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The 10 Best Cruise Deals for 2022

Lauren Dana

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Wave season is well into full swing, meaning it’s the perfect time to plan your next cruise vacation. The winter months are traditionally when cruisers can snag incredibly low fares plus plenty of perks, upgrades, and amenities. While cruise lines continue to offer great deals, many of them are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of their guests via onboard COVID-19 testing, vaccine policies, health screenings, social distancing, and mask regulations.  

Although you may not be up for setting sail right now–especially given the new, ever-changing CDC guidance on cruising –you can still take advantage of these incredible offers by booking sailings through late 2022, 2023, and even 2024. It’s also worth noting that most cruise lines have implemented flexible cancellation policies, including full refunds or future cruise credits. 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best wave season deals of 2022. 

Emerald Cruises

It’s Your Time To Travel with Emerald Cruises. Guests who book select 2022 and 2023 Danube, Rhine, and Rhone river cruises can snag up to $2,500 in savings. Pay your 2022 sailing in full to receive an extra $150 off per person. Similarly, passengers who pay their 2023 sailing in full at least 12 months before embarkation can score an additional 10% off. The fun doesn’t stop there, though: Emerald is also offering up to 25% off select 2022 and 2023 yacht cruises–plus free premium beverage packages. Customers setting sail in 2023 can snap up an added 10% discount if they pay in full one year before embarkation. Both of these promotions expire on March 31, 2022. 

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is kicking off wave season with their Ultimate Upgrade Event . Those who book a qualifying 2022 and 2023 sailing can score a free stateroom upgrade, 50% off deposits, complimentary beverage packages, specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions. The promotion officially ends on February 28, 2022.

The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ annual Best. Sale. Ever .is back just in time for wave season. You won’t want to miss this limited-time sale, which offers staggering savings of up to $695 per passenger based on a six-night cruise. This seasonal sale includes five free perks: The Premier Beverage Package–think: cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, and more–as well as unlimited wifi, gratuities, stateroom location upgrades (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and one specialty dining meal. Book by March 2, 2022. 

Celestyal Cruises

Escape Back to the Blue with Celestyal Cruises. The cruise line, which is best known for its Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean voyages, is offering up to 30% off select 2022 sailings. Among the most notable itineraries include the three-night “Iconic Aegean ” (from $449 per person; originally $610) and the seven-night “ Three Continents ” (from $1,019 per person; originally $1,250). Children 12 years and younger can cruise free on select sailings, while solo travelers can take advantage of reduced single supplements as low as 15%. Book by March 31, 2022.  

Celebrity Cruises

There are, quite literally, 3,000 reasons to sail with Celebrity Cruises this year. Book any 2022 sailing and receive a discount of up to $3,000 per stateroom. Alternatively, experience the Galapagos’ rich wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery: Those who book a 2022 or 2023 Galapagos sailing aboard Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration, or Celebrity Xploration will enjoy 20% off cruise fare–plus free round-trip airfare when booking via “ Flights With Celebrity .” These deals expire on February 28, 2022. 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice is chock-full of fun perks and added value. The package includes 2-for-1 cruise fares, free round-trip airfare (with transfers!), and one free extra per stateroom. These include up to eight shore excursions, free beverage packages, or up to $800 in onboard credit. This promotion–which is available on nearly 500 sailings through November 29, 2023–ends on April 2, 2022. 

Avoid Cruises Regardless of Vaccination Status, Warns CDC

Cunard Line

Cunard’s “ Three For All ” promotion offers customers up to $2,00 in onboard credit based on their stateroom category, along with specialty dining credits and 50% off deposits. Repeat passengers can save up to an extra $1,200. Additionally, those who book a Grills Suite will receive a complimentary drinks package. Book by 2/28/2022.

Hurtigruten Expeditions 

Up for a fun-filled, action-packed adventure? If so, book your sailing with Hurtigruten Expeditions this wave season. Customers can save up to $2,900 on select 2022 sailings featuring bucket-list-worthy destinations like Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Patagonia, and Greenland. Select 2023 and 2024 cruises –including voyages to the British Isles, Scottish Isles, Iceland, Norway, Greenland, the Panama Canal, South America, the Faroe Islands, and the Canary Islands–are available for up to 30% off. Both of these offers expire on March 31, 2022.  

The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Azamara Club Cruises

Find Your Journey with Azamara and take your pick of nearly 150 sailings across the globe.  The best part? These itineraries–which run through May 5, 2023–have been slashed up to 30% in celebration of wave season. Destinations include The Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco, and the Caribbean, to name a few. Bonus: Azamara is also throwing in a $500 onboard credit per stateroom. Book by March 31, 2022. 

Enjoy The Suite Life with Seabourn this wave season. Book by March 1, 2022, to enjoy a free two-category veranda suite upgrade, as well as a 50% reduced deposit. This offer is available on over 300 voyages setting sail around the world between now and 2023–including awe-inspiring arctic expeditions , Australia and New Zealand itineraries , Caribbean sailings , and many other amazing destinations. 

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SOAK IN THE VITAMIN SEA

Caribbean cruises.

Lose yourself in the tones of Calypso steel drums and the majesty of Mayan ruins with a cruise to Caribbean.

Cruise to Caribbean and discover the cliff-diving, breeze-swaying, sand-between-your-toes, no-worries pace of island life. Hundreds of years of history have left jungle ruins from ancient times and vibrant colonial towns with brightly painted buildings reflecting a fascinating history. Discover the white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs of Barbados. See towering mountains like Petit Piton in St. Lucia, explore the lush rainforests of Belize, or boost your adrenaline as you zip-line through the treetops of Labadee or Honduras. If calm, contemplative nature is more your thing, spend the day admiring cascading waterfalls in Jamaica and the vivid coral reefs of Bonaire, home to manta rays and parrot fish. Discover the magic with a Caribbean cruise.

Save Big With These Caribbean Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Caribbean cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.

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PACK YOUR WET SUIT

The best Caribbean cruises will take you to dive into the aquamarine water and see the beautiful underwater life up close and personal with a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure and to discover captivating coral reefs and unique species of jellyfish like the orange Moochers, Loggerhead sea turtles and the red cushion sea star, which can be seen in shallow waters. 

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STUMBLE INTO HISTORY

Immerse yourself in the culture in some of the oldest cities in the Americas — the Caribbean has been shaped by a diverse history, with Africans, Europeans and Asians all leaving their mark. See the cathedrals and Spanish colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, the lively street festivals of Barbados or the citadels and brightly colored buildings of San Juan with your cruise to the Caribbean. 

PLUNGE INTO THE THRILL HEAD-FIRST 

BEST CARIBBEAN CRUISES

A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

EXPLORE MORE

Your Caribbean cruise will take you to beaches with unique features like pink and black sand, so make sure to pack organic and natural sunscreen so not only you can stay protected, but the coral reefs can too.

There are several UNESCO Heritage Sites located in the Caribbean that you can explore, ranging from missionary churches to rainforest national parks.

It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean. You get the best deal and can plan your days easily.

RELATED PORTS

You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.

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5 of the best new cruise itineraries for 2022

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

In 2021, we saw cruising return to a state of semi-normalcy, as all major cruise lines brought at least some of their vessels back into service. Although foreign ports are still limited for North Americans at the start of 2022, it looks like this will be the first year since the start of the pandemic where we see far-flung itineraries picking up steam .

If you are considering a cruise in the coming year and you're in the mood for something different, you'll want to take a look at this list of some of the newest and most unique itineraries you can book right now for sailings through 2022. Because most are total budget busters, we'll also offer some suggestions for maximizing your purchase.

Note: All prices are before taxes and fees, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change at any time.

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

Western coast of Africa with Hurtigruten

In a first for Hurtigruten , the line is offering a selection of sailings around the west coast of Africa, including Senegal, The Gambia, the islands of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau's Bissagos Islands, which are made up of more than 80 beachy islands and islets (only about 20 of which are populated year-round).

Cape Verde voyages are rare, making this ideal for anyone wishing to check the country off their bucket list. Plus, with Hurtigruten's rapid expansion beyond its traditional Norway offerings and into expedition cruising, you can be one of the first to try out this first-for-the-line itinerary, which will be available five times in late 2022 (and into early 2023), departing from Dakar, Senegal.

Details: These 14-night sailings on Hurtigruten's Spitsbergen depart from Dakar in November and December. Prices start at $5,636 per person, double occupancy, for an inside cabin. More information can be found on Hurtigruten Expeditions' website .

Pacific Islands with Seabourn

Longing to get away for more than just a week or two? Beginning in the fall of 2022, Seabourn is featuring a 65-day cruise to Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and Australia. The trip will visit 41 ports across 12 countries, and the vessel — Seabourn Odyssey — will stay in port for five overnights throughout the voyage. In addition to the Hawaiian Islands, the ship will call on French Polynesia, the Cook and Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Australia's Cairns, Queensland, Brisbane and Sydney, among other locations.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

Given that this area of the world has largely been locked down for nearly two years due to COVID-19, this could be one of the first chances to visit -- and if you're new to the region, it's a great way to cover a lot of ground all at once to maximize your investment.

Details: This 65-night sailing on Seabourn Odyssey departs from Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sept. 30, 2022. Prices start at $41,999 per person, double occupancy, for an oceanview cabin (the most basic available). Find more information on Seabourn's website .

More than $600 per person, per day, is a steep price for many travelers, but if you book by Feb. 28, 2022, you'll snag a ton of included extras, such as free round-trip airfare; door-to-door car service from your home to the airport; a pre-cruise hotel stay in Vancouver; up to $2,000 in onboard credit per stateroom ($3,000 per suite); free Wi-Fi; luggage shipping service; unlimited onboard laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing services; and discounts of 3% if you pay in full at the time of booking.

Iceland (from Boston) with Holland America

Seeking a slightly more affordable option that leaves from closer to home? Holland America 's Iceland circumnavigation sailing from the U.S. East Coast could be just the ticket — especially if you live in the Northeast, which means you'd be able to visit Iceland without a single flight.

This itinerary begins in Boston on Nieuw Statendam, the first of Holland America's Pinnacle-class vessels to sail in Canada and New England. In early August, the ship will make its debut in the region with this 24-day voyage, which will visit Maine in the U.S., Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in Canada, and eight ports across Greenland and Iceland, including Reykjavik (with an overnight) and Akureyri.

Details: This nearly sold-out cruise currently has only oceanview and balcony cabins left. Guarantee oceanviews (meaning the cruise line will choose your cabin for you within the oceanview category) start at $8,569 per person, double occupancy. The 24-night sailing on Nieuw Statendam departs from Boston on Aug. 3, 2022. For more information, see the Holland America website .

Indonesia's tropical islands with Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions brings impressive itineraries to the table, but along with those come eye-popping cruise fares. If the sky's the limit when it comes to your budget, however, consider Lindblad's sailing to (or from) the islands of Indonesia in fall 2022. Departing from Bali, National Geographic Orion will take you to Solomon Island via Komodo Island, Raja Ampat, Samarai Island and more. The reverse itinerary is also available.

Known for its stunning colors, pristine beaches and unparalleled snorkeling and diving, this area of the world is ideal for those who enjoy tropical climates and plenty of time outdoors.

Details: National Geographic Orion will depart for the 21-night Bali-to-Solomon Island sailing on Oct. 7, 2022, and the 21-night Solomon Island-to-Bali cruise on Nov. 28, 2022. These voyages start at $19,480 per person, double occupancy — a staggering $928 per person, per night — for an oceanview stateroom. The price includes meals, alcohol (except premium brands), excursions, gratuities, taxes and fees. It does not include Wi-Fi, laundry or other onboard purchases.

