For those who love to cruise, finding the right credit card can make all the difference. The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card promises a range of rewards designed to enhance the cruising experience. From earning points for your travels to exclusive perks on Royal Caribbean cruises, this card appeals to cruise enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their vacations.
But is it really worth it? In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card—from its benefits and fees to whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Makes the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card Stand Out?
With any credit card, knowing what's really special is essential to consider. Specifically designed for frequent cruisers on Royal Caribbean, this card allows access to your travel dreams of cruising more conveniently than just any travel card. The card itself is only open to reward points offered for those redeemable as Royal Caribbean and can help to purchase room upgrades onboard excursions. But above and beyond the cruise perks, the card also offers a solid set of benefits that apply to all types of travel.
One of the notable advantages is that it allows the credit card to earn double points on purchases related to travel packages and port charges of Royal Caribbean, alongside other cruise line expenses. Thus, it would especially attract frequent cruisers or even someone planning a huge trip with Royal Caribbean.
The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature also comes with complimentary travel benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency travel assistance, which can add peace of mind to your travels, whether on land or at sea.
Rewards Structure and Earning Potential
The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card offers a straightforward yet appealing rewards structure designed with cruise enthusiasts in mind. The card allows you to earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Royal Caribbean purchases, which include bookings for cruises, excursions, onboard experiences, and more. This is a significant advantage for anyone who regularly plans vacations with Royal Caribbean or books cruise-related services. These extra points can quickly add up, making it easier to earn perks like cabin upgrades, excursions, and future cruise discounts.
For non-cruise purchases, the card offers 1 point per $1 spent, which is standard for most travel rewards cards. While this is less lucrative compared to the 2x points on cruise-related purchases, it’s still a decent return on everyday spending. Whether you’re purchasing groceries, paying bills, or booking flights, those everyday expenses add up to more cruise rewards over time.
What sets the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature apart from other travel cards is the ability to redeem your points for a wide variety of cruise-related rewards. For instance, points can be used for onboard purchases like specialty dining, spa treatments, or even drinks—making your cruise experience more enjoyable. Additionally, points can be redeemed for cruise discounts on future bookings, stateroom upgrades, and shore excursions. This ability to directly enhance your cruising experience is a major perk, especially for frequent cruisers.
Fees and Interest Rates
As with most premium credit cards, the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card does have an annual fee. The card’s annual fee is $69, which is relatively low compared to other rewards cards in the same category. For the value you get from the card’s rewards and cruise-related perks, this fee is quite reasonable, especially if you’re a frequent cruiser.
When it comes to interest rates, the card offers a variable APR that ranges between 18.24% and 25.24%, depending on your creditworthiness. While this is on par with most travel rewards cards, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on carrying a balance. If you’re able to pay off your balance in full each month, you can avoid paying interest and make the most of the rewards program.
Additionally, the card charges fees for foreign transactions (3%) and cash advances (either a flat fee or a percentage, depending on the amount). For those who cruise internationally or make purchases abroad, the foreign transaction fee may be a dealbreaker, but for most travelers, it’s a small cost to bear.
Is the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card Right for You?
The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card is clearly designed with cruise enthusiasts in mind. If you’re someone who frequently books Royal Caribbean cruises or plans to take a cruise in the future, the card offers several valuable perks that could justify the annual fee. From the 2x points on cruise-related purchases to the exclusive discounts and travel benefits, it’s a card that can quickly earn back its value, especially for loyal customers of the cruise line.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you rarely cruise or are looking for a more flexible travel rewards card, there might be better options for you. Many other travel rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, offer broader travel benefits, including the ability to transfer points to a variety of airlines and hotel partners. But if you’re a Royal Caribbean fan, this card provides rewards that directly enhance your cruising experience, which makes it hard to beat.
Conclusion
The Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card is a great option for people who are serious about cruising. With solid rewards, cruise-related discounts, and valuable travel benefits, it can make a significant impact on your cruising experience. The card’s ability to earn 2x points on Royal Caribbean purchases, along with its exclusive perks like discounts and upgrades, make it an appealing option for anyone planning a Royal Caribbean cruise. While the card does have an annual fee and some foreign transaction fees, its rewards, and travel benefits are compelling enough to make it worthwhile for frequent cruisers.
