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UponArriving

Southwest Vacations Guide: Does it Really Save you Money? [2021]

Are you looking for ways to save on your next vacation?

Well, if you travel Southwest Airlines then you might want to look into using “Southwest Vacations.” Southwest Vacations is a special portal where you can book packages such as flight and hotel or flight and rental car packages and save some serious cash.

However you may not always be saving money and so you want to know how to get the most out of this program.

Below, I will show you some real world examples that I found on this portal when researching and give you some insight into what types of packages might be the most worthwhile. I’ll also answer a lot of common questions about these packages.

Table of Contents

What is Southwest Vacations?

Southwest Vacations is the leisure vacation package product for Southwest Airlines. They offer special travel packages that you can purchase to save money by bundling your bookings together, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities. 

The packages come in different forms but you can buy package deals for flights and hotels or flights and car rentals. You can also lump in activities and jump on special promo deals throughout the year to maximize savings.

• Related: Tips for flying Southwest Airlines

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How do you use Southwest Vacations?

• Step one: Navigate to the Southwest Vacations website
• Step Two: Choose the type of vacation package you’re interested in
• Step Three: Enter your travel details
• Step Four: Sort and locate your desired bookings
• Step Five: Confirm your booking details
• Step Six: Checkout 

Navigate to Southwest Vacations

• You can find a link to Southwest Vacations here.

Choose the type of vacation package you’re interested in

On the main Southwest Vacations homepage, you’ll be able to select the type of vacation package you are interested in by selecting one of three tabs. 

It’s possible to add on more to your package at the time of checkout. For example, you can add a rental car to a flight and hotel package or even add activities. 

Enter your travel details

You’ll need to enter in your travel destinations as well as your planned departure and return dates. You can also select the specific details for your package such as the number of adults and rooms needed. Don’t forget that Southwest now travels to many international destinations.

Sort and locate your desired bookings

Once you have input your travel details, you’ll be able to sort through a lot of travel bookings.

If you are choosing a flight and hotel package, you will choose your hotel stay first and then your flights. If you are booking a flight and rental car, you will choose your flight first.

Using the panel on the left side, you can search and filter hotels by price, star rating, map location, amenities, experience, etc. You can also sort by price and/or rating.

If you are booking a rental car, you can filter by lots of different brands for rental car companies, such as Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can also filter by car type and class such as compact, fullsize, etc.

Confirm your booking details

Once you have selected your entire travel package, you will see a breakdown of all of your bookings before you make your payment.

This is an important page because it is where you can confirm the details of things like the hotel cancellation policy.  

You can also add travel protections if needed.

Note that the terms make clear that flights may be nonrefundable and that your refund will be issued in the form of an airline credit for future travel. This is even the case if you purchase insurance for trips disrupted by hurricanes. (This is typical for a Wanna Get Away fare).

Personally, I rarely ever add these protections because I have such great travel protections with my credit cards.

• Read up on Southwest travel funds here.

Checkout 

Check out will be pretty straightforward but you do have the option to add on a few things. If you have not added a rental car or activities, you will have the chance to do that.

You can also choose to add Southwest EarlyBird which will allow you to automatically check in 36 hours prior to departure and give you a better boarding position. Southwest has a unique boarding policy and if you don’t know how it works you should read up on it here. 

And finally, there will be an option for a payment plan via Uplift.

At check out you simply select “Pay Monthly.”

But don’t jump on this payment plan too quickly.

When I reviewed the going interest rates they were at 15% APR, so they aren’t exactly among the best.

Personally, I would be very hesitant to go into debt at that interest-rate just for a vacation package.

It’s one thing to go into debt for something like medical expenses or starting up a business, but when you start going into debt for vacation packages like this I don’t think that that is often a good idea.

Plus, if you wanted to go into debt for a vacation package you could try to get approved for a 0% APR credit card and avoid paying interest on those expenses. 

However, you can check your eligibility for the loan without impacting your credit score.

Related: Is Southwest a Good Airline?

Southwest Airlines flight and hotel packages

I was very curious about whether or not the Southwest Vacations packages for flights and hotels would be cheaper than simply booking these individually. So I tested out five random flights and hotel stays to get a sense of the price comparisons.

I made sure that the hotel cancellation policies were identical or at least very close to being identical since sometimes the exact same policy was not listed. However, where there were cancellation policy differences, those are noted.

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) + The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 
• Southwest flight and hotel packages: $799.81
• Individual booking: $1,079.46 (Airfare: $591.92; Hotel: $487.54)
• Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) + San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• Southwest flight and hotel packages: $1,174.41
• Individual booking: $1,432.92 (Airfare: $850.40; Hotel: $582.52)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) + Hyatt Regency San Francisco
• Southwest flight and hotel packages: $750.46
• Individual booking: $848.97 (Airfare: $395.92; Hotel: $453.05)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) + Hilton Americas-Houston
• Southwest flight and hotel packages: $688.82
• Individual booking: $753.56 (Airfare: $411.92; Hotel: $341.64)

In this case, there was a cancellation deadline difference of three days.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Orlando International Airport (MCO) + Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Southwest flight and hotel packages: $1023.02
• Individual booking: $1077.42 (Airfare: $595.92; Hotel: $481.50)

In this case, there was a cancellation deadline difference of four days.