Flights are also not included, and since these trips don't end in the same port where they begin, airfare will be another considerable expense. (For option one, passengers will need to fly to Bali, then from Solomon Island to Brisbane and Brisbane home. For option two, they will have to fly to Brisbane, from Brisbane to Solomon Island and then from Bali home.) You can learn more about these offerings on Lindblad's website .

Russia's White Sea with Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten Expeditions' new itineraries are so impressive, we're including a second one as a recommendation. This time, the line's Spitsbergen will spend 17 days cruising the White Sea, featuring Norway and Russia. Highlights of the trip are the Norwegian fjords, Norway's Lofoten Islands and North Cape, as well as Murmansk and the Slovetsky Islands in Russia.

These ports will give passengers a chance to witness some of the region's arctic beauty and experience small fishing towns as well as larger cities, such as Bergen, Norway, from which the sailing departs.

Details: MS Spitsbergen sets sail from Bergen on Oct. 6, 2022, for this 17-day expedition trip. Prices begin at $9,160 per person, double occupancy, for interior accommodations. Details can be found on Hurtigruten's website .

Best ways to book for added value

The name of the game here at TPG is to help you travel better and more affordably. Whether you're trying to use some of your hard-earned points or figure out how to earn the most bang for your buck when booking, here are some solid ways to make one of the above voyages work for you if you're considering taking the plunge.

Use a card that gives you something back

If you're going to put a huge purchase — like one of these cruises — on a credit card, be sure to use one that will give you points or cash back. A great option is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which allows you to apply the miles you earn at a 1 cent per mile ratio to statement charges that code as travel. You'd need a ton of miles to cover the whole cost, but it can definitely help offset the overall price.

If you book through the American Express Cruise Privileges Program and pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can get an onboard credit of up to $300 per room and added amenities, which vary by cruise line. Holland America and Seabourn are both partners in the program. Plus, if you book a qualifying sailing, you'll earn two points per dollar spent. Even if you don't book through the program or sail with one of the member cruise lines, you'll still earn one point per dollar spent if you use your Amex Platinum for payment via a different booking platform.

Utilize your other affiliations

If you're a World of Hyatt member, you can use points to book Lindblad Expeditions sailings . Alternatively, if you're trying to earn instead of burn, you'll collect five points per dollar spent on Lindblad sailings when you book through Hyatt's FIND platform. You'll also earn applicable elite status bonuses — and get $250 in credit to spend onboard.

Book through a travel agent

If you don't have any of the above cards, you're not planning to book through a specific travel portal or you're new to cruising and simply don't feel comfortable making your own arrangements, enlist the help of a travel agent . Not only will they make sure all of your payments and paperwork are in order, but they will serve as a point person if something goes wrong during your trip. Plus, they might be able to provide added value in the form of onboard credit, complimentary specialty dining or bottles of welcome Champagne.

For more cruise coverage, check out our 2022 Cruise Extravaganza .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for a cruise

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How to Find the Best Cruise Deals, According to Travel Experts

Snagging a great cruise deal is easier than you think — so as long as you follow these expert tips.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

It’s no secret that cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nearly 36 million passengers  (35.7 million, to be exact) will set sail in 2024, up 4.2 million from 2023. And, despite the industry’s increasing popularity, finding the best cruise deals may not be as difficult as you think — that is, as long as you know when to book (and what to look for). 

What’s more, wave season, which takes place from January to March, is when dozens of cruise lines release their best, most value-packed offers, which means it’s arguably the best time to book your sailing. During these months, cruisers can choose from hundreds of different promotions, which, while exciting, can be overwhelming. However, according to Rob Clabbers, T+L A-list travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel , a Virtuoso agency in Chicago, “the lowest fare is only a deal if it is the right cruise for you.” In other words, he explains that if you “pick the wrong line or itinerary, that deal just turns into a waste of vacation time and money.” 

With all this in mind, we tapped Clabbers, along with a few other T+L A-list travel advisors, to share their expert insight on how to find the best cruise deals.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a Travel + Leisure A-list travel advisor who specializes in cruises. He also founded Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a  T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Ashton Palmer is also a T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings . 

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Take advantage of wave season. 

As previously mentioned, wave season runs from January through March. During this months-long stretch, sometimes referred to as the Black Friday of cruise deals, many cruise lines — from budget lines to small-ship luxury ones and beyond — offer some of the most competitive deals of the year. It’s well worth booking your cruise during these months.  

Use a travel advisor.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or veteran sailor, the slew of deals, promotions, and special offers can seem daunting: How do you know which ones are worth booking? Which offers the most value? Clabbers explains, “All these options and special offers can be confusing, and a qualified travel advisor who knows their way around cruises may help you find the best deal.” Oftentimes, these folks can “offer extra benefits that are not available when booking directly with a cruise line.” Ultimately, says Clabbers, the best travel advisors are those who can “help customize your trip with hotels, tours, and other services that may be a better value or fit for your style of travel.”

Consider shoulder or low season travel.

Per Clabbers, many cruise lines offer lower fares before or after the peak seasons. “While the weather may not be at its peak, neither are the crowds. If your main interest is visiting cultural attractions and museums or exploring cities, rather than baking on a beach, fewer fellow travelers make for a much more enjoyable experience. Bonus: airfares may be lower, too.” A few examples include an Alaska sailing in May or September (as opposed to peak season, July and August) and a European river cruise in March or October/November (instead of May or September, which, per Clabbers, is considered high season).  

Mary Curry, another T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist, echoes these sentiments. “I can't tell you how many travelers are hoping for a 'waived single supplement' or 'two for one' offer and then restrict themselves to only the peak dates for that region.” With that in mind, she says,  “It's so much more likely that these specials will be offered for dates where demand is not as high since small ships don't take long to fill for peak dates and rarely need to offer these” on sale or as part of a larger promotion. 

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Be flexible. 

Put simply, explains Clabbers, “The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a lower rate for your cruise.” For example, if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.” However, if you’re only open to traveling during a specific timeframe or itinerary (including ones that operate infrequently, such as a world cruise ) in “a category that contains only a few rooms or suites, etc.,” explains Clabbers, “the limited supply will likely result in higher pricing.” Additionally, in some cases, “you may come across a ‘guarantee’ special offer.” In other words, this means that “in return for a lower fare, the cruise line gets to assign your specific room anywhere on the ship, in the category you selected.” 

Ironically enough, being flexible sometimes may mean giving up some of your flexibility. For example, says Clabbers, “Some lines, like Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean, offer slightly lower fares if you’re willing to give up some of your flexibility by choosing to pay a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one.”  

Book early. 

When it comes to snagging the best cruise deals, booking early is ultimately your best bet — “especially if you’re looking to travel on a luxury cruise line , or for unique, popular itineraries,” says Clabbers. “Lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and others aim to offer their lowest fares and best promotions when reservations are first accepted for a new itinerary and will raise fares as the departure date comes closer.” 

Additionally, according to Curry, this is especially true on small-ship sailings . “Most small ships are counting on filling all their cabins, so they offer the best deals for travelers who plan early.” She goes on to explain that many small-ship lines have even “formalized this system by offering 'capacity-controlled pricing' that offers the best rates furthest in advance with the rate steadily increasing for the same category cabin as you get closer and the ship fills.” 

Finally, keep in mind that some cruises can be booked up to three years in advance, which means it’s never too early to start planning.

Or book a last-minute cruise.

Sometimes, it pays to book late — so as long as “you’re very flexible with dates, itinerary, type of room, or location on a ship,” explains Clabbers. 

Ashton Palmer, another T+L A-list travel advisor who specializes in expedition sailings , shares similar insight. “If you are flexible and can travel 90 days or less before departure, cruise lines will sometimes extend discounts.” 

Related:   The Best Time to Book a Cruise

Stick with one line.

Just as airlines and hotels offer travel rewards programs and perks to loyal customers, most cruise lines do the same, too. Put simply, says Clabbers, “loyalty can pay off.” In fact, “Many cruise lines offer some discounts or credits to spend onboard or other benefits for their returning passengers.” Plus, these programs are free to join, so you have nothing to lose by signing up.

Mark Katzman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Cruise with friends or family.

Cruise with your nearest and dearest — and get rewarded for it, too. According to Palmer, cruise lines are often willing to extend a discount “for groups of six or more.” For example, Royal Caribbean , Virgin Voyages , and Princess offer group discounts. 

Consider repositioning cruises. 

Budget-conscious travelers should certainly consider a repositioning cruise. These unique one-way sailings generally occur at the beginning or end of a cruising season (typically in the spring or fall) when ships need to return to their home ports. Two real-life examples of these itineraries include Celebrity’s Mediterranean Passage Transatlantic sailing (which cruises from Tampa to Barcelona) and Windstar’s Greenland: North Atlantic Odyssey itinerary (which sails from Reykjavik to Montreal).

Keep in mind that these value-packed cruises, which hover around two weeks, feature far more sea days than typical itineraries to account for the travel time between the embarkation and disembarkation ports. As such, you’ll be spending the bulk of your vacation on board.

Bundle up. 

Nowadays, many cruise lines offer additional perks and discounts that go far beyond the basics (think: free specialty dining, onboard credits, an open bar, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and, in some cases, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or airfare). Oceania’s Simply More offer, for example, includes shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and Champagne and wine. Norwegian Cruise Line’s beloved Free at Sea promotion offers similar savings, while select sailings on lines like Ponant and Celebrity include flights .

Guests sailing with luxury all-inclusive line Silversea also have the option to add flights by booking the Door-to-Door All-Inclusive package . You may also be able to find — and book — reduced-cost flights directly through the cruise lines. For example, per its website,  the Holland America Flight Ease program offers passengers the opportunity “to book air travel featuring flight inventory from most airlines, our specially negotiated low prices, the freedom to change your flights with no change fees, and late-arrival protection with 24-hour assistance. In addition, you can earn frequent flier miles with participating airlines,” according to the Holland America website. Similarly, some lines, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises , offer free two- or three-night land programs and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for some guests. 

Do your research to see if you’re eligible for additional discounts or benefits.  

According to Clabbers, select lines, including Cunard and Princess , offer “extra benefits for certain types of passengers,” including added perks and, in some cases, discounted or free fares. Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines offer special military perks and discounts. 

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Best 2022 Europe Cruises

It's never too early to start planning your next cruise vacation. Whether you dream of eating pasta in Italy or strolling Baroque palaces in Estonia, Norwegian has you covered with a 2022 Europe cruise. With European itineraries that take you everywhere from stunning Baltic capitals to the jewels of the Mediterranean, Norwegian makes it easy to explore parts of the world you never thought possible.

When you book a Norwegian cruise, simply unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day. Can you think of a better way to explore European history, culture, and attractions? From Italy to Denmark and everything in between, there's a whole world waiting for you on the high seas. So what are you waiting for? Check out these amazing 2022 cruises to Europe and start planning your next adventure today.

Ready to start planning? Explore all best 2022 Europe cruises .

2022 Greek Isles Cruises

On Norwegian's nine-day Greek Isles cruise from Venice , you get the chance to visit eight other exciting ports of call in four countries. Start and end your cruise in the beautiful city of bridges, Venice, Italy. Float along the Grand Canal while a gondolier serenades you with classic Italian songs. 

