The Ultimate Guide to the American Express Cruise Privileges Program — Including Amex Platinum Card Benefits

When most people think of American Express travel benefits, they picture airport lounges, airline credits, or the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. But if you’re a cruiser — or even considering a cruise for your next vacation — you’ll want to know about one of the more underrated perks in the Amex travel ecosystem: the Cruise Privileges Program.

This program, also called the CPP, can add hundreds of dollars in onboard credits, exclusive amenities, and even bonus Membership Rewards points to your sailing — all at no extra cost — just for booking a specific way with your eligible American Express card.

The catch? You need to know how the program works and which cardholders can take advantage of it.

Let’s review everything you need to know about the Amex Cruise Privileges Program, who qualifies, the benefits you can expect with the Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, and even a step-by-step guide on how to book these sailings for yourself.

What Is the American Express Cruise Privileges Program?

The Cruise Privileges Program is an exclusive booking benefit available through AmexTravel.com. In short, if you’re a Platinum or Centurion cardholder — with either the consumer or small business version of these cards — and you book a cruise of at least 5 nights through AmexTravel.com, you unlock extra perks like onboard credits, exclusive amenities, and bonus Membership Rewards points.

Booking through the Cruise Privileges Program offers several benefits:

• Onboard credit: You get anywhere from $100 to $300 per stateroom, depending on the cruise line and cabin type you book. On premium cruise lines like Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you receive a flat $300 credit per stateroom regardless of category.
• Extra amenities: In addition to the onboard credit, American Express throws in a little something extra, depending on the cruise line. This can be a bottle of Champagne, spa vouchers, a private tour, or even chocolate-covered strawberries in your cabin. It varies by partner, but the idea is that you’re getting a VIP-style welcome.
• Bonus Membership Rewards points: If you’re enrolled in Membership Rewards, you earn 1 extra point per $1 spent on your CPP booking. That’s on top of the usual 2x points Platinum cards earn for AmexTravel.com purchases.
• Booking flexibility: You can extend these benefits to up to 3 staterooms on the same cruise, which means that, if you’re booking for family or friends, they can enjoy the same perks.

If that all sounds great, it’s worth pointing out that there are a few drawbacks to this setup.

First, you must book through AmexTravel.com to unlock these benefits. If your favorite cruise booking site or travel agent is offering a flash sale, you may need to compare carefully to ensure CPP is still the best deal — or whether booking this way for extra perks is worth forgoing a sale.

Additionally, only sailings of 5 nights or longer qualify, and you need to book for at least double occupancy. Solo travelers, unfortunately, can’t unlock CPP perks. Moreover, the onboard credits cannot be applied to gratuities, casino charges, or similar expenses. They’re fantastic for spa treatments, specialty dining, or shore excursions, though.

Lastly, a few exclusions apply. For example, Celebrity Cruises’ Galapagos sailings and certain Silversea expedition ships don’t participate.

Bottom Line:

All things considered, the Cruise Privileges Program adds real value, especially since you’re not paying extra for it. Just ensure that the price offered on AmexTravel.com matches what the cruise line is charging to verify you’re getting the best price possible.

Who Has Access to the Cruise Privileges Program?

This is where things get a little more exclusive. The Cruise Privileges Program is only available to U.S. Platinum- and Centurion-level cardholders. Having other Amex cards in your wallet isn’t enough.

Thus, you need to hold a card like the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, Centurion^® Card from American Express, or Business Centurion^® Card from American Express — with the latter 2 available by invitation only.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

18.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

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Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• New! Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Along with being a U.S. resident holding an eligible card, you must pay for the booking with that card — or points from it — and the cardholder must be one of the people named in the reservation.

Amex Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card Benefits With the Cruise Privileges Program

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card already deliver a strong suite of travel perks, from lounge access to travel credits and even hotel upgrades through Fine Hotels + Resorts, and you should definitely enroll in these perks. The Cruise Privileges Program adds another layer of luxury when you’re on the water.

