How to Book a Cruise with Points and Miles

Imagine setting sail on a luxurious cruise ship, exploring exotic destinations and indulging in world-class amenities—all while saving money on your vacation.

This dream can become a reality when you book a cruise with points and miles. As travel enthusiasts increasingly seek ways to maximize their rewards, using points and miles for cruise bookings has become a popular trend.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of how to book a cruise with points, helping you navigate the sea of options and make the most of your travel rewards.

Navigating the Benefits and How-Tos of Booking Cruises With Points and Miles

Booking a cruise with points and miles is a way to leverage your loyalty program rewards to cover the cost of your seafaring adventure. This method allows travelers to use points earned through credit card spending, hotel stays and other travel activities to offset the price of their cruise vacation. Popular loyalty programs that offer cruise booking options include Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Miles.

The advantages of using points and miles to book a cruise are numerous:

1. Cost savings: Using your accumulated rewards, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the out-of-pocket expenses for your cruise fare.
2. Potential flexibility in travel dates: Some loyalty programs offer more flexible booking options when using points, allowing you to choose from a wider range of travel dates.
3. Ability to upgrade accommodations: You may be able to use your points to upgrade to a higher cabin category, enhancing your overall cruise experience.
4. Enhanced vacation experience: By saving money on the cruise fare, you can allocate more of your budget to onboard experiences, shore excursions, or even extending your trip.
5. Maximize travel rewards: Booking a cruise with points allows you to extract value from your loyalty program memberships, ensuring your hard-earned rewards don’t go to waste.

It’s important to note that while booking a cruise with points can offer significant benefits, the process may differ depending on the loyalty program and cruise line. Some programs allow direct bookings through their travel portals, while others may require you to book through a travel agent or redeem points for statement credits against cruise purchases.

How to Book a Cruise With Points: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s dive into the process of booking a cruise with points and miles. Follow these steps to navigate the booking process and maximize your rewards:

1. Assess your points and miles: Take stock of the loyalty programs you’re enrolled in and the number of points or miles you’ve accumulated.
2. Research cruise options: Determine your desired cruise line, itinerary and dates. Keep in mind that some loyalty programs may have partnerships with specific cruise lines.
3. Compare redemption values: Check the points or miles required for your chosen cruise across different loyalty programs to ensure you’re getting the best value.
4. Check for special promotions: Look for any bonus point offers or discounts that may be available when booking with points.
5. Book through the appropriate channel: Depending on your loyalty program, you may need to book through a specific travel portal, call a dedicated cruise specialist or book directly with the cruise line.
6. Consider using a combination of points and cash: If you don’t have enough points to cover the entire cruise fare, some programs allow you to use a combination of points and cash.
7. Don’t forget about taxes and fees: Be prepared to pay for port fees, taxes and gratuities, which are often not covered by points redemptions.
8. Review the cancellation and change policies: Understand the terms and conditions associated with your points booking, including any restrictions on changes or cancellations.

Booking a Virgin Voyage Cruise With Points

Virgin Voyages has partnered with Virgin Red, the loyalty program for the Virgin Group, allowing members to use their Virgin Points to book cruises. Here’s how to book a Virgin Voyage cruise with points:

1. Join Virgin Red: If you’re not already a member, sign up for the Virgin Red loyalty program.
2. Accumulate Virgin Points: Earn points through credit card spending, Virgin Atlantic flights, or transfers from partner programs like American Express Membership Rewards.
3. Browse available cruises: Log into your Virgin Red account and navigate to the Virgin Voyages section to view available cruises.
4. Select your cruise: Choose your preferred itinerary, cabin type and sailing date.
5. Redeem your points: Apply your Virgin Points toward the cost of the cruise. You may need to pay taxes and fees separately.
6. Complete your booking: Finalize your reservation and receive your confirmation.

Keep in mind that Virgin Voyages often runs promotions that can enhance the value of your points redemption, so be sure to check for any current offers before booking.

Booking a Cruise With Marriott Bonvoy Points

Marriott Bonvoy, primarily known for hotel redemptions, also offers the option to book cruises using points. Note that members must be U.S. residents and have a U.S. billing address to use Marriott Cruise with Points. Here’s how to utilize Marriott Bonvoy points for a cruise vacation:

1. Visit the Marriott Cruises website: Go to cruises.marriott.com to explore available options.
2. Search for cruises: Enter your preferred destinations, dates and cruise line preferences.
3. Select your cruise: Choose your desired itinerary and cabin type.
4. Redeem Bonvoy points: You can redeem points in increments, with options starting at 63,000 points for a $250 discount, up to 1,250,000 points for a $5,000 discount.
5. Pay the remaining balance: If your points don’t cover the entire cost, you’ll need to pay the difference in cash.
6. Complete your booking: Finalize your reservation and receive your confirmation.