The results

Every vacation package that I tested came back cheaper than booking the airfare and hotel individually. So if you are trying to save money on your flights and hotel vacation packages, I think Southwest Vacations can be a smart way to book.

One thing I have not been able to verify is whether or not you can earn elite credits and utilize your elite benefits when staying at hotels booked through Southwest Vacations.

If I had to guess, I would say that these bookings are considered to be just like any other online travel agency. That would mean that you would not earn elite credits and that you would have to “fight” for your elite benefits.

If that is the case, then you will have to evaluate whether or not the savings will be worth the loss of benefits. If your hotel elite status would entitle you to breakfast and valuable upgrades then it may not be worth it.

But don’t forget to factor in special earning rates at certain hotels.

For example, Southwest in the summer of 2020 was offering a special promo where you could earn 600 Rapid Rewards points per room for every qualifying stay at Las Vegas M life MGM Resorts International Properties.

Typically, you should you should be able to see these additional earning rates when you are searching for your booking.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Southwest flight and rental car packages

For the rental car packages, I once again chose five separate packages with random destinations. (To keep things consistent, I focused on Enterprise Rental Car.)

Once again, I compared the prices found on the vacation website to prices found for the identical flights on the main Southwest website and identical vehicles on the Enterprise website. 

In most cases, booking rental cars on an individual basis was cheaper than Southwest Vacations. (And in some cases, it was way cheaper.) So personally, I would not be attracted to the Southwest flight + rental car packages. 

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) + Enterprise Rental Car 
• Southwest flight and rental car packages: $781.83
• Individual booking: $705.64 (Airfare: $591.92; Car: $113.72)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) + Enterprise Rental Car
• Southwest flight and rental car packages: $928.17
• Individual booking: $939.52 (Airfare: $591.92; Car: $347.60)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) + Enterprise Rental Car
• Southwest flight and rental car packages: $577.19
• Individual booking: $481.08 (Airfare: $281.92; Car: $199.16)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) + Enterprise Rental Car
• Southwest flight and rental car packages: $802.02
• Individual booking: $617.42 (Airfare: $437.92; Car: $179.50)
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) + Enterprise Rental Car
• Southwest flight and rental car packages: $718.67
• Individual booking: $627.84 (Airfare: $403.92; Car: $223.92)

I was curious to see how the prices for activities compared when booking through the Southwest Vacations website or through a third-party website like Viator.

So I found activities that were the same or virtually identical and priced them out against each other. Overall, it looks like booking activities through Southwest Vacations was more expensive on average.

• Palm Pleasure Sunset Sail (AUA)
• Southwest packages: $158
• Individual booking: $123.98
• Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando Resort Tier 1
• Southwest packages: $150
• Individual booking: $159.58
• Swim with Whale Sharks from Cancun
• Southwest packages: $449.96
• Individual booking: $380
• Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch Honolulu
• Southwest packages: $282
• Individual booking: $280.48
• Sunset Dinner Cruise in Cabo San Lucas
• Southwest packages: $214
• Individual booking: $178

Special deals and promo codes

You can often find special deals and promo codes for Southwest Vacations.

You really have to factor these in since Southwest Vacations can have more expensive prices for certain types of packages. On many occasions, these promotions can make up for that price difference and present a better deal.

These deals will vary throughout the year but here is an example of what you could find during Black Friday and Cyber Week 2018 with promo codes and daily deals.

Book a flight + hotel package to any destination we offer, and save up to $250 at the time of booking.

• $125 off U.S. vacations with promo code SAVE125DOM*
• $250 off international vacations with promo code SAVE250INT*

Here’s a look at another promo package that went out in 2020:

• $125 off U.S. vacations (excluding Hawaii) with promo code  125DOM20 .
• $250 off international vacations with promo code  250INTL20 .
• $250 off Hawaii vacations with promo code  250HI20 .

These deals will come with certain types of terms and conditions that limit travel to certain dates. For example, you are the limitations for the 2020 promo:

• Book : 6/2/2020 – 6/22/2020 by 11:59 p.m. CT
• Travel for U.S. vacations (excluding Hawaii):  6/3/2020 – 1/4/2021
• Travel for international & Hawaii vacations:  7/1/2020 – 1/4/2021

Other times you can find special deals for certain destinations, such as Mexico or Las Vegas. Other popular destinations that often have deals are tourist hot spots in Florida like Disney World and Universal Studios. You can search for the current deals here.

Southwest Vacations FAQ

Yes, you can cancel a Southwest Vacations package but it may come at a cost. Flights may be refunded in the form of travel credits and hotel cancellations may result in fees if not canceled before the cancellation window which may be 24 to 48 hours or more prior to check out.

Yes, you can make changes to your reservation. However, you cannot make changes to flights less than one day prior to departure. In order to make changes, it’s recommended to call the customer care center at 1-800-243-8372 during our regular operating hours. 

Yes, you can add activities to your vacation package even after you have made your booking. Simply call the customer care number to process your changes.

No, unfortunately you cannot use your Southwest Rapid Rewards towards the purchase price of a vacation package.

Yes, you can use Southwest travel funds on a Southwest Vacations package that includes air. Funds must be applied at time of initial booking by selecting “Southwest Travel Funds” as your payment type.

