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How To Make the Most of Your Points With Marriott Cruises [2023]

Katie Seemann

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What Is Marriott Cruises?

Is this a good way to use marriott bonvoy points, processing fee, best rate guarantee, is this a good deal, marriott cruises price comparisons, final thoughts.

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Did you know you can earn or use your Marriott Bonvoy points on a cruise? Using points for a cruise isn’t quite as common as using points for a flight or hotel, but it’s doable. Cruise credit cards don’t have great sign-on bonuses or earning categories, so there’s not much opportunity to earn boatloads of cruise points (pun intended) with credit cards.

However, there are ways to do it and today we are focusing on the Marriott Cruises program, which gives travelers the opportunity to earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points for cruises. We’ll also look at whether or not you’ll get good value from your points by doing some price comparisons.

Marriott Cruises powered by Cruise with Points is a program that allows you to earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points for cruises . You can simply go to the Marriott Cruises website or you can navigate from the Marriott Bonvoy website by clicking About Marriott Bonvoy>How to Use Points/Certificates .

Then scroll down the page until you see Travel (Use your points to book cruises, flights, car rental, and more) .

Finally, you’ll scroll down and click on Get On Board .

As you can see, it can be hard to find the Cruise with Points section on Marriott Bonvoy’s website unless you really know what you’re looking for.

Once you get to the Marriott Cruises website, you can navigate it like any other online travel agency. You’ll be able to search for a cruise using parameters like destination, cruise length, travel dates, cruise line, cruise ship, or departure port.

How To Book a Cruise Using Marriott Bonvoy Points

To book a cruise using Marriott Bonvoy points, call 800-596-0452 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

You can redeem points for a cruise certificate to apply as partial payment towards a cruise or you can pay for the entire cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points. Regardless of how many points you use, you’ll get 0.4 cents per point in value.

We value Marriott Bonvoy points at ~0.7 cents each. So, when you book a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll get a little more than half of what your points are typically worth.

If your goal is to maximize the value you get from your Marriott Bonvoy points , then using them for a cruise isn’t a great idea. While the average value is 0.7 cents, there are definitely opportunities to get even more value from your points.

However, there could be times when it’s not a bad idea to use your Marriott Bonvoy points on a cruise. If you value cruising more than a hotel stay or really have no plans to use your Marriott Bonvoy points anytime soon, booking a cruise could be a decent option.

Bottom Line: When you book a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll get 0.4 cents per point in value. That’s just over half of what Marriott Bonvoy points are typically worth.

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points on a Cruise

If you decide you’d rather not use your Marriott Bonvoy points for a cruise, you can still book with Marriott Cruises to earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent . This is in addition to any points you earn from your credit card.

Check out these cards that earn bonus points on travel , including Marriott Cruises:

If you pay for your cruise with a Chase co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card you’ll earn an additional 2 points per $1 spent.

Hot Tip: To see all of your best options, check out these credit cards that are great for booking cruises .

While it’s great to be able to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your cruise, there’s a big downside — you’ll be charged a non-refundable $24.99 processing fee .

Marriott Cruises is a little tricky with this fee, too — it’s not displayed until the end of the booking process after you enter passenger details and cruise line loyalty info, so it can be easy to miss.

Be sure to add the processing fee cost to the price of the cruise to determine if it’s worth it to book your cruise through Marriott Cruises instead of a website that does not charge an additional fee.

Hot Tip: While you have to call Marriott Cruises to book a cruise using points, you can book online if you’re paying with a credit card. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a $24.99 booking fee regardless of how you pay for your cruise.

Marriott Cruises offers a 110% Best Rate Guarantee. If you find the same cruise for a lower price within 48 hours of booking, Marriott Cruises will refund 110% of the price difference . In order to qualify for the best rate guarantee, the lower price needs to meet the following criteria:

• It must be in U.S. dollars.
• It needs to be available online for the exact same cruise, same dates, and same cabin type as what you booked through Marriott Cruises.
• It needs to be a rate you are eligible to receive. For example, you can’t use a senior rate if you’re not old enough to be eligible for it.
• It needs to be available to the general public.
• It needs to be available to book.

To submit a best rate guarantee, submit this form and you’ll be contacted within 72 hours.

