Cruise Recap- And How Points Can Help

Feb 13, 2026

They tackle traveling with eSIMs and two-factor authentication, including authenticator app options and keeping a primary line active. Credit card and loyalty news pop up, like a big United business offer, Air Canada adding ITA redemptions, and a Marriott points promo. A relaxed seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise is recapped, including booking via points, using card credits, and the surprising value from a Southwest card for seat and baggage perks.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Handle 2FA With An eSIM Wisely

Keep your primary phone line active for texts and calls while using a local eSIM for data when traveling internationally.
Switch to authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator) instead of SMS to avoid 2FA issues with eSIMs.

INSIGHT

New Air Canada Partner Offers Good Europe Value

Air Canada added ITA (ITA Airways) as a redemption partner with distance-based award pricing.
You can book Rome routes for ~40K economy or ~70K business, offering solid value to Europe.

ADVICE

Top Off Points Only When Cost-Effective

Check targeted buy-points promos like Marriott's up-to-40% bonus if you need to top off a balance for a redemption.
Compare cost-per-point and alternatives (transfer bonuses, other chains) before buying.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In Episode 159 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo cover listener tips, loyalty news, and Angie’s recent “actual vacation.” The highlight post addresses how to handle two-factor authentication (2FA) when traveling internationally, especially when using a local eSIM. Community suggestions include switching to authenticator apps instead of SMS and keeping your primary line active for texts and calls while using an eSIM for data. In the news, they discuss a new United Business card offer (100,000 miles plus 2,000 PQP), Air Canada adding ITA Airways as a distance-based redemption partner, a targeted Marriott Bonvoy points purchase bonus, and several loyalty promotions set to expire. They also share updates on their current credit card strategies and upcoming trips.

The main topic centers on Angie’s first true vacation in years. After initially considering a resort stay in Anguilla, she and her husband opted for a seven-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailing out of San Juan with a port stop each day. They intentionally limited excursions, choosing instead to relax—reading, enjoying the sun, and unplugging. Angie strategically used a mix of cash, points, and credit card perks to offset costs, including Ultimate Rewards points to book the cruise through Chase Travel, free night certificates at the Caribe Hilton for a pre-cruise stay, and various statement credits for rides, dining, and lounge access. She also highlights how her Southwest Priority card delivered outsized value under the airline’s new seat assignment policy, saving nearly $500 on seat selection and baggage fees. While the trip delivered the relaxation they wanted, Angie notes some declines in NCL’s onboard experience and wouldn’t necessarily recommend that specific ship in the future.

Episode Links

Where to Find Us

The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at 101@award.travel
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.