Southwest Vacations put into effect a special policy that will automatically provide you with a travel credit if a government’s travel restriction that results in a flight or hotel cancellation. You should receive an email from Southwest Vacations with rebooking instructions.  You can try calling for more details but be prepared for a long wait times. You read more about the policy here.

The Southwest Vacations phone number is: 1-800-243-8372.

The Southwest Vacations deals are worth looking at but you need to make sure that you do some additional research.

You will often find great deals for flight plus hotel packages (especially when you can leverage promo codes), but when you start to throw in other things like rental cars you really need to be sure that you are getting the best deal, since on a couple of occasions Southwest did not offer the best price.

Also when it comes to booking activities, I would stick to booking those individually.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

DO NOT BOTHER!! We booked our vacation package on Southwest Vacation (according to Southwest, apparently, it has nothing to do with them). Return flight was cancelled. And now seven moths later, Southwest telling me that it was not them charging me, and Southwest Vacation telling it was not them canceling the flight. As a result, I still can’t find where our money is.

To anyone who is considering booking a vacation package with Southwest Vacations – If you need to cancel, and are issued credits, be forewarned your land and air are separate, which of course is not mentioned until you attempt to rebook and use your credits with SW Vacations. Apparently, Southwest Vacations handles the land portion of the package, and Southwest Air handles the flight portion of your vacation. Two totally separate companies. Okee dookee. Following the instructions from Southwest vacations, I called Southwest Air and I spent 15 minutes talking with a very nice person, and boda bing, boda boom – it was handled, no problems! I then spent 5 hours talking with SW Vacations, 4 different reps, of which 2 hung up on me. After mistakenly checking out Hotels on the Southwest Air website, I assumed the hotels would be the same price as on SW Vacations website (minus air) as on Southwest Air, Oh, no, no, no – I was told by the 4th rep, that I had to go onto SW Vacations to check the available Hotels. I did, and OMG, I kid you not, Southwest Vacations was attempting to charge $3500.00 more per person for the same Hotel that I looked at on SW Air (air not included)!!! I told the rep I have never dealt with such a disorganized, unprofessional company and click, that was the end of the conversation. I will still do business with Southwest Air – As far as Southwest Vacations are concerned I will skip the vacation packages, from Hell!!!!

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Benefits of booking with Southwest Vacations

Why book with us, enjoy the benefits of booking with southwest vacations®..

Southwest Vacations is all about relationships and it starts with our commitment to every single customer. Then, there’s the exclusive relationship we share with Southwest Airlines®. It’s so special in fact, we’re the only place you can purchase a vacation package with Southwest® flights. If these reasons weren't enough, don't worry, we have plenty more.

Bundle and save

Bags fly free®

Rapid Rewards®

EarlyBird Check-In®

You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. Well, the same is true for EarlyBird Check-In®. If EarlyBird Check-In is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available. This optional benefit improves your seat selection and provides earlier access to overhead bin storage. Quite the worm, huh? Buy EarlyBird Check-In with your vacation package or learn more .

No change fees*

We get it. Things come up. So if you ever need to make changes to your travel dates, time, or hotel, Southwest Vacations ® does not charge any fees or penalties to modify your vacation package. Yep, you read that right. Read our terms and conditions for information on our revision policies. Price differentials may apply. Supplier charges may apply.

Use Southwest unused ticketless travel funds

Most nonstop flights to Vegas

24-hour traveler assistance

Exclusive perks

Uplift Pay Monthly***

Lowest price promise (a promise is a promise)

Flight disruption policy

Why wait start planning your next vacation. see what's on sale..

* Fare difference may apply.

**Based on Schedule Summary Report for Southwest Airlines ® nonstop flights to Las Vegas for travel for year ending December 2017.

***Terms are based on your credit score and other factors. Not everyone is eligible, and some states are not served, including IA and WV. Loans issued by CBW Bank of Weir, KS, Member of FDIC.

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The Best Ways To Book a Cruise Using Points and Miles [2024]

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

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How To Book a Cruise With American Express Membership Rewards Points

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We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

You probably think of points and miles as a great way to book a flight or hotel room without spending a lot of money. While those are great ways to use your points, you can also book other types of travel, like a cruise, with points.

A cruise might not be something you think you can book with points or miles, but it can be done! In this post, we’ll walk you through all of the ways you can use your points and miles to book the cruise vacation of your dreams.

While there are no programs that offer a cruise line as a transfer partner, you can still use your points to book a cruise. The key is knowing which type of points you need and how to use them wisely.

As always, we’ve got you covered here at Upgraded Points — this guide will give you all the tools you need to book your next cruise with points.

American Express Membership Rewards Points

American Express Membership Rewards is a popular transferrable currency because its points are easy to earn and it has lots of great Amex airline partners .

You can also use Membership Rewards points through AmexTravel.com , a travel portal that acts like an online travel agency. The downside is that you’ll get less value for your points when you use them this way . Booking through AmexTravel.com will give you 0.7 cents in value, while transferring your points to hotel or airline partners often gives you 2, 3, or more cents per point in value.

If you’re also interested in flights and hotels, your best bet will be to transfer your points. However, if a cruise is what you’re after, the lower value might be worth it if you’re getting to book the vacation of your dreams.

