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The Best Ways To Book a Cruise Using Points and Miles [2024]

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Table of Contents

American express membership rewards points, capital one credit cards, chase ultimate rewards points, cruise credit cards, marriott bonvoy points, united mileageplus miles, other cruise perks, discounts, and bonuses, final thoughts.

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You probably think of points and miles as a great way to book a flight or hotel room without spending a lot of money. While those are great ways to use your points, you can also book other types of travel, like a cruise, with points.

A cruise might not be something you think you can book with points or miles, but it can be done! In this post, we’ll walk you through all of the ways you can use your points and miles to book the cruise vacation of your dreams.

While there are no programs that offer a cruise line as a transfer partner, you can still use your points to book a cruise. The key is knowing which type of points you need and how to use them wisely.

As always, we’ve got you covered here at Upgraded Points — this guide will give you all the tools you need to book your next cruise with points.

American Express Membership Rewards is a popular transferrable currency because its points are easy to earn and it has lots of great Amex airline partners .

You can also use Membership Rewards points through AmexTravel.com , a travel portal that acts like an online travel agency. The downside is that you’ll get less value for your points when you use them this way . Booking through AmexTravel.com will give you 0.7 cents in value, while transferring your points to hotel or airline partners often gives you 2, 3, or more cents per point in value.

If you’re also interested in flights and hotels, your best bet will be to transfer your points. However, if a cruise is what you’re after, the lower value might be worth it if you’re getting to book the vacation of your dreams.

There are lots of great cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points — here are some of our favorites:

Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express Membership Rewards

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

If you’re a business owner, see our article on the best American Express business cards .

How To Book a Cruise With American Express Membership Rewards Points

• To book a cruise using your Membership Rewards Points, just search for your cruise on AmexTravel.com  as you normally would.

• You may notice that your total cost still shows in dollars. That’s because the full cost of the trip will be charged to the credit card that’s linked to your account. Then you’ll see a credit based on the amount of Membership Rewards points you chose to apply towards your cruise.

Bottom Line: You can book a cruise through AmexTravel.com online or by calling 866-669-4423. However, booking a cruise online through Amex can be glitchy, so you might have to end up calling. Unfortunately, many agents won’t know how to apply points to your booking, so you may have to call several times to get someone who can help you. You’ll get 0.7 cents per point in value when booking a cruise through AmexTravel.com.

Amex Cruise Privileges Program

As an American Express cardholder , you’re also eligible for some extra perks when you book a cruise.

When you search for a cruise, keep an eye out for the Special Offers tab that will be next to your search results. This tab will list the current deals offered to Amex credit cardholders. Perks can include things like onboard credit or prepaid gratuities.

Cruise Privileges for Amex Platinum Card Members

As a cardholder of Amex Platinum card or The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you’re eligible for exclusive benefits when you book a cruise through AmexTravel.com.

On eligible cruises of 5 nights or more, you’ll receive a shipboard credit of $100 to $300 per stateroom (based on cabin type and cruise line), plus an additional exclusive amenity based on your cruise line.

Here are the extra amenities you can expect to receive from each cruise line (please keep in mind these are subject to change at any time):

• AMA Waterways: $100 spa voucher per stateroom
• Azamara: Behind the scenes ship tour and a bottle of premium Champagne
• Celebrity Cruises : Bottle of Champagne or wine
• Crystal Cruises: $200 shore excursion credit per stateroom
• Cunard: Bottle of wine
• Holland America Line : Plate of chocolate-covered strawberries
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Complimentary dinner for 2 at Le Bistro Restaurant
• Oceania Cruises: Premium wine tasting event and a bottle of wine of your choice from the tasting menu
• Princess Cruises: Plate of canapés
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Exclusive private galley tour
• Royal Caribbean: Bottle of premium Champagne or wine
• Seabourn : Exclusive “suite dreams” turndown service plus a bottle of wine
• Silversea: Bottle of premium Champagne and a tour of the ship’s galley
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Bottle of wine and fresh flowers
• Windstar Cruises: Canapés, a bottle of Champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries

To redeem these benefits, book online with your Amex Platinum card or call the Platinum Card Travel Service at 800-525-3355.

