I know there are some out there, but the sign up bonuses are weak and the rewards are too. I'm surprised no one has added one of the companies out there to their transfer program. Just curious... any idea why there's not a legitimate cruise line based card? Or at least a transfer partner?
Cruise Line Credit Card
- Thread starter projectx
- Start date
There are plenty of 'legitimate' cruiseline cards all of the big players offer them, the difference seems to be in redemption. For the most part, cruise lines don't offer 'miles' for their loyalty program, so the earnings = a dollar value to apply towards a purchase on the line. My advice, look at the Arrival or CSP as a Cruise Line card, and book at massive discounts too.
Maybe "legitimate" wasn't the best term to use. What I mean is a card with a strong rewards program. If say Royal Caribbean was an UR or Amex partner, how awesome would that be? I guess they'd have to revamp their point values but still, I'm surprised nobody has partnered up with them other than a straight branded cruise line card.
I'm going to wait until the kids are a little older but the Barclay card is in the plans. Use the signup bonus plus charge the cruise to it, and combine with the cash back on OBC to make it happen.
I'm going to wait until the kids are a little older but the Barclay card is in the plans. Use the signup bonus plus charge the cruise to it, and combine with the cash back on OBC to make it happen.
Yeah but... you are putting the cart before the horse.
They don't have their own 'nautical miles' programs -so how could they then have a partner to transfer in to?
Touche. I didn't realize that even though the cruise branded credit cards earn "points" that can be used toward a free cruise that they're not part of a larger program, but rather rewards paid directly by the CC company. Princess has a card issued through Barclays (1pt per dollar) in which you can redeam 200,000 points for a $3k cruise credit. Move over Quicksilver! 
Still, they have loyalty programs that I would think could be integrated. I'm not a fan of Carnival but they do have a points based system travelers can use for extra benefits and freebies.
Still, they have loyalty programs that I would think could be integrated. I'm not a fan of Carnival but they do have a points based system travelers can use for extra benefits and freebies.
I haven't looked at it in a while. I have some sort of status with NCL from repeat visits, usually involves some free cocktail reception, which isn't awful as you can down a few free drinks on route to dinner. I get comps from the casino there too, which overlap programs meaning that there is something for free most days there.
The other lines also have casino comps, so that is something to consider in terms of observing their loyalty programs, but none are really going the way of the airlines.
plane2port
Level 2 Member
Cruise line credit cards were my first forays into earning points. I was naive and didn't know any better! I had a Royal Caribbean Visa (one point per dollar.) Then I found the Norwegian credit card that earned 3 points per dollar, and after a few months of spend earned a free cruise on Norwegian. When this card died, I turned my attention to other opportunities and discovered Chase Visa gift cards. The rest is history. Have been doing some crazy traveling on miles and points the last few years, but now that I have grandkids, I may get back into cruising. It's a wonderful way to do a multigenerational trip.
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RamboAroundTheWorld
Guest
I sent The Great Satan on a cruise last year and we got BOMBARDED with credit card offers from the various lines when I was pricing them out. Short version is they all suck and redemptions/earning are awful unless you're a baller and spend a metric ton on booze while on the ship. I ended up getting The Great Satan an AU card on my Arrival and I credited the whole thing in points. Worked out very well.
Yeah, ditto here with NCL. I say take any points, freebies you can. Just got a two cocktail voucher when I checked into the Intercontinental Tahiti for being a Platinum member (thank you IHG credit card) and those two caipirinhas would have cost me about $40 and I would have drunk them anyway
Ok, I'll bite. "The Great Satan"?
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RamboAroundTheWorld
Guest
Some things are best left to the imagination.
MilesAddict
Level 2 Member
I still see so many people on cruise-specific message boards doing this...and I just want to shake them. You are doing it wrong! And then I realize, we all have to start somewhere.