There are lots of great cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points — here are some of our favorites:

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Credit Card Reviews
• Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

American Express Membership Rewards

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

If you’re a business owner, see our article on the best American Express business cards .

• To book a cruise using your Membership Rewards Points, just search for your cruise on AmexTravel.com  as you normally would.

• You may notice that your total cost still shows in dollars. That’s because the full cost of the trip will be charged to the credit card that’s linked to your account. Then you’ll see a credit based on the amount of Membership Rewards points you chose to apply towards your cruise.

Bottom Line: You can book a cruise through AmexTravel.com online or by calling 866-669-4423. However, booking a cruise online through Amex can be glitchy, so you might have to end up calling. Unfortunately, many agents won’t know how to apply points to your booking, so you may have to call several times to get someone who can help you. You’ll get 0.7 cents per point in value when booking a cruise through AmexTravel.com.

As an American Express cardholder , you’re also eligible for some extra perks when you book a cruise.

When you search for a cruise, keep an eye out for the Special Offers tab that will be next to your search results. This tab will list the current deals offered to Amex credit cardholders. Perks can include things like onboard credit or prepaid gratuities.

As a cardholder of Amex Platinum card or The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you’re eligible for exclusive benefits when you book a cruise through AmexTravel.com.

On eligible cruises of 5 nights or more, you’ll receive a shipboard credit of $100 to $300 per stateroom (based on cabin type and cruise line), plus an additional exclusive amenity based on your cruise line.

Here are the extra amenities you can expect to receive from each cruise line (please keep in mind these are subject to change at any time):

• AMA Waterways: $100 spa voucher per stateroom
• Azamara: Behind the scenes ship tour and a bottle of premium Champagne
• Celebrity Cruises : Bottle of Champagne or wine
• Crystal Cruises: $200 shore excursion credit per stateroom
• Cunard: Bottle of wine
• Holland America Line : Plate of chocolate-covered strawberries
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Complimentary dinner for 2 at Le Bistro Restaurant
• Oceania Cruises: Premium wine tasting event and a bottle of wine of your choice from the tasting menu
• Princess Cruises: Plate of canapés
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Exclusive private galley tour
• Royal Caribbean: Bottle of premium Champagne or wine
• Seabourn : Exclusive “suite dreams” turndown service plus a bottle of wine
• Silversea: Bottle of premium Champagne and a tour of the ship’s galley
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Bottle of wine and fresh flowers
• Windstar Cruises: Canapés, a bottle of Champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries

To redeem these benefits, book online with your Amex Platinum card or call the Platinum Card Travel Service at 800-525-3355.

Hot Tip: Disney Cruise Line sailings can’t be booked through AmexTravel.com, Chase Travel, or Citi Travel.

One of the easiest and best ways to use points to pay for your cruise is by using a credit card that earns points or miles that can then be redeemed as a statement credit. These types of cards tend to be easy to use and a great option when you want to book something other than a flight or hotel.

Capital One offers some great cards that may come in handy when booking a cruise, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

When you use this method, you can take advantage of any other sale or promotion since you don’t have to book through a specific portal, so it’s a great way to get additional discounts.

Recommended Capital One Cards

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• No Annual Fee Cards

Bottom Line: With the Capital One Venture card, Capital One VentureOne card, or the Capital One Venture X card, you’ll be able to use your miles to redeem against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at 1 cent per point in value.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program gets a lot of hype because its points are easy to earn and use and there are great Chase transfer partners .

There are so many  ways to earn Ultimate Rewards points and they can be redeemed in many ways . You can even book a cruise through the Chase travel portal  and use points to pay for it.

The value you get for your points will depend on which credit card you have. Here’s a quick look:

As you can see, Chase credit cards (including Chase’s business credit cards ) have different rates of earning points, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card yielding the most value for your Ultimate Rewards points.

Recommended Chase Cards

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel SM  immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass TM  Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Once you have enough points, you can take a look at the cruises offered through the Chase travel portal. The good news is that you’ll find cruises from all the major cruise lines you would expect, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and more.

You’ll see the prices listed in dollars, so you’ll also have to do the math to figure out how many points you will need. You’ll be able to see the total amount of credit you have at the top of the cruise portal screen.

Once you have selected your cruise, you’ll have to call 855-234-2542 to book as cruises can’t be booked online through Chase.

Bottom Line: Cruises can be booked using Ultimate Rewards points, but you’ll have to call 855-234-2542 to make your reservation. The value you’ll get for your points is determined by which Chase credit card you have, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offering the most value.

Hot Tip: Not sure where to start? Check out our detailed guide to the best websites to use to book a cruise .

Cruise Credit Cards

If you are interested in booking a cruise, you might be tempted to check out a co-branded cruise line credit card. These are generally not a great value — even for booking a cruise. But, if you’re still interested, we’ll give you a quick taste of what you can expect.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the credit cards offered by cruise lines:

This card comes with a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $500. You’ll earn 2x points on any Carnival Cruise purchases and 1x points on all other purchases . You can redeem your FunPoints for 1 cent per point towards Carnival cruises , including onboard charges. Unfortunately, this card’s points are tied to Carnival, so they aren’t super flexible.

