Read This Before You Book a Cruise
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Cruising is a travel trend that doesn't appear to be slowing down — more travelers are hitting the waves than ever before. Fancy mega-ships, affordable rates, all-inclusive pricing and a set-it-and-forget-it travel itinerary make it all the more enticing to take on the open seas. But for first-timers, booking a cruise can get a bit choppy. TPG Contributor Julie Loffredi tells us what every cruiser should know ... before pulling out that credit card.
1. Pick the right cruise
If you're seeking a destination, know that cruises that make stops in the Caribbean and Eastern Mexico tend to be the most sought after by US tourists. According to a recent study by the Cruise Lines International Association (which provides a chart to help you research various cruise lines' destinations), North American travelers especially enjoy Caribbean cruises because they make it easy to visit several different islands in one short trip. The Bahamas (not technically part of the Caribbean), Alaska and Hawaii were also top cruise picks.
To find the best value on a cruise, check out US News & World Report's 2015 report, which listed Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line as their "Best Cruises For the Money."
Also keep in mind that each cruise has its own style, with some geared toward couples, kids or seniors. If you know you're looking for fun and excitement, laid-back relaxation, fine wine and cuisine, the perfect cruise for a family reunion, a purely romantic getaway, etc., be sure to find out if a cruise has what you want — or risk getting the exact opposite of the vacation you're seeking.
Tip: While comparison shopping, check each cruise line's homepage for the latest promotions.
2. Be wary of cruise line co-branded credit cards
To pay for a cruise, many travelers turn to credit cards to take advantage of added incentives. But while a credit card offered by a cruise line may seem like the best choice, it may not be, according to The Points Guy.
"In general, cruise line co-branded credit cards are far from ideal, " says TPG. "I actually suspect they’re targeted at travelers who think they’re the best for cruises because they have the cruise line associated with them. However, when you take a closer look, you’ll see they’re not usually a great value proposition."
That said, here are a couple of co-branded cruise line cards to consider:
Celebrity Visa Signature Card from Bank Of America. The Celebrity Visa Signature Card is a premium card with a $69 annual fee — and it's worth a look. The card currently offers a $300 discount on a future cruise after you spend $5,000 within first 60 days, as well as 10,000 bonus points (redeemable for $100 to spend on board) when any transaction of any amount is made and posts within the first 65 days of card membership. Cardholders will earn 1 MyCruise Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Other perks include small percentages off cruise extras like excursions and beverage packages.
Carnival MasterCard from Barclaycard. This card has no annual fee and currently offers a sign-up bonus of 5,000 Funpoints after a first purchase — but that's only enough for about $50 off a cruise purchase. Other incentives include 2x Funpoints per $1 spent on all Carnival Cruise Lines purchases and $1 spent on purchases everywhere else on card.
Other cards cruisers may prefer due to their travel benefits include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Citi Prestige Card
Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express
Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card
United MileagePlus Club Card
3. Consider travel insurance
Purchasing a third-party travel insurance policy may be a good idea. Cruisers tend to be most concerned about missing a cruise departure due to a canceled flight or illness; their trip being canceled due to bad weather; or encountering emergency health issues while traveling. Be aware that while travel insurance can usually offer protection if inclement weather forces a trip cancellation, your policy must be purchased before the particular storm threat arises.
Be sure to see TPG's list of travel insurance providers, as well as Does Your Credit Card Give You Adequate Travel Insurance Coverage? and Independent Travel Insurance vs. Airline Or Cruise Carriers, When Is It Best To Buy More?
Tip: For the maximum benefits available, purchase a travel insurance policy as soon as the first trip payment is made.
4. Ask for expert advice
New cruisers can avoid a big headache by simply asking for advice. Turn to cruise lines' social media accounts for feedback or ask a travel agent who specializes in cruises for help. Repeat cruisers can also give tips on the best itinerary, restaurants to bypass, excursions to take and whether to include gratuities on your on-board account. Ask for insight on things like dress codes, the availability of cell phone and Wi-Fi service, the possible advantages of deck phones and/or walkie-talkie rentals, etc.
Tip: One of the best pieces of advice I've received is to consider arriving a day before your departure in order to ensure you're there in time.
5. Book early
This sounds a bit of a cliche — but booking a cruise six months or more in advance actually can provide more perks, such as first dibs on cabin types and special promotional rates. (Last minute bookings can also deliver some big savings, but there is always the risk of higher airfares.)
"Book your cruise to sail during a non-peak time, or better yet choose an open-jaw transition cruise (where the ship leaves from one location and arrives in another, like from Miami to Barcelona) as these are frequently priced significantly lower," says Rinat Glinert of ShoreFox, a cruise excursion company.
The most popular time to book a cruise is during "wave season" (between January and March) when travelers can take advantage of deals. Peak months of travel include June, July and August.
Note: A few cruise lines also offer a price-protection program, so a cruisers rate will be adjusted if a rate is reduced after booking.
6. Pick the right room
Before booking a cabin, take a look at the cruise ship's deck plan. Seeking peace and quiet? Avoid rooms close to high noise areas like nightclubs and entertainment arenas, as well as adjoining rooms. Those not interested in a long trek around busy meal times should pick a cabin near the elevator. Have a weak stomach? The front of the ship tends to be most rocky during rough seas.
7. Sign up for cruise loyalty programs
"Some of the best cruise deals are made available to those in the cruise lines’ loyalty programs, but few know that anyone can create an account on the lines’ websites and register to receive many of those same offers. For example, Holland America Line [which also has its own Mariner Society program] often sends great-value promotions to its registered guests. Choosing cruises during certain slow travel periods can yield incredible savings typically unavailable during busier times," says cruise expert David Yeskel.
To learn more, check out this rundown of major cruise loyalty programs, and see TPG's look at Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club – Loyalty on the High Seas.
Also see these other cruise-related posts:
How To Choose A Cruise Based On Points?
Choosing A Cruise While Maximizing Points
Using Frequent Flyer Miles for Cruise Flights
These Decked-Out Luxury Cruise Ships Have it All
Hot River Cruises to Hope Aboard This Summer
12 Unexpected Things I Learned on My Alaska Cruise
Select M Life Elite Members Now Get a Free Annual Celebrity Cruise
Have you been on a cruise? How did you make it a great trip?
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.