Your first stop after leaving Venice will be in the picturesque Kotor, Montenegro. A top yachting and sailing destination, Kotor surprises and delights cruisers with its charming medieval old town. Venture beyond the city's massive protective walls to discover cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and much more.

Continue your cruise adventure with a visit to five different ports in Greece, where the pages of your high school history books come alive. Stroll through the quaint, narrow streets in the UNESCO-listed town of Corfu ; take a tour of a local winery in Santorini ; climb the steps of the Acropolis in Athens; hit the beach in Mykonos ; or visit a 12-century Byzantine cathedral in Argostoli . 

Before returning to Venice, travel along the Adriatic Coast and explore the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and  Split in Croatia. With so much to see and do, Norwegian's Greek Isles cruises offer something for everyone.

RELATED CRUISES: 9-Day Greek Isles Crusie: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia from Venice 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, France & Spain from Rome 8-Day Baltic Cruise: Germany, Sweden & Finland from Copenhagen

2022 Mediterranean Cruises

Hit all the highlights of the Western Mediterranean on a seven-day Italy, France and Spain cruise from Rome . This classic Adriatic cruise itinerary takes you to some of the most sought-after destinations in the region. Before you board your ship in Rome, one of the world's great cities, take time to explore the local attractions. Make a wish at Trevi Fountain, walk in the footsteps of the ancient gladiators at the Colosseum, and marvel at the magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling.

From Rome, sail to Florence where Renaissance art and architecture steal the spotlight. Spend time staring at the unparalleled beauty of Michelangelo's David in Florence or take a day trip to Pisa to snap a selfie with the famous Leaning Tower.

As you continue on your cruise toward France, enjoy stunning views of the French Riviera. In Cannes , walk the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the International Film Festival. Then check out the shops and restaurants on the world-famous promenade de la Croisette.

Next up, enjoy visiting two bustling and vibrant Spanish cities: Palma, Majorca and Barcelona . Palma is also a top spot for authentic Mallorcan cuisine, best-known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral. In Barcelona, check out the amazing sculptures and architecture at Park Güell and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

From Barcelona you'll stop in Ajaccio, Corsica . Enjoy the natural beauty of Napoleon's birthplace, where you can even tour his family home. Before returning to Rome, your cruise travels along the Amalfi Coast with a port day in Naples . Have a slice of pizza, and take a tour of the grand piazzas, cathedrals, and castles in the city's old center.

2022 Northern Europe Cruises

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a Northern Europe cruise, such as Norwegian's eight-Day Scandinavia and Baltic cruise that starts in Copenhagen, Denmark and ends in Stockholm, Sweden. One of the world's greenest capital cities, Copenhagen boasts a number of notable attractions. Take a boat tour from the colorful canal-side district of Nyhavn for views of the Copenhagen Opera House, palaces, Black Diamond Library, and the Little Mermaid.

From Copenhagen, cruise to Berlin , the capital of Germany. A hotspot for history buffs, Berlin provides an opportunity to learn about World War II and the Cold War. Visit well-known historic sites, such as the remains of the Berlin Wall that once divided East and West Germany and Checkpoint Charlie.

Next, experience the beauty of Scandinavia with stops in Sweden and Finland, including Karlskrona, a World Heritage City with 17th century naval roots, and Helsinki, known as Scandinavia's White City of the North for its chilly climate and Art Nouveau architecture. Then, journey to the charming city of Tallinn, Estonia , and spend the day strolling the old town's cobbled streets and Baroque architecture.

For the highlight of your Baltic cruise adventure, spend two incredible days in St. Petersburg, Russia . From the Winter Palace and the Hermitage to St. Isaac's Cathedral, everything about St. Petersburg feels larger than life. Russia's imperial capital awes and inspires with its dazzling canals, world-class museums, and spectacular ballets.

Finally, your cruise stops in Helsinki, Finland , and Stockholm, Sweden , before returning to Denmark. The seaside city of Helsinki offers Art Nouveau architecture and an excellent outdoor market in the central square. Visit the 17th-century palace overlooking the harbor and explore some of Stockholm's charms on foot.

If you are considering a 2022 Europe cruise, Norwegian offers many exciting itineraries. If you've never been on a cruise, you'll love the ability to explore so many destinations without having to pack and unpack every time. If you are still trying to decide which cruise is right for you, be sure to sign up for Norwegian's cruise deals . You'll get the latest specials and deals delivered right to your inbox.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on Jan. 17, 2022. It has been updated to show related itineraries.

Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

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Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Read: The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands and What They Offer

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• What to Wear on a Cruise
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Transatlantic Cruises

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The 22 New Cruise Ships We're Excited About For 2022

The line-up of new cruise ships for 2022 is one of the most exciting exciting and robust ones we've seen in a while, with the new Disney Wish and the world's largest cruise ship -- Wonder of the Seas -- among over two dozen debuts. That number is partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic: some new cruise ships that were meant to launch in 2021 have been moved back to 2022. But the new cruise ship roster for 2022 also has a number of first-in-class builds that are likely to push the envelope on new features and attractions, as well as welcoming back some signature venues people already love.

Here's a look at 2022's best new cruise ships -- and why we're excited about them:

On This Page

The big ships we're excited about in 2022, the luxury ships we're excited about in 2022, the expedition ships we're excited about in 2022, the american river cruise ships we're excited about in 2022, wonder of the seas will be the world's largest cruise ship.

At 6,988 passengers, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in early March 2022. While Wonder of the Seas is technically an Oasis-class ship and not first in its class, (there are even some major design changes between Wonder of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas, for example), the vessel does have some extras, including the new Suite neighborhood, where high-spenders will have access to an enhanced Suite Sun Deck, with its own plunge pool, bar and loungers.

Families will be excited by the ship's new Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed area for kids that will include slides, climbing walls, views and an interactive mural. Finally, a new cantilevered pool bar, called The Vue, will offer fantastic sunning opportunities during the day and turn into a colorful outdoor venue after sunset.

Disney Wish Introduces AquaMouse, Star Wars and Avengers-themed Innovations

Disney Cruise Line's first new ship in a decade will usher in a number of firsts when Disney Wish debuts in June 2022. The 4,000-passenger ship -- designed primarily around the theme of "enchantment" -- will offer new dining experiences, reimagined kids clubs (always Disney's strong-suit), and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea: the 760-foot-long waterslide known as AquaMouse, which mixes storytelling and thrills. Disney Wish deck plans reveal a world of wonders for the young and young-at-heart.

But Disney has also mindfully designed Disney Wish for parents, too. The adults-only Quiet Cove will introduce the cruise line's first infinity pool, while grown-ups will be the only ones allowed to dine at Enchante, the line's new onboard restaurant designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. Where will Disney Wish sail from? Like its earliest fleetmates, Disney Wish will debut in the Caribbean and Bahamas, sailing from the line's flagship terminal in Port Canaveral -- a view that will be best seen from the line's massive suite inset into one of the ship's funnels.

Discovery Princess Comes to The West Coast and Alaska

Princess Cruises has been adding to its fleet fast, and the next of its Royal Class ships -- the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess -- has a March 2022 debut date. It's the latest ship to debut with the line's Medallion technology built right in, which allows passengers to do everything from check into the ship to open their cabin door to buy things in designated shops in some ports.

Discovery Princess will also have most of the onboard features that debuted on sister ships Majestic Princess and Enchanted Princess , including the Salty Dog Gastropub and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria with specialty pastas. If you want a fabulous suite experience, check out the Sky Suites, which have one of the best balconies at sea, with a direct view of Movies Under the Stars .

Norwegian Prima is First-in-Class with New Slides, a Race Track and Vegas-Style Nightlife

With Norwegian Prima , Norwegian Cruise Line ushers in a new class of ship, with an array of accompanying new features. The Norwegian Prima deck plan includes something for everyone. Thrill seekers will love The Drop -- a dry, freefall slide that has a 10-story plunge -- as well as a new version of the popular top-deck race track. There's also The Rush, a pair of dueling dry racing slides, and the line's first Tidal Wave innertube waterslide.

Norwegian always leans into nightlife, and Norwegian Prima's theater will be able to convert into a giant Las Vegas-style nightclub. The marquee show onboard will be a version of "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical." The line is also bringing on Light Balance, a dance troupe winner from "America’s Got Talent," for a show that combines high-energy dance and aerobics with a multisensory light show.

Celebrity Beyond Brings High Design and Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Onboard

Technically, Celebrity Beyond is the third Edge Class ship from Celebrity Cruises. In reality, the 3,260-passenger ship is offering enough new onboard features that it can almost qualify as a class of its own. Also exciting: TikTok and Instagram star Capt. Kate McCue will take command of Celebrity Beyond when it launches in April 2022.

Chief among the changes is a re-imaging of Celebrity's wellness program, led by actress and lifestyle maven Gwyneth Paltrow (who is now also the line’s Well-Being Advisor ). New suites are being added in AquaClass and The Retreat -- Celebrity's resort for suite passengers -- is 40 percent larger than on other ships. Celebrity Beyond will also have the first fine-dining restaurant at sea from Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud.

Adults-Only Cruise Options Expand with Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages, which launched its first cruise ship Scarlet Lady for paying passengers in 2021, is coming out with a sister ship in 2022. Valiant Lady , which debuted in March 2022.

Carrying 2,770 passengers, the ship will be an adults-only cruise and have a similar design and attitude to Scarlet Lady (which won the Cruise Critic's Editors' Picks award for Best New Cruise Ship of 2021 ). Valiant Lady will sail in the Mediterranean, and we're excited to see how Virgin's hip and quirky approach to cruising works in Europe (nights in Ibiza, anyone?).

New Carnival Celebration Ship Marks Line's 50th Birthday

Carnival Cruise Line turns 50 in 2022, and the line is leaning into the festivities with its next Excel Class ship, Carnival Celebration. Set to debut with a 14-night transatlantic cruise departing Southampton on November 6, 2022, Carnival Celebration will homeport out of Miami when it arrives Stateside.

The Bolt roller coaster aboard sister-ship Mardi Gras is one of the line's biggest hits, and Carnival Celebration will also feature Bolt, the line's popular roller coaster at sea. Carnival's new neighborhood concept will also be continued aboard Carnival Celebration, although word is that it will be different from the French Quarter aboard Mardi Gras. As for what will replace it? Stay tuned.

MSC Cruises' New MSC Seascape Offers MSC Yacht Club, Expanded Public Areas

MSC Cruises' second Seaside EVO class ship, MSC Seascape will debut at PortMiami in November 2022 when it launches. Like sister-ship MSC Seashore, which made its U.S. debut in fall 2021, MSC Seascape will offer 2,270 individual cabins across 12 separate grades of accomodations, including balcony staterooms, suites and MSC's coveted Yacht Club luxury ship-within-a-ship concept.

An increased focus on public rooms that connect with the sea will be showcased aboard MSC Seashore, with some 70 percent of all public spaces being completely redesigned from the ship's predecessors, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview . But, like its fleetmates, MSC Seascape will offer some of the most distinctive features of this class, including the massive Waterfront promenade and the spectacular glass-floored "Bridge of Sighs" perched 16 decks above the water.

MSC World Europa Will Be a New -- And Bigger -- Class of Cruise Ship for MSC

As if launching MSC Seascape in 2022 wasn’t enough, MSC Cruises is dreaming even bigger with an all-new class of ship. MSC World Europa will carry 5,079 passengers (at full occupancy) and will boast 22 decks, immediately becoming the longest, tallest and largest ship in the entire fleet. The ship launches in December 2022 and is earmarked to sail in the Arabian Gulf.