This card comes with a measly 10,000 point welcome bonus (worth $100 in ship credit on Royal Caribbean ), Celebrity, or Azamara Club Cruises, plus 10,000 bonus points (worth $100 statement credit). You’ll earn 2x points on Royal Caribbean and sister brand ships and 1x point per dollar spent on everything else.

The Royal Caribbean MyCruise Points program is complicated — there is a list of specific redemptions with very specific requirements. If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy way to pay for your cruise with points, this isn’t the program for you.

This card is another lackluster cruise line credit card. The welcome bonus is 10,000 Princess Points, which is worth $100 as a statement credit towards a Princess Cruises purchase. You’ll earn 2x points on Princess Cruises purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line card, you’ll earn 3 WorldPoints for every dollar you spend on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, 2x points per dollar on airline and hotel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This card also comes with a 25,000-point bonus offer that is worth $250 towards upgrades, discounts, onboard credits, and more.

This is a standard cruise line card, offering a welcome bonus worth $100 in onboard credit. This card earns 2x points on Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises. You can redeem your points for onboard credits or cruise vacations.

While the Disney Premier card isn’t specifically a cruise card, the Disney Rewards Dollars you earn can be applied to Disney cruises. This card comes with a decent welcome bonus worth $300 and even offers bonus categories for points:

• Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars from purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations
• Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all other purchases

You can use your Disney Rewards Dollars toward Disney Cruise Line packages and onboard charges.

Bottom Line: If you are looking to book a cruise with points and miles, surprisingly, a cruise line credit card isn’t your best option.  These cards don’t offer very lucrative welcome bonuses or earnings categories. Plus, they don’t give you much flexibility with your points. In most situations, you’ll be better off with a credit card that lets you use your points as a statement credit or a card that earns flexible points.

Marriott Bonvoy Points

You may be surprised to know that you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a cruise . While many people might think of Marriott Bonvoy points as hotel points, they are actually transferable and very flexible — they can be used for hotels, flights,  and even cruises!

Marriott Bonvoy partners with Cruise With Points to allow you to use your Marriott Bonvoy points towards a cruise vacation (or you can choose to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on cruises that you pay for).

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
• Hotel Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
• $250 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

• Next, click on Redeem Points at the bottom of the screen.
• Here you’ll be able to search for an available cruise. Once you find a cruise, you’ll need to call 800-596-0452 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST to make your reservation.

You can redeem your points for a certificate that you can apply to your cruise:

While it’s great to have this option, unless a cruise is the only way you want to travel, it’s not the best use of your Marriott Bonvoy points since you’ll only get 0.4 cents per point in value when booking a cruise. Marriott Bonvoy  points are worth ~0.7 cents each , so you’ll miss out on some value by using Marriott Bonvoy points for a cruise.

Bottom Line: You can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a cruise or get a discount on a cruise by calling 800-596-0452 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. You will get 0.4 cents value per point when using Marriott Bonvoy points this way.

United MileagePlus Miles

Did you know that you can book all or part of a cruise using United MileagePlus miles? Alternatively, you can choose to pay for your cruise and earn United miles on the cost of your stateroom.

As with most options for booking a cruise, using United miles isn’t the best option as far as value is concerned — you’ll get ~ 0.7 cents per mile when booking a cruise. United miles are generally valued at right around 1.3 cents per mile, so you’re getting less than half the value you could get if you used your miles for a flight.

But if you’re flush with United miles and just want to go on a cruise, it might be an option to consider.

• Visit United Cruises to get started or go to United.com and click on MileagePlus > Use Miles > Cruise Awards .
• Search for a cruise as you would on any other online travel agency.

• Once you select your cruise, you’ll be prompted to log in to your United account.

Bottom Line: You can expect to get ~0.7 cents per mile in value when booking a cruise with United miles. This isn’t a great value considering United miles are valued at ~1.3 cents each.

Other Cruise Perks, Discounts, and Bonuses

Let’s review a few other ways to get the most out of your next cruise.

Qualifying Platinum and Noir members in the MGM Rewards program can receive a free cruise on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises each year.

Amex Offers are a great perk of having an American Express credit card. Keep an eye out for offers on cruises — you may be able to get an additional discount or bonus Membership Rewards points. These offers can be stacked with any other discounts or bonuses! You can always pay for part of your cruise with your credit card to get the bonus, then use points for the rest.

Similarly, Chase Offers also features cash-back offers across many categories, including travel.

Cruise-related offers have included cash-back and percent-back offers with Carnival and Crystal. Make sure you’re checking your current Chase Offers frequently to see what’s currently available on your card!

If you decide you would rather pay for your cruise and save your points for a better redemption, be sure to set yourself up to earn the most points on your next cruise:

• American Airlines Cruises: Earn up to 100,000 bonus American Airlines miles on select cruises when you book through American . Most cruises earn 1 to 2 bonus miles per dollar (capped at 10,000 bonus miles or 20,000 bonus miles if you are an American Airlines credit cardmember).
• Marriott Bonvoy Cruises: You can earn up to 30,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points (3 points per dollar spent) when you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy .
• SkyMiles Cruises: When you book your cruise through Delta , you can earn up to 10,000 Delta SkyMiles, depending on the length of your cruise. Plus, you can earn even more bonus SkyMiles on select sailings.
• United Cruises: You can earn up to 7 miles per dollar when you book select cruises through United . Most cruises offer the chance to earn up to 25,000 miles, but United MileagePlus credit cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 bonus miles per cruise.

