How to earn up to 100,000 United miles when sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line
Big news, cruise fans: There’s a new, limited-time offer to earn airline miles when booking a cruise — enough miles for MileagePlus award travel to many parts of the world from the rewards you’ll get from just a single sailing.
Cruise-selling site United Cruises has a new offer out that could get you up to 100,000 United MileagePlus miles for taking a single voyage with one of the many cruise lines it sells.
And you can accumulate even more miles if you book more than one sailing during the offer period.
Keep reading to learn more about the United Cruises program and why it’s a great choice for earning airline miles when booking a cruise vacation — especially right now.
What is United Cruises?
United Cruises is a booking portal that allows you to earn MileagePlus miles when booking a cruise. The amount of miles you’ll earn depends on a few factors (that I’ll get into in a moment), but it’s safe to say that booking a cruise vacation through United Cruises is the way to go if you’re a United loyalist.
However, even occasional flyers can benefit from the miles that they’ll rack up in the program.
United Cruises offers access to sailings operated by just about every cruise line you can think of, including such popular brands as Norwegian Cruise Line as well as various luxury and river cruise lines. When you book a cruise with United Cruises, you get everything that the line offers plus up to 75% savings on cruises and a best price guarantee.
Related: How to book a sailing through United Cruises
Here’s how you can earn MileagePlus miles through United Cruises.
Earn miles with United Cruises
MileagePlus members can always earn up to 25,000 United miles when booking a cruise through United Cruises, but United credit cardholders can earn additional miles — as much as 45,000 — based on the type of stateroom booked. The higher the category, the greater the number of miles.
Here’s a breakdown of how many miles you can earn per dollar spent on specific types of cruise staterooms:
| Stateroom category | MileagePlus member | MileagePlus cardmember |
|---|---|---|
Interior or oceanview | 2 miles per dollar. | 4 miles per dollar. |
Balcony or suite | 4 miles per dollar. | 7 miles per dollar. |
Not only can you earn miles when booking your cruise through United Cruises, but you can also use miles to pay for a cruise.
Related: The best sweet spots you can book with United MileagePlus
Earn even more miles with Norwegian Cruise Line
The current offer is particularly appealing if you’re eyeing a journey with Norwegian Cruise Line, as booking a Norwegian sailing right now brings the chance for even more miles.
This month, United Cruises is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line to offer up to 25,000 bonus miles on sailings over four nights in length on top of the miles you’d already be earning when you book your cruise through United Cruises. That means earning up to 70,000 miles for United cardmembers.
Depending on how you redeem those miles, you could fly in a premium cabin to Europe or within the U.S., or even book a multi-city ticket thanks to the Excursionist Perk.
But the bonuses don’t end there.
If you book a stateroom through United Cruises on Norwegian’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Prima, MileagePlus members can earn even more — up to 55,000 bonus miles on top of the miles you would already earn. That’s up to 70,000 total miles for United MileagePlus members and up to 100,000 miles for those with a United cobranded credit card.
TPG values MileagePlus miles at 1.21 cents apiece, so if you max out this offer on Norwegian Prima, you’re taking home over $1,200 worth of rewards.
Here’s a table that breaks down just how many bonus miles you could earn when you book a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise through United Cruises:
| Stateroom type | All Norwegian Cruise Line cruises (except Prima) | Norwegian Prima |
|---|---|---|
Interior | 5,000 bonus miles. | 10,000 bonus miles. |
Oceanview | 10,000 bonus miles. | 20,000 bonus miles. |
Balcony | 15,000 bonus miles. | 30,000 bonus miles. |
Suite | 25,000 bonus miles. | 55,000 bonus miles. |
Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries
A solid haul of bonus miles isn’t all you get when you book a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary through United Cruises — you’ll get every perk that you’d normally get when you book directly with the cruise line.
Additional cruise perks
Sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line typically comes with several perks, including 40% off second guests and all of the following Free at Sea deals:
- Free unlimited open bar ($99 per person, per day value).
- Free specialty dining (up to $119 value).
- Free shore excursions ($50 per port value).
- Free Wi-Fi package (up to $200 in value).
- 3rd and 4th stateroom guests sail free on select sailings.
And lastly, you’re in great hands with United Cruises’ dedicated travel experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ready to book? Click here to find a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through United Cruises.
Bottom line
Beginning this month, you can earn up to 100,000 United MileagePlus miles when you book a cruise through United Cruises. MileagePlus members and United cardholders can always earn up to 25,000 and 45,000 miles, respectively, but you can earn even more when you sail on Norwegian Cruise Line.
For a limited time, MileagePlus members can earn up to an additional 25,000 United miles when booking a sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and up to an additional 55,000 United miles when you sail on Norwegian Prima, the line’s newest ship — and that’s on top of the miles you’ll already earn when you book with United Cruises.
Depending on the category and cruise ship, that translates to up to 70,000 miles for general members — or up to 100,000 miles for United credit cardholders.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to earn extra miles on your next cruise vacation. Book a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary through United Cruises today.
Additional reporting by Gene Sloan.
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.