On a ship this size, you’d expect a ton of fun. MSC World Europa will have several onboard “districts” divided into separate areas. An 11-deck dry slide called The Spiral will be the longest at sea, and new dining venues include Chef’s Garden Kitchen, focusing on microgreens, and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. The ship will also be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) technology.

Silversea's Silver Dawn Debuts New Roman-Inspired Otium Spa and Wellness Program

A sister ship to 2021's Silver Moon , the 596-passenger Silver Dawn will up the luxury cruise game even more with the line’s first Roman-inspired spa and wellness program. Called Otium , the program places luxury front and center, with special spa touches put throughout your cruise. Among the goodies: a new posh mattress; an indulgent room service menu with foie gras burgers, lobster and caviar on brioche and truffle fries; and multisensory bath soaks.

In addition, Silver Dawn will include the line’s culinary immersion program S.A.L.T. , which debuted in 2021 to rave reviews. If you’re a foodie, this deep dive into local food and drink, offered both onboard and ashore, is a can’t-miss.

Ritz-Carlton Evrima Will Appeal to Luxury Hotel Lovers -- And Offer Marriott Bonvoy Points

People have been talking with excitement about luxury hotel brand Ritz-Carlton’s entry into cruising for the past few years -- and in 2022, the launch of the 298-passenger yacht Evrima is poised to happen. The ship will have five restaurants -- that’s a lot for a ship this size -- and the personalized service that Ritz-Carlton is known for.

Another reason that Ritz-Carlton lovers are excited -- Evrima is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program , and members will be able to redeem points for the ship’s first sailings in October 2022. The Ritz-Carlton yacht will spend its first season in the Mediterranean before heading the Caribbean.

Renovated Ship Azamara Onward Will Be First Under Line's New Ownership

While Azamara isn’t a household name like some cruise lines, lovers of small ships have always been drawn the intimate size of their vessels -- about 702 passengers -- and the smaller ports they visit. The line left the Royal Caribbean Group in early 2021 to become an independent cruise company, and has started to introduce fun new programs while continuing the focus on great shoreside experiences.

Azamara Onward is not technically a new ship. Rather, the line has bought the former Pacific Princess -- a direct sister-ship to the line's existing fleet -- and is completely renovating it to look more like the rest of the Azamara fleet. We are excited to see what happens when you combine Azamara’s intimate service -- the crew learn the names of every single passenger and you’re greeted by name when you board -- with a fresh spin on its destinations.

Viking Mars and Viking Neptune Continue Viking Oceans' Expansion

Viking Ocean Cruises won’t call themselves luxury. But when you’re onboard one of the line's identical oceangoing vessels, you certainly feel like you’re on a luxury cruise, with fantastic food and dining options, itineraries that stop at interesting ports, and inclusions such as Wi-Fi, a shore excursion at each port of call, and one of the best spa thermal suites at sea.

Viking has two identical 930-passenger ocean ships coming in 2022. Viking Mars will debut in May 2022 and sail itineraries in the Mediterranean and northern Europe before moving to Asia. Viking Neptune , meanwile, will debut in fall 2022 and start Viking’s 2022-23 World Cruise in December from Fort Lauderdale.

Small Emerald Azzurra Yacht Will Sail Red Sea, Med, Croatia

With only 100 passengers, Emerald Azzurra promises an intimate yacht experience from a line that has already won accolades for its European river cruises. Emerald has always offered an inclusive type of sailing, and cruises on Emerald Azzurra include complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; onboard gratuities; some shore excursions; transfers to and from the airport; port charges and taxes.

We’re also excited by the itineraries that Emerald Azzurra will sail, which include its debut in the Red Sea in January 2022. The yacht will then move to the Mediterranean and sail into small Croatian and Greek ports, as well as itineraries that focus on Italy and France.

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris Will Be Viking's First Adventure Cruise Ships

Viking is jumping into expedition cruising in a big way in 2022 by adding a pair of 378-passenger ships aimed at polar adventure. Viking Octantis debuts first in January 2022, with cruises in Antarctica. It will then move to the Great Lakes for the summer, before heading back to the White Continent. Viking Polaris arrives in summer 2022 and will spend its season in Norway and the Far Arctic before heading south to Antarctica.

What makes these pair of ships so exciting is the design. Viking’s expedition ships will have an enclosed area known as The Hangar, where passengers can get on and off zodiac boats in comfort and without biting winds. The Aula panoramic auditorium is custom-designed for lectures, and we can’t wait to see the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge with comfy couches and warming lava rock faux fire pits.

Seabourn Venture Offers Submarines, Champagne For Luxury Adventure Cruises

With Seabourn Venture, the luxury cruise line Seabourn leaps into the high-end expedition trend. The 264-passenger ship will have two custom-built submarines as well as 24 zodiacs, kayaks– you also snorkel and scuba dive – and a full expedition team to explain all the natural wonders around you. Plus you get the sumptuous suites with a built-in heated jacket wardrobe, Swarovski binoculars and the Moulton Brown amenities, upscale dining and endless Champagne that Seabourn is known for.

Seabourn Venture debuted in August 2022 with cruises in the British Isles, Norway and the Arctic before transiting to South America and Antarctic for winter 2022. On all itineraries expect adventure along the way, with stops at small ports and remote areas.

American Queen Voyages Goes To Alaska With First Expedition Ship Ocean Victory

Previously known primarily for American river cruises, American Queen Voyages will be making its first foray into expedition cruising with the 186-passenger small ship, Ocean Victory. The ship will debut in Alaska in summer 2022, running an itinerary that includes big name marquee ports and smaller, out-of-the way locales.

Technically, Ocean Victory is a charter by SunStone, a ship management company that has focused on building small adventure ships. The ship will have a full array of expedition gear for outdoor adventure, including zodiacs, a fleet of kayaks and an onboard expedition team. The ship is small enough to dock in Alaskan ports that are off limits to larger cruise ships.

Viking Mississippi Will Bring Its Winning European-Style River Cruising to the U.S.

In one of the most anticipated domestic launches, Viking will expand its river cruising juggernaut into the U.S market for the first time with the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi . The ship will be one of the largest constructed for the Mississippi River, and all cabins will have either French or full step-out balconies; suites are also available.

What’s exciting about Viking Mississippi is that the ship will have many of the onboard features that people already love on other Viking vessels. There will be a two-story Explorers’ Lounge observation area; the Aquavit Terrace outdoor dining venue; an infinity pool and sun deck. There’s also a new outdoor seating area known as The Bow, which promises excellent views of the river. Plenty of inclusions are also on offer, such as beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; a complimentary shore excursion per day; lectures; Wi-Fi and free room service.

Modern American Symphony and American Serenade Continue American Cruise Lines' Expansion

In the past few years, American Cruise Lines has revamped the expectation of what riverboats on U.S. rivers should look like by introducing a more modern style of ship. These ships do not have paddlewheels; instead, the 175-passenger vessels look more like a hotel on land with a four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. ACL ships are known for having some of the largest cabins in river cruising, with most ranging from 250 to 650 square feet.

River cruising in the United States has become more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people look for sailings that are closer to home. American Cruise Lines, which owns its own shipyard in Maryland, has turned down other boat-building work so it can concentrate on cruise ships. American Symphony will debut on the Mississippi River in summer 2022 and American Serenade will launch at the end of 2022.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Disney Cruise Line reveals ship deployment plans for late 2025, early 2026

P ort Canaveral, Florida, will get to keep three Disney Cruise Line ships in late 2025 as the sailing plans for six of what will be eight ships in the fleet were revealed.

That includes Disney Treasure, set to debut this winter, and 2022’s Disney Wish as well as older ships Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy trading off sailing duties.

The new homeport and sailing plans for Disney Destiny, a sister ship to Wish and Treasure, were not announced, but they're slated to be delivered to the line at a yet-to-be-revealed date in 2025 and could end up at DCL’s new second Florida home in Port Everglades.

Also debuting in 2025 will be the Asia-bound Disney Adventure, but for now, DCL only revealed sailing plans for its two original ships, Magic and Wonder, its two decade-plus-old ships Dream and Fantasy and its two most recent ships, Wish and Treasure.

Port Canaveral will continue to host Wish sailing short three- and four-night Bahamas trips, while Treasure will continue with seven-night Caribbean sailings.

Disney Magic, which arrives to the port in summer 2025, will remain through October and then be replaced with Disney Fantasy in November, doing a four- and five-night set of itineraries through May 2026.

Wish, Magic and Fantasy all have some trips that visit Disney’s newest private Bahamas destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which welcomed first guests this month. Some sailings visit both Lookout Cay and the line’s original Bahamas private island, Castaway Cay.

Many of the September and October sailings will take on the popular Halloween on the High Seas theming while November and December sailings will have the Very Merrytime holiday theme.

Disney Magic has not sailed from Port Canaveral since 2016, and as the line’s oldest ship has been tasked with bouncing around the world for short-term stays at various markets. It will do so again after October, first heading to Puerto Rico for a series of seven-night Caribbean sailings, and then making its way to Galveston, Texas, for four- to seven-night western Caribbean trips through May 2026.

Disney Dream will keep sailing from its new year-round home in Port Everglades, which opened for business last fall. It will tackle three- to five-night Bahamas trips visiting either Lookout Cay, Castaway Cay or both, as well as some stops in Nassau through May 2026.

After a summer of Alaska sailings, Disney Wonder will continue its late 2025 duties in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, returning to the West Coast homeporting in San Diego beginning in March 2026 for three- and four-night Mexican Riviera sailings. This will be the third season Disney Wonder has sailed from Australia.

Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public June 28, with earlier dates available for the line’s variety of club-level members, but details can already be found on disneycruise.com.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit at orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

New! Disney Cruise Line Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Itineraries

Pearl Castaway Club Members: Book Your Cruise Starting June 24, 2024

Prepare to be swept away on a family adventure at sea brimming with new discoveries. With so many destinations to explore—from the vibrant shores of The Bahamas and the Caribbean to the historic Yucatan Peninsula and the breathtaking Pacific Coast—Disney Cruise Line has the perfect cruise for you and yours. Choose to cross the Atlantic on an epic voyage or immerse yourself in the urban charm of Vancouver and the tropical beauty of Hawaii. Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, explore our new ports in New Zealand or cruise the South Pacific, either to or from Australia. And through fall 2025, don’t miss out on the holiday magic on board with a spooktacular Halloween on the High Seas or a holly jolly Very Merrytime cruise. Receiving numerous awards recognizing us as the top cruise line for families, Disney Cruise Line will take you on whichever itinerary you choose in style—with all the refined dining, legendary entertainment and award-winning attention to detail you’ve come to expect from us. And with our flexible, pay-over-time option, there’s no better time to start planning your best vacation ever. Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

Surrender to the swaying palm trees, blue-water bliss and endless sunshine of such dreamy locales as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Tortola and our very own private island Disney Castaway Cay on a 5- or 7-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, Florida. Or set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico on a 7-night island-hopping adventure to destinations that might include St. Kitts, Antigua, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Dominica and St. Lucia. Along the way, delight in live shows, action-packed kids clubs and themed restaurants and bars.

Cruises from Galveston, Texas

The Bahamas

Soak up the laid-back pleasures of island life on a 3-, 4-, 5-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or on a 7-night sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Your magical journey drops anchor in sun-kissed ports of call that may include a stop at Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. From stingray encounters, fly-fishing and parasailing to celebrating the arts and culture of The Bahamas, there’s something for everyone.

