7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - MSC Seashore Rome to Venice Using Amex Points June 2025 Sailings at 50,000 Points
The MSC Seashore offers a potential escape from Rome to Venice in June 2025, with certain sailings possibly costing as little as 50,000 Amex points. This particular route provides passage through the core of the Mediterranean with a chance to experience what some consider elegant ship accommodations. This might be a good way to experience a cruise while trying to mitigate travel costs through credit card redemptions. Beyond this voyage, the upcoming 2025 sailing season also includes other enticing alternatives within the Mediterranean such as visits to Greek isles and also excursions towards other parts of Europe. For those looking to travel on a budget by redeeming travel points, there might be attractive alternatives.
MSC’s Seashore offers June 2025 sailings from Rome to Venice, notably with redemption rates hitting 50,000 Amex points for certain itineraries. This presents an opportunity for those with a stash of points to explore the Mediterranean. While I haven't taken this exact route yet, I can analyze the potential. The ship, one of the newer ones in the MSC fleet, seems to be pitched towards a broad audience. What this translates to, from an engineering and logistical perspective, is that this could mean large crowds. It's something to keep in mind if one is not so fond of the hustle and bustle. There's a fairly wide range of cabin options, and the points redemption route may, in effect, provide a slightly cheaper method of accessing them.
Beyond MSC, other cruise lines also enable the use of miles and points for Mediterranean sailings in 2025, potentially with varying levels of "value." One has to consider where a ship is heading - is it to those much photographed locations or a little less well know destinations. Different itineraries feature the usual suspects - Barcelona, Athens, and Dubrovnik. I have found these are usually pretty crowded with tour groups from other ships and independent travelers alike. When looking at these points redemption deals, do the math. See how many points you will actually require. Is it worth it? Many itineraries may look great on paper, but once there, the overall time in port can be short, leaving the passenger on a whirlwind sightseeing tour.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - MSC Seashore Rome to Venice Using Amex Points June 2025 Sailings at 50,000 Points
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Royal Caribbean Greek Islands Adventure with Chase Ultimate Rewards from Athens May 2025
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Celebrity Beyond French Riviera Route with Capital One Points from Barcelona April 2025
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Princess Cruises Turkish Coast Exploration Using Citi ThankYou Points from Istanbul August 2025
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Norwegian Prima Spanish Coast Journey with United Miles from Malaga September 2025
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Holland America Mediterranean Islands Tour with Marriott Bonvoy Points from Malta July 2025
- 7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Viking Ocean Croatian Coast Discovery with Bank of America Points from Split October 2025
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Royal Caribbean Greek Islands Adventure with Chase Ultimate Rewards from Athens May 2025
The Royal Caribbean Greek Islands Adventure, set for May 2025, promises a captivating journey through some of the Mediterranean's most iconic locales, departing from Athens. This 7-night cruise itinerary includes stops at stunning destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in rich history and breathtaking scenery. Utilizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points for this adventure can provide a more economical way to explore the region, although travelers should be mindful of varying redemption rates. With options to experience unique cultural events, such as the Eurovision Song Contest-themed sailings, this cruise offers a blend of entertainment and scenic beauty that could appeal to a wide range of travelers. As always, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of points redemption to ensure a fulfilling travel experience.
For a different take on Mediterranean cruises in May 2025, consider Royal Caribbean’s Greek Island routes. The Adventure of the Seas offers sailings originating from Athens, specifically navigating through the Greek isles, with calls at familiar sites such as Mykonos and Santorini. When scrutinizing flight prices to Athens, some advanced bookings from the US can be found for less than $400 round-trip, a worthwhile consideration if the focus is on redeeming points for the actual cruise. These flight routes are frequently direct from many large US airports, which cuts down on those long layovers.
The engineering of a modern ship such as the Adventure of the Seas is noteworthy. Stabilizers are designed to reduce motion during rough seas, not a minor detail for a comfortable sailing experience. The ship also has some quite advanced energy-saving tech incorporated into it. In port, there will be the opportunity to experience Greek culinary traditions. Local food is not only tasty, but as an interesting aside, is also classified as an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage. Be mindful that some of these popular ports tend to get crowded during peak tourist times with large groups from other ships converging in these destinations.
Those who cruise often may have tiered access within Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. Perks could range from priority boarding to upgraded dining, which is something to consider for a more refined travel experience. Royal Caribbean seems to have itineraries with good length of stay in port in some of the most popular locations. It allows for a slightly more in depth experience beyond a whirlwind visit. Beyond just the destination, there are of course the expected range of shipboard activities, like climbing walls and other things. These modern liners clearly have to pack in plenty to keep passengers entertained. By May 2025, Royal Caribbean will likely have tweaked a few things on the Adventure of the Seas. This continuous improvement and upgrading is a trend amongst cruise operators.
