How to Use Points for Cruises

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: You can book some cruises through issuer travel portals or transfer programs, but cruise redemptions are generally poor value, usually around a cent per point or less. The smarter move is to pay for the cruise with a rewards card, earn points and protections, then redeem those points on flights where they are worth far more.

How cruise redemptions work

A few issuer portals let you book cruises with points or through a cruise-booking desk, and a small number of loyalty programs touch cruises. But cruises are rarely a sweet spot: the points price tends to track the cash fare at about a cent each, and you often lose the cruise line own loyalty benefits and onboard credits you would get booking direct.

Why paying cash usually wins

Because cruise points value is mediocre, the better play is to charge the cruise to a strong travel card, earn rewards on a large purchase, and capture any trip protections, then book direct to keep the cruise line perks. Save the points you earn for premium-cabin flights, where they can be worth several cents each.

If you still want to use points

If you do redeem for a cruise, compare the points price to the cash fare and confirm you are getting at least a cent per point, and check whether booking through the portal forfeits onboard credit or status. A cruise can also be a good place to put spending toward a welcome-bonus minimum. See what points are worth.

Frequently asked questions

Can you pay for a cruise with credit card points?
Sometimes, through an issuer travel portal or cruise desk, but value is generally poor (around a cent per point or less) and you may lose cruise-line perks. Paying cash on a rewards card is usually smarter.
What is the best way to use rewards for a cruise?
Pay for the cruise with a travel rewards card to earn points and protections and keep the cruise line perks, then use the points you earn on flights, where they are worth far more than on a cruise.

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Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.