Westbound Transatlantic

Experience the maritime history of Southampton, England before taking off on an epic cross-continental voyage over the Atlantic Ocean to sunny Port Canaveral on a 13-night transatlantic voyage. Along the way, drop anchor in Vigo and La Coruña in Spain, as well as Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal. And with 9 luxurious days at sea, you’ll have ample time to fully enjoy all the magical offerings on board—from sparkling pools, engaging youth clubs and fireworks at sea to Broadway-style shows, world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments and more.

Panama Canal

Embark the ultimate adventure during a 14-night cruise through the Panama Canal, starting in Galveston and ending in San Diego. Along the way, drop anchor in Cartagena, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas to explore rich culture, delicious food and enchanting cobblestone streets. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and stories waiting to be told.

Baja California and Mexican Riviera

Cast off from sunny San Diego, California on a 3- or 4-night cruise with stops to Catalina Island and Ensenada, home to beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and a vibrant culture. Or delight in a 7-night cruise to such balmy locales as Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada in Mexico. While sailing the Pacific, enjoy a dazzling array of onboard entertainment, cuisine and amenities—including Character greetings, deck parties, live shows and kids clubs.

Pacific Coast

Delight in the sights and sounds of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia before setting sail on a fun-filled 4-night cruise to sunny San Diego, California. Voyage along the rugged Pacific Coast while enjoying magical days at sea, complete with spectacular deck parties, Broadway-style shows, themed dining, Character greetings, imaginative kids clubs and more.

Embark on a sun-splashed Hawaiian adventure aboard the Disney Wonder. Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver or Vancouver to Honolulu on a 10-night sailing with stops in Nawiliwili (Kaua’i), Kahului (Maui) and Hilo (Hawai’i’s Big Island). Marvel at waterfalls at Akaka Falls, explore the lush flora at Liliuokalani Gardens and soak up the sun and surf at Kanaha Beach Park. On board, enjoy fabulous days at sea with dazzling Broadway-style shows, immersive themed dining and fun activities for the whole family.

South Pacific

Bask in the enchantment of breathtaking sunsets at sea when you set out on a 15-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney or a 14-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. Sail across the international dateline and drop anchor in dazzling destinations, including Nouméa, New Caledonia; Suva, Fiji; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and the Hawaiian Islands. While at sea, you’ll have ample time to delight in all the magical offerings on board from award-winning entertainment and exciting deck parties to imaginative dining, Character encounters and more.

New Zealand and Australia

Disney Cruise Line is bringing enchantment and cherished Disney friends Down Under for a new season of 3-, 4-, 5- and 10-night cruises sailing from Auckland, New Zealand; and 3- and 5-night sailings from Sydney, Australia; and 3-night sailings from Melbourne, Australia. Depending on your itinerary, stops on New Zealand cruises may include Wellington, Christchurch, Fiordland National Park, Tauranga and Napier, and Australia sailings, Hobart and Eden. While on board, immerse yourself in the magic of Disney storytelling with favorite Characters, imaginative dining, spectacular entertainment and themed events throughout your sailing.

Adventures by Disney Escapes

Discover the perfect getaway when you add on a pre- or post-trip to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Create a lifetime of family memories when you travel with Disney-trained Adventure guides to beautiful Sydney, Australia or dazzling European cities like London, Rome or Barcelona on 3- or 4-day Escapes. Tour the Sydney Opera House, see London’s Crown Jewels, partake in Barcelona's flamenco artistry or explore Rome's iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and more.

Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

To see discounted sailings on this line, use the Find a Bargain box on the left.

Celebrity is a premium cruise line, known for attentive service, well-appointed staterooms and delicious cuisine. Its ships are sleek and offer sophisticated touches like champagne-and-caviar bars and butler service in all suite accommodations. In addition, Celebrity boasts a world-class art collection of more than 1,200 museum-quality pieces. Works by Pablo Picasso, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol adorn the walls of public lounges and dining rooms.

Celebrity is widely praised for its outstanding cuisine. You'll enjoy meals presented with white-glove service, traditional English high teas, gourmet pizza delivery and a late-night treat -- Celebrity cruise waiters carry trays of appetizers through lounges from midnight to 1 a.m. Every ship is also equipped with a variety of specialty dining venues where guests can enjoy five-course meals, prepared tableside with the finest ingredients.

Dedicated to pampering guests, Celebrity's luxurious spa offers invigorating spa treatments that are sure to relax and rejuvenate the spirit. The Spa Café prepares delicious selections for guests looking for a healthier dining alternative.

Take advantage of our Celebrity cruise discounts and experience the "star treatment" firsthand.

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• Best overall
• Best for affordability
• Best for seniors
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic locations
• How we reviewed cruise insurance plans

Best Cruise Travel Insurance of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Plans

• Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Compare the Best Cruise Travel Insurance Companies

While booking a cruise takes off much of the pressure when coming up with itineraries, your trip can still encounter several hitches, which is where cruise travel comes in. The best cruise travel insurance will have high coverage limits on emergency medical evacuations, as sea to land evacuations can be expensive. They'll offer coverage for baggage delay, trip interruption, and it might be a good idea to have some adventure sports coverage if you plan on participating in any outdoor activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Here are our picks for the best cruise travel insurance companies in 2024.

Best Cruise Insurance Overall

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability

Axa travel insurance.

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review .

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors

 seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a pre-existing conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review . 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips

Hth worldwide travel insurance.

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost, as long as you purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts. Interruption coverage should also include coverage for missed stops on your cruise.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Travel medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances. 

When you purchase travel medical insurance, be sure to note whether your coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary insurance means you'll need to file a claim with your primary insurance provider before filing with your travel insurance provider. 

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses. You'll want high coverage limits for emergency evacuation, as sea-to-land evacuations can be costly. 

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience. It'll reimburse you for any money you spent replacing items while traveling. 

Adventure Sports Coverage

Cruises often offer activities that can be classified as adventure sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Medical treatment for injuries sustained while participating in these activities isn't normally covered under normal travel medical coverage. You'll want to ensure that your policy explicitly includes these policies or offers an add-on for adventure sports coverage. 

Tips for Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs. 

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

It's always best to purchase cruise insurance soon after placing the initial deposit on your cruise. The sooner you buy your insurance, the quicker your trip is protected against a sudden cancellation. Additionally, most travel insurance plans have optional riders you can add to your policy as long as you purchase your policy within a certain window.

For example, cancel for any reason coverage often needs to be purchased within a purchasing window, which can last anywhere between a few days to three weeks from your initial trip deposit. You can also get your pre-existing conditions covered under the same conditions. 

That said, most companies will let you buy travel insurance up until the day before your departure. There are some limited policies that you can purchase after you've left for your trip, such as Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical  policy.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like VisitorsCoverage and InsureMyTrip are good places to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cruise Insurance Plans

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

Cruise insurance typically covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and lost or damaged baggage, though coverage can vary based on the policy

Your options for travel insurance is severely limited after your trip starts, but you still have a few options.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim and before you travel, so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Cruise to the Edge 2025 Lineup: Robert Fripp, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Hackett

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The post Cruise to the Edge 2025 Lineup: Robert Fripp, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Hackett appeared first on Consequence .

The progressive rock cruise fest Cruise to the Edge has unveiled its 2025 lineup.

King Crimson’s Robert Fripp and his longtime manager and collaborator David Singleton will be headlining the cruise along with YES keyboard maestro Rick Wakeman and legendary prog guitarist Steve Hackett (ex-Genesis).

The cruise — named after the iconic YES album Close to the Edge — will set sail from Miami aboard the Norwegian Gem on April 4th and remain at sea through April 9th. The itinerary includes stops at ports of call in Puerto Plata and Great Stirrup Cay.

Certainly a destination event for prog heads, the cruise lineup also includes instrumental trio The Aristocrats, IQ, the Von Hertzen Bros., Leprous, Caligula’s Horse, Beardfish, Trifecta, Karmakanic, Temic, Lari Basilio, Pure Reason Revolution, and The Beggs Sisters.

Other returning cruise favorites include Big Big Train, Riverside, Haken, Saga, Pendragon, Gazpacho, Moon Safari, Magic Pie, Thank You Scientist, Dave Kerzner and Friends, Kyros, and Dave Cureton.

Meanwhile, Jon Kirkman, Roie Avin, and Mike Dawson will serve as hosts throughout the five-day excursion. Cruisegoers can expect to participate in activities such as artist/cruiser photo experiences, Q&A sessions, special theme nights, and other events. The cruise will once again feature the unprecedented CTTE Late Night Live, where fans can sign up to showcase their own musical talents.

For more on purchasing cabins and additional info, visit the Cruise to the Edge website .

Check out the lineup poster below.

Cruise to the Edge 2025 Lineup: Robert Fripp, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Hackett Jon Hadusek

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Best rewards credit cards of June 2024

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Best Rewards Credit Cards for June 2024

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best starter travel card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate travel rewards
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for hotel bookings
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for food and travel
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for flat-rate cash rewards
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best no-annual-fee travel card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best overall
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for easy-to-earn credits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for affordable travel perks
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for everyday spending
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for category variety
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best starter rewards card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best rewards value
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for groceries
• Citi Custom Cash® Card : Best for gas
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for everyday travel
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for savers
• Bilt Mastercard® : Best for paying rent
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for small-business owners
• Prime Visa : Best for online shopping

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We then surveyed an internal panel of expert credit card writers and editors as to which card from the candidate list was most deserving of a “Best Overall” distinction. The winner was selected based on popular vote.

Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Intro offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Rewards rate

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.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

What we love: Occasional travelers who value flexibility can enjoy this card’s excellent rewards on both travel and everyday spending, stellar travel protections and other lucrative benefits . It already delivers top-notch long-term value with its remarkable redemption options, Chase card pairing options and transfer partners.  Plus, the hefty welcome offer makes the short-term rewards value exceptional as well. Learn more:   Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it? Alternatives:   The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card could be more rewarding if you’d benefit from a larger pool of everyday reward categories and stronger benefits and rewards rates for hotel stays. However, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is worth considering if you just want straightforward, flat-rate rewards without sacrificing valuable transfer partners. 

• Its annual hotel statement credits and anniversary points bonus can carry enough value to easily justify the annual fee.
• Thanks to the 25 percent redemption value boost via Chase Travel, Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable rewards available through both transfer partners and the issuer portal.
• It doesn’t have flight-focused travel perks like airport lounge access or free checked bags.
• The card's grocery rewards rate only applies to eligible online grocery purchases, which could limit its appeal as a standalone option for everyday rewards.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 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, 60,000 points are worth $750 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

Best for flat-rate travel rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn 75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

The flat 2X rewards rate on purchases makes this a great travel starter card for all types of spenders since you can earn flexible miles even without spending a ton on travel. You also have the unique option to redeem miles for statement credits toward eligible past travel purchases. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Alternative: The Capital One Venture X may be more lucrative overall thanks to its practical perks and high-value annual credits. 

