Best First Credit Card to Cruise More in 2026
How to pick the perfect starter card that helps you cruise more often — for less.
In Naples Italy - Our Sun Princess trip 2025
Cruising is one of the easiest vacations to plan, but paying for cruises, flights to the port, hotels, and onboard extras adds up fast. The right first travel credit card can dramatically reduce those costs — even if you’re brand new to points and miles.
This guide breaks down the best first credit card for future cruisers, why it works, and how to use it to save hundreds (or thousands) on your next sailing.
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🌴If you're new to points and miles, start with my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles
🛳️Curious how I turn credit card bonuses into cruises, flights, and hotel stays? Dive into my Points & Miles Adventures Hub and see the exact strategies I use.
⭐ The Best First Credit Card for Cruisers: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Sky Princess in Skjolden Norway - I used points to help offset the costs of this trip
If you want to cruise more, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® (CSP) is hands‑down the best starter card. It’s beginner-friendly, packed with value, and unlocks the most flexible points ecosystem for cruise travelers.
Why It’s the Best First Card
1. Huge Welcome Bonus (Perfect for Flights to Cruise Ports)
The CSP regularly offers a strong welcome bonus that can cover:
Roundtrip flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, or Galveston
One‑way flights to Europe for Mediterranean cruises
Multiple hotel nights before or after your cruise
For most families, the welcome bonus alone is worth $750+ in travel.
Want to learn how to stretch your bonus even further? Come hang out in my Facebook group! I share everything I know to help you travel smarter for less — and yes, we talk about cruises a lot
2. Points Are Extremely Flexible
Chase Ultimate Rewards® can be used for:
Flights to your cruise port
Hotels before/after your sailing
Rental cars
Excursions
Travel insurance reimbursements
Even cash back if you want simplicity
Flexibility is everything when you’re planning a cruise.
Want the real talk on the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Read my review - I break down what’s amazing, what’s meh, and how to stretch every point.
3. Strong Travel Insurance (Huge for Cruisers)
This is where the CSP quietly becomes a powerhouse.
It includes:
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Trip delay reimbursement
Lost luggage coverage
Rental car insurance
🛳️Cruisers know: If you miss the ship because of a flight delay, you’re on your own. This card helps protect you. If you want to see how powerful travel insurance can be for cruisers, read my real‑life examples: How I Saved Using Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance. It’s one of the biggest reasons I always recommend starting with a Chase card.
4. Low Annual Fee
At around $95, it’s one of the best-value travel cards on the market with premium perks. I have kept a Chase Sapphire card in my wallet for years.
🚢 Why Cruisers Should Start With Chase (Not Amex or Capital One)
Sipping bubbles on the beautiful Sun Princess - thanks to points and miles
Chase is the best ecosystem for beginners because:
It has the most airline partners that serve cruise ports
It has the best hotel partners for pre‑cruise stays
It’s the easiest to use for families
You can build into a powerful “Chase Trifecta” later
Plus, Chase has the 5/24 rule — so starting with Chase is strategic.
✈️ How to Use the CSP to Cruise More
Here’s how most cruisers maximize the card:
1. Use the Welcome Bonus for Flights to the Port
Examples:
Nashville → Miami
Dallas → Fort Lauderdale
Chicago → Orlando
LA → Galveston
These flights are often the biggest pre‑cruise expense.
2. Book Pre‑Cruise Hotels With Points
Chase partners with:
Hyatt (incredible value)
Marriott
IHG
Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, and Marriott Hotels near ports are often 8k–15k points per night
🏨Pre-cruise hotels I have booked using points - Pre-Cruise hotels
3. Use the Card for Excursions
You can redeem points for:
Snorkeling
Beach clubs
Transportation
City tours
Or pay with the card and earn points.
4. Use the Travel Insurance Benefits
If your flight is delayed and you miss the ship, the CSP’s coverage can save you thousands.
🆚 Runner-Up Options (If You Already Have CSP)
If someone already has the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the next best cards for cruisers are:
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
For frequent cruisers who want lounge access, stronger insurance, and 50% more point value.
Read my full review - Benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve — No Point Left Behind
2. Capital One Venture Rewards®
Great for simple redemptions and covering cruise-related expenses like parking, Wi‑Fi, and port fees.
Read my full review - Capital One Venture Card and check out my how I saved big with this card on my Alaska Cruise.
3. Amex Gold®
Amazing for earning points on dining and groceries to fuel future cruise flights.
🧭 Who Should Get the CSP?
This card is perfect if you:
Want to cruise more often
Want to save on flights and hotels
New to points and miles
Want simple, flexible redemptions
Want strong travel insurance
Don’t want a high annual fee
Ready to go deeper? Here are the best next steps:
🎯 Final Verdict
If you want to cruise more without spending more, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the best first credit card to start with. It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and powerful enough to cover flights, hotels, and even protect your trip.
It’s the card I recommend to almost every new cruiser who wants to travel smarter.
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