Hot Tip: Disney Cruise Line sailings can’t be booked through AmexTravel.com, Chase Travel, or Citi Travel.

One of the easiest and best ways to use points to pay for your cruise is by using a credit card that earns points or miles that can then be redeemed as a statement credit. These types of cards tend to be easy to use and a great option when you want to book something other than a flight or hotel.

Capital One offers some great cards that may come in handy when booking a cruise, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

When you use this method, you can take advantage of any other sale or promotion since you don’t have to book through a specific portal, so it’s a great way to get additional discounts.

Recommended Capital One Cards

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Bottom Line: With the Capital One Venture card, Capital One VentureOne card, or the Capital One Venture X card, you’ll be able to use your miles to redeem against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at 1 cent per point in value.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program gets a lot of hype because its points are easy to earn and use and there are great Chase transfer partners .

There are so many  ways to earn Ultimate Rewards points and they can be redeemed in many ways . You can even book a cruise through the Chase travel portal  and use points to pay for it.

The value you get for your points will depend on which credit card you have. Here’s a quick look:

As you can see, Chase credit cards (including Chase’s business credit cards ) have different rates of earning points, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card yielding the most value for your Ultimate Rewards points.

Recommended Chase Cards

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

How To Book a Cruise With Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Once you have enough points, you can take a look at the cruises offered through the Chase travel portal. The good news is that you’ll find cruises from all the major cruise lines you would expect, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and more.

You’ll see the prices listed in dollars, so you’ll also have to do the math to figure out how many points you will need. You’ll be able to see the total amount of credit you have at the top of the cruise portal screen.

Once you have selected your cruise, you’ll have to call 855-234-2542 to book as cruises can’t be booked online through Chase.

Bottom Line: Cruises can be booked using Ultimate Rewards points, but you’ll have to call 855-234-2542 to make your reservation. The value you’ll get for your points is determined by which Chase credit card you have, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offering the most value.

Hot Tip: Not sure where to start? Check out our detailed guide to the best websites to use to book a cruise .

If you are interested in booking a cruise, you might be tempted to check out a co-branded cruise line credit card. These are generally not a great value — even for booking a cruise. But, if you’re still interested, we’ll give you a quick taste of what you can expect.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the credit cards offered by cruise lines:

Carnival ® World Mastercard ®

This card comes with a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $500. You’ll earn 2x points on any Carnival Cruise purchases and 1x points on all other purchases . You can redeem your FunPoints for 1 cent per point towards Carnival cruises , including onboard charges. Unfortunately, this card’s points are tied to Carnival, so they aren’t super flexible.

Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card

This card comes with a measly 10,000 point welcome bonus (worth $100 in ship credit on Royal Caribbean ), Celebrity, or Azamara Club Cruises, plus 10,000 bonus points (worth $100 statement credit). You’ll earn 2x points on Royal Caribbean and sister brand ships and 1x point per dollar spent on everything else.

The Royal Caribbean MyCruise Points program is complicated — there is a list of specific redemptions with very specific requirements. If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy way to pay for your cruise with points, this isn’t the program for you.

Princess Cruises ® Rewards Visa ® Card

This card is another lackluster cruise line credit card. The welcome bonus is 10,000 Princess Points, which is worth $100 as a statement credit towards a Princess Cruises purchase. You’ll earn 2x points on Princess Cruises purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.

Norwegian Cruise Line ®  World Mastercard ®

With the Norwegian Cruise Line card, you’ll earn 3 WorldPoints for every dollar you spend on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases, 2x points per dollar on airline and hotel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This card also comes with a 25,000-point bonus offer that is worth $250 towards upgrades, discounts, onboard credits, and more.

Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card

This is a standard cruise line card, offering a welcome bonus worth $100 in onboard credit. This card earns 2x points on Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises. You can redeem your points for onboard credits or cruise vacations.

Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card

While the Disney Premier card isn’t specifically a cruise card, the Disney Rewards Dollars you earn can be applied to Disney cruises. This card comes with a decent welcome bonus worth $300 and even offers bonus categories for points:

• Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars from purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations
• Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all other purchases

You can use your Disney Rewards Dollars toward Disney Cruise Line packages and onboard charges.

Bottom Line: If you are looking to book a cruise with points and miles, surprisingly, a cruise line credit card isn’t your best option.  These cards don’t offer very lucrative welcome bonuses or earnings categories. Plus, they don’t give you much flexibility with your points. In most situations, you’ll be better off with a credit card that lets you use your points as a statement credit or a card that earns flexible points.

You may be surprised to know that you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a cruise . While many people might think of Marriott Bonvoy points as hotel points, they are actually transferable and very flexible — they can be used for hotels, flights,  and even cruises!

Marriott Bonvoy partners with Cruise With Points to allow you to use your Marriott Bonvoy points towards a cruise vacation (or you can choose to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on cruises that you pay for).

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• $250 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

How To Book a Cruise Using Marriott Bonvoy Points

• Next, click on Redeem Points at the bottom of the screen.
• Here you’ll be able to search for an available cruise. Once you find a cruise, you’ll need to call 800-596-0452 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST to make your reservation.

You can redeem your points for a certificate that you can apply to your cruise:

While it’s great to have this option, unless a cruise is the only way you want to travel, it’s not the best use of your Marriott Bonvoy points since you’ll only get 0.4 cents per point in value when booking a cruise. Marriott Bonvoy  points are worth ~0.7 cents each , so you’ll miss out on some value by using Marriott Bonvoy points for a cruise.

Bottom Line: You can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a cruise or get a discount on a cruise by calling 800-596-0452 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. You will get 0.4 cents value per point when using Marriott Bonvoy points this way.

Did you know that you can book all or part of a cruise using United MileagePlus miles? Alternatively, you can choose to pay for your cruise and earn United miles on the cost of your stateroom.

As with most options for booking a cruise, using United miles isn’t the best option as far as value is concerned — you’ll get ~ 0.7 cents per mile when booking a cruise. United miles are generally valued at right around 1.3 cents per mile, so you’re getting less than half the value you could get if you used your miles for a flight.

But if you’re flush with United miles and just want to go on a cruise, it might be an option to consider.

How To Book a Cruise With United MileagePlus Miles

• Visit United Cruises to get started or go to United.com and click on MileagePlus > Use Miles > Cruise Awards .
• Search for a cruise as you would on any other online travel agency.

• Once you select your cruise, you’ll be prompted to log in to your United account.

Bottom Line: You can expect to get ~0.7 cents per mile in value when booking a cruise with United miles. This isn’t a great value considering United miles are valued at ~1.3 cents each.

Let’s review a few other ways to get the most out of your next cruise.

MGM Rewards Benefit

Qualifying Platinum and Noir members in the MGM Rewards program can receive a free cruise on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises each year.

Amex Offers

Amex Offers are a great perk of having an American Express credit card. Keep an eye out for offers on cruises — you may be able to get an additional discount or bonus Membership Rewards points. These offers can be stacked with any other discounts or bonuses! You can always pay for part of your cruise with your credit card to get the bonus, then use points for the rest.

Chase Offers

Similarly, Chase Offers also features cash-back offers across many categories, including travel.

Cruise-related offers have included cash-back and percent-back offers with Carnival and Crystal. Make sure you’re checking your current Chase Offers frequently to see what’s currently available on your card!