• According to Bankrate's valuations , each mile is worth on average 2 cents if redeemed through a Capital One transfer partner — great value for a flat-rate card.
• You can take advantage of statement credits for valuable perks like expedited security screening, making the already-low annual fee easy to offset.
• The welcome offer has a high spend requirement, so it may not be easy to attain.
• Some competitors provide more eye-catching perks like annual hotel credits, account anniversary bonus points and ridesharing perks.
• Unless you take advantage of Capital One’s transfer partners, your miles will only be worth 1 cent (or less, for non-travel redemptions). Other travel cards offer a higher point value if you redeem through the issuer’s portal.
• 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
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• 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

Best for hotel bookings

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

70,000 bonus points

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

• 10X Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• 1X Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What we love: Its annual hotel benefit could offer terrific value even if you only make a few trips per year. Spend $500 on a single hotel booking through CitiTravel.com each calendar year and you’ll instantly get a $100 benefit— enough to offset the annual fee all on its own. Alternatives:   The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may offer more value for both frequent travelers and everyday spenders, thanks mostly to its high point redemption value. And while its hotel perk is only worth up to $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel stays through Chase Travel, you’ll only need to spend $50 to earn it (versus $500 with the Strata Premier).

• It earns rewards in several key everyday spending categories, so it should be easy to earn travel points even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel.
• It stacks exceptionally well with no-annual-fee Citi rewards cards, giving you a chance to maximize your rewards in nearly every major spending category.
• You’ll only earn the annual hotel benefit if you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com. That’s pretty inflexible.
• Bankrate estimates that Citi rewards carry a lower average redemption value (around 1.6 cents per point) than several competing programs (some of which offer 2 cents per point or more in value).
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best for food and travel

American Express® Gold Card

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 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. 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.

See Pay Over Time APR

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: This premium card offers one of the best rewards rates you can get with a single card on both dining and U.S. supermarket purchases, plus stellar travel rewards value via its list of Amex transfer partners. It has a pricey annual fee, but traveling foodies might find the additional yearly credits on eligible dining, Uber and hotel purchases (through American Express Travel) valuable enough to nearly offset the $250 annual fee . Learn more: Why expert Matt Bundrick loves the Amex Gold Alternative: For a higher annual fee, the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are smart picks if you’re itching for more than dining rewards since both offer better travel perks , rewards and protections. But the Capital One SavorOne or Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a better fit if you want excellent dining and grocery rewards for a more modest annual fee.

• Transferring points to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs, which include popular brands like Delta and Hilton, can get you more value.
• You can earn additional rewards by enrolling in Amex Offers.
• You'll need to use the annual credits or transfer points for travel frequently to offset the annual fee.
• Your points are worth much less if you redeem them to cover dining purchases or any travel purchases other than airfare (they’re often worth half as much or less).
• 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.
• Terms Apply.

Best for flat-rate cash rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

$200 cash rewards

• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

What we love: This well-rounded card carries one of the highest flat cash rewards rates available. Since there’s no need to track categories or jump through additional hoops, it’s an especially good fit if you prefer a simple cash rewards structure. Learn more: Expert Aja McClanahan discusses if the Wells Fargo Active Cash is worth it Alternative: The Citi Double Cash® Card may be a better option if you’re looking for a long intro APR balance transfer offer. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® could also be more valuable thanks to its additional 3 percent cash back categories. 

• Paying your monthly cellphone bill with your card earns you cellphone protection, a relatively valuable perk.
• You can redeem your rewards as physical cash in $20 increments when you use a Wells Fargo ATM — a convenient option missing from many rewards cards.
• Though it comes with Visa Signature® features, the Active Cash card's extra perks are otherwise limited.
• You cannot transfer rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs and can only redeem through Wells Fargo.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Best no-annual-fee travel card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: Although you only earn 1.25X miles on purchases other than Capital One Travel hotel and rental car bookings, its intro APR offer and transfer partners make it a great option for savings-minded travelers and rewards beginners alike. Learn more: 7 reasons to get the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card Alternative: If you prioritize a card’s rewards rate over basic travel perks and transfer partners, consider the no-annual-fee Discover it® Miles card or the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for a 1.5X reward rate on all purchases that can be redeemed for versatile travel purchase statement credits. 

• You can transfer miles to airline and hotel partners — a rare perk for a no-annual-fee travel card.
• There’s a relatively lengthy intro APR period for purchase and balance transfer— uncommon for a travel mile card.
• If you don’t plan on transferring rewards to Capital One’s travel partners, another travel rewards card may offer better point redemption value.
• If you usually fly within the U.S., keep in mind that Capital One’s transfer partners don’t include any major domestic airlines or hotels outside the Wyndham brand.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• 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

Best overall

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

• 8% 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
• 3% 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
• 1% 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

Why it’s the best overall: "If I had to pick one rewards card to use for all of my spending, this would be near the top of my list. Its low cost and great rewards rate in some of my most important everyday spending categories mean it offers terrific standalone value. It’s an even better fit now that I have a Capital One travel card and can transfer rewards to it (and maybe even squeeze more value out of them)."  — Nouri Zarrugh , Senior Editor, Credit Cards What we love: This card’s terrific mix of everyday bonus categories makes it a top pick if you want a single card that earns rewards on food and fun. You’ll earn an excellent unlimited cash back rate at restaurants, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and even on many entertainment purchases that don’t typically earn credit card rewards — like tickets to movies, sporting events and more. Learn more: Is the Capital One SavorOne worth it? Alternative: If you don’t spend much at the grocery store or on entertainment, then the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may be a better option . You'll have plenty of chances to earn cash back in multiple bonus categories (including dining) and a fair flat rate for all other eligible purchases. 

• It’s easily one of the most well-rounded rewards cards available thanks to its generous cash back rates and variety, accessible welcome offer and long intro APR periods.
• It offers automatic cash back redemption — a relatively rare option that can make the rewards experience even easier.
• Superstores and wholesale clubs like Walmart, Target, BJ’s and Sam’s Club do not count for elevated rewards rates, which may limit your potential earnings.
• You can redeem cash rewards on Amazon.com, but there is a list of restricted items .
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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.

Earn 80,000 points

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. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 5X 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.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

What we love: This card’s perks, protections and credits eclipse those of competing travel cards, offering thousands in value and making it easy to justify its expensive annual fee. If you take advantage of its luxury travel and shopping benefits, this can be one of the best travel cards available. Learn more: Is the Amex Platinum worth the yearly fee? Alternative: The Amex Platinum's perks may not be a great fit for some cardholders. The Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X may offer more practical perks at a lower cost. 

• You could earn perhaps the most valuable welcome offer currently available when applying for the Amex Platinum through CardMatch : 150,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months.
• Carries perhaps the most comprehensive lounge access, hotel privileges and travel benefits of any mainstream personal card.
• Several annual credits and perks aren’t practical for many cardholders (like the Equinox and private jet program offers), which may make the $695 annual fee tough to offset.
• The bonus category coverage is quite narrow, so you’ll have to lean on the extra perks for the bulk of your value.
• 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.

Best for easy-to-earn credits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels. Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines. Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 5X Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
• 4X Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: Though the card carries an annual fee ($95), it should be easy to offset thanks to the $50 statement credit you can earn each year you make a $50 minimum airline purchase. Earning this should be no problem even for occasional travelers. Plus, you aren’t forced to use the credit toward future airfare or hotel bookings as you are with some competing travel cards. Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of its main competitors since it also carries a $95 annual fee and earns rewards in many of the same categories. It has a leg up when it comes to redemption, though, since its points are worth 25 percent more when you use them to book Chase travel.

• Redemption is flexible: You can use rewards for travel and cash back without worrying about point values, or you can transfer to one of the issuer’s new airline and hotel partners.
• It carries a decent mix of practical travel perks, including lost baggage reimbursement and trip cancellation protection that can reimburse you up to $15,000 for lodging, flights, and activities if your trip is canceled for a covered reason.
• It offers a different rewards rate for hotels, airfare and other travel, making it a bit harder to keep up with than a mid-tier card that offers a flat rewards rate on all travel purchases.
• You can only stack travel points with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, and several of its bonus categories overlap with the Autograph Journey card’s.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Best for affordable travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 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

75,000 miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

2 Miles - 10 Miles

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: Yearly perks like $300 in annual credits for Capital One travel bookings can make the Venture X worth it for both occasional and frequent travelers who want top-tier perks at a lower cost than competing luxury cards. Learn more: Why the Capital One Venture X is great for saving on your next trip Alternative: If you don't think you'll use Venture X’s features , consider a lower-cost travel card instead. The base Venture card also earns a flat 2X miles, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred can offer higher redemption value and other bonus categories beyond travel. 

• Since the card’s travel perks make it easy to offset the annual fee, you won’t have to worry about offsetting the card’s cost with earning enough rewards.
• You’ll also enjoy Visa Infinite benefits (including exclusive travel concierge service) and the Capital One Travel portal’s AI-powered pricing perks for more affordable bookings.
• It’s missing a number of the luxury benefits you’ll find on rival cards, like an annual CLEAR membership credit, complimentary hotel or airline loyalty status and other airline hotel and restaurant partner perks.
• Its biggest drawback is perhaps Capital One’s lack of major domestic airline partners, which limits the value of your miles compared to rewards on other travel cards.
• 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

Best for category variety

Discover it® Cash Back

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

Cashback Match

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

• 5% Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
• 1% Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

What we love: Discover’s cash back calendar usually is packed with essential everyday categories, so there are plenty of opportunities to rake in cash back if you don’t mind strategizing where and when to shop each quarter. This impressive card also boasts market-low rates and fees and a valuable cash back match welcome offer at the end of the first year. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover it® Cash Back Alternative: If you’re looking to maximize your seasonal spending rewards, you may get more value from the Chase Freedom Flex℠ thanks to its rotating bonus categories plus year-round 3 percent dining and drugstore categories, which can give you more cash back to lean on if a quarterly category doesn’t align with your spending. 

• It’s one of the best cash back cards on the market if you’re looking for minimal fees: no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, penalty APR or fee on your first late payment (up to $41 after that). You’ll also enjoy solid intro APR offers and a decent ongoing APR.
• Its rotating bonus category variety is nearly unmatched, typically including everything from groceries to online shopping.
• You must activate and track your bonus categories each quarter, which could make the card too high-maintenance for some applicants.
• The card carries hardly any additional features (like travel insurance or other credits) beyond its rewards and low rates and fees.
• It has a quarterly spending cap for bonus categories.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best card for everyday spending

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Up to $300 cash back

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

• 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
• 1.5% 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

What we love: This unique card not only earns an elevated rewards rate on all purchases, but also gives you an edge over similar cards with its year-round dining and drugstore bonus categories. If you want to pick one card and stick with it, this is a great choice.   Learn more: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it? Alternatives: A 2 percent flat-rate cash back card like the Citi Double Cash® Card could be better if you’re focused on flat-rate rewards. A card designed for everyday spending, like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card or the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express could also be more lucrative as a standalone option.

• With solid earning rates, a decent sign-up bonus, and a strong intro APR offer, this is a great card for any rewards enthusiast.
• You can combine this card’s rewards with other premium Chase rewards to unlock more value through travel redemptions and partners.
• A few rival no-annual-fee cards carry a higher rewards rate on general spending.
• The welcome offer could require more effort to earn the typical $200 value other cards can deliver.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Best starter rewards card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.

• 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

What we love: If you’re new to rewards and want to keep things simple, this card’s straightforward rewards program should be a terrific fit. Add in perks like an intro APR and the ability to redeem rewards automatically and this card should be a well-rounded starter option. Learn more: Why expert Nicole Dieker loves the Capital One Quicksilver Alternative: A few flat-rate rewards cards easily beat the Quicksilver due to its low rewards rate, including the Wells Fargo Active Cash (unlimited 2 percent cash rewards) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited (bonus rewards on dining and drugstore purchases as well as a flat 1.5 percent rewards rate on general purchases). 

