Best Credit Cards for Cruises

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is like the all-you-can-eat buffet of credit cards—except instead of food, you get rewards. With 2x points on travel and dining, this card is a solid choice for anyone who likes to dine out and travel (so basically, everyone).

The points are transferable to various travel partners, including cruise lines, giving you plenty of flexibility. And the annual_fees annual fee is manageable, especially when you consider the valuable rewards that come with it, as well as other travel + shopping benefits and no foreign transaction fees.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• Points Flexibility: Transfer points to several cruise lines.
• Travel Protections: Trip cancellation insurance can save you if your cruise plans hit an iceberg (figuratively speaking).
• Affordable Annual Fee: At annual_fees, it won’t sink your budget.

If you’re the type who enjoys the finer things in life—like suites with balconies, private excursions, and first-class flights to your port of departure—the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is your card.

With 3x points on travel and dining, plus a annual_fees annual travel credit, this card practically pays for itself if you travel often. The airport lounge access is a nice touch, especially when you want to relax before boarding your cruise.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• Luxury Perks: From lounge access to a generous travel credit, this card treats you like cruise royalty.
• Travel Protections: Comprehensive insurance coverage, including trip delay and interruption insurance.
• High Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel and dining make it easy to rack up rewards.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the cruise ship of credit cards—it’s big, it’s luxurious, and it’s loaded with perks. With 5x points on flights, this card is great for getting you to your cruise departure point in style.

The annual fee is hefty at annual_fees, but the perks, like access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection and a $200 airline fee credit, make it worth the splurge if you’re a frequent traveler.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• Luxurious Perks: Lounge access, concierge services, and more.
• High Points Earning Rate: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes trip cancellation, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance.

If you’re a bit more low-key but still want solid rewards and travel benefits, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice.

With 4X points dining and US Supermarkets upto $25,000 spent each year and 3X points on airfare when booked with airlines directly, this card offers a lot of value at a lower annual fee of annual_fees – not to mention other benefits such as $120 credit with Uber, other credits and no foreign transaction fees. It’s perfect for those who want value, flexibility without the high annual fee.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• Affordable Annual Fee: $150 for 3x points on travel and dining is a great deal.
• Flexible Points Redemption: Use your points for various travel options, including cruises.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Sail abroad without worrying about extra charges.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is all about simplicity. Earn 2x miles on every purchase, then redeem them for any travel expense, including cruises.

The annual_fees annual fee is reasonable, and the miles are easy to use. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can explore every port without extra costs.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• Straightforward Rewards: 2x miles on everything means you don’t have to worry about categories.
• Easy Redemption: Use miles to cover any travel purchase, including cruise bookings.
• Affordable Annual Fee: annual_fees per year, making it a cost-effective choice.

If you’re looking for a bit more oomph than the regular Venture card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits for a higher annual fee of annual_fees.

You’ll earn 2x miles on every purchase, with bonus miles for hotel and flight bookings. Plus, the card offers up to $300 in annual travel credit, making it a great option for frequent cruisers.

Why It’s Great for Cruises:

• High Rewards Rate: 2x miles on all purchases, with bonus miles for certain bookings.
• Premium Perks: Travel credit, lounge access, and more.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Sail the seven seas without extra charges.