How to Use Points for Cruises
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.
Stop guessing at point values. Look up the real award price and live availability for a specific trip before you transfer.
Search award flights on seats.aero →Frequently asked questions
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