What the Norwegian Cruise Credit Card Does
The Norwegian Cruise Line credit card is a co-branded Visa issued by Citi that gives you rewards points for cruise bookings and other purchases. You earn points faster on Norwegian cruise line purchases and onboard spending, and slower on everything else. The card comes with an annual fee, which Norwegian waives for the first year.
The main draw is the sign-up bonus — typically a statement credit or points toward a cruise — and the accelerated earning on cruise-related spending. If you book multiple cruises a year or spend heavily onboard, the points add up. If you take one cruise every few years, you need to do the math on whether the annual fee and earning rate make sense for your spending pattern.
This card is not a loan or a payment plan. It is a standard credit card that you pay off monthly like any other. The difference is that Norwegian rewards your spending with points instead of cash back.
Key Takeaways
- The Norwegian Cruise credit card charges an annual fee after the first year, so you should only keep it if you cruise regularly or spend enough onboard to offset that cost.
- You earn bonus points on Norwegian bookings and onboard purchases, but standard rates on groceries, gas, and other everyday spending.
- The sign-up bonus is usually worth $100 to $200 in cruise credit, but only if you meet the spending requirement within the timeframe stated in your offer.
- Your credit score affects the interest rate you pay if you carry a balance, so carrying debt month to month can cost more than the rewards are worth.
- Points do not expire as long as your account stays open, but closing the card means you lose the points you have not yet used.
How the Rewards Points Work
When you use the card, you earn points per dollar spent. The exact rate depends on the category. Norwegian cruise bookings and onboard charges (food, drinks, excursions, cabin upgrades) earn at a higher rate — often 3 to 5 points per dollar. Everything else earns at a lower rate, usually 1 point per dollar.
Points convert to statement credits that reduce your bill, or you can redeem them for onboard credit that you use during your cruise. One point is typically worth about one cent, though the exact value varies by how you redeem. If you redeem for onboard credit, your points may be worth slightly more.
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close the card, you lose any points you have not redeemed. This matters if you are thinking about canceling — redeem your balance first.
The Annual Fee and Whether It Makes Sense
Norwegian waives the annual fee in year one. After that, the fee is typically $95 to $125 per year, depending on the current offer. To justify keeping the card, you need to earn enough points to cover that fee and then some.
If you take one cruise per year and spend $3,000 on the booking plus $1,000 onboard, you earn roughly 12,000 to 20,000 points (depending on the exact rates). At one cent per point, that is $120 to $200 in value — enough to cover the annual fee and come out ahead. If you cruise once every two years or spend less onboard, the math does not work.
Compare this to a flat-rate cash-back card with no annual fee. A 2% cash-back card on the same $4,000 in spending earns $80, which does not cover the fee. But if you are a frequent cruiser or spend heavily onboard, the Norwegian card's bonus categories can win out.
The Sign-Up Bonus and Spending Requirements
New cardholders usually get a sign-up bonus — often $100 to $200 in statement credit or onboard credit — if they spend a set amount within a set timeframe, typically $1,000 to $3,000 in the first three months. This bonus is real money off your first cruise or bill, but only if you actually meet the spending requirement.
The catch is that the requirement is usually higher than what you would naturally spend in that window. If you do not have a cruise booked or do not spend that much on the card anyway, you will not hit the threshold and will not get the bonus. Do not open the card just to chase the bonus — open it because you plan to use it.
The offer terms change frequently, so check the current offer before you explore. The bonus, the spending requirement, and the annual fee all vary by when you explore.
Credit Score Impact and Interest Rates
explore for the card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points for a few months. If you have a thin credit file or recent inquiries, this matters more. If you have a solid score and no recent applications, the impact is usually small.
Once you have the card, your credit score can go up or down depending on how you use it. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit helps your score. Carrying a high balance or paying late hurts it.
If you carry a balance month to month, you pay interest. The interest rate depends on your creditworthiness — typically 16% to 24% APR for most people. At that rate, carrying a $2,000 balance costs you $30 to $40 per month in interest alone. This wipes out the rewards you earn. Only use the card if you can pay the full balance each month.
How to Redeem Your Points
You redeem points through your Citi account online or by calling the number on the back of your card. You can convert points to a statement credit (which reduces your bill), or you can hold them for onboard credit to use during your cruise.
Onboard credit is usually worth slightly more per point than a statement credit, so if you know you are taking a cruise, it often makes sense to wait and redeem for onboard credit instead of cashing out early. But if you are not sure when your next cruise is, a statement credit is the safer choice.
There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem a small balance if you want. You cannot transfer points to another person or another card.
Comparing This Card to Other Options
If you do not cruise often, a flat-rate cash-back card with no annual fee — like the Citi Double Cash (2% back) or Capital One Quicksilver (1.5% back) — will earn you more on everyday spending and cost you nothing to keep open. You lose the bonus categories, but you also lose the annual fee.
If you cruise with a different line, that line may have its own co-branded card. Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean all offer cards with similar structures — bonus categories on their bookings, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses. The best card for you depends on which line you cruise with most often.
If you want to build credit without rewards, a basic secured card or a student card (if you may have access to) costs less and has no annual fee. Rewards are a bonus, not a reason to carry debt or overspend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the card for things other than cruises?
Yes. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. You just earn fewer points on non-cruise purchases. If you use it for groceries, gas, and everyday expenses, you are earning at the standard rate (usually 1 point per dollar), which is lower than most cash-back cards offer. It makes sense to use it for cruise bookings and onboard spending, and use a different card for everyday purchases.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
You lose any points you have not redeemed. Redeem your balance before you cancel. Points do not expire as long as the account is open, but closing the account ends that protection.
Do I have to book through Norwegian to earn the bonus rate?
Yes. You earn the higher rate only on bookings made directly with Norwegian Cruise Line or through their website. Booking through a travel agent or a third-party site does not earn the bonus rate, even if you use the card to pay.
What if I carry a balance and pay interest?
Interest charges will almost always cost more than your rewards are worth. If you are carrying a balance, you are paying 16% to 24% APR while earning 1% to 5% in rewards. The math does not work. Only use this card if you pay the full balance every month.
Is there a way to avoid the annual fee?
The annual fee kicks in after the first year. You can cancel before the second annual fee posts if you decide the card is not worth it. Some cardholders call Citi to ask for a fee waiver, but there is no may provide they will grant one. Your best bet is to decide upfront whether you cruise enough to justify the fee.