Best Credit Card for cruise perks?

[BCOS]

Do any of you know if there is a credit card that offers wonderful perks for cruisers? I came across one that lets you accumulate miles for Carnival, but am clueless about others.

 

We're pay-it-off-every-month people, and have been using our GM card for years. They now have a cap on how many GM dollars you can use towards any given vehicle, and we have more GM dollars accumulated than we can reasonably be expected to use... so we might as well be getting benefits towards something better. More fun. Like cruising! :)

[cwc]

My vote: AE Platinum (the one cost 395$ yearly fee).

[RockyTopMom]

Discover Card Platinum has an awards program that lets you accumlate reward points for lots of things you actually use, like restaurants, and both Carnival and Celebrity cruises. Check out their cash back program at DiscoverCard.com The only catch is that you have to book via their cruise agency.

[cwc]

Here is what the link said.

 

Oh, by the way, you don't need to book the cruise through American express travel service. Any TA will do, they just need to call AE to get a code to put onto your reservation and the cruseline will take care of the rest.

 

 

Cruise Privileges makes your sailing experience even richer.

 

Sail for six days or longer with one of our eight world-class partners and enjoy these complimentary extras on any qualifying cruise

 

•A $300 per stateroom shipboard credit or a two-category stateroom upgrade, depending on the cruise line and the stateroom category booked

•Additional exclusive amenities unique to each cruise line

 

Cruise Privileges Partners

Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line

Holland America Line

Princess Cruises

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Windstar Cruises

 

Crystal Cruises

Voted the world’s best large ship cruise line by Travel + Leisure magazine for nine consecutive years, Crystal Cruises is renowned for elegant surroundings and exceptional service based on your personal preferences. Crystal’s three luxurious ships pamper guests with market-fresh cuisines, a 20,000-bottle wine cellar, in-room Internet access, a Feng Shui-designed spa, and extensive entertainment choices.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per stateroom shipboard credit

Complimentary shore excursion (maximum value $100 per stateroom)

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Alaska, Asia, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe and Mediterranean, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific, World

 

Cunard Line

Cunard Line’s rich heritage boasts The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World. The magnificent new QUEEN MARY 2 advances the lineage with such maritime milestones as an onboard planetarium, a seagoing branch of Harrods, and the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per stateroom shipboard credit

Exclusive embarkation

Welcome bottle of wine

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Asia, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, South America, Transatlantic Crossings, World Cruise

 

Holland America Line

Gracious service, spacious comfort, and delightful touches from fresh flowers to complimentary popcorn at the movies define the Holland America Line experience. Priceless antiques and museum-quality art adorn the fleet’s 13 five-star ships. Entertainment industry award-winners create dazzling shows. Selected cruises feature the Medallion Collection-unique, in-depth excursions offering "more ashore".

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

Two-category upgrade on outside staterooms or $300 per suite shipboard Credit

Complimentary dinner at the Pinnacle Grill (available first night only)

Welcome bottle of champagne

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Alaska, Asia, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Grand World Voyage, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America

 

 

Princess Cruises

Princess invites you to escape completelySM aboard a fleet specializing in "Big Ship Choice, Small Ship FeelSM," featuring amenities like the Lotus Spa, nine-hole putting course, and up to three nightly entertainment options. Enjoy your own private view from affordable balconies on standard staterooms. And with up to nine Personal Choice Dining alternatives, you’re free to dine when, where, and with whom you want.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

Two-category upgrade on inside, outside, balcony, and mini-suite staterooms or $300 per suite shipboard credit

Complimentary dinner in an alternative dining restaurant

Welcome bottle of champagne

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Africa, Alaska, Asia, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific

 

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

Luxury Goes Exploring aboard Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, a distinctive fleet of elegant ships designed for hundreds of guests rather than thousands. Each six-star vessel shares an ambience that’s upscale but not uptight, with gratuities included-from the unique, twin-hulled Radisson Diamond to the all-suite, all-balcony, Seven Seas Voyager. Enjoy Alternative dining venues. Hone your cooking skills at exclusive Le Cordon Blue workshops.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per stateroom shipboard credit

Exclusive embarkation

Exclusive cocktail reception

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific, World

 

 

Seabourn Cruise Line

Uncompromising luxury characterizes The Yachts of Seabourn, three intimate 208-guest ships that offer virtually one staff member per guest. Seabourn’s Signature DelightsSM include such amenities as all-suite accommodations (many with balconies), open-seating dining, an open bar, and a no-tipping policy. Complimentary Massage Moments and Caviar in the SurfSM are among the many signature experiences provided.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per suite shipboard credit

Exclusive "suite dreams" turndown service (once per cruise)

Complimentary bottle of wine

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Africa, Asia, Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific

 

 

Silversea Cruises

Chosen the world’s best small ship cruise line by Travel + Leisure magazine six times, Silversea Cruises exhibits a passion for perfection. More than 80% of the all-suite accommodations feature private verandas. Enjoy open-seating dining, inspired cuisine, and complimentary wines, spirits, and beverages. All onboard gratuities are included. Complimentary excursions ensure that guest Go to know.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per suite shipboard credit

Complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne

Exclusive bridge tour

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Africa, Asia, Alaska, Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, South America, South

 

 

Windstar Cruises

The hallmarks of Windstar are unstructured freedom, serenity, and space. While service aboard these yachts is on par with the finest luxury hotels, leave your formal wear behind - it’s never required. Swim and kayak from the onboard sports platform. Savor dinner and dancing under the stars. And thrill to the sound of the crisp white sails snapping smartly as they chart a course 180° from Ordinary.

