Whether you’re a frequent cruiser or planning your first sailing, using the right credit card can unlock serious perks—from free excursions to onboard credits and travel insurance. Pairing credit card rewards with loyalty programs and cashback platforms can make your cruise more affordable and even more enjoyable.

Here’s how to choose the best cards and reward systems for cruise travel, and how to stack savings with strategic booking.

Top Credit Cards for Cruise Travelers

Several travel-focused credit cards offer point systems, travel protections, and bonus categories that align perfectly with cruise expenses.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
   • 2X points on travel and dining
     
   • Points redeemable through Chase Ultimate Rewards for cruise bookings
     
   • Strong travel protections and no foreign transaction fees
     
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
   
   • 2X miles on every purchase
     
   • Points can be used to erase travel charges, including cruise fares
     
   • Capital One Travel portal access for bookings
     
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
   
   • 5X points on cruises booked through Amex Travel
     
   • Premium perks like lounge access and travel credits
     
   • Strongest for luxury travelers booking higher-end sailings
     
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
   
   • 1.5X points on all purchases
     
   • No annual fee
     
   • Redeem points for cruise-related purchases
     
5. Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Card
   
   • Earn MyCruise® Reward points for every purchase
     
   • Points redeemable for onboard credit, upgrades, or discounts
     
   • Best for loyal Royal Caribbean travelers
     

Cruise Line Loyalty Programs

Each cruise line has its own loyalty program that rewards repeat guests with exclusive perks:

• Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean): Early access to sales, priority boarding, and free internet minutes
  
• Captain’s Club (Celebrity): Discounts on spa treatments, events, and shore excursions
  
• Latitudes Rewards (Norwegian): Priority tender tickets, specialty dining discounts
  
• Mariner Society (Holland America): Welcome gifts, savings on shore excursions, and free laundry
  

These programs are free to join and begin offering perks after your first cruise.

Stacking Rewards with Cashback Apps

In addition to earning credit card rewards and loyalty points, using a cashback platform like Fluz can help you stretch your travel budget even further. For example, you can often earn cashback with a Carnival gift card or buy a Royal Caribbean gift card online with rewards directly through Fluz. These digital gift cards can be applied to your cruise fare or onboard expenses like drinks, specialty dining, and excursions.

To maximize value, combine this strategy with a points-earning credit card. When you purchase the gift card through Fluz, you’ll earn cashback instantly—and by paying with your rewards credit card, you’ll rack up additional points at the same time. It’s an easy way to double-dip on savings and get the most from every dollar spent on your cruise.

Other Tips for Maximizing Value

• Book through your credit card’s travel portal to unlock bonus points
  
• Pay your final cruise balance with a combination of gift cards and rewards
  
• Use card benefits like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay protection, and no foreign transaction fees
  

The Bottom Line

Cruising is more rewarding when you leverage the right mix of credit cards, loyalty programs, and cashback tools. Whether you want to score free upgrades or earn travel rewards for your next sailing, using platforms like Fluz alongside your card’s perks can maximize every dollar spent—before, during, and after your voyage.