Earn cruising points
 

I've already got plenty of FF miles. Which credit card companies offer points (or the equivalent) that can be used toward cruises?

The only branded ones I'm aware of are Royal Caribbean's Visa and NCL's Mastercard (both offered by MBNA).

RCCL's works like this: 1 point per $1 spent. Rewards start at 5K (upgrades). The main rewards are as follows: $25K in spend gets you 1/2 off a cabin on a 3/4 night cruise, $50K in spend gets you a free cabin on a 3/4 night. $75K in spend gets you a 1/2 off for a 7 night, $125K gets you a free 7 night for 2.

Depending on when you go (if you go at peak times), it can be a great deal, as an outside cabin on a bahamas cruise can run over $900. If you go off peak, it is better to pay cash for the cabin (as they can get as low at $500).

NCL is better, giving you 3 points per $100 in spend. They offer straight dollars off, starting at $500 off for 500 points, it goes up to $3000 off for 3K points (or $100K in spend).

I'm more inclined to get a generic cashback card that gives you the 1% in the form of cash back (which does not lock you into a particular cruise line).

But, if you're an NCL fan, that card (at 3% back) is a very, very good deal.

I've used my Marriott Rewards Visa to get two free cruises on Holland America.

What is everyones opinon on the merging with BofA and MBNA...do you think we will be given notification in advance if they choose to eliminate the RC points already obtained?

I am a little concerned.

I have to agree cahs back would be better. DO you get credit for a free cruise? I average about 100k spend a year. I can do better either wiht HHonors or SPG Amex.