 

Exclusive Amenities

 

$300 per stateroom shipboard credit

Complimentary "Romance Under Sail" amenities package, including champaign, caviar and more

 

Cruise Destinations

 

Caribbean, Costa Rica and Mayan Riviera, Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Transatlantic

 

 

 

 

1. 2005 Cruise Privileges Program (CPP) is only valid on voyages of 6 days or longer and may be combined with past passenger or group promotions depending on cruise line. CPP may not be combined with other American Express® Card offers. Blackout dates and category and fare restrictions may apply. CPP is a special benefit for Platinum Card members. Certain Platinum Cards are not eligible for certain benefits and services. The partners and benefits described herein are accurate as of 12/04 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the acts or inactions of such suppliers. CST#1022318-10, TA-149 Registered Ohio Travel Agency, Washington UBI# 600-469-694 ML-1192. TA#002 Registered Iowa Travel Agency, NV #2001-0126.

 

2. The $300 ($150 per person, double occupancy) shipboard credit cannot be used in the casino or for payment of gratuities, is non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash or credit and is not combinable with other shipboard credit offers. One of the travelers must be a U.S. Platinum Card or Centurion member and there is a three-cabin limit per Card member, per sailing. Payment must be made with an American Express Card in the Platinum Card member's name. Book through Platinum Travel Service (PTS) or refer your participating U.S. travel professional to PTS. To receive CPP amenities, participating travel agencies are responsible for following CPP bookings guidelines provided by PTS Agency Services Desk (ASD):Program valid for sailings completed by 12/31/05. Amenities are subject to change without notice. Ships’ Registries: Crystal Cruises: Bahamas; Cunard Line: Great Britain; Holland America Line: Netherlands and Bahamas; Princess Cruises and Tours: Great Britain and Bermuda; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Bahamas; Wallis & Futuna; Seabourn Cruise Line: Bahamas; Silversea Cruises: Bahamas; Windstar Cruises: Bahamas.

[98Charlie]

We picked up the NCL Mastercard in April or May of 2003. No annual fee!

 

You get 3% of all purchases and 4% of purchases with NCL in "points". The points can be used for upgrades.

 

But, 500 points can be used for $500 off of a cruise. We have cashed in $1000 so far and have another $1000 ready to go.

 

Pay it off at the end of the month and it is "found money". :D

 

Charlie

[Sweetness]

Similar to the Cruise Privileges program was your first idea of the Sea Miles. I was looking into this a bit ago and made a post elsewhere. Thing about the Sea Miles that I didnt know was it's not just for Carnival and you can book through anyone.

 

"Redeem Sea Miles for a variety of different travel rewards, including free cruises on Carnival Cruise lines or any cruise line, at any time, with no blackout dates, air travel, and land resort stays, companion cruise travel, and much more..."

 

"You can also use your SeaMiles to redeem for cruise rewards on the following cruise lines, subject to availability: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norweigan Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America, Celebrity, Disney, Crystal, Captain Cook, Costa, Clipper, Cruise West, Cunard, Delta Queen, Discovery World Cruises, Globus, Intrav, MSC, Oceania, Orient, Radisson, Seabourn, SilverSea, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises."

 

http://www.seamiles.com/mastercard/carnivalseamiles/redemption_options.asp - click on All Other Cruise Lines

 

Cheers :D

[cruisin from florida]

We redeemed 30,000 points on our Royal Caribbean Visa for this cruise. Got $150 off the cruise and $150 shipboard credit. Switching to the Upromise TA got us an additional 3% back on the cost of the cruise towards college expenses. I know that this card doesn't pay well, but you do get double points for anything charged to Royal Caribbean, and the card is free. We did a kitchen remodel, and put a lot on the card, then paid it off right away.

 

So - something for nothing. Better than a sock in the eye...

[SeasideMermaid]

I was looking at NCL's card and it seems like a sweet deal, unless I'm not understanding it correctly.

 

Earn 3 points for every $100 in purchases made with the card.

 

Earn up to 250 points per month and up to 1,000 points each Year. Points expire 36 Months from when they are earned.

 

500pts = Two category upgrade for first and second person in stateroom.