Earn Tons of Points When Booking a Cruise

If you decide you would rather pay for your cruise and save your points for a better redemption, be sure to set yourself up to earn the most points on your next cruise:

• American Airlines Cruises: Earn up to 100,000 bonus American Airlines miles on select cruises when you book through American . Most cruises earn 1 to 2 bonus miles per dollar (capped at 10,000 bonus miles or 20,000 bonus miles if you are an American Airlines credit cardmember).
• Marriott Bonvoy Cruises: You can earn up to 30,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points (3 points per dollar spent) when you book a cruise through Marriott Bonvoy .
• SkyMiles Cruises: When you book your cruise through Delta , you can earn up to 10,000 Delta SkyMiles, depending on the length of your cruise. Plus, you can earn even more bonus SkyMiles on select sailings.
• United Cruises: You can earn up to 7 miles per dollar when you book select cruises through United . Most cruises offer the chance to earn up to 25,000 miles, but United MileagePlus credit cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 bonus miles per cruise.

Hot Tip:  If you’re not sure how to pay for your cruise, check out our guide to the best credit cards for booking cruises .

While booking a cruise with points and miles might not be as straightforward as booking a hotel or flight, it can be done! There are lots of options to pay for your entire cruise with points or to use points to get a substantial discount.

Keep in mind, with most of these methods, the value you are going to get for your points is less than what it could be if you were using them in a more traditional way (for flights or hotels). But if a cruise is what you want and your points can help get you there, then it’s a good redemption for YOU! Happy sailing!

The information regarding the Carnival ® World Mastercard ® , Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Card, Princess Cruises ® Rewards Visa ® Card, Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ® and Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Premier ® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants. The information regarding the Citi Rewards+ ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Double Cash ®  Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi Custom Cash ® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use points for a cruise.

Yes! While it’s not as good of a value as using points for a flight or hotel, you can use your points for cruises. Look for cards that earn points or miles that act as a statement credit for travel purchases. Check out programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards and use these types of points in their travel portals for cruises. You can also use Marriott Bonvoy points and United miles to book cruises.

Can I use airline miles for a cruise?

Yes, you can use United MileagePlus miles towards a cruise. You can no longer redeem American AAdvantage miles, Southwest Rapid Rewards points, or Delta SkyMiles for a cruise.

Can I book a cruise with Hilton points?

No, you can no longer book a cruise with Hilton Honors points. The only hotel points you can use to book a cruise are Marriott Bonvoy points.

Can Capital One miles be used for cruises?

Yes. The miles you earn on Capital One credit cards can be used to redeem against travel purchases within the previous 90 days (including cruises) on your statement. Alternatively, you can use points to book a cruise through the Capital One Travel portal.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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How to earn up to 100,000 United miles when sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line

Big news, cruise fans: There's a new, limited-time offer to earn airline miles when booking a cruise — enough miles for MileagePlus award travel to many parts of the world from the rewards you'll get from just a single sailing.

Cruise-selling site United Cruises has a new offer out that could get you up to 100,000 United MileagePlus miles for taking a single voyage with one of the many cruise lines it sells.

And you can accumulate even more miles if you book more than one sailing during the offer period.

Keep reading to learn more about the United Cruises program and why it's a great choice for earning airline miles when booking a cruise vacation — especially right now.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is United Cruises?

United Cruises is a booking portal that allows you to earn MileagePlus miles when booking a cruise. The amount of miles you'll earn depends on a few factors (that I'll get into in a moment), but it's safe to say that booking a cruise vacation through United Cruises is the way to go if you're a United loyalist.

However, even occasional flyers can benefit from the miles that they'll rack up in the program.

United Cruises offers access to sailings operated by just about every cruise line you can think of, including such popular brands as Norwegian Cruise Line as well as various luxury and river cruise lines. When you book a cruise with United Cruises, you get everything that the line offers plus up to 75% savings on cruises and a best price guarantee.

Related: How to book a sailing through United Cruises

Here's how you can earn MileagePlus miles through United Cruises.

Earn miles with United Cruises

MileagePlus members can always earn up to 25,000 United miles when booking a cruise through United Cruises , but United credit cardholders can earn additional miles — as much as 45,000 — based on the type of stateroom booked. The higher the category, the greater the number of miles.