• The card’s welcome bonus is one of the easiest to earn with a low spend requirement.
• You can earn rewards with minimal effort before graduating to a higher-maintenance card that offers better rewards rates.
• Even compared to other cash back cards available with no annual fee, its perks are limited.
• Some rival cards offer unlimited 2 percent cash back on all purchases while still charging no annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn

Best rewards value

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Its travel and dining rewards are some of the most valuable we’ve found if you plan to take advantage of Chase’s card combinations, transfer partners, Ultimate Rewards redemption options. Fortunately, these rewards can go straight into your next trip rather than toward the annual fee, courtesy of first-class benefits like the $300 in annual travel credits, comprehensive travel insurance and airport perks. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Alternative: The Amex Platinum card provides even more annual credits and luxury privileges, including better airport lounge access. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X may be more cost-effective and can help you earn rewards at a similar (or even higher) rate in their key categories.

• The general travel category alone is quite comprehensive, and the first $300 you spend on these purchases is covered by annual travel credits.
• It pairs incredibly well with other Chase rewards cards since you can pool points across multiple cards and boost your point value by 50 percent when you redeem for Chase Travel℠ bookings.
• This card charges a steep $550 annual fee, which may be hard to upkeep if you aren’t planning to use perks other than the rewards and annual travel credits (like the Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership).
• Its luxury travel perk roster isn’t as strong as that of some rival cards since it’s missing benefits like complimentary airline or hotel loyalty status.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 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, 60,000 points are worth $900 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®

Best for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

19.24% - 29.99% Variable

• 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
• 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
• 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases

What we love: Maximizing the Blue Cash Preferred could make it perhaps the most rewarding card for groceries year-round — especially if you’re a commuter or part of a family or household that spends a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. What’s more, the annual credits and elevated rates for other everyday expenses like transit, select U.S. streaming services and U.S. gas station purchases make it a more well-rounded card. Learn more: Why expert Ted Rossman loves the Blue Cash Preferred Alternative: A flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card could provide better value at superstores (like Target and Walmart) or wholesale clubs (like Costco or Sam’s Club). And if the annual fee is a deal-breaker, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card may work for smaller budgets.

• The card also offers unlimited 6 percent back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions — one of the best rates available in that category.
• Few premium cards offer intro APR periods, but this card provides an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers — handy for chipping away at the cost of large expenses over time.
• Your only redemption options are statement credits, gift cards or merchandise.
• Purchases at wholesale clubs, superstores (like Walmart), and specialty stores (bakeries, farmers markets, etc.) are excluded from the card’s U.S. supermarket bonus category and only earn 1 percent back.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit on Amazon.com at checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.

Best for gas

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

• 5% Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
• 4% Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• 1% Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

What we love: This card automatically earns bonus rewards in your biggest spending category each billing cycle, with 10 eligible categories including gas. The rewards rate is one of the highest available year-round on gas purchases without requiring an annual fee, making it a remarkable partner card for frequent drivers aiming to maximize everyday rewards on fluctuating gas prices. Learn more: Is the Citi Custom Cash worth it? Alternative: For more choice and flexibility, you may prefer the Bank of America Customized Cash card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card . These cards not only let you choose from a wide selection of bonus categories, but you also earn bonus rewards in more than one category. 

• Since you aren't locked into year-round or quarterly bonus categories, you can enjoy more flexibility in how you earn top rewards.
• For a no-annual fee card, it offers attractive additional perks if you receive it with World Elite Mastercard status, such as partner offers with Lyft and DoorDash.
• It may not work well as a standalone card since you’ll only earn 1 percent back on other everyday purchases outside your top eligible spending category.
• You’ll only earn 5 percent back on your first $500 in an eligible category each billing cycle (1 percent after that). This could hold you back if you spend heavily in one category or share the account among multiple households.
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• No Annual Fee
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Best for everyday travel

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases.

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

What we love: Thanks to its mix of practical everyday categories, the Autograph card makes for a solid low-maintenance rewards card. Commuters, families and road-trippers can squeeze a lot of value from its gas station, dining at a restaurant, transit and other bonus categories, making it easy to earn points even if you only travel occasionally. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternative: Despite its modest annual fee ($0 intro fee for the first year, then $95), the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could be more rewarding thanks to its best-in-class cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases. It also features many of the same bonus categories as the Autograph card.

• It's a great standalone card with everyday bonus categories (like restaurants and gas) coupled with harder-to-find extras like cell phone protection plans.
• The introductory purchase APR could be a big help if you need to chip away at the cost of a trip or other large purchases over time.
• Unlike some of the best travel cards, the Autograph card doesn’t let you transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, so the value of your rewards may be limited.
• Frequent travelers hoping for perks like airport lounge access or credits for expedited security will likely get more value out of another card.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Best for savers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: With qualifying account balances, Bank of America's Preferred Rewards® program can boost your rewards rates by 25 percent to 75 percent, and infrequent flyers can use their points for cash back without losing value. Plus, the up to $100 in annual airline incidental statement credits can help make up for the annual fee if you enjoy in-flight commodities. Learn more: The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card benefits guide Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be a better alternative since you’ll get many of the same travel perks and protections for the same annual fee, but it has more valuable points.

• The annual fee is easy to offset with statement credits for airline incidentals.
• The current welcome offer could cover the cost of a quick trip, depending on the airline.
• You won’t get a break on interest charges if you carry a balance since it doesn’t have intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
• To get the most out of this card, you need to have eligible savings or investment accounts with Bank of America or Merrill Lynch.
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for paying rent

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

3x points on dining. 2x points on travel. 1x points on other purchases. Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

1X Points - 3X Points

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: There’s simply no card like it — it’s the only card that lets you earn rewards and avoid fees when you pay rent. Plus, the card offers a long list of high-value travel partners, giving renters and aspiring homeowners tremendous rewards redemption potential toward travel, rent payments or home down payments. Alternative: A no-annual-fee cash back card with everyday categories and additional redemption options, like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, could be better for everyday savings. You may also earn more rewards on your utilities and other household expenses with a flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.

• Bilt points currently rank as some the most valuable rewards on the market based on Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations .
• It carries a solid set of perks for a no-annual-fee card, including travel and purchase protections and ongoing credits for Lyft.
• If you are looking to build credit, this is one of the few cards that lets you earn rewards and build credit too.
• Redemption options are limited, and you can’t opt for regular cash back. Your main options are redeeming to cover rent, a home down payment or travel.
• You have to make at least five transactions with the card before rewards rates apply.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Best for small-business owners

American Express® Business Gold Card

Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

Earn 70,000 points

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. 1X is earned for other purchases. **.

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• 1X 1X is earned for other purchases. **

What we love: It carries a terrific mix of bonus categories tailored to small-business owners, including everything from U.S. gas stations to computer software, so it could be a great standalone option if you’re focused on earning travel rewards more than enjoying lounge access and other luxury perks. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Amex Business Gold card Alternative: The Capital One Venture X Business Rewards Credit Card offers much better travel perks, including an annual travel credit and anniversary bonus points that make it more than worth it. Its flat rewards rate means it’s also a better fit if you’re looking to keep things simple. 

• Earns bonus rewards in several key small-business spending categories, making it a versatile option as both a standalone and supplementary rewards card.
• Offers a flexible spending limit via its Pay Over Time feature, which could help you free up cash flow or finance large business purchases.
• You only earn 4X points on the first $150,000 you spend per year across two eligible spending categories, so you may leave rewards on the table if you have high expenses.
• It’s missing perks like lounge access and airline or hotel elite status, which you can find on other business travel cards at a similar price level.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply

Best for online shopping

• Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare). Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

• 5% Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
• 2% Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
• 1% Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases

What we love: Few cards offer such a high rewards rate on Amazon purchases, and perhaps no other card offers this year-round online shopping rate with no spending cap. The card is also surprisingly versatile for Amazon Prime members offline, raking in rewards on Chase Travel bookings and local commuting, as well as purchases at Whole Foods Market, restaurants and gas stations. Learn more: What card expert Holly Johnson loves about the Prime Visa Alternative: If you want to earn rewards on groceries and online shopping without being stuck buying from Amazon.com or Whole Foods, consider the Blue Cash Everyday card. It offers a solid rewards rate on both U.S. online retail purchases and at U.S. supermarkets, making it a more flexible but still lucrative option. 

• The sign-up bonus is lower than other no-annual-fee rewards card bonuses, but you’ll earn it instantly on approval, with no spending requirement to worry about.
• Unlocks exclusive pay-over-time financing on eligible Amazon purchases, giving you a chance to chip away at large expenses without stressing over interest charges (terms apply).
• For a no-annual-fee general rewards card, Prime Visa offers significant travel benefits like no foreign transaction fees, lost luggage reimbursement and travel accident insurance.
• It doesn’t carry a traditional intro APR, so you can’t finance non-Amazon purchases with a 0 percent APR.
• An Amazon Prime membership runs $139 per year, so the bonus rates might be only worth it if you already are or plan to become a member.
• Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
• Earn unlimited 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
• Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
• Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual credit card fee
• No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day

Compare Bankrate’s top rewards credit cards

The information about the My GM Rewards® Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

* Bankrate’s points and miles valuations are based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

A rewards credit card earns points, miles or cash back on eligible purchases. You can earn rewards at a flat rate or at a higher rate in specific bonus categories depending on the card.

The issuer credits your account with your earnings, which you can redeem for statement credits, travel, gift cards or merchandise.

Types of rewards credit cards

Some of the most common types of rewards credit cards include cash back cards , travel rewards cards and business rewards cards. 

Cash back credit cards

Cash back cards earn back a percentage of your purchases, usually in the form of a statement credit or direct deposit to a linked checking or savings account. Depending on the card, you may earn a percentage back on all purchases ( flat-rate rewards ), in specific bonus categories ( tiered category rewards ), or in categories that change quarterly or monthly ( rotating category rewards ).

Learn more: How to choose a cash back credit card .

I have always been a big fan of cash back credit cards. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of my favorites since my family of four spends a lot on groceries. My only complaint is that the rate drops to 1 percent back after $6,000 in annual spending. I also use the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card a lot for its unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases my other cards only earn 1 percent back on. — Ted Rossman Senior Industry Analyst, Credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards

There are two main types of travel rewards credit cards : co-branded and general-purpose. 

• Co-branded travel cards offer unique perks and boosted rewards on purchases with specific airlines or hotel brands, typically earning points or miles unique to that brand. This makes them less flexible than general travel cards. 
• General-purpose travel cards earn rewards that aren’t tied to a single airline or hotel brand. You can often earn more valuable rewards on a wider variety of everyday and travel purchases with these cards. Some cards even let you transfer points or miles to a partner loyalty program.

Business rewards credit cards

Business rewards cards earn cash back, points or miles on common business expenses, like office supplies, advertising services or travel. These cards sometimes carry perks like free employee cards, annual software or service credits, high spending limits and big sign-up bonuses.

Learn more: How to choose a business credit card

From our experts

Based on the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study , our expert Ted Rossman breaks down the data on the rewards and perks cardholders value, how issuers rank and how you should factor these trends into your credit card decision.

Weighing rewards value

A crucial part of choosing the right rewards card is understanding the value of a card’s earned rewards. Here’s a quick rundown of how reward rates and redemption values work.

