When I stumbled across American Airlines Cruises while browsing for a getaway, I was intrigued. As a frequent flyer with a stash of AAdvantage miles, the idea of redeeming them for a cruise—rather than another flight—felt like a novel twist. American Airlines Cruises, a booking platform partnered with major cruise lines, promises seamless reservations, exclusive perks, and the chance to earn or spend miles on sailings worldwide. But was it worth it? To find out, I imagined booking sailings to four bucket-list destinations: the Kerala Backwaters in India, the Maldives, the Rocky Mountains (via an Alaskan cruise), and the Swiss Alps (via a European river cruise). Here’s my deep dive into the experience—costs, logistics, rewards, and whether the thrill matched the hype.
What Is American Airlines Cruises?
First, a primer. American Airlines Cruises isn’t a cruise line itself but a portal operated by World Travel Holdings, offering sailings with brands like Norwegian, Princess, Viking, and more. You can book online at bookaacruises.com, earn 1-2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent (on top of cruise line loyalty points), or redeem miles for cruise fares. Perks like onboard credits or discounted deposits sweeten the deal, especially for AAdvantage members. I’d never thought of cruises as part of my miles game, so I decided to test its value across four wildly different locales—each tied to my love for water, mountains, and cultural immersion.
Kerala Backwaters: A Houseboat Odyssey
The Kerala Backwaters—a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and rice paddies along India’s Malabar Coast—called to me first. I pictured a houseboat drifting past palm-fringed villages, the air thick with the scent of coconut curry. American Airlines Cruises doesn’t list Kerala-specific sailings (it focuses on ocean and river cruises), but I could book a broader South India itinerary with a line like Uniworld, departing from Mumbai or Kochi, then add a backwaters extension. A hypothetical 10-day “India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges” cruise, with a Kochi detour, rang up at $5,999 per person—steep, but inclusive of meals, excursions, and flights from Paris to India.
The Booking Process: Using the site was straightforward. I logged into my AAdvantage account, filtered by destination, and found a sailing with a $200 onboard credit perk. Paying with cash earned me 5,999 miles (1 mile/$1), while redeeming miles would’ve cost 60,000-80,000 miles per person—comparable to a business-class flight to Asia. I opted for cash to preserve my miles, adding a Kochi-to-Alleppey houseboat day trip ($150 via a local operator).
The Experience: The cruise itself was luxurious—think silk-draped cabins and rooftop yoga—but the backwaters stole the show. Gliding on a kettuvallam (traditional rice barge), I snapped photos of kingfishers and savored fish moilee served on banana leaves. The tranquility was unmatched, though the detour required extra planning outside the cruise package.
Worth It?: For Kerala, American Airlines Cruises was a gateway, not the full solution. The platform’s value lay in earning miles and securing a solid base itinerary, but the backwaters demanded DIY effort. At $6,149 total, it felt pricey for a hybrid trip—yet the cultural payoff was immense.
Maldives: Paradise on the High Seas
Next, the Maldives—a necklace of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, synonymous with overwater bungalows and turquoise bliss. American Airlines Cruises offered sailings with Norwegian Cruise Line, like a 12-day “Asia & Indian Ocean” voyage from Singapore to Dubai, stopping in Male for a day. Priced at $3,499 per person (balcony cabin), it included meals, entertainment, and a $150 credit. I booked with 35,000 miles plus $1,999 cash—a hybrid payment to stretch my miles.
The Booking Process: The site’s filters let me target Male, and the miles+cash option was a breeze. I earned 1,999 miles back on the cash portion, softening the sting. AAdvantage perks included priority boarding on my connecting flight to Singapore, a nice touch.
The Experience: Stepping onto Male’s docks, I joined a snorkeling excursion ($80) to a nearby reef. The water shimmered with parrotfish and rays, though the 6-hour port stop felt rushed—barely time to sip a coconut on the beach. The ship’s infinity pool and seafood buffets were divine, but the Maldives begged for more than a teaser.
Worth It?: At $3,499 (plus $80), the cruise was a steal compared to a $1,500/night resort stay, and miles made it sweeter. Yet, the fleeting visit underscored a cruise’s limits—paradise deserves days, not hours. For a taste of the Maldives, it worked; for immersion, it fell short.
Rocky Mountains: Alaska’s Coastal Gateway
The Rocky Mountains don’t scream “cruise,” but an Alaskan Inside Passage sailing with Princess Cruises, departing Vancouver, brought me close. This 7-day roundtrip ($1,799 per person, oceanview) traced fjords and glaciers, with stops in Juneau and Skagway—gateways to Rocky Mountain-esque wilderness. I used 18,000 miles plus $799 cash, earning 799 miles back and a $100 credit.
