Get closer to AAdvantage status with this Black Friday cruise deal
It’s Black Friday, so you know to expect some exciting travel deals through Cyber Monday.
If you’re looking for cruise deals this holiday season, particularly with Royal Caribbean, then you’re in luck. American Airlines Cruises has partnered with the big-ship cruise line to not only offer you incredible deals on your next cruise vacation, but also to reward you with double AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points to get you closer to AAdvantage status.
With the introduction of Loyalty Points earlier this year, American has made it easier than ever to earn AAdvantage status, and this Black Friday promotion from Royal Caribbean and American Airlines Cruises could get you that much closer to qualifying for 2023.
Keep reading to find out more about American Airlines Cruises and Royal Caribbean, and everything you need to know about this Black Friday cruise deal.
What is American Airlines Cruises?
American Airlines Cruises is a cruise booking portal that rewards you with AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points when you book a cruise. You can book sailings on most major cruise lines through the portal for up to 75% off of the brochure price. Plus, the site offers a 110% best price guarantee. If you find your cruise at a lower price within 48 hours of booking, American Airlines Cruises will refund you 110% of the difference between the two prices. You’ll also be eligible for all the current cruise line booking perks as well as onboard amenities based on your status in any applicable cruise loyalty program.
The site also has dedicated travel experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you with your booking. You can even add insurance to your cruise with LeisureCare, their travel protection plan.
Despite all of these fantastic reasons to book your next cruise with American Airlines Cruises, the best reason of all is that you’ll earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points that will get you even closer to earning AAdvantage status — and this is even more lucrative right now.
Related: Last-minute strategies for earning American Airlines AAdvantage status
Earn miles (and Loyalty Points) with American Airlines Cruises
Typically when you book a cruise through American Airlines Cruises, you earn 1 base mile per dollar spent (up to 10,000 miles in total). But this Black Friday, you’ll earn 1 additional bonus mile per dollar when booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean.
In addition, you can enjoy even more on select Alaska sailings — 15,000 bonus miles for balcony reservations and 25,000 bonus miles for booking a suite.
And since each base mile you earn also counts as 1 Loyalty Point, booking a cruise today could put you that much closer to status.
As a reminder, AAdvantage members have until February 2023 to earn the required number of Loyalty Points to earn (or retain) status with American Airlines. Loyalty Points can be earned in a number of ways — including by flying with American Airlines, spending on AAdvantage credit cards, shopping through the AAdvantage online shopping portal and booking cruises through American Airlines Cruises.
American Gold status requires just 30,000 Loyalty Points. This means that just a single cruise booking through this Black Friday promotion with American Airlines Cruises and Royal Caribbean could put you one-third of the way to Gold — or even higher levels of status if you’ve already accumulated some Loyalty Points.
The Royal Caribbean experience
When I think of Royal Caribbean, I think about a supersized vacation experience. Its huge ships have an outrageous number of onboard attractions, from waterslides, zip lines and rock climbing walls to more bars, restaurants and shops than you could possibly visit on a weeklong trip. So it’s only fitting that the cruise line would partner with American Airlines Cruises to offer you twice as many miles (and Loyalty Points) for your next cruise during this Black Friday promotion.
Royal Caribbean sails to 300 destinations around the world including the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean with some of the biggest cruise ships in the world — and the activities to match. You’ll never be disappointed with the amenities, attractions and entertainment available when you cruise with Royal Caribbean. In fact, its newest ship — Icon of the Seas — will feature the largest water park at sea and have seven pools (and bookings are now open!).
Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
Families, friends, couples and multigenerational groups can look forward to a variety of room configurations, including connecting cabins, family-friendly accommodations, spacious suites and even a thrill-filled Ultimate Family Suite with a private game room and in-suite slide. Wow.
But the Black Friday promotion and onboard experience aren't the only reasons to book a cruise today.
Additional cruise perks
When you book your Royal Caribbean cruise with American Airlines Cruises, not only will you earn double the miles; you’ll also get an array of additional perks. Here’s the complete list of what you can expect when you book a Royal Caribbean cruise with American Airlines Cruises:
- 30% off every guest, and kids sail free on select sailings (for all bookings through Nov. 30).
- Up to $600 in instant savings (combinable with 30% off and free kids fares) on Black Friday.
- Prepaid gratuities on select sailings ($18.50 per person per day for suites and $16 per person per day for all other categories).
- Exclusive: Onboard spending credit of up to $150.
The prepaid gratuities alone are a savings of $259 for a couple sharing a suite on a weeklong cruise — and the other savings just sweeten the deal even more.
Bottom line
This Black Friday, American Airlines Cruises has partnered with Royal Caribbean to offer double miles when you book a cruise. AAdvantage members will earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Royal Caribbean cruises on top of the best deals all year — along with the chance to earn up to 25,000 bonus miles on select Alaska cruise bookings.
American Airlines Cruises offers up to 75% off the brochure price for cruises as well as a 110% best price guarantee if you find your cruise for less within 48 hours of booking. American Airlines Cruises also always honors cruise line loyalty perks.
When you book your Royal Caribbean cruise through American Airlines Cruises this Black Friday, you’ll also receive additional perks such as 30% off every guest and free kids fares on select sailings (ends Nov. 30) plus up to $600 in savings.
Hurry before this deal is gone! Book your Royal Caribbean cruise on American Airlines Cruises now.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
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.