Whether or not it’s a good deal to book a cruise through Marriott Cruises depends on how much you value Marriott Bonvoy points. If you need more Marriott Bonvoy points or are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist , it could be worth it. However, if you don’t need any more Marriott Bonvoy points, or just want to get the best deal, there are other websites out there that may offer better deals . Don’t forget to factor in the $24.99 booking fee you’ll be charged.

Bottom Line: You’ll earn 3 points per $1 spent on cruises (including taxes and fees) booked through Marriott Cruises. You’ll earn an additional 2 points per $1 spent when you use your Chase co-branded Marriott credit card to pay for your cruise.

One of the things that make comparing cruise prices tricky is that there are always lots of different deals and bonuses available. In researching this and other articles about cruising, we have found that the price of cruises tends to be pretty standard across most booking websites — the real difference in value is the extras that come with the cruise .

Let’s look at a 4-night Key West and Bahamas cruise on Celebrity Cruise Line . We priced out this cruise for 2 adults in the least expensive balcony stateroom available (Deluxe Stateroom Ocean View Veranda).

As you can see, most of the prices are the same or very similar. The cruise line’s own site and Expedia were both higher by a difference of $108, and Marriott Cruises was in the middle due to the $24.99 processing fee. The best deal in this instance comes from Cruises.com.

Our next example is a 7-night Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line . Again, the price is based on 2 people, but this time we’ll look at the overall least expensive option available (an interior stateroom).

For this example, the best place to book your cruise comes down to the extras because all of the prices (except for Marriott Cruises) are identical. Marriott Cruises is the most expensive due to the $24.99 processing fee.

If you choose to book through Marriott Cruises, you’d earn about 6,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which has a value of ~$42. So if you are trying to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points and value them highly, it could still make sense to book through Marriott Cruises. If you just want to save the most money, Marriott Cruises won’t be the best option.

While you might think that Cruises.com offers the best deal in this scenario, it’s not actually that clear-cut.

You’d need to determine how much you value the All Free at Sea offer vs. $100 cash-back. Since Cruises.com offers a straight $100 cash-back, it’s essentially $100 cheaper, but for many people, the value of the All Free at Sea offers (like an open bar) is much higher than $100, which would make the offers from the other sites (with the exception of Priceline) better.

However, if you value the Free at Sea offers less than $100, you’d be better off not taking the offer that includes all 4 of them in lieu of going with the Cruises.com offer. By declining the All Free at Sea Offer (which you can do on any site that offers it), the cost of your cruise will drop by almost $300!

Bottom Line: Comparing cruise prices can be a bit tricky. We’ve found that cruise pricing tends to be relatively equal across most booking sites — the difference comes in the bonuses offered with each deal.

Booking a cruise through Marriott Cruises allows you to either earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points on your booking. While having that option is great, it’s not clear-cut as to whether or not it’s a good deal.

When using Marriott Bonvoy points for a cruise, you’ll get ~0.4 cents per point in value, which is less than what those points are typically worth. When you choose to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your cruise, you’ll be subject to a $24.99 processing fee, which can negate the value of some of the bonus points you can earn.

So, while using Marriott Cruises may not be a screaming deal, it’s always good to have lots of ways to earn and use points.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does marriott have cruise ships.

No, Marriott does not have any cruise ships. However, you can book cruises on well-known cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and more through the Marriott Cruises program.

Can you use Marriott Bonvoy points on a cruise?

Yes, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points on a cruise. By booking through the Marriott Cruises program, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points for all or part of a cruise. You’ll get 0.4 cents per point in value when using your points this way.

How many Marriott Bonvoy points do you need for a cruise?

When you book a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy points, the amount you’ll need will vary based on the cost of the cruise. You’ll get 0.4 cents per point in value, so a $1,000 cruise would cost 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. If you don’t have quite enough points, you can pay for part of your cruise in points and the rest with a credit card.

Does Marriott Bonvoy partner with a cruise line?

No, Marriott Bonvoy doesn’t partner with a specific cruise line. Instead, the Marriott Cruises site acts like an online travel agency to allow you to book cruises through Marriott Bonvoy.

Does Marriott Cruises offer river cruises?

Yes, you can book a river cruise through Marriott Cruises. You’ll find cruise lines like AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises on the Marriott Cruise website.

Can I book Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises through Marriott Cruises?