Here's a breakdown of how many miles you can earn per dollar spent on specific types of cruise staterooms:

Not only can you earn miles when booking your cruise through United Cruises, but you can also use miles to pay for a cruise.

Related: The best sweet spots you can book with United MileagePlus

Earn even more miles with Norwegian Cruise Line

The current offer is particularly appealing if you're eyeing a journey with Norwegian Cruise Line, as booking a Norwegian sailing right now brings the chance for even more miles.

This month, United Cruises is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line to offer up to 25,000 bonus miles on sailings over four nights in length on top of the miles you'd already be earning when you book your cruise through United Cruises . That means earning up to 70,000 miles for United cardmembers.

Depending on how you redeem those miles, you could fly in a premium cabin to Europe or within the U.S., or even book a multi-city ticket thanks to the Excursionist Perk .

But the bonuses don't end there.

If you book a stateroom through United Cruises on Norwegian's newest cruise ship, Norwegian Prima , MileagePlus members can earn even more — up to 55,000 bonus miles on top of the miles you would already earn. That's up to 70,000 total miles for United MileagePlus members and up to 100,000 miles for those with a United cobranded credit card .

TPG values MileagePlus miles at 1.21 cents apiece, so if you max out this offer on Norwegian Prima, you're taking home over $1,200 worth of rewards.

Here's a table that breaks down just how many bonus miles you could earn when you book a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise through United Cruises:

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

A solid haul of bonus miles isn't all you get when you book a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary through United Cruises — you'll get every perk that you'd normally get when you book directly with the cruise line.

Additional cruise perks

Sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line typically comes with several perks, including 40% off second guests and all of the following Free at Sea deals:

• Free unlimited open bar ($99 per person, per day value).
• Free specialty dining (up to $119 value).
• Free shore excursions ($50 per port value).
• Free Wi-Fi package (up to $200 in value).
• 3rd and 4th stateroom guests sail free on select sailings.

And lastly, you're in great hands with United Cruises' dedicated travel experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ready to book? Click here to find a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through United Cruises.

Bottom line

Beginning this month, you can earn up to 100,000 United MileagePlus miles when you book a cruise through United Cruises . MileagePlus members and United cardholders can always earn up to 25,000 and 45,000 miles, respectively, but you can earn even more when you sail on Norwegian Cruise Line.

For a limited time, MileagePlus members can earn up to an additional 25,000 United miles when booking a sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and up to an additional 55,000 United miles when you sail on Norwegian Prima, the line's newest ship — and that's on top of the miles you'll already earn when you book with United Cruises.

Depending on the category and cruise ship, that translates to up to 70,000 miles for general members — or up to 100,000 miles for United credit cardholders.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to earn extra miles on your next cruise vacation. Book a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary through United Cruises today.

Additional reporting by Gene Sloan.

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200.

United States Cruises

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Cruises in the United States

Whether you want to explore the dynamic cities and rocky shores of the East Coast, taste wines in the California sunshine, bask on Florida’s golden beaches, or see Alaska’s incredible wildlife, our United States cruises will deliver your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in Boston’s historic sites and exciting culinary scene. Ride the vintage cable cars in San Francisco and explore the dazzling colors of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Cruises to the United States take you to the heart of these iconic cities, as well as exploring some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines, from the icy peaks and forested inlets of Alaska to the lush landscapes of New England. The list of adventures in store is endless, from hiking, cycling, and kayaking to whale-watching, designer shopping, fine dining, and a rich, diverse culture. All this is yours, from the luxurious setting of one of our award-winning, contemporary ships.

USA Cruise Highlights

Cosmopolitan cities.

The USA can rightly claim to have some of the most exciting cities in the world. San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Check out Pier 39 in San Francisco, and take a trip to Alcatraz. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans.