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Celebrity Beyond French Riviera Route with Capital One Points from Barcelona April 2025
Celebrity Beyond is gearing up for its April 2025 Mediterranean sailings, featuring a route along the French Riviera, starting in Barcelona. The idea here is upscale travel to places like Nice and Cannes, while also making use of the ship's better amenities and diverse dining options. With itineraries of 7 to 14 nights, there's the possibility to immerse in the Mediterranean culture, and scenic beauty including stops in Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
Capital One points can be used to book these cruises, a thought for those looking to stretch rewards. However, it's necessary to consider the realities of these destinations, as popularity often means crowds, potentially limiting time for in-depth explorations of the location.
The Celebrity Beyond's French Riviera itinerary departing from Barcelona in April 2025, presents an interesting study case for value within cruise travel. The ship's design and its route choices warrant further examination. From an engineering point of view, cruise liners are complex systems, and this particular ship has incorporated features such as advanced stabilizers, aiming to mitigate sea sickness on what can be sometimes rough waters.
As of January 2025, getting to Barcelona via air travel can be done relatively cheaply from US cities. It might be worth seeing if one can use points transfer to airline loyalty programs in an attempt to reduce the expense of getting there. Once there, itineraries, such as this one, frequently include stops in cities like Nice and Cannes, locations well-known for their high priced hotels. The ability to access these cities via a cruise might provide a way to sample the locales without the financial implications of a hotel stay.
It is worth considering if the various shore excursions offered are worth it. Are these places you could see on your own without paying a tour premium? One needs to consider the overall experience vs the overall costs. Beyond the destinations, these itineraries also feature culinary experiences rooted in the Mediterranean diet which itself has been recognised for its heritage. One should take care when deciding where to eat. It's always better to do your research on local eateries that offer good authentic meals and don't rip off tourists.
The cruise liner itself packs quite a lot of amenities, which are there for passengers to enjoy while at sea. These cruise ships are, at the end of the day, designed for efficiency. From an engineering and logistics perspective, there’s a lot to manage when dealing with thousands of guests. For some travelers the idea of being on board a ship itself, even in rough seas, may have a considerable appeal as a means of getting to some of the most photographed locations. Finally, with a lot of people tending to value travel over material things these days, cruises might provide a valuable source of experiences, if one carefully picks and chooses the right ones for them. The ports of call themselves, in the French Riviera, have a lot of historical aspects worth further study. The history of the French Riviera dates back to the Romans. Some of these port towns have archaeological sites that bear witness to thousands of years of history, which might be interesting for some.
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Princess Cruises Turkish Coast Exploration Using Citi ThankYou Points from Istanbul August 2025
In August 2025, Princess Cruises is planning a Turkish Coast exploration, starting from Istanbul. The itinerary will take travelers to several Mediterranean locations rich in both history and culture, with places such as Ephesus and Bodrum being likely stops. For those seeking to use Citi ThankYou Points for travel rewards, this cruise is one potential option. These points can be valuable for Mediterranean travel given the increasing costs in the region. Choosing which ports to visit becomes critical. However, keep in mind that these destinations tend to draw lots of tourists. One must also be aware that there can be varying opinions on cruise excursions in general and choosing the right ones should be done with consideration. Given that Istanbul is the departure point, you'll have an opportunity to also check out the city's landmarks.
For those aiming for a journey along the Turkish coast, Princess Cruises offers sailings departing from Istanbul in August 2025. These voyages are meant to delve into both the historical and cultural aspects of the region. Key destinations like Ephesus, Bodrum, and Antalya, all locations famed for their ancient ruins, spectacular coastlines, and lively local environments, will be likely features.
If one has built up some Citi ThankYou Points, these could be used for cruise line bookings. For 2025, when travel costs seem to be continually rising, using points or miles for these sailings might lead to meaningful savings. The trick is to identify the most rewarding itineraries for point redemption, as the value can vary quite considerably. Some places are better suited for cruise travel than others, so careful research needs to be conducted.
Istanbul itself, the starting point for these cruises, is a place of historical significance, sitting on both the European and Asian continents, and a crossroads for different cultures for millennia. From an engineering perspective, the construction of some of Istanbul's oldest structures like the Hagia Sophia are feats that still inspire wonder today. The cuisine is also something to explore – the variety of Turkish mezze and fresh seafood, considered some of the most healthful options within the Mediterranean diet. Many find that exploring the cuisine is a key part of getting to know the country one is visiting.
The efficiency of modern cruise liners also needs to be recognized. These advanced machines use hydrodynamic hull design to improve fuel consumption. This, in turn, helps reduce sailing times, allowing for an itinerary with more stops in different locations.
