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MasterCard SeaMiles Program
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After receiving countless pre-approved credit card applications in the mail, it seemed I had finally gotten one that might be worth checking into. After all, who wouldn't find the idea of earning free cruises appealing?
So, I had to do it. I called and pestered the application representatives about the actual mileage you earn. Apparently, if you use the card within the first 30 days of being approved, you automatically earn 5,000 SeaMiles. Then, you can earn up to 5,000 more by doing balance transfers. After that, each dollar you spend earns you another mile. Of course, here comes the part that I always found fishy about programs with 'miles.' One mile is not really one mile. They never are, not with frequent flier programs and not here either. In order to redeem your miles for a cruise, although you can earn discounts with as few as 10,000 miles, you must have a minimum of 30,000 for a non-oceanside room on a short 3-4 day cruise to Baja Mexico or the Bahamas. This means that with your initial 5,000 miles for your first card purchase and if you transfer for an additional 5,000 miles you will still need to earn at least 20,000 miles, which means spending 20,000 on your card. If you spend an average of $500 per month, it will take you nearly four years to earn that starter cruise. The next cruise up the chain to the Western Caribbean for six nights requires 40,000 miles for an inside view (most oceanside rooms needed an additional 5,000 miles).
If you plan on spending big money, or do not mind earning perks over long periods of time, this card might be good for you. Any way to earn free travel, has to be worth it.
1-877-SEAMILES or www.seamiles.com
