.
6. Stay Protected With Travel Insurance
Credit cards offer many layers of protection, including travel insurance coverage so you don’t have to buy separate policies. And, since travel hiccups are unpredictable, taking advantage of these added benefits can give you peace of mind during your trip.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, for instance, says cardholders qualify for trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and lost and delayed luggage insurance, among other travel protections.
7. Avoid Paying Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re eyeing a cruise overseas, you have to think twice about the card you will bring with you on board the ship. Foreign transaction fees average about 3% of each transaction and can quickly add up. Using a card that waives this fee can help you save big on an international cruise.
For example, neither the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card nor the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card charges foreign transaction fees, making these a top pick for any trip abroad.
The Right Card Can Lessen Your Cruise Costs
While several credit card perks can help travelers reduce cruise costs, don’t overlook the importance of doing your research first. Always compare credit card programs and how they stack up to your spending habits before applying. Comparing the best credit cards for cruises can help you pinpoint the most beneficial option for your travel needs.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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