It might be that the ports along the Turkish coast, including places like Bodrum and Antalya, have fewer crowds than other better known spots. This could provide a less hectic setting for those who want to really spend some time looking at the local places and historical sites. Finding ports less visited by others can lead to an overall more rewarding experience for some travelers. Getting to Istanbul has also become easier, as direct flight options from the US are often available for under $600 return, as of January 2025, combining travel and credit card redemptions can really lower travel costs.
While one is on one of these cruises, its not always essential to take one of the standard offered excursions. There are other ways to explore the area on your own and save some money. One should also not forget the technical aspects involved in large ships such as these. For example, cruise ships come with stabilizer technology, to give a better ride while on open waters. There are often also lots of cultural events taking place during the summer months along the Turkish coast. This might present opportunities to engage with authentic local traditions through music, dancing and also food, making a cruise more of an experience. For those who collect loyalty points, these could be combined, to maximize travel rewards. For instance, one might use Citi ThankYou points for a Princess cruise, and then use points for upgrades to add a sense of luxury without necessarily breaking the bank.
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Norwegian Prima Spanish Coast Journey with United Miles from Malaga September 2025
The Norwegian Prima is scheduled for a Spanish Coast cruise, setting sail from Malaga in September 2025. This is one of the newer ships in the fleet, and it's offering sailings with stops in places like Tangier, Casablanca, Madeira and also the Canary Islands. Using United Miles for this journey presents a chance to access the Mediterranean at a potentially reduced price. It's a chance to see new destinations or familiar places by using a different mode of transport. It is also important to keep in mind that the ship itself holds around 3,100 passengers, so that will likely mean crowds at the different ports of call. There are additional excursions offered in locations such as Barcelona and Granada. One should, however, consider if these excursions are worth the extra expense or whether these locations are easy to explore without paying a premium. The overall experience and level of value depends entirely on your own preferences.
The Norwegian Prima’s Spanish Coast Journey, departing from Malaga in September 2025, is another option worth investigating for Mediterranean cruise enthusiasts, particularly for those with United Miles. It is notable that it may be possible to find somewhat low cost round trip flights from large US cities to Malaga, if booking well in advance of the departure.
The Norwegian Prima, built in Italy by Fincantieri, has been constructed with rather sophisticated stabilizers. From a pure engineering view, these systems are critical in improving passenger comfort by reducing motion during sea voyages. This could be an important factor for anyone who has a propensity for seasickness, particularly on longer sailing times, although the Spanish Coast Journey is not such a long route.
The itinerary includes various stops, such as Barcelona and Valencia. These are destinations frequently featured in travel magazines. While this does translate into large tourist numbers, these places nonetheless are packed with history and culture. It’s worth considering if the sheer amount of crowds might impact what you might see there.
The on-board food options on the Prima tend to reflect the area the ship is visiting. This is particularly helpful for those interested in the Mediterranean diet. If the food quality is maintained, then this might be an ideal way to sample local cuisine. But, as always, one should read reviews of the ship’s food options prior to travel to make sure the experience meets expectations.
The timing of this cruise in September, while typically associated with good weather along the Spanish Coast, also aligns with various local Spanish festivals and cultural events. Checking what will be taking place on your cruise route might provide opportunities to experience unique local traditions.
United MileagePlus program could be a way to lessen the expenses of this trip through using your accumulated points. The cost of airline travel is on the rise, making points and miles particularly valuable when used wisely. You may find that there are a variety of possible promotions that further enhance the value of redeeming them for this type of journey.
Local transport in cities like Malaga and Valencia tends to be rather efficient. With a bit of prior research it may be possible to explore these destinations more economically than by relying on the more expensive excursions offered by the ship. It is always worth comparing and contrasting prices. Doing some proper homework before you travel will usually result in less money spent on excursions.
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Holland America Mediterranean Islands Tour with Marriott Bonvoy Points from Malta July 2025
The Holland America Mediterranean Islands Tour, scheduled for July 2025, stands out as another option for travelers wanting a taste of the region. Departing from Malta, this cruise appears to offer a comprehensive itinerary with stops in major hubs like Rome, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca, also throwing in ports such as Valencia, Malaga, and Tangier for good measure. The focus is on diverse experiences, from local cuisine to notable historical sites, such as the Colosseum. There are, again, options for visiting some wineries as well. The possibility of senior discounts is something those over 60 might wish to explore to potentially increase travel value. As usual, checking on any updated offers from both Holland America and Marriott, to use points strategically, should be a critical first step in the planning process.
Holland America also proposes Mediterranean cruises, with options for island hopping, and their version departs from Malta in July 2025, as another point redemption possibility. The geographical location of Malta acts as a sort of hub. It’s a relatively small place, yet its location enables quick access to a bunch of different Mediterranean locations, like Sicily, Crete, and various Greek islands. This means one could experience a lot in a short time frame. The point here would be how to strategically utilize Marriott Bonvoy points, as cruises are generally a much better bet for getting value out of points, compared to standard hotels.