No, you’ll need to book a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise directly . However, you can earn and use points on those cruises as well.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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How to Book a Cruise with Marriott Bonvoy Points: Ultimate Guide

Using Marriott points for a cruise isn’t the most common point redemption, but it’s possible! With questionable redemption values, the Marriott Bonvoy program does allow you to redeem your Mariott points for a cruise on any popular cruise line. Here, we’ll dive into the process of how to book a cruise with Marriott points and how to make the most out of your maritime redemption.

Table of Contents

Introduction to marriott bonvoy program.

Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program that allows members to earn points through hotel stays, events, and partnerships. The points can be redeemed for hotel stays, shopping, car rentals, and cruise vacations among other things.

• Earning Points: Members earn points for every dollar spent on Marriott bookings and with Marriott co-branded credit cards.
• Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including booking cruise vacations.

Exploring Cruise Options

Marriott offers cruise options through their cruise portal, Cruise with Points. They have sailing options through all the popular cruise lines. You can use their website to explore different destinations, cruise lines, and itineraries to dial in on the cruise you’re after.

• Cruise Lines: Partnered with popular cruise lines to offer a wide variety of cruising experiences.
• Destinations: From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, the options are endless.

Use Your Marriott Points for a Cruise

When it comes to actually making the point redemption for the cruise, you have two options. You can redeem your points for a cruise certificate, which can be applied as a partial payment towards your cruise. Alternatively, you can redeem them to cover the entire cost of the cruise.

No matter the amount of points you choose to redeem, each point will represent a value of $0.004 cents, or 250 points per $1.

Here’s a breakdown of the value of a Marriott Cruises Certificate against the cost in Marriott Points:

How to Book a Cruise with Marriott Bonvoy Points

You can’t finalize your booking and point redemption on their cruise portal, but booking a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy Points is a straightforward process, albeit with a personal touch. You’ll need to contact Marriott Cruises directly at 1-800-596-0452, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST​​.

• Redeem for Cruise Certificate: Points can be redeemed for a cruise certificate which can be used as a partial payment towards your cruise.
• Full Cruise Booking: If you have enough points, you can redeem them to cover the entire cost of the cruise.

For example, this Virgin Voyages cruise would be 173,500 Marriott Points for an interior room.

Related: Book a Virgin Voyages Cruise with Points

Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points

We all want to get the best value out of our Marriott Points. Unfortunately, redeeming points for cruises with any loyalty program is typically not a great value. However, if you’re the value can be high if you’re really after cruising for free or at a discount by using some stockpiled points. Here are some tips to maximize your points:

• Earning More Points: Utilize Marriott co-branded credit cards, hotel stays, and partnerships to earn more points.
• Transfer Points to Marriott Bonvoy : Boost your Marriott Bonvoy points balance by transferring points from other loyalty programs. Here’s a table showing the transfer ratios from various partners:

Additional Resources for Cruise Planning

Marriott’s Cruise with Points platform is a comprehensive resource for planning your cruise vacation.

• Cruise Themes: Explore different themes like wellness cruises, adventure cruises, or luxury cruises.
• Loyalty Benefits: Discover the cruise line loyalty benefits available through Marriott’s program.

Booking a cruise with Marriott Bonvoy Points may not always be the best redemption value, but it definitely has its place in the hierarchy of redemption options.

Find more information on how to book a cruise with points .

Marriott Cruise with Points platform makes it easy to browse available cruises and though the value isn’t great, their point pricing structure makes it easy to know exactly how much you’ll need to book a cruise with Marriott.

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Can i earn or redeem marriott bonvoy® points for a cruise, information on using and earning marriott bonvoy® points for a cruise aug 11, 2023 • knowledge, information, can i redeem marriott bonvoy® points to pay for a cruise, can i earn marriott bonvoy® points on cruises, how do i contact cruise with points, how can i see my reservation, can i book a last-minute cruise, how do i use my future cruise credit, where can i get additional information, would you like to provide feedback about this article.

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is excited to announce an exceptional new way to earn and redeem points on travel with Marriott Bonvoy. Earn points on your cruise fare and hotel packages, nights toward Elite status, and redeem points toward the price of your cruise fare when you sail. Plus, Elite members receive enhanced benefits onboard.

• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on your cruise fare, as well as on the hotel package rate for participating Marriott hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Redeem an initial 180,000 points toward a $1,000 savings on your cruise fare, and increments of 90,000 points toward a $500 savings thereafter
• Receive one Elite Night Credit per night toward achieving higher Elite status
• Accelerate earning with your Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card

On board the yacht, multiple dining venues, premium beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi and additional luxury amenities are part of your all-inclusive cruise fare. Your Marriott Bonvoy member status will also be recognized and rewarded throughout the voyage.

