This article provides a review of the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card. It highlights the key features of the card and discusses whether it is a good option for frequent NCL cruisers. Here are the key points:
- The Norwegian Cruise Line credit card is a no-annual-fee card with minimal perks.
- The card is issued by Bank of America and requires a good credit score for approval.
- The card offers no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- However, it lacks the travel and shopping protections offered by many other travel credit cards.
- The card earns WorldPoints, which can be redeemed for onboard credit, cabin upgrades, cruise discounts, free cruises, car rentals, hotel stays, cash rewards, and gift cards.
- The earning rates on the card are slightly better than competitor cruise cards, but there are other credit cards that offer more bonus points on specific category spending.
- Overall, the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card may be appealing for those who frequently cruise with NCL, but there are better options available for earning rewards.
Full Article
The Norwegian Cruise Line credit card is a no-annual-fee card designed to reward frequent NCL cruisers with discounts, onboard credits, and free cruises. Issued by Bank of America, the card offers no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it appealing for those who frequently make purchases outside the U.S., such as when traveling by Norwegian cruise ship.
However, the card lacks the travel and shopping protections offered by many other travel credit cards, such as trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage protection, and trip cancellation insurance. While stand-alone insurance policies can be purchased, it may be more convenient to have these protections included with a credit card.
The NCL credit card earns WorldPoints, which are different from the Latitude Rewards points earned through Norwegian’s loyalty program. Cardholders earn 3 WorldPoints for every dollar spent on Norwegian purchases, 2 WorldPoints per dollar spent on eligible air and hotel purchases, and 1 WorldPoint per dollar spent on all other purchases. The ability to earn more as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member can increase the rate at which points are earned.
Points earned on the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card can be redeemed for onboard credit, cabin upgrades, cruise discounts, free cruises, car rentals, hotel stays, cash rewards, and gift cards. However, the points redemption value is generally lower compared to other travel rewards credit cards. For example, redeeming points for cruise discounts and onboard credit is straightforward, with rewards valued at 1 cent per point. Free cruise redemptions start at 80,000 points for an inside cabin on a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise for two.
Overall, the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card may be appealing for those who frequently cruise with NCL. However, for those who go on an NCL cruise only once a year, the points earned may not add up quickly. Other cash-back or general travel rewards credit cards may offer more value with bigger welcome bonuses or higher earning rates on everyday spending. Ultimately, the Norwegian Cruise Line credit card is best suited for those who can spend enough on the card before the points expire to earn substantial rewards.