It’s important to note that the redemption value for Marriott Bonvoy points on cruises is typically lower than for hotel stays, averaging around 0.4 cents per point. However, this option can be valuable if you have a large stash of Bonvoy points and are looking to diversify your redemption options.

Travel Portals for Booking Cruises With Points

Many credit card travel portals offer the ability to book cruises using points or a combination of points and cash. These portals can be an excellent way to maximize your travel purchases and find competitive pricing on cruise bookings. Let’s explore some popular options:

1. Chase Travel Portal℠: If you want to book a cruise with Chase Ultimate Rewards, know that Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem points at a value of 1.5 cents per point, while Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cruise benefits include that cardholders get 1.25 cents per point when redeeming through Chase Travel℠. The portal is powered by Expedia, offering a wide range of cruise options.
2. Capital One‘s travel booking site: Cardholders of Capital One Venture and Spark family of cards can redeem miles at a rate of 1 cent per mile for cruise bookings through their travel booking site.
3. American Express Travel^®: Amex Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for cruises at a rate of 1 cent per point. American Express Travel^® often has exclusive discounts with certain cruise lines.
4. Citi ThankYou Travel Center: Citi ThankYou points can be redeemed for cruises at a value of 1 cent per point.

When using these travel portals, keep the following tips in mind:

• Compare prices across multiple portals and directly with cruise lines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Check for any exclusive discounts or promotions offered through the travel portal.
• Consider the flexibility of your booking, as some portals may have more restrictive cancellation policies than booking directly with the cruise line.

Maximizing Travel Purchases With Points and Miles

To get the most value when booking a cruise with points and miles, consider these strategies:

1. Timing is key: Book during promotional periods or wave season (January through March) when cruise lines often offer the best deals and point redemption rates.
2. Stack rewards: Use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases to pay for any portion of the cruise not covered by points.
3. Transfer points strategically: If your credit card program allows points transfers to airline or hotel partners, compare the value of transferring points to an airline to save on your flights versus using your points to book the cruise through the travel portal. Consider your options before you lock things in.
4. Look for point multipliers: Some credit cards offer bonus points on cruise line purchases or travel bookings made through their portal.
5. Utilize shopping portals: Before booking, check if your credit card’s shopping portal offers bonus points for cruise bookings through specific websites.
6. Consider companion fares to save on flights: Some credit cards, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, offer companion fare benefits that can be used to get to the starting point for your cruise, which can stretch your rewards even further.

Comparing Independent Booking vs. Loyalty Program Redemption

When deciding whether to book a cruise independently or through a loyalty program redemption, consider the following factors:

Independent Booking Pros:

• More flexibility in choosing cruise lines and itineraries
• Ability to take advantage of public sales and promotions
• Potential to earn points or miles on the purchase

Independent Booking Cons:

• Full out-of-pocket cost
• May miss out on exclusive loyalty program perks

Loyalty Program Redemption Pros:

• Reduced or eliminated out-of-pocket costs
• Potential for exclusive discounts or perks
• Opportunity to use accumulated points or miles

Loyalty Program Redemption Cons:

• Potentially lower point value compared to other redemption options
• Limited selection of cruise lines or itineraries
• May have more restrictive cancellation policies

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, including the number of points you have available, your preferred cruise line, and the specific deals available at the time of booking.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, including the number of points you have available, your preferred cruise line, and the specific deals available at the time of booking.

Key Takeaways for Booking Cruises With Points and Miles

As we’ve explored the various ways to book a cruise with points and miles, here are the essential points to remember:

1. Flexibility is crucial: Be open to different cruise lines, itineraries and travel dates to find the best point redemption values.
2. Compare redemption options: Check multiple loyalty programs and travel portals to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your points.
3. Understand the true cost: Factor in taxes, fees and gratuities when calculating the total cost of your cruise booking.
4. Maximize credit card rewards: Use cards that offer bonus points on travel or cruise line purchases to earn more rewards for future trips.
5. Look for added value: Some loyalty programs offer perks like onboard credits or cabin upgrades when booking with points.
6. Consider transfer partners: In some cases, transferring points to airline or hotel partners before booking a cruise can yield better value by redeeming your points for a flight or hotel and paying a little more out of pocket for your cruise.
7. Stay informed about promotions: Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that can enhance the value of your points redemption.

