Royal Caribbean has expanded its financial ecosystem by partnering with Bank of America to launch two new credit cards: the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature®.
These cards are specifically designed for enthusiasts of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. By offering tiered benefits, the launch aims to capture two distinct segments of the market: the occasional vacationer and the dedicated frequent cruiser.
Understanding the Value Proposition
In the competitive world of travel rewards, “co-branded” cards (cards tied to a specific brand) offer a trade-off. While they may not offer the universal flexibility of airline or general travel cards, they provide deep, specialized rewards that can be used for high-value experiences like specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard drink packages.
Option 1: The Royal ONE Visa (The Entry-Level Choice)
This card is positioned as an accessible option for travelers who may only set sail once a year.
Financial Overview:
* Annual Fee: $0
* Welcome Bonus: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
* Redemption Value: Every 5,000 points earned equates to $50 in rewards. Notably, these points never expire.
Key Benefits:
– Priority Boarding for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
– $100 Anniversary Reward after spending $10,000 in the previous year.
– No foreign transaction fees and standard Visa Signature travel protections.
Earning Rates:
– 3 points per $1: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
– 2 points per $1: Groceries, gas, and electric vehicle (EV) charging.
– 1 point per $1: All other purchases.
Option 2: The Royal ONE Plus Visa (The Frequent Cruiser Choice)
For those who make cruising a regular part of their lifestyle, the “Plus” version offers accelerated earning rates and enhanced luxury perks.
Financial Overview:
* Annual Fee: $99
* Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days. This bonus is valued at approximately $700, which could potentially cover a short 3-to-4-night cruise.
Key Benefits:
– Enhanced Perks: Includes priority boarding and private luggage handling for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
– Travel Credits: A $120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (available every four years).
– $200 Anniversary Reward after spending $20,000 in the previous year.
– No foreign transaction fees and Visa Signature travel protections.
Earning Rates:
– 4 points per $1: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
– 2 points per $1: Groceries, gas, EV charging, airfare, hotels, and dining.
– 1 point per $1: All other purchases.
Which Card Fits Your Travel Style?
Choosing between these two cards depends entirely on your cruising frequency and your broader rewards strategy.
The Case for the Royal ONE Visa ($0 Fee)
This is the “low-risk” option. Because there is no annual fee, there is no pressure to hit specific spending targets to justify the card’s existence. It is an excellent choice for travelers who already use “transferable points” cards (like Chase or Amex) for their main travel needs but want a dedicated way to earn cruise-specific perks.
The Case for the Royal ONE Plus ($99 Fee)
This card is a specialized tool. If you sail at least twice a year on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea, the higher earning rates and the luggage handling perk can quickly offset the $99 fee. However, if you do not cruise frequently, the specialized nature of the rewards might make it less useful than a general travel card that earns points across all airlines and hotel chains.
Summary Analysis: The Royal ONE Visa is a safe, high-value addition for casual cruisers, while the Royal ONE Plus is a high-performance tool designed specifically for those who live life on the water.
Conclusion
The new Royal ONE cards offer a clear path for cruise lovers to turn everyday spending into future vacations. Travelers should weigh the convenience of brand-specific perks against the flexibility of general travel rewards before deciding which card to add to their wallet.