Some cruise lines do pack their ships full with passengers. This can lead to congestion and an overall reduced quality of the travel experience. I always wonder about the technicalities that these ships employ to handle the sheer number of people. Apparently Holland America designs their ships to manage passenger flow efficiently, with various systems to deal with crowding and passenger movement. All this could, potentially at least, lead to a more relaxing trip, especially during what will undoubtedly be a busy travel season.
As of January 2025, getting to Malta from major US airports appears to be within reasonable cost parameters. Round trip flights are currently looking to be around $500, making this a cheaper destination, relatively speaking, as one prepares for a cruise. One should also think about the food, and in particular, the Mediterranean diet, with its famous health benefits. Expect lots of fresh seafood and local products, which, in essence, is a real reflection of local history and tradition. It goes beyond just what’s on the plate, and can add to the cultural aspects of the journey itself.
Malta, itself is quite historic, with lots of UNESCO World Heritage sites. One could even visit the Megalithic Temples, apparently, some of the oldest structures built by humans. This adds yet more points for consideration, especially if one appreciates history. These cruise ships are actually high tech. Their engineering with their efficient hull designs are very interesting from a scientific point of view and they aim to reduce the environmental impact by cutting down on fuel use, with the aim to improve stability. There are often quite unusual itinerary stops for the Malta route, going to smaller places such as Gozo and Comino, both of which may have stunning views without the crowds that one might expect at larger ports of call. This might be a far better experience overall for those who want more flexibility when traveling.
Ships such as the one used by Holland America for the Mediterranean Islands tour also usually have many different dining options which are meant to showcase regional cuisines. These also go further into the idea of making food a major part of the experience. Ultimately, each passenger can decide on the experience by picking from various shore excursions, be it a historical tour or more adventure related activities, or, to explore the various ports on their own without being tied to the ship’s schedule.
7 Best Destinations to Redeem Cruise Line Points and Miles for Mediterranean Sailings in 2025 - Viking Ocean Croatian Coast Discovery with Bank of America Points from Split October 2025
Viking Ocean Cruises is set to launch its "Croatian Coast Discovery" itinerary in October 2025, departing from Split, Croatia. This cruise promises an immersive experience along the stunning Croatian coastline, with stops at culturally rich destinations like Dubrovnik and Zadar. Travelers can redeem Bank of America points to book this journey, enhancing the value of their rewards while exploring historical sites and local cultures. Considering that the best cruising conditions occur between April and October, this October sailing provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the region as summer crowds begin to wane. While Viking offers complimentary drinks with their cruises, travelers should still weigh the overall experience against the costs and potential crowds at popular ports.
Viking Ocean Cruises offers a “Croatian Coast Discovery” route with a departure from Split in October 2025, concentrating on destinations along the Croatian coastline. Passengers will have the chance to explore both cultural sites and landscapes of the region, such as the city of Dubrovnik, and Zadar, known for its historic sea organ.
Those with Bank of America points have the option of using these to pay for these Viking cruises. This option is one way of increasing the value of rewards, and there appear to be many cruise lines providing possibilities for using points and miles in 2025 for trips around the Mediterranean.
This particular Viking itinerary also highlights the benefit of multiple stops within a week, potentially allowing travellers to see more in a short time without the need for lots of extended travel time. This might be useful for those who value efficient travel planning. Croatian cuisine will also be on the menu with influences from the Mediterranean diet. This dietary option is also linked with long term health benefits which might be of interest to some.
Flights to Split also tend to be somewhat cheaper, as of early 2025, for a round trip from the US, with fares often dropping below $600 if booked in advance. For anyone seeking to lessen travel expenses, using points for the cruise part may therefore offer more economical advantages. These vessels also use some advanced hydrodynamic hull designs, which help improve fuel efficiency and can provide a somewhat smoother voyage which might be better for passengers with seasickness.
Croatia has also a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dubrovnik for example is another of these areas, meaning there is plenty to study regarding cultural preservation for those with an interest in historical preservation.
One of the noticeable aspects of Viking’s ships is the lower passenger capacity - typically around 930 people. This seems to indicate a slightly less congested and more intimate cruising atmosphere at popular ports, something to consider. It could be that utilizing Bank of America points here could be a much better value, especially when the cost of lodging is high in many Mediterranean tourist hubs like Dubrovnik. The public transportation infrastructure in Croatia has also seen a lot of recent investment, enabling independent exploration at lower costs.
Split itself is more than a cruise port, with Diocletian’s Palace being an important UNESCO heritage site with Roman history that may interest others. Finally, as the price of travel fluctuates, one should also check if a promotion or bonus deal can be found for this type of redemption.