Insider Strategies for First-Class Cruise Perks Without the Premium Price

Is a cruise actually cheaper than a land vacation? Learn how to sail smarter and save big on your next getaway.

Are cruises really a budget-friendly alternative to land vacations? What’s the best credit card to use for travel and Costco expenses? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss cruise travel, pricing strategies, and credit card hacks to help you understand how to get the most value out of your next vacation. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ newly rebranded fare classes and upcoming assigned seating; United Club’s updated lounge access rules; transfer bonuses from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards; and a limited-time Hyatt-American Airlines promo for national parks glamping.

Then, Meghan and Sally talk about cruise travel in 2025 and why it might be your smartest trip yet. They explore two brand-new ships — MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua — and break down how cruise vacations can be surprisingly cost-effective, especially when factoring in bundled perks like entertainment and dining. Sally shares additional knowledge from recent interviews, including veteran cruise reporter Matt Roseboom giving his best money-saving tips for cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line CMO Adam Malone offering insights on the unique value of cruise elite status. Plus: how to save with cruise-friendly credit cards, when to use general travel rewards versus co-branded cards, and how solo travelers can benefit from cruise line perks designed just for them.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority

• World of Hyatt credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/world-of-hyatt 

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-sapphire-reserve 

• Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/costco-anywhere-visa 

• Wells Fargo Active Cash: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/wells-fargo-active-cash 

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bankofamerica-cash-rewards 

• Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/norwegian-cruise-line-card 

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x 

• Chase Freedom Flex card: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/chase-freedom-flex 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses: May 2025 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/credit-card-transfer-bonuses 

• Hyatt’s Under Canvas Offer: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/offers/under-canvas-american-airlines.html?icamp=woh_undercanvasamericanairlinesoffer_Q22025_offerspage_en 

• A First Look at MSC World America: A Family-Friendly Cruise https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/msc-world-america-review

• Norwegian Aqua Review: ‘Slidecoaster’ Steals the Show https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/ncl-aqua-review 

• Icon of the Seas: Floating Bliss or a Horror at Sea? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/icon-of-the-seas-floating-bliss-or-a-horror-at-sea 

• Which Is Cheaper: Disney World or a Disney Cruise? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/disney-cruise-cheaper-than-disney-world 

• Cash Back Credit Cards https://www.nerdwallet.com/h/category/cash-back-credit-cards 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to save money on cruises, best cruise credit cards, travel credit cards for cruises, Norwegian Aqua review, MSC World America review, Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady, Disney cruise vs Disney World, cruise vacation budget tips, best solo cruise lines, and credit cards with travel insurance.

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