Cruises: The Guide to Paying Less With Your Points
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A cruise is a travel style of its own: almost everything is included, but the bill adds up fast between the cabin fare, the flight to the port, excursions and onboard spending. The good news is that points and the right credit cards can lighten each of those costs.
This page brings together everything we have published about cruises: how to choose yours, how to pay for it with your points, which card to use, and our cruise stories to inspire you.
Why Milesopedia
Since 2015, we have helped Canadians travel more while paying less through points and credit cards. We continuously analyze more than 353 cards from 57 issuers, our comparator is independent and our content is free. Our goal is simple: to save you money on every trip, cruises included.
Choosing Your Cruise
Choosing a cruise depends on your profile: family, couple, first-timer or regular. The destination, length and cruise line completely change the experience and the price. A 7-night Caribbean cruise is the most popular entry point for Canadians, but it is only one option among dozens.
Paying for Your Cruise With Points
Unlike flights or hotels, few programs let you book a cruise directly with points. The most worthwhile route is through Air Canada Vacations, which now accepts Aeroplan points for cruises. Otherwise, transferable points and cards that earn quickly help you fund the cabin, the flight to the port and the extras.
The Best Cards for a Cruise
The right card works on three fronts: earning points to fund the trip, avoiding foreign transaction fees on onboard spending in US dollars, and offering solid travel insurance. Here are our favourite cards for a cruise.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $191.88 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $0 |
River Cruises
Less known than ocean cruises, river cruises are winning over more and more travellers who want to discover Europe along the water. The pace is slower, the ships smaller, and every stop drops you in the heart of a city. It is an ideal formula for a first trip to Europe or a quieter getaway.
Getting to the Port and Where to Stay
Most cruises to the Caribbean leave from Florida. Arriving the day before is often wiser to avoid any flight delay, and a hotel night near the port is easily paid with points. You save on accommodation while starting your trip with peace of mind.
Our Cruise Stories
Nothing beats real experiences to get a feel for it. Here are a few cruise stories from our team and community, from the Adriatic Sea to the Red Sea, including a 17-day crossing from Dubai to Singapore.
Our Plan for a Cheaper Cruise
A cruise at the best price comes down to a few habits: choose the right format for your profile, fund part of the trip with your points, use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for onboard spending, and book a hotel night with points near the port. Get these right and you set sail with peace of mind, and more money for excursions. We keep this page updated to guide you.
Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pay for a cruise with points?
Rarely with points directly. The best option in Canada is through Air Canada Vacations, which accepts Aeroplan points for cruises. Otherwise, you use your points for the flight to the port and a hotel night, which lowers the overall bill.
Which credit card for a cruise?
A card that earns travel points, with no foreign transaction fees for onboard spending in US dollars, and solid travel insurance. The American Express Cobalt and Platinum, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +*, and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite are among our favourites.
How do you use Aeroplan points for a cruise?
Air Canada Vacations lets you apply your Aeroplan points to cruise packages. It is one of the few ways to redeem Canadian loyalty points for this type of trip.
River or ocean cruise: which to choose?
Ocean cruises offer large ships and plenty of activities, ideal for families. River cruises, more intimate and slower, take you into the heart of European cities. The choice depends on the pace and atmosphere you want.
Do you need travel insurance for a cruise?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. A medical emergency onboard or in a foreign port is expensive. First check the coverage included with your credit card, then top it up with a dedicated policy if needed.
How do you avoid foreign transaction fees onboard?
Onboard spending is billed in US dollars. A credit card with no foreign transaction fees saves you the 2.5% surcharge most Canadian cards apply on every foreign-currency purchase.
When should you book a cruise to pay less?
The best prices are often found very early, when itineraries are released, or at the last minute to fill cabins. Stay flexible on dates and destination, and compare the cash price against the points price before booking.