Hot Tip:  If you’re not sure how to pay for your cruise, check out our guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises .

While booking a cruise with points and miles might not be as straightforward as booking a hotel or flight, it can be done! There are lots of options to pay for your entire cruise with points or to use points to get a substantial discount.

Keep in mind, with most of these methods, the value you are going to get for your points is less than what it could be if you were using them in a more traditional way (for flights or hotels). But if a cruise is what you want and your points can help get you there, then it’s a good redemption for YOU! Happy sailing!

The information regarding the Carnival ® World Mastercard ® , Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card, Princess Cruises ® Rewards Visa ® Card, Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® and Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use points for a cruise.

Yes! While it’s not as good of a value as using points for a flight or hotel, you can use your points for cruises. Look for cards that earn points or miles that act as a statement credit for travel purchases. Check out programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards and use these types of points in their travel portals for cruises. You can also use Marriott Bonvoy points and United miles to book cruises.

Can I use airline miles for a cruise?

Yes, you can use United MileagePlus miles towards a cruise. You can no longer redeem American AAdvantage miles, Southwest Rapid Rewards points, or Delta SkyMiles for a cruise.

Can I book a cruise with Hilton points?

No, you can no longer book a cruise with Hilton Honors points. The only hotel points you can use to book a cruise are Marriott Bonvoy points.

Can Capital One miles be used for cruises?

Yes. The miles you earn on Capital One credit cards can be used to redeem against travel purchases within the previous 90 days (including cruises) on your statement. Alternatively, you can use points to book a cruise through the Capital One Travel portal.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Sun worshippers, beach bums, and bathing beauties abound at our popular beach destinations stateside and beyond. Find great deals on flights to California, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and more sun-soaked destinations. Grab your swimsuit and get ready to be beach bound.

Fort Myers/Naples

Myrtle beach, sc, panama city beach, fl, savannah/hilton head, sarasota/bradenton, santa barbara, ca, long beach, ca, destin/fort walton beach.

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This distinctively modern metropolis is a paradise for first-rate shopping and sophisticated dining and nightlife, as well as world-class beaches. 

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Catch some rays, waves, and good vibes in Fort Myers/Naples. Explore the breathtaking coastline, quaint beach towns, and unique wetlands from Fort Myers/Naples all the way down to the Everglades. 

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Pack your bags for fun in the sun along the beaches and golf courses of South Carolina’s coast. Myrtle Beach, SC offers adventures for every type of traveler. 

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Sugar-sand gulf-coast beaches are so inviting, you may find that you don’t want to leave your beach blanket for the duration of your stay. 

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Just 20 miles apart, the sister cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas offer a range of tropical experiences, from the old-world charm of the former to the bounty of beachfront resorts in the latter. 

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Conjure up a beachy, fun-in-the-sun adventure with a trip to Magic City and see why it’s one of the biggest tourism hubs in the U.S. 

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Get ready for a heaping helping of Southern hospitality and charm. These Lowcountry resort towns have plenty to do and see—not least of which are beautiful parks and beaches. 

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

Combine the historic charm of Old San Juan with the high-end shops of Condado, and throw in sparkling beaches, renowned restaurants, and eclectic hotels. ¡Aqui vamos!

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

Get the best of both worlds with urban amenities among a small-town way of life. Off the coast of Sarasota/Bradenton sits six islands, multiplying the number of beaches for sunbathing and seaside fun. 

Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Enjoy unending Southern charm in this harborside haven, nestled at the meeting point of three wide river mouths and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)

Wing your way to rest and relaxation on the downtown beaches of the American Riviera, home to an eclectic arts and culture scene and world-class resorts. 

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

See for yourself why Long Beach, CA, is called the Aquatic Capital of America and explore four miles of beachfront beauty on Long Beach City Beach. 

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

Dig your toes into the white sands of the area’s gorgeous beaches—there’s fun in the sun for everyone when you visit the Florida Panhandle. 

Enjoy beaches beyond the coasts of the U.S!

Your next beach-bound getaway can reach beyond the contiguous 48 states-explore international beach destinations and destinations in hawaii ..

General beach-bound travel questions.

Trade one of your checked bags for certain sports equipment without any extra fees:

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Trade one of your checked bags for oversized sports and outdoors equipment for an extra $75:

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18 Wind surfing board keel must be removed and placed in checked baggage to prevent damage to the sail, boom, and other baggage.

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How to book a cruise using points and miles

If you're eager to embark on a cruise and have accumulated points, you might not have to pay for your next trip.

In this guide, we will explore strategies to help you optimize your points and miles to reduce the cost of your cruise vacation. We'll discuss leveraging your existing loyalty programs and the best ways to unlock savings on your cruise fare.

Here are the top ways to use your points and miles for a cruise.

Should you book a cruise with points and miles?

While various options are available for redeeming your points and miles toward a cruise, it is important to note that the value you receive may not always be optimal (i.e., less than TPG's valuations ). In the realm of travel rewards, there are often more lucrative opportunities to leverage your points and miles for flights or hotel stays, where the value and flexibility tend to be higher.

