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Cruising is a category of travel all its own: everything is included, or almost, but the bill can climb quickly 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 reduce each of these costs.
This page brings together everything we have published on cruises: how to choose yours, how to pay for it with your points, which card to use, and our cruise stories to inspire you.
Since 2015, we have been helping Canadians travel more while paying less thanks to points and credit cards. We continuously analyze over 400 cards from about thirty issuers, our comparison tool is independent, and our content is free. Our goal is simple: to help you save on every trip, cruises included.
Choosing a cruise depends on your profile: family, couple, first-time cruiser, or seasoned traveller. The destination, duration, and cruise line completely change the experience and the price. A 7-night Caribbean cruise remains the most popular entry point for Canadians, but it is just one option among dozens.
If you prefer an end-to-end organized itinerary, check out our guide to Luxury Escapes tours and cruises, often listed at a fraction of the regular price.
Unlike flights or hotels, few programs allow you to book a cruise directly with points. The most interesting route is through Air Canada Vacations, which now accepts Aeroplan points for cruises. Otherwise, transferable points and cards that accumulate quickly help you finance the cabin, the flight to the port, and the extras.
The right card works on three fronts: accumulating points to finance the trip, avoiding foreign transaction fees on onboard spending in US dollars, and offering solid travel insurance. Here are our favorite cards for a cruise.
Less well-known than ocean cruises, river cruises are attracting a growing number of travelers looking to discover Europe along the water. The pace is slower, the ships are smaller, and each stop brings you to the heart of a city. It is an ideal formula for a first trip to Europe or a more tranquil stay.
Most Caribbean cruises depart from Florida. Arriving the day before is generally wiser to avoid any flight delays, and a hotel night near the port is easily paid for with points. This way, you save on accommodation while leaving with peace of mind.
There is nothing like real-life experiences to get an idea. Here are some stories of cruises taken by our team and our community, from the Adriatic Sea to the Red Sea, including a 17-day crossing between Dubai and Singapore.
A cruise at the best cost comes down to a few habits: choose the right option 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 near the port with points. Get these right and you will leave with peace of mind, with more money for excursions. We keep this page up to date to guide you.
Cruises are not the only way to travel well for less. Luxury Escapes also packages guided tours, and our review explains how its tour discounts actually work before you commit to a departure.
Savings are this way:
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