The best credit cards for booking cruises
Editor's Note
There is one common question we get from TPG readers who are cruise enthusiasts: What are the best credit cards for booking cruises?
It might seem logical that the best way to earn rewards on cruise bookings is to get a cruise line cobranded credit card. While these cards generally don't offer as strong a value as the best travel credit cards, some cobranded cards on the market could be a good choice for certain types of cruisers.
If you want to get the most value from your cruise purchases, here's our guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises and why you always want to pay for your vacation at sea with a credit card.
The best credit cards for booking cruises
When deciding which credit card to use for booking cruises, you'll want to consider the rewards a card earns on cruises and benefits like travel and shopping protections. You can also take advantage of a card's more specific perks, like statement credits for travel and airport lounge access to get you to and from the port.
With this in mind, we recommend these credit cards for booking a cruise:
| Annual fee | Earning rate on cruises | Value according to TPG's May 2026 valuations | Return on your spending based on TPG's valuations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$150 | 3 points per dollar spent | 2 cents per point | 6% | |
$895 (see rates and fees) | 1 point per dollar spent | 2 cents per point | 2% | |
$95 | 2 points per dollar spent (up to 3.5 points per dollar spent with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards® program) | 1 cent per point | 2% to 3.5% | |
$95 | 2 miles per dollar spent | 1.85 cents per mile | 3.7% | |
$395 | 2 miles per dollar spent | 1.85 cents per mile | 3.7% | |
$95 |
| 2.05 cents per point | 10.25% and 4.1%, respectively | |
$795 |
(Points earned after using your $300 annual travel credit) | 2.05 cents per point | 16.4% and 2.1%, respectively | |
$99 |
| At least 1 cent per point | At least 4% on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea | |
$0 |
| At least 1 cent per point | At least 3% on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea |
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Green
Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership, worth $800 according to TPG's May 2026 valuations.
Annual fee: $150
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruises. This means you'll earn bonus points on the cruise booking as well as any flight or hotel purchases you make to get to and from your cruise.
You'll also get trip delay insurance* that covers up to $300 per trip (maximum of two claims per 12-month period) and purchase protection** for up to 90 days after you make a purchase.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Green.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Amex Green card?
American Express Platinum
Welcome bonus: New cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they're eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $3,500.
Annual fee: $895
Why it's great for booking cruises: Bonus points aren't the incentive for booking cruises on the Amex Platinum. Instead, you can leverage the Cruise Privileges Program by booking an eligible sailing of at least five nights with your card through American Express Travel® or by calling the number on the back of your card. When you do this, you could receive:
- $100 to $300 per cabin onboard credit
- One unique amenity per cabin
Remember, you must book an eligible cruise through American Express Travel to receive these benefits, and not every cruise and cabin will offer the same benefits.
Also, the Amex Platinum doesn't have a bonus category for cruises, so you will earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on these purchases.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening, worth $600.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card earns 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases, including cruise line purchases. You'll also receive travel protections, including trip cancellation/delay/interruption insurance.
And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you'll earn an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase, giving you an even greater return on your cruise spending.
To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.
Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
Capital One Venture Rewards
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, this offer is valued at $1,388.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Capital One Venture Rewards earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruise bookings. You can redeem rewards for a statement credit to cover travel expenses, including purchases from cruise lines.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,388, according to TPG's valuations.
Annual fee: $395
Why it's great for booking cruises: Like the Venture Rewards, the Venture X earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including cruises, and comes with several travel protections.
What sets Venture X apart is its ability to make your trip run more smoothly with additional perks, such as complimentary airport lounge access, which makes the trip to the airport before your cruise much better.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $1,538 according to TPG's May 2026 valuations.
Annual fee: $95
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns a valuable 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruise bookings made directly. If you book through Chase Travel, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent.
Plus, if you book a specific cruise and cabin with Voyages by Chase Travel, you can receive onboard credits, package upgrades, private transfers and more. Eligible cruise lines include AmaWaterways, Celebrity, Norwegian, Oceania and Virgin Voyages, among others.
What sets this card apart is its robust travel protections. When you use it to book travel, you'll get protection against lost or delayed baggage, as well as trip delays and cancellations.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $3,075 according to TPG's valuations.
Annual fee: $795
Why it's great for booking cruises: The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 8 points per dollar spent on all bookings through Chase Travel, including cruises booked in the portal. You'll also get a slightly better suite of travel protections than with the Sapphire Preferred, plus airport lounge access.
The Sapphire Reserve also unlocks access to Voyages by Chase Travel, like the Sapphire Preferred.
Perhaps the best perk on this card, however, is a $300 annual travel statement credit automatically applied to travel purchases, meaning you can get up to $300 back on your cruise booking when you use this card to pay.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Royal ONE Plus Visa Signature
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Royal Caribbean points are worth at least 1 cent per point, so this bonus is worth $700.
Annual fee: $99
Why it's great for booking cruises: This is a great card for cruise enthusiasts who plan to sail with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Silversea at least twice each year.
That's because you'll receive priority boarding with the aforementioned lines, priority luggage handling and higher earning rates than its no-annual-fee counterpart.
Plus, you'll receive a $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years and no foreign transaction fees when you use the card abroad.
Apply here: Royal ONE Plus Visa Signature credit card
Royal ONE Visa Signature
Welcome bonus: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. This bonus is worth $450, since Royal Caribbean points are worth at least 1 cent per point.
Annual fee: $0
Why it's great for booking cruises: This is an excellent card if you don't anticipate going on a cruise more than once a year.
It provides priority boarding for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, earns bonus Royal Caribbean points across a number of bonus categories and doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. These are decent benefits for a no-annual-fee card.
Plus, the points you earn can be redeemed on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea sailings.
Apply here: Royal ONE Visa Signature credit card
Bottom line
Using the right credit card to book your cruise allows you to earn some serious rewards on your booking and protect yourself against a wide range of mishaps.
Whether you're focused on receiving a valuable welcome bonus to help fund your next trip or earning bonus points on your onboard cocktails, you can feel great knowing your card is working hard while you're kicking back at sea.
Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
Updated 05/01/2026
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.