The Booking Process: American Airlines Cruises shone here—Alaska options were plentiful, and the miles calculator was transparent. I tacked on a flight from Dallas to Vancouver (25,000 miles), syncing it with the cruise departure.
The Experience: From the ship, I marveled at snow-capped peaks and calving glaciers, echoes of the Rockies’ grandeur. A Skagway excursion ($120) took me on a White Pass rail ride—pine forests, cliffs, and a whiff of frontier air. The ship’s hot tubs and live music added warmth to the chill, though crowded decks occasionally broke the spell.
Worth It?: At $1,919 total, this was a budget-friendly taste of mountain majesty. The miles+cash flexibility and AAdvantage perks tipped the scales—far cheaper than a Rockies road trip with similar views. For nature lovers, it’s a resounding yes.
Swiss Alps: A River Cruise Detour
Finally, the Swiss Alps—towering, pristine, and a short hop from Europe’s rivers. I booked a Viking Rhine River cruise, “Rhine Getaway” (8 days, $2,999 per person), from Amsterdam to Basel. From Basel, a train to Interlaken (2.5 hours, $50) promised Alpine glory. I paid cash, earning 2,999 miles, with a $50 credit as an AAdvantage bonus.
The Booking Process: The site’s river cruise section was robust, and Viking’s reputation sealed the deal. Booking flights to Amsterdam (40,000 miles round-trip) via American Airlines synced perfectly, though the Alps leg required extra legwork.
The Experience: The Rhine unfurled castles and vineyards, a gentle prelude to Switzerland. In Interlaken, I hiked to a viewpoint above Lake Thun—jagged peaks piercing the sky, cows jangling bells. The ship’s elegance (think Nordic decor and wine pairings) contrasted with the Alps’ rawness, a balance I adored. The train detour was seamless but ate into my day.
Worth It?: At $3,049 (plus $50), this was a splurge, but the cruise’s polish and Alpine payoff justified it. Miles earned softened the cost, though the Alps felt like an add-on rather than the star. For a luxe nomad blending river and mountain, it’s a win.
The Big Picture: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Miles Flexibility: Earning or redeeming AAdvantage miles adds value—5,999 miles from Kerala, 799 from Alaska, etc., stack up fast.
- Perks: Onboard credits ($50-$200) and flight coordination are AAdvantage gold.
- Variety: From Kerala’s canals to Alpine rivers, the platform spans oceans and continents.
- Ease: Booking is intuitive, with filters for ports, dates, and lines.
Cons:
- Cost: Prices align with industry norms but can balloon with add-ons (e.g., Kerala’s $150 extension).
- Port Time: Short stops—like 6 hours in the Maldives—limit immersion.
- Niche Gaps: Kerala Backwaters and Alps access require extra planning beyond the cruise.
- Value Perception: Miles redemption rates (e.g., 60,000 for $5,999) sometimes lag behind flight deals.
Was It Worth It?
Across these sailings, American Airlines Cruises delivered convenience and rewards, but the “worth it” verdict hinges on your goals. For Kerala, it was a pricey stepping stone to a unique experience—worth it for culture hounds with cash to spare. The Maldives offered a budget-friendly peek at paradise, ideal if you’re miles-rich and time-poor. The Rocky Mountains (via Alaska) hit a sweet spot—affordable, scenic, and seamless with miles. The Swiss Alps paired luxury with adventure, a luxe nomad’s dream, though the detour stretched the day.
Total spend? $14,637 for four trips (averaging $3,659 each), offset by 10,756 miles earned and 53,000 redeemed. Compared to standalone bookings, I saved ~$300 in credits and gained miles equivalent to a domestic flight. The real worth, though, was the stories—sipping toddy in Kerala, spotting whales in Alaska, gazing at Jungfrau. If you value flexibility, rewards, and a curated escape, American Airlines Cruises is a solid play. If you crave deep dives or rock-bottom prices, you might sail elsewhere.
Tips for Your Booking
- Maximize Miles: Use miles+cash for shorter trips (Alaska), cash for longer ones (Kerala) to optimize rewards.
- Time Ports: Research stop durations—6 hours in Male versus 12 in Juneau shifts the vibe.
- Layer It: Pair cruises with local add-ons (e.g., Kerala houseboats) for fuller experiences.
- Check Perks: Credits vary by sailing—$200 for Kerala beat $50 for the Alps.
Final Verdict
Was it worth it? Yes—with caveats. American Airlines Cruises isn’t a one-size-fits-all jackpot, but for an AAdvantage loyalist like me, it’s a clever way to sail the world, from backwaters to peaks. Next time, I’ll tweak my picks—maybe a longer Maldives stay or a Rockies river cruise. For now, I’ve got miles, memories, and a itch to roam again. Where will you sail?
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