Spectacular Nature

Wherever you sail in the USA, you’ll be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes. Hawaii is a lush paradise of rainforest, volcanic peaks, and tumbling waterfalls, while Alaska is wild and untamed, a world of snowy mountains, glaciers, and old-growth forest. Sail the coast of New England in fall and take in the dazzling shades of scarlet and orange on the trees. Or head south to Key West for a setting of coconut palms, sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs.

Exciting Cuisine

Whether you want to taste award-winning vintages in Napa Valley, feast on lobster rolls in New England, or sample gumbo in New Orleans, you’ll discover an incredibly varied culinary scene on your travels around the USA. Don’t miss a salmon bake or the chance to try reindeer sausages in Alaska. In San Francisco, head for Chinatown for tasty dim sum. Key West is famed for its tangy Key lime pie, while Seattle’s claim to fame is artisan-roast coffee—and those powerful Washington State wines.

United States Cruise Regions

The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. On a cruise, you’ll be able to appreciate this wild beauty from both a land and sea perspective. You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows. Along the way, you can hike, kayak, spot bears, go whale-watching, and feast on fresh salmon.

New England

New England has it all: cosmopolitan cities like Boston, arty seaside towns, windswept coasts, and verdant national parks. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston, and explore Portland’s seafaring history under Maine’s vast skies. Hike the woodlands and glacier-scoured peaks of glorious Acadia National Park. Time your trip for the fall and admire the fiery colors of the foliage. Everywhere you go, there’s delicious seafood to taste, like lobster rolls, or claws dripping in melted butter.

Visit some of the most exciting cities on the Pacific Coast with Celebrity. See the graceful sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge in hilly San Francisco, and ride the historic cable cars. Whizz up the Space Needle in Seattle and take in the colors and buzz of Pike Place Market. In Los Angeles, browse the designer shops on Rodeo Drive and marvel at the stars’ homes. Catalina Island, meanwhile, is another world of rugged coastlines, diverse marine life, and hiking trails with sweeping views.

Indulge in a relaxing journey across the warm Pacific from Vancouver to the lush, volcanic islands of Hawaii, where waterfalls tumble from verdant peaks and the ocean is home to abundant whales and dolphins. Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls from Hilo, and admire the fiery antics of Mount Kilauea. Learn about history in Honolulu, the location of the only royal palace in the USA, and Pearl Harbor. Join a firelight luau in Lahaina, and visit a working pineapple plantation.

The Sunshine State is the perfect place to start your cruise. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola. Take a boat ride through the watery Everglades in search of alligators. Treat your kids to a day in the theme parks around Orlando—and meet astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center. Make time to visit those glorious beaches, too.

USA Cruise Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises offers a vast range of USA cruise itineraries and departure ports. Sail from Boston, or Cape Liberty in New Jersey. In Florida, choose between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami. West Coast ports include Los Angeles, Seattle, and Seward. Cruises range from short getaways to Key West to 13-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the usa with celebrity cruises.

There’s no more comfortable way to explore the exciting coastlines of the USA than with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll dock in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic cities and sail along exquisite coastlines, visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once.

As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool. Unwind in the spa, take in the views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, or relax on the fragrant grass at the Lawn Club on Solstice-series ships. Savor world-class cuisine every day. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, where you’ll enjoy beautiful suite accommodation, an exclusive lounge, and the culinary delights of Luminae at The Retreat.

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High winds strand 2 cruise ships in Elliott Bay

by Gabe Katzman, KOMO News Staff

SEATTLE — A large cruise ship was stranded in Elliott Bay for hours due to high winds, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

As Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas came in to make its approach, strong winds forced the vessel to wait until available tugboats could help, according to Puget Sound Pilots (PSP).

The vessel was waiting for an extra tug, said Petty Officer Steven Strohmeyer with the USCG District 13 Public Affairs Office.

Before helping to bring in the cruise ship, PSP President Ivan Carlson said tugboats first had to move a fish processor farther south.