If you have American Express, Capital One, Chase or Citi points, you might be able to get a redemption value of 1 to 1.5 cents per point for cruises. In this case, you'd get $100 or $150 off your cruise fare by redeeming 10,000 points. While this may seem high, it falls short compared to the value some travelers get when redeeming points for luxury hotels or first-class flights.

Some cruise lines have their own credit cards, but a few have formed partnerships with other brands. For example, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises . These partner options are often limited, though, and may require loyalty to a specific travel brand.

You can always use points to reduce travel expenses for any cruise vacation. For example, you can use American Express Membership Rewards points , Bilt Rewards points , Capital One miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Citi ThankYou points to cover costs associated with airfare, hotels or rental cars for your cruise. This often proves to be a better use of your rewards.

However, if you really want to use your accumulated points to reduce your cruise costs, here are various options for booking a cruise with points and miles.

Book a cruise with credit card points

You can use certain credit card points to book a cruise. Typically, you will be required to make the reservation through the portal provided by your credit card issuer, but some require calling a booking center. You may also be able to charge the cruise to your card and then redeem your rewards for a statement credit against some (or all) of that purchase.

Here's how you can book a cruise on points with several major credit card companies.

Amex Travel Pay with Points

If you have an eligible American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points , you can use those points to cover the cost of your cruise through the Pay with Points program . With this program, you can redeem Membership Rewards points at a value of 0.5 to 0.7 cents per point for most travel purchases. However, we value each Membership Rewards point at 2 cents when you maximize the program's transfer partners, so you would be using them at a lower value.

The Amex Travel portal has a user-friendly search feature that allows you to explore different cruises based on specific filters such as date, destination, cruise line and trip duration even before you log in.

To book a cruise using Pay with Points, log in to the travel portal and do the following:

• Select your preferred cruise itinerary and cabin.
• Enter your passenger information.
• When it's time to check out, enter your Membership Rewards-enrolled American Express card information and select "Yes" to determine how many Membership Rewards points your account has.
• You can pay for the entire cruise using Pay with Points or erase a portion of the cost and pay the rest with cash.

Alternatively, you can look up the cruise you want and call 800-297-5627 to book directly with the Amex Travel team over the phone.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal is similar to Amex Travel, but the redemption value is higher.

Points from the $95 per year Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are worth 1.25 cents each toward travel booked through Chase, while points from the $550 per year Chase Sapphire Reserve are worth 1.5 cents.

Unfortunately, Chase's booking system doesn't let you book cruises directly through Chase's online Ultimate Rewards portal. You'll have to call the Ultimate Rewards booking hotline and talk to someone in the cruise reservations department instead.

To book a cruise and pay with Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

• Find the cruise itinerary and availability you want directly through the cruise line's website . If you have a specific cabin in mind, have that information handy. Unfortunately, reports indicate that you cannot book Disney Cruise Line sailings with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Call a Chase travel specialist directly at 855-234-2542, and be prepared to walk the adviser through the cruise line booking page on their end so they can find and book the cabin and options you want. Cruise advisers are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
• Your cruise adviser will set up the itinerary for you and, upon checkout, will ask you how many points you want to apply against your final balance.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

The Citi ThankYou portal allows cardholders to use their ThankYou points as credit toward a cruise. Some cardholders can redeem points at a value of 1 cent apiece.

Finding your cruise within the Citi ThankYou portal can be frustrating because the search functionality isn't very robust. Travelers can only search for cruises by destination or cruise line, not by available dates.

To book a cruise using Citi ThankYou points:

• Log in to the travel portal by navigating through your Citi account (or directly at thankyou.com) and clicking on "Cruises" on the travel booking page.
• Then, filter by cruise line or destination. (Note that you can't search for cruises by a specific date.)
• Once you've identified the cruise you wish to book, call 800-842-6596 to speak directly with a Citi ThankYou travel specialist, who will allow you to apply Citi ThankYou points toward the final cost at checkout.

You can also use Citi ThankYou points to book a Disney cruise if you desire.

Capital One miles

Capital One offers more flexibility and a more straightforward redemption process than Amex, Chase and Citi. Unless you transfer your miles to an airline or hotel partner , each mile is worth a flat 1 cent toward travel.

Redeeming points doesn't require booking through a portal , thus freeing you up to book your cruise directly with the company or via a travel agent to get extra perks. This option also lets you pursue promotional package rates or discounts that might not be available through the Amex, Chase or Citi portals.

The award redemption process is straightforward: Use the card when paying for your cruise package, then log in to your account and use the "cover your travel purchases" option to apply your mileage balance as a credit toward the total amount you owe on your credit card statement.

You can earn Capital One miles with cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . Each has varying features, so do some research to decide which card is best for you.

Related: Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X: Worth the extra $300 in annual fees?

Book a cruise with airline miles

You can also book cruises using airline miles. However, like other options, the value of your travel rewards is often underwhelming. The following travel providers offer cruise portals that allow you to redeem rewards:

• American Airlines Cruises
• Delta Cruises
• United Cruises

For example, in the United Cruises portal, this seven-night Disney cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, costs 151,571 United MileagePlus miles per person for an interior cabin — worth $2,198 by TPG's current valuation for United miles.