• Understanding rewards rates
• Understanding redemption values
• Credit card rewards are usually earned as cash back, points or miles. This means you’ll get a certain number of points/miles or a certain percentage of your purchase back per dollar spent. For example: 1 percent cash back on $100 = $1 cash back. And 1X points or miles on $100 = 100 points or miles back.
• A card’s reward rate depends on how it earns them. Flat-rate cards typically earn 1.5 percent to 2 percent rewards. Tiered category cards earn anywhere from 2 percent to 6 percent rewards. Rotating category cards often earn 5 percent rewards on categories that change each quarter.
• Some reward cards have spending caps, meaning the reward rate drops down to 1 percent rewards after you spend a certain amount in a select category within a timeframe. This is often up to $1,500 per quarter or up to $6,000 per year.
• Reward redemption options differ by card, but often include cash back, travel bookings, gift cards and merchandise through the issuer portal. 
• Travel redemptions are often the most valuable option, but require the most work. You can redeem points or miles through the issuer travel portal for airfare, hotel stays, travel experiences or rental cars. Some issuers allow you to transfer your points or miles to travel partners, which can boost your reward value even further (or reduce the value if you’re not careful).
• Cash back redemption values are straightforward and usually worth 1 cent back per dollar spent. On the other hand, keep in mind that points or miles redeemed for cash back are usually worth less than 1 cent.
• To find out if a rewards card is worth it for you, you’ll need to do some quick math. The easiest way to calculate the value of your rewards points is to divide the cash value of what you’re redeeming your points for by the number of points required to redeem it. (Example: $700 plane ticket / 70,000 points needed = 1 cent point value) 

To make it easier to gauge the right rewards card for the job, we’ve already crunched the numbers for you. Our up-to-date list of point and mile values gives you a sense of how much the most popular airline and hotel rewards are worth on average.

Looking for a particular type of rewards credit card?

Beginner’s guide to credit card points, pros and cons of rewards credit cards.

A rewards card can be a great way to save on purchases but there are some downsides if you’re not careful. If you're wondering whether rewards credit cards are worth it , here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind:

Rewards: You can save money by earning rewards on purchases.

Sign-up bonuses/intro APRs: You can take advantage of a generous sign-up bonus or intro APRs kickstart your rewards or help pay down purchases or a previous balance.

Perks: Many cards feature handy benefits, like travel savings and purchase protections.

Rewards caps: Some cards limit the earnable rewards, which could reduce the card’s value if your spending far exceeds the cap.

High APRs: Cards’ high APRs can cancel out any rewards you may earn.

Annual fees: Unless you maximize your reward earnings or card perks, it may be hard to outweigh the cost of some cards’ annual fees.

Once you have your card in hand, you can put it to work by maximizing its rewards . Here’s some advice from the Bankrate experts on how to put your rewards card to best use. 

Maximizing your card value

Here are some quick tips to help you squeeze out as much value as possible from your rewards card. 

Optimize your spending and redemption

Concentrate your spending on categories that earn higher rewards and track your spending to see if you’re missing out on any reward opportunities. Then, always redeem your rewards for the option that offers maximum value.

You may need to shift your credit card strategy depending on lifestyle changes. For instance, credit card rewards can help minimize inflation costs on groceries, dining and other major expenses. Or if you’re back at the office, a card that rewards gas purchases, travel or transit may fit your budget better.

Earn your sign-up bonus

Make a plan to meet the spending requirement without overspending and redeem your bonus through the optimal redemption method.

Leverage your extra benefits

Make sure you can offset your annual fee via your typical rewards spending. Better yet, do so with your card’s annual credits and perks without relying on your rewards. If you can barely cover the fee or fall short, you may want to downgrade to a no-annual-fee card . Big spenders in the same position may want to upgrade to a premium card for more valuable perks.

Double up on cards to earn more

You can rake in more rewards by pairing a card that rewards your highest spending category with a supporting flat-rate card. This cornerstone strategy ensures you earn rewards on as many purchases as possible, including those that fall outside of typical categories.

Learn more: Best credit card combinations to maximize rewards

Understand merchant category codes (MCCs)

These four-digit codes classify where purchases fall into your card’s bonus categories. Knowing your card network’s MCCs allows you to see whether you need to change your shopping habits, which card is better for which expense and how you may be able to snag unexpected rewards.

Learn more: How to earn more cash back with merchant category codes

Don’t carry a balance

Carrying a balance leads to interest charges, which will eat through any rewards you’ve earned. Set up autopay and pay that month’s statement balance in full to avoid interest.

Ask the experts: What's your go-to method for maximizing credit card rewards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

As someone who travels a lot, I focus on travel rewards, mostly hotel accommodations, with no hotel brand affinity. I use an online discount travel site’s branded card, using promo codes at the point of sale. I earn the most points on travel booked through the site, and I also get a bonus on points I’ve redeemed toward past travel purchases. The points can also be used to purchase trips on the site, and points are earned on those purchases as well. I also use the Upromise.com browser extension that lets you know when you can earn an additional 5 percent cash back shopping online that goes automatically into a 529 college savings account.

Contributor, Personal Finance

Most people focus their credit card strategy on how to earn the most points possible and then later think about what they might be able to redeem them for. I think this is backwards. I like to start by knowing what reward I’m working toward, then reverse engineer my earning strategy. I’m not just earning points — I’m earning the right points, and I know I’m going to be able to put them into use! This is much more motivating.

Contributor, Credit Cards

I spend naturally, but use my credit cards for almost every expense. I don't look at how many rewards I have earned monthly because I like being surprised by how many I have to redeem.

Tips for choosing the best rewards card for you

Navigating all the rewards card options available can be difficult. Here are some tips and insights from Bankrate writer Garrett Yarbrough about his own reward card journey that can help you decide which rewards card would fit you best .

• Figure out where you spend the most each month. Once you know your major monthly categories, you match your spending with a fitting rewards card. “My biggest expenses tend to be everyday purchases like groceries, gas and dining. I love to cook, too, so I’d probably lean on a grocery rewards card more than one with a restaurant category,” explains Yarbrough. “On paper, my spending habits meant a card with a high rewards rate at grocery stores would be helpful. But in practice, I’d likely rack up more rewards with a flat-rate card.” 
• Look at the card's fees. APR and foreign transaction fees are worth keeping an eye on, but the annual fee is the most important. You'll need to decide whether the card’s benefits and potential rewards can help offset the yearly cost. This was less an issue for Garrett: “APRs weren’t a huge concern since I already had a low-interest card from my credit union and I avoid carrying a balance, so I focused on rewards.”
• Consider intro APR offers or sign-up bonuses. Many rewards cards offer sign-up bonus rewards and a zero-percent introductory APR on balance transfers and/or new purchases. Short-term value isn’t everything, but these offers can give a card an edge if you prioritize earning rewards, paying off debt or the middle-ground: a shorter intro APR with rewards
• Factor in perks that are valuable to you. Perks that come with a card can play a key role in determining its overall value, especially if the perks can help offset the annual fee. “Knowing I wanted a future-proof, flat-rate rewards card with diverse redemption options and plenty of pairing opportunities helped me quickly narrow my search to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®,” Yarbrough notes.
• Determine how you’d like to redeem your rewards. Cash back cards are generally easiest if you want to put your rewards back into your everyday spending. If you don’t mind strategizing, you could earn more valuable points with a travel rewards card. Garrett made sure to keep this option open when choosing the Freedom Unlimited: “I can eventually boost the value of the Freedom Unlimited card’s rewards by adding the Chase Sapphire Preferred to my wallet and redeeming points for travel. Until then, the Freedom Unlimited gives me a stellar foundation on which to build my rewards strategy.”

Staff Picks: Our experts' favorite rewards programs

Ana Staples

Garrett Yarbrough

Ryan Flanigan

Lead Writer, Credit Cards

“I have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which earns incredibly flexible travel rewards. I'm not big on rewards transfers, so I appreciate that Capital One miles hold consistent value whether I book travel through the issuer's portal or use miles to cover recent travel purchases. Plus, I convert my Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card’s cash back into miles to earn free travel faster. It's really simple and convenient!"

Writer, Credit Cards

“I base my cards strategy around earning flexible rewards on everyday spending while minimizing the number of cards I need to use. In all my years of reviewing credit cards, I’ve found the Chase Ultimate Rewards program still strikes the best balance between versatility and value. It’s hard to beat a program that offers top-shelf rewards value through transfer partners, a full 1-cent-per-point cash back redemption value and a unique rewards value boost toward issuer-booked travel.”

“I like to maximize my rewards on every purchase, no matter how large or small. I get the best value from Chase Ultimate Rewards points, particularly when transferring to World of Hyatt or Southwest Airlines rewards. Whether it's spending towards an annual bonus or using the best bonus multiplier for almost any category, my arsenal of Chase cards bring the largest possible return for the best possible value. Combining my points boosts the value earned by each card, making my Chase cards a well-oiled rewards machine that facilitates great travel experiences for my family.”

What people are saying about rewards credit cards

Bankrate regularly dips into social media to see what big rewards card topics are getting people talking. So what’s currently on consumers' minds? 

One of the more popular, newer discussions is over the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), a proposed legislation that could potentially damage credit card rewards programs. The fear: if card issuers ultimately make less income on interchange fees, they’ll reduce consumer card reward opportunities to make up the difference. One Reddit user doesn’t have high hopes:

“They did push exactly this measure through a decade ago for debit cards; now the same guy is pushing the same law for credit cards. Optimistic to bet against him, I fear.”* — Reddit user

User comments from financial Youtuber ClearValue Tax’s videos on the topic hold a similar sentiment:

“Rewards is a HUGE reason I use credit cards other than to build credit. If this happens I would go down to having 1 credit card instead of managing 6 for maximum rewards.”* — ClearValue Tax video comment

A piece of legislation like the Credit Card Competition Act could cripple credit card rewards as we know them. The Capital One and Discover merger could potentially impact the CCCA as it currently stands, but we’ll know more about whether the act may change or pass later this year. 

Other than that, it’s business as usual over on other sites like the credit cards subreddit, Flyertalk and Tiktok. Users are mainly talking about the typical point-chasing topics like best rewards program and card combinations. Some things never change — if we’re lucky.  

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

When evaluating the best rewards cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best rewards cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best rewards cards.  

• Flexibility 15%
• Customer experience 5%

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. 

The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.  

Some of the major spending categories that contribute towards the annual spend include:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Here’s a deeper look at the factors considered as part of a rewards card’s “Value” rating:

• Ongoing rewards value 30%
• Sign-up bonus value 25%
• Annual fee & average APR 20%
• Rewards rate 15%
• Annual bonus value 10%

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

Have more questions for our credit card editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently asked questions about rewards credit cards

Do credit card rewards expire.

Typically, credit card rewards don’t expire for the life of your account. That means your rewards won’t expire as long as you keep your account open and in good standing.

However, make sure to read your rewards program’s terms and conditions carefully since this isn’t guaranteed for all cards. 

Are credit card rewards taxable?

Generally, rewards are not considered taxable since the IRS considers the rewards to be a form of rebate on the purchase. Though uncommon, rewards may be taxable if they’re received under circumstances like bonus offers without a spending requirement. Make sure to look at the credit card’s terms to see the conditions of how you can receive and redeem bonus rewards.

What credit score do I need for a rewards card?

You typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score 670 and higher) to qualify for a competitive rewards card. Premium travel cards might require an excellent credit score (FICO score of 800 and above). You can also find rewards cards for people with fair credit , but the rewards and perks might be limited.

Learn more about rewards credit cards

How to score a rewards card without good credit

Should I get a travel credit card that earns points, miles or both

The pros and cons of travel credit cards

Underrated ways to earn credit card rewards

Traveler’s guide to the best frequent flyer programs

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.