RELATED | Thousands without power across western Washington Monday morning

Carlson said tugboats had moved the other vessel, freeing up the small boats to move the Quantum of the Seas. KOMO News' tower camera showed what appeared to be tugboats near the cruise ship at 11:30 a.m.

The cruise ship finally appeared to dock successfully by 1:30 p.m.

"Due to high winds, Quantum of the Seas is delayed in returning to port," a spokesperson with Royal Caribbean told KOMO News. "We're closely monitoring the weather and are communicating updates directly to our guests."

Royal Caribbean also said the ship was waiting for better weather to berth out of an abundance of caution.

Peter McGraw with the Port of Seattle said access had not yet been granted to the terminal because the situation was still developing.

Abdul Ali, a driver waiting in the cell phone lot to pick up passengers from Quantum of the Sea, called the situation frustrating.

“Yes, we've been waiting almost four hours, five hours so far, and everything is kind of backed up right now. A lot of people are missing their flights,” Ali said. “They were saying there's a wind going on, and that's why they could not make it to the dock."

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory that is in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday for portions of western Washington, including Elliott Bay. The NWS said the region could see gusts up to 40 mph.

Strohmeyer told KOMO News two tugboats usually bring in cruise ships, with one at the bow of the ship and one at the stern. But large container ships, Strohmeyer said, sometimes require three tugboats to dock.

The Quantum of the Seas vessel holds more than 4,900 passengers and is typically used to take passengers on week-long trips between Seattle and Alaska, according to the company's website .

The ship is more than 1,100 feet long and almost 150 feet wide, according to VesselFinder .

Another passenger ship, the MS Roald Amundsen, also appears to be stranded in Elliott Bay. The vessel, owned by Hurtigruten Expeditions, is nearly 460 feet long and holds more than 1,000 passengers .

VesselFinder reported the Quantum of the Seas arrived in Elliott Bay a little after 5 a.m. Monday.

"The mission of the Pilots is to ensure against the loss of lives, loss of or damage to property and vessels, and to protect the marine environment by maintaining efficient and competent pilotage service on our State’s inland waters within the Puget Sound Pilotage District," according to the PSP website .

The Quantum of the Seas won Best New Cruise Ship in the 2015 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Two dozen United Airlines passengers fell ill on flight, had been on cruise

Around two dozen passengers fell ill on a United Airlines flight from Vancouver, Canada to Houston, Texas on Friday.

Approximately 25 people traveling in a group of 75 had nausea, according to Capt. Sedrick Robinett of the Houston Fire Department. HFD evaluated three passengers upon the plane’s arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport but none were transported to the hospital, he said.

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston Friday night,” United told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The airline did not answer a question about what cruise line or ship the flyers had been traveling on before their flight.

“United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation,” the airline’s statement continued. “As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

Is there a doctor on board?: Usually, yes. Here's why.

The Houston Health Department referred a request for comment to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board," a CDC spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans."

The news comes after dozens of passengers on a Condor flight from Mauritius to Frankfurt, Germany mysteriously became sick with nausea and vomiting last month.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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Two dozen passengers fall ill on United Airlines flight that landed in Texas

A United Airlines plane that landed in Texas has been removed from service when several passengers aboard a recent flight suddenly fell ill with flu-like symptoms.

Emergency responders met the plane as it landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The Houston Fire Department was called to the scene at 6:20 p.m. Friday, according to the Daily Mail .

A total of 163 passengers were on the Boeing 737 Max that set out from Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday. Approximately 25 people traveling in a group of 75 had nausea, according to Capt. Sedrick Robinett of the Houston Fire Department. HFD evaluated three passengers upon arrival but none were transported to the hospital, he said.

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“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston Friday night,” United told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The airline did not answer a question about what cruise line or ship the flyers had been traveling on before their flight.

“United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation,” the airline’s statement continued. “As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

The Houston Health Department referred a request for comment to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board," a CDC spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans."

—  USA TODAY reporter Nathan Diller contributed to this report.