Cruise Reward Credit Cards: Which one is the Best? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

timwilloughby · 09-10-2008, 11:46 AM

Hi CruiseLineFans,

Some of us are wondering how many cruisers out there use Cruise Reward Credit Cards?

Which one do you use? Which one's do you no longer use? Which program offers the best reward system?

Let us know your opinion.

tim

Char · 09-10-2008, 04:19 PM

Well, we have both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Visa cards since those are the 2 cruise lines we sail the most.

Onboard credit is what we use them for, although you can get gifts and other things. On both of them, when you charge any cruise line items you will get double points. For every 5,000 points we are eligible for $50 onboard credit.

Works for us!

Cruise Planner · 09-10-2008, 08:44 PM

Don't know which are the best, but we have RCCL and it's pretty good.

Pete

Laura Scott · 09-30-2008, 10:56 AM

I didn't even realise you could have such a thing. Good idea though, so can you explain a bit more about them, as I am interested.

Laura

timwilloughby · 09-30-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura Scott

I didn't even realise you could have such a thing. Good idea though, so can you explain a bit more about them, as I am interested.

Laura

Hi Laura,

First off, a very warm welcome to you from me and the staff at Cruise Line Fans. com. Thanks so much for joining and contributing.

Reward Cards are simply incentive programs attached to credit cards, much like Discover, or Airline rewards card like American Express and several other cards have. For every dollar you spend, you get a certain amount of reward points or cash towards a cruise package.

For the most part, each major Cruise Line sponsors their own card and rewards program. I do not know of any aggregate Cruise Rewards credit card. (maybe, i should start one)

I am going to do some more research for you and get some more details put up here. If any of our Guides or Stews has some additional information they would like to offer Laura and our other members, please jump right in.

Char · 09-30-2008, 02:59 PM

This is from the Royal Caribbean web site ---they have rewards for up to $250,000. See the link for all the details.

Royal Caribbean Credit Card - Royal Caribbean International

Introducing the Royal Caribbean Visa® Card, the perfect card for people who love to cruise.

Earn Royal PointsSM with every qualifying purchase you make - points that add up to onboard credits, stateroom upgrades and even free cruise vacations.§ Use it for everyday purchases, and earn one Royal Point for every qualifying purchase dollar you spend. And earn double Royal Points for every qualifying purchase dollar you spend with Royal Caribbean International®. Enjoy a low introductory APR†, no annual fee, plus 10,000 Bonus Points after your first qualifying transaction.§§ So start cruising and get closer to your FREE cruise vacation. Call (800) 932-2775 to apply today. (Please mention priority code FAB8QP.) 10,000 Bonus Point Promotion valid only for applications received on or after February 1, 2008.

5,000

$50 USD onboard credit toward onboard purchases ie: Spa, Shore Excursions, Gift Shop, Bar, etc. (multiple onboard credits may be applied to a reservation if earned)

Upgrade, on a 3 to 4 night cruise for two, (interior stateroom to minimum available oceanview stateroom).*

2 Royal Caribbean robes delivered onboard

Mumm Cordon Rouge and chocolate coverd strawberries delivered onboard

Royal Packet - Two Royal Caribbean towels, cameras, and messenger bags delivered to your home

Royal Wear - Two Royal Caribbean polo shirts and baseball caps delivered to your home

15,000

$150 USD onboard credit toward onboard purchases i.e Spa, Shore Excursions, Gift Shop, Bar, etc (multiple onboard credits may be applied to a reservation if earned)

$150 USD towards the purchase of a cruise (any ship and itinerary)

Upgrade on a 4 to 8 night cruise for two, September-May (interior stateroom to minimum available oceanview stateroom).*

Onboard Grand Romance Package - includes a bottle of champagne, fresh flowers, two robes, canapés and petit fours, breakfast in bed one morning, and a keepsake portrait.

cruise4me · 10-14-2008, 12:22 AM

For those that are Costco members, the Costco (American Express) card reimburses 2% for all travel, which is better than the RC card which reimburses 2% only for RC charges, not airlines, hotels, car rental & all other travel expenses. Also, the Costco card reimburses 3% for gas & restaurants, 1% everything else.

CaliTraveler77 · 10-22-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruise4me

For those that are Costco members, the Costco (American Express) card reimburses 2% for all travel, which is better than the RC card which reimburses 2% only for RC charges, not airlines, hotels, car rental & all other travel expenses. Also, the Costco card reimburses 3% for gas & restaurants, 1% everything else.

Not to mention that Costco seems to have really good rates. We shopped around quite a bit before booking our cruise for next April, and Costco gave us the best rate by far, which included a double upgrade.