In contrast, the same room and sailing dates cost just $1,061 per person when paid for with cash — clearly a better value than paying with United miles.

Use cruise cobranded credit card points to book

With cruise line cobranded credit cards , you can earn points for purchases that you can then use to offset the cost of your cruise booking. However, this might not be your best option for earning and redeeming points.

Here, you'll want to be sure you can use your points toward the cruise fare instead of only onboard purchases. For example, the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Card offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 MyCruise Rewards points after spending $1,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of card membership to use on your next cruise. Your redemption choices vary.

For instance, you can redeem 25,000 points toward your companion's cruise fare on a three- or four-night Royal Caribbean cruise (certain conditions apply, i.e., minimum available ocean-view cabin and may not exceed $500 in value). Or, you can redeem 30,000 points for a $300 discount on a Celebrity Cruises voyage. To learn more about how to redeem MyCruise Rewards points, check out this PDF .

The information for the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points

In 2021, Marriott announced that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection would participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Members can redeem points on Ritz-Carlton cruises and enjoy elite status perks on voyages. However, the redemption rates aren't great.

You can redeem a minimum of 180,000 points toward a flat $1,000 savings on the cruise fare. After that, you can redeem increments of 90,000 points toward $500 in savings, up to the entire cruise fare. This redemption rate equates to about 0.56 cents per Marriott point, well below TPG's valuation of 0.84 cents per point.

Related: 17 ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy's Cruise with Points program allows you to cash in Marriott points for credit toward any cruise that's bookable on the Cruise with Points website.

You can redeem points in the following denominations, all valued at 0.4 cents per point:

• 63,000 points for $250 off your cruise fare
• 125,000 points for $500 off
• 250,000 points for $1,000 off
• 625,000 points for $2,500 off
• 1,250,000 points for $5,000 off

To redeem Marriott points for a cruise, call 1 800-596-0452.

Use points and miles for pre-cruise hotels and flights

You might make better use of your points and miles by redeeming them for flights to your departure port and for pre- and post-cruise hotel stays instead of for the cruise fare itself. With flights and hotels, you can often get more than 1 or 1.5 cents per point, unlike cruises, which generally provide lackluster redemption rates.

For example, you could transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus and get 3 cents per mile by booking a flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Miami International Airport (MIA). If you're an elite member or have a United credit card , you might even have access to special member award pricing .

Or, you could use 12,000 to 18,000 World of Hyatt points or an annual Category 1-4 award from the World of Hyatt Credit Card to pay for a room at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport in Florida before heading to Port Canaveral the next day.

By using points on this given one-night stay, you're getting 2.5 cents per point.

Bottom line

It isn't always easy to get great value for your points and miles when you use them toward cruise redemptions — at least, not the way you can for first-class flights. However, redeeming your points for free or discounted cruise travel is possible.

That said, you should steer clear of using airline miles or hotel points for cruises if you want to redeem your rewards for maximum value. Those are better used on flights and overnight stays.

It's a similar story for credit card currencies. Capital One offers the most flexibility of all the major issuers because you can book your cruise directly or through a travel agent . With multiple booking options, you can take advantage of additional perks and access promotional rates from travel agents and online retailers that aren't available through credit card portals. You could even stack those deals for additional savings by booking via an airline portal to earn miles.

Once booked, the Capital One award redemption process is straightforward; simply apply your mileage balance as a credit toward your total credit card statement. Each mile is worth a flat 1 cent toward travel, so you always know the value for comparison purposes.

If you ask me, that's how I'd book a cruise with points and miles to get the best value.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Let us book your next cruise!

Southwest Airlines

NexCruise is proud to offer an employee perk to all active and retired SWA employees.

SWA employees are eligible to receive an exclusive employee discount on select sailings on all major cruise lines.

Whether you prefer a popular cruise line like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney or Norwegian Cruise Lines; or you prefer something more luxurious like Princess, Oceania, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas; we can find the best deal for you.

Not only do we guarantee the lowest rate available¹, but we have access to exclusive discounts that are not always advertised by the cruise lines or available to other travel agencies.

That’s not all, employees are also eligible to receive an onboard credit of up to $100² per booking on all major cruise lines.

If you would like to receive a quote, please fill out the form below or give us a call at 305-390-8266 or toll free at 888-543-1193.

Already booked? Already have a quote? No worries, we will do our best to beat it. The good news is, most of the time we can! Just contact us and let us show you the NexCruise Advantage!

NexCruise Advantage – $0 NO BOOKING or ADMINISTRATIVE FEE Dargal – $25.00 administrative fee per person. Perx.com – $25.00 administrative fee per person. Lowest Rate Guarantee! ¹ Exclusive Onboard Perks and Amenities! Exclusive Rates and Promotions

BOOK NOW – Please fill out the form below and we will email you the best rates :

Before filling out the form we ask that you check rates directly with the Cruise line first. Once you have checked rates and found a sailing that interests you please fill out the form. We will then contact you with a better deal.

By submitting the form you will automatically join our email list where you can have access to exclusive deeply discounted deals. ¹ amount depends on cruise line, cabin category, and cruise length. not available on all sailings. ² lowest rate guarantee at the time of booking. if rate drops after deposit/full payment is made, rates may or may not be adjusted depending on cruise line policy.

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