Book a Cruise With Amex Points or Chase Points
What American Express and Chase say about cruises, and what to check before you redeem.
Price My Rewards CruiseBook a Cruise With Amex Points or Chase Points
Two of the most searched questions about cruise rewards are whether you can book a cruise with Amex points and whether Chase points work for cruises. Here is what each program says publicly, and what to check before you redeem.
Not financial advice. We describe how rewards programs work in general. Program rules, eligible cards and redemption values change; always read the current terms from the bank, hotel, airline, casino or cruise line before you rely on them.
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Travel sells cruises and custom vacations. Its American Express Travel cruise benefits describe a Cruise Privileges Program: eligible Platinum and Centurion Card Members can receive an onboard credit and an additional amenity on participating cruise lines for qualifying bookings of five nights or more made through American Express Travel. Participating lines can change, and some sailings are excluded.
For paying with points, American Express offers Pay with Points on eligible purchases charged through American Express Travel to an enrolled card; if the points do not cover the full amount, the rest stays on the card. Ask Amex Travel whether your cruise booking is eligible, and compare the value per point with other ways of using the same points.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase’s Chase Travel cruise guide says you can search and book cruises on Chase Travel by port, line, ship or cabin type, and pay with your card, Ultimate Rewards points or both. It describes Voyages by Chase Travel onboard extras on eligible sailings with partners including Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys, and says those extras can combine with public cruise line offers.
It also mentions a Loyalty Plus feature so you can keep earning cruise line loyalty points on the same booking, and says dedicated cruise advisors are available to eligible cardmembers by phone or chat. As with any portal, check that the sailing and cabin you want are shown before deciding.
Other Card Programs
Several other issuers let cardholders redeem miles or points to cover travel purchases, and cruise lines usually count as travel merchants. Because the rules depend on how each charge is coded and on the card you hold, read your own program’s redemption page before booking.
Amex Points or Chase Points: How to Decide
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which lines and cabins can I see? | A portal that lacks your ship or cabin is no help, whatever the points value |
| What is each point worth here? | Divide the cash price by the points needed and compare with other uses |
| What extras come with the booking? | Onboard credit or amenities can tip the balance |
| Can I still earn cruise loyalty? | Make sure your loyalty number is on the reservation |
| What if plans change? | Points bookings can carry stricter change and cancellation terms |
Amex and Chase Cruise Questions
Can I book a cruise with Amex points?
American Express says Pay with Points works on eligible purchases charged through American Express Travel, which sells cruises. Whether a particular cruise booking qualifies is set by the program terms, so confirm with Amex Travel before you rely on it.
What is the Amex Cruise Privileges Program?
According to American Express, eligible Platinum and Centurion Card Members can receive an onboard credit and an extra amenity on participating cruise lines when they book a qualifying sailing of at least five nights through American Express Travel.
Does Chase sell cruises?
Yes. Chase says cruises can be searched and booked on Chase Travel and paid with the card, points or both.
See the Cash Price First
Before you spend Amex or Chase points, ask our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise for a free quote on the same cruise. Compare, then choose.
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