By leveraging these strategies, you can make the most of your points and miles, turning them into unforgettable cruise experiences while saving money on your vacation.

FAQs About Booking Cruises With Points and Miles

Are there blackout dates when booking cruises with points?

While blackout dates are less common for cruise bookings compared to flights or hotels with some chains, some loyalty programs may have restrictions during peak travel periods. It’s best to check with the specific program or travel portal for any date restrictions when planning your cruise.

Can I book any cruise line using points and miles?

The availability of cruise lines depends on the loyalty program or travel portal you’re using. Some programs have partnerships with specific cruise lines, while others offer a wider selection. Credit card travel portals typically provide access to a broader range of cruise lines, but may not provide access to every option out there.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my points-booked cruise?

Cancellation and change policies vary depending on the loyalty program, travel portal and cruise line. Some bookings may be more flexible than others, so it’s crucial to review the terms and conditions before finalizing your reservation. In some cases, you may be able to receive a full refund of your points, while in others you may be charged a redeposit fee.

Can I combine points from different loyalty programs to book a cruise?

Generally, you cannot combine points from different loyalty programs directly. However, you can sometimes use a combination of points and cash to make a booking. Alternatively, you could use points from one program for part of your trip (e.g., flights) and points from another for the cruise itself.

Do I earn loyalty points or status credits when booking a cruise with points?

In most cases, you won’t earn additional loyalty points or status credits on the portion of your cruise paid for with points. However, you may earn points on any cash portion of the fare or onboard spending. Check with the specific cruise line’s loyalty program for their policies.

Future Trends in Cruise Booking With Points and Miles

The landscape of booking cruises with points and miles is continually evolving. Here are some emerging trends to watch:

1. Increased partnerships: More credit card issuers and loyalty programs are forming partnerships with cruise lines, offering expanded options for point redemptions.
2. Dynamic pricing: Many programs are moving toward dynamic pricing models for cruise redemptions, potentially offering better value during off-peak periods.
3. Enhanced booking platforms: Travel portals are improving their user interfaces and adding features to make it easier to compare and book cruises using points.
4. Sustainability focus: As eco-friendly travel gains importance and popularity, some loyalty programs may introduce options to book more sustainable cruises or offset the environmental impact of your voyage using points.
5. Personalized offerings: Loyalty programs may begin to offer more tailored cruise recommendations and exclusive packages based on members’ preferences and past travel history.
6. Virtual reality previews: Travel portals may incorporate VR technology to allow travelers to virtually explore cruise ships and itineraries before booking with points.

As these trends develop, travelers can look forward to more diverse and valuable options for using their points and miles on cruise vacations.

Expert Tips for First-Time Cruisers Using Points and Miles

If you’re new to cruising and planning to book your first voyage using points and miles, consider these expert tips:

1. Start with a shorter cruise: For your first points-booked cruise, consider a three-to-five night itinerary to get a feel for cruising without committing too many points.
2. Research cruise lines thoroughly: Each cruise line has its own personality and target audience. Read reviews and compare amenities to find the best fit for your travel style.
3. Don’t forget about airfare: If you need to fly to your departure port, look for opportunities to use points for your flights as well, potentially through the same loyalty program.
4. Consider shoulder season: Booking just before or after peak season can often yield better point values and a less crowded ship.
5. Understand what’s included: Know what’s covered in your points redemption and what additional costs you might incur onboard.
6. Book excursions in advance: Some cruise lines allow you to book shore excursions using points. Booking early ensures availability and can save you money.
7. Join the cruise line’s loyalty program: Even when booking with points, sign up for the cruise line’s own loyalty program to start earning perks for future sailings.
8. Pack a travel rewards credit card: Bring a card that earns bonus points on travel or has no foreign transaction fees for onboard and port spending.
9. Set a budget for extras: Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend on extras like specialty dining, spa treatments or onboard activities.
10. Consider travel insurance: While many credit cards offer travel protection, cruise-specific insurance can provide additional peace of mind, especially for first-time cruisers.

By following these tips and leveraging the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of booking cruises with points and miles. Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway, an Alaskan adventure or exploring the Mediterranean, using your travel rewards can help make your cruise vacation more affordable and enjoyable.