Here’s what you can expect when booking eligible cruises:

Onboard Credits by Cruise Line

• Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean
  • $100 credit for inside and outside staterooms
  • $200 credit for balcony, veranda, or minisuite
  • $300 credit for suites
• Cunard
  • $300 credit for Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms (EF or higher)
  • $300 credit for Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms (FA or higher)
• Ama Waterways, Azamara, Explora Journeys, Oceania, Regent, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar
  • $300 credit per stateroom across all categories

Extra Perks by Cruise Line

• Ama Waterways: $100 spa voucher
• Azamara: Behind-the-scenes tour plus premium Champagne
• Celebrity: Bottle of Champagne or wine
• Cunard: Bottle of wine
• Holland America: Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Norwegian: Complimentary dinner for 2 at Le Bistro
• Oceania: Premium wine-tasting event plus a bottle of wine
• Princess: Plate of canapés
• Regent: Exclusive private gallery tour
• Royal Caribbean: Bottle of Champagne
• Seabourn: Suite Dreams turndown service plus a bottle of premium wine
• Silversea: Premium Champagne plus galley tour (except expedition ships)
• Uniworld: Bottle of wine plus fresh flowers
• Windstar: Romance Under Sail package with Champagne, strawberries, and canapés

Centurion Bonus

If you hold the Amex Centurion card or Amex Business Centurion card, you receive an extra $200 onboard credit on select luxury cruise lines, including Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, and Silversea.

Bonus Points

Don’t forget: Because Cruise Privileges Program bookings earn 1 extra Membership Rewards point per $1 spent, you’re essentially earning 3x points (the 2x standard earnings plus a 1x bonus) when booking with your Amex Platinum card.

How To Book a Cruise Through the Amex Cruise Privileges Program

Booking a cruise through the Cruise Privileges Program is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process.

First, head to americanexpress.com/cruiseprivileges and log in to your eligible account. Then select “Cruises” from the top menu.

On this page, you can choose your desired destination, set a preferred cruise line if you wish, choose a departure month, and choose a length for your cruise. Unfortunately, you can’t choose more than 1 cruise line for a preference — just 1 line or all of them. The same applies to choosing a preferred destination.

The shortest length you can choose for your sailing is 2 to 6 nights. Remember that the Cruise Privileges Program has a 5-night minimum, so this option will return cruises that qualify and those that don’t — meaning you should pay close attention to your results. After setting any filters you want, click the magnifying glass to begin your search.

When choosing a preferred cruise line, remember that not every sailing for every cruise line is included in the Cruise Privileges Program. Celebrity Cruises’ Galapagos sailings don’t offer the extra perks, for example.

On the results page, you’ll see the number of results and additional filters for ports you want to visit, cruise lines, ships, duration, and destinations. Using this set of filters, you can check more than 1 box in each drop-down menu, providing greater customization.

While choosing a cruise, consider the room carefully. Moving from a basic stateroom — even one on the ship’s exterior — to a room with a balcony can double your onboard credit with Celebrity, Norwegian, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Compare that to the extra cost of moving to a more premium room to see if you’ll come out ahead.

In the list of cruise results, you should see the onboard credit and available perks highlighted.

During the booking process, you should provide passenger details and have the option to choose your stateroom. You’ll also see an option to add travel insurance to your booking. Some cruises also let you choose your preferred dinner time.

On the final page, you have the option to pay with points for part or all of your trip, review your sailing details, and ensure your Cruise Privileges Program benefits are listed. If everything looks good, click on “Complete Booking.“

Should You Use Points To Book Your Cruise?

If you’ve racked up a healthy balance of Membership Rewards points, you might be tempted to redeem them toward your cruise. After all, the AmexTravel.com portal allows you to pay for cruises using points through Pay With Points.

But here’s the reality: Using points for cruises generally isn’t a great deal. When redeeming this way, you get just 0.