Cruise Travel Rewards FAQ
Quick answers about points, miles and casino offers for cruises.
Price My Rewards CruiseCruise Travel Rewards FAQ
Short answers to the questions people ask most about using points, miles and casino offers for a cruise. For more depth, follow the links to each topic.
What are cruise travel rewards?
Rewards earned outside a cruise line’s own loyalty club that can reduce the cost of a cruise: bank and card points, hotel and airline points, and casino program offers.
Which credit card points are best for cruises?
There is no single answer. The best are the ones you already earn, used through the route that gives the most value for your sailing. We do not recommend specific cards.
Can I combine a casino offer with points?
Sometimes you can use card points against charges that remain, such as taxes or a guest’s fare, if they are billed to your card as travel. Check both sets of terms.
Do I earn cruise loyalty on a points booking?
Usually, if your loyalty number is on the reservation. Some portals have a feature for this.
Do rewards bookings cover gratuities?
Rarely. Daily gratuities are normally charged on board, and the line’s rules apply whoever paid the fare.
Is a free casino cruise worth it?
It can be, if you would have cruised anyway and you add up what remains to pay. It is not worth playing more to earn one.
Can I give my casino offer to someone else?
Casino offers are usually personal to the member. Read the offer terms.
Should I use points for the cruise or for the flights?
Work out the value of each. Points often stretch further on flights or hotel nights, leaving the cruise to be paid in cash, perhaps during a sale with extra onboard credit.
What happens to a points booking if the cruise is cancelled by the line?
The line refunds the payment it received, and the portal or program decides how points are returned. Ask the program about its policy before booking.
Do casino programs share status between sister lines?
Sometimes. Norwegian, Oceania and Regent share one casino program, Casinos At Sea Rewards. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity run separate programs, Club Royale and the Blue Chip Club.
Are rewards taxable?
Casino winnings can be taxable, and lines that track play provide win/loss statements. For anything else, ask a tax professional; we do not give tax advice.
Can a travel advisor use my points for me?
An advisor cannot log in to your accounts. If your program lets you use points against a travel charge on your card, an advisor can book the cruise and you redeem afterwards.
Where can I learn the selling side?
If you would like to work in travel and help others use their rewards, start at Be a Travel Agent.
Where to Go Next
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.
Rewards in Hand? Let’s Price the Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will give you a free cash quote to compare with any points or casino offer.
Get Free Cruise Quotes