1000pts = $1,000 credit applicable toward an NCL cruise booking

 

 

Seems too easy? Maybe someone can understand the terms better than me:

https://wwwn.applyonlinenow.com/USapp/Ctl/redirect?CV_sourceCode=KWYS&CV_MC=A000001QFY

[pencowgirl]

I have used our lattitudes card and cruised almost free in a suite. We are careful shoppers and use a discount travel agent. Just make sure you read all details regarding redemption. It is tough but our agent always comes thru. We use our capital one card for air miles.

[Doeymeister]

NCL's mastercard is exactly as described. You can use it for upgrades OR for $$$ off the cost of the cruise (not both). 3 points per $100 spent. You can redeem for certificates in values of $500 (costs 500 points) which you then mail in with your final cruise payment. Although you can only accumulate 3,000 points on one card (1,000 per year for 3 years) before they start to expire, I've read of couples who each got a separate card and account and accumulated much more before they cashed in. NCL apparently will let you cash in as much as you want toward a cruise, but there does seem to be some debate over whether or not you can use the points toward your down payment. Check out several message threads in the NCL forum for more details.

[Bsan1221]

I filled out a credit card form on the Carnival Spirit to sign up for cruise miles through Capital One on the ship but I never got anything in my cabin or here at home.... how long do I have to wait??

[phredt]

I had a great card, i-cruise.com VISA. Great perks, up to $1000 off for 34,000 points ($1 per point). Had to use their web site to book cruise. But I just got a letter yesterday...they are cutting there perks by 2/3. Time to find a new one.

[RxDawg]

Another icruise.com cedit card user. They have cut the benefits down to nothing, with only a 60 day notice to book a cruise under the old reward system.

 

Any other suggestions for a free card that gives money off any cruise?

[loungeboy]

I've got to go with AMEX Platinum.

You get their cruise privileges perks (as mentioned above), plus you get access to first class lounges at the airport while travelling to and from your cruise. You also get an annual credit to your card for booking your trip through Platinum Travel and membership rewards! Your accumulated rewards can be used as air miles or to pay for a hotel so you can extend your trip pre or post-cruise.

Generally there are "specials" throughout the year that give you bonus membership rewards or maybe a cocktail party on the ship, or some such.

The icing on the cake is you also get AMEX's superlative customer service, travel assistance, and some limited travel insurance automatically.

I'm happy with them.

[CruiseMadMan]

Use That And Get Free Cruİse....

 

Can You Do Better Than That...

 

Well.. İ Have That And İf You Spend A Lot You Can Go On A Cruİse Up To 3 Tİmes İn A Year...

Well İ Am A Shoppİe..

 

Get İt..

[Emme]

I've been using the MBNA card, so far I will have a $100 cruise credit coming. I have to say that I have not had a problem with this card but there are people who have posted here and say to stay away from MBNA. I'm sure their reasons are good, but so far it's been fine for me. If something changes, I will post here.

I just had them run the remaining total through MBNA card so I'd get double the points. I will be paying the balance off this week and then will start the process for the credit redemption.

Good luck, I hope you find the card that works best for you.

[GLB]

I've been using the MBNA card, so far I will have a $100 cruise credit coming. I have to say that I have not had a problem with this card but there are people who have posted here and say to stay away from MBNA. I'm sure their reasons are good, but so far it's been fine for me. If something changes, I will post here.

I just had them run the remaining total through MBNA card so I'd get double the points. I will be paying the balance off this week and then will start the process for the credit redemption.

Good luck, I hope you find the card that works best for you.

 

I have had the same experience as you Emme. So far no problems with the MBNA card. :)

[kaylahszoo]

The only problem I had with MBNA was the first time I went to pay my bill. I payed it 2 days early, BUT, it was already considered the weekend so it didn't post until Monday. It was then considered late and they slapped me with a $39 late fee and upped my interest about 1/2 %. Wasn't very happy about that. They lowered my penalty, but not interest. All other credit cards post that day when I pay online. Also learned a trick. If my bill is due, say 6/24 and I want to pay it on 6/12- When I go to pay online- change the date to 6/12 or it won't post until 6/24. Get what I'm saying. I couldn't understand why it wouldn't post for weeks when I paid early. Now I do. Might even save myself some interest.

 

I like a lot of other people am going to cancel my icruise card after I pay final payment for my cruise and use $500 credit from card. NCL one sounds the best so far.

[Pumbaamd]

We've been very satisfied with the MBNA RCL VISA card. Never have had a problem. Looking at $300 off our next cruise final payment and probably another $200 shipboard credit. With booking on board and being RCL shareholders, we are doing quite well. Also, recently booked the 13 day Grandeur repo, in a JS and will get 3 C&A credits. Every little bit helps. . .

[immargaret]

I love our NCL credit card, hubby and I each have seperate accounts so we can both earn up to $1000 a year in credits. We will be using another $2000 on our cruise in Feb. 2006. The rewards can be used through any TA so you can find your best cruise deal and get the credits off the final payment.

[phredt]

Sounds like the RCL card is a winner. The only fear is that MBNA will do the same thing to this card as it did to the I-Cruise card...drastically reduce the rewards.