By Aleisha White | Published on December 19, 2025
Cruises are all about the perks. Imagine lounging back on the sun deck, sipping away at something tropical, knowing that every dollar you've spent is quietly working hard to earn your next adventure. If you're new to the concept, this is why you travel with a cruise credit card.
Sure, a simple swipe makes it easier to cover your cruise booking, onboard expenses and those little splurges that make your trip extra special. If you’re someone who plans to cruise more than once or loves stacking perks, carrying a dedicated cruise credit card might be your ticket to smoother sailing and unexpected upgrades.
So let's take a look at the best credit card for Royal Caribbean vacations, and what earning points and redeeming rewards look like in practice.
The best credit card for Royal Caribbean cruises is the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card. Unlike general travel credit cards, it's specially designed for Royal customers, offering cruise-specific rewards and benefits to upgrade your time on board. If you’re loyal to Royal, this card can help you pack even more value into your vacations — on and off the water.
You can get this card through Bank of America. Here's how the card works:
Now, here's where it gets savvy: If you want to redeem points for your cruise credit, you'll need to do it at least seven days before you set sail. With enough points, you can access perks such as stateroom upgrades, complimentary experiences or dining and wellness rewards for your vacation.
On the other hand, if you want to save your points for your next trip, you can do that, too. More points = higher value rewards. Either way, you'll continue earning points on purchases you make with your Royal Caribbean cruise credit card while you're gliding the high seas. Just keep in mind that points expire five years from the date they were earned. Plus, a high-rewards cashless option can make your trip that much more zen.
Yes, the Royal Caribbean credit card can be worth it if you're a regular cruiser. In particular, if you often sail Royal Caribbean (or plan to become a local sun deck fixture), this card is a great way to get the most out of your trip. It's also a smart way to cruise with points and accumulate them for higher-value rewards.
Could the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card be the right one for you? Ask yourself:
If you find yourself nodding in agreement, a cruise credit card might be your perfect shipmate. Let’s take a look at how it works in practical terms.
The Royal Caribbean credit card program is a cruise loyalty program designed to benefit frequent cruisers. You can earn travel points on any cruise purchase with a Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card — including your cruise fare. The fare covers much of your vacation experience, so you don't need to pay extra for your meals, amenities, entertainment, onboard activities and the kids' club — they're included in the cruise booking price.
If you're looking for add-ons like specialty restaurants, sodas, alcoholic beverages, onshore excursions, spa treatments and shopping, you'll usually need to pay as you go. Each qualifying purchase made with your Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card earns you travel points, and the next time you sail, you can redeem them. More on this soon.
Earning points with your Royal Caribbean International cruise credit card is straightforward: Become a cardholder and start earning points on purchases. As mentioned earlier, you'll earn two points per dollar spent on qualifying Royal Caribbean travel purchases, but you'll also earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases, meaning you can continue earning on daily odds and ends.
Any day-to-day travel purchases made on your cruise are a good foundation for earning points. Beyond that, you'll find additional perks when you sign up for your cruise experience, during onboard promotions or when you participate in eligible activities like Club Royale.
As if sailing away into the sunset wasn't rewarding enough. Now, you can redeem the points you earn for booking cruises and onboard purchases, too. The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card is one of the best credit cards for those loyal to the cruise line and passionate about hitting the seas regularly.
If you're into the upgrades, onboard credit or a swing at Club Royale, the Royal Caribbean cruise credit card makes every purchase work a little harder, so you don't have to.
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