ELITE MEMBER ONBOARD BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

For additional program details, see our Marriott Bonvoy Frequently Asked Questions  or Terms of Service for Marriott Bonvoy .

Not a member yet? Join Marriott Bonvoy today . By clicking the link above, you acknowledge that you will be leaving the ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com website and will be transferred to a website maintained by Marriott International, Inc.

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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

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Earning Marriott Bonvoy points while you dine is easy — here are a few tips to get you started. (Photo: Marriott International)

How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points While You Dine

The legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier once said, “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” If you put that delicious philosophy into practice during your travels, you’ll feel even happier when you earn Marriott Bonvoy points while you dine. 

Whether you’re feasting on prime rib at a world-class hotel restaurant, enjoying vegetarian tapas at a local eatery or restocking your groceries, there are ways to rack up Marriott Bonvoy points toward free stays at more than 30 hotel brands worldwide, thrilling sports and entertainment events, and other loyalty member benefits .  

Scroll down to dig into the points possibilities, which are as limitless as they are mouthwatering.  

Earn Points on Dining at the Hotel During Your Stay   

If you aren’t earning points on dining at the hotel when you travel to a Marriott Bonvoy participating property, you’re missing out — especially considering the breadth of restaurant and bar offerings available.  

The Global Dining Portal is your key to culinary adventure and collecting Marriott Bonvoy points with your meals. Use the Global Dining Portal to search for and make reservations at on-property restaurants and bars.  

Just imagine hoisting a huge stein of beer at the historic St. Thomas Brewery Bar at Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague . Or sampling a tasting menu with seafood and seasonal vegetables at Atria on the 80th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne . 

When you make dream dining experiences like these a reality, you’ll keep on piling up the points. And yes, room service is included as an option, too. 

Earn Points on Dining at a Non-U.S. Hotel — Even Without a Stay  

Did you realize that you can earn points when you eat at some Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels and resorts outside the U.S., even when you’re not staying at those properties ?   

This can come in handy if the hotel in question is fully booked and you weren’t able to snag a room or if you live in the city where the hotel is located. Either way, you might still be able to take full advantage of an excellent steakhouse, sushi bar or other fabulous eatery at that property. 

This points-earning opportunity is only available at select properties in select countries . But if you’re in a qualifying location, it’s easy. Just link a Marriott Bonvoy account to your credit card and go to town like a hungry bear who just found a brimming honey pot. Loyalty benefits never tasted so good. 

Earn Points with Eat Around Town   

So, you’re sitting at home, and you realize you have no plans for dinner — and you’re hungry. It’s a familiar story. Happily, Eat Around Town is here to help with a network of more than 20,000 participating restaurants. 

Simply join up as a Marriott Bonvoy member and search for restaurants, including both hotel and off-site eateries, in your U.S. city of choice. Thousands of scrumptious options await, from deep-dish pizza in Chicago to fresh tacos in San Diego .  

As the proverbial icing on the proverbial cake, you can reap points per dollar spent on both dine-in and takeout orders. 

Earn Points with Uber Eats  

Let’s be real: Going for groceries can be a chore. But when you link Uber Eats to your Marriott Bonvoy account and order groceries for delivery, the points you collect make it a next-level experience.  

For those days when you don’t have the time or energy to cook, you can also earn points by ordering takeout with Uber Eats. 

Frankly, when you have a chance to grow your Marriott Bonvoy points, it’s always a fine time to dine. 

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Virgin Voyages Expands Status Match Program

• April 24, 2024

Virgin Voyages is expanding its Status Match program for three days only, opening up its Sailing Club Status Match to other airline and hotel loyalty programs in addition to cruise.

From April 24 through Friday, April 26, Virgin Voyages will open up its Sailing Club Status Match to honor other airline and hotel loyalty programs. Travel loyalists from Marriott Bonvoy, American Airlines’ AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honors, among others, will gain access to Virgin Voyages’ “Blue Extras,” including perks such as one free bag of laundry, specialty coffee, access to an exclusive cocktail event and more.

To take advantage of the offer, guests need to book one of the select voyages during our Sail & Save promo running April 24-26, with cruises starting at $99 per Sailor per night. They’ll also need to submit proof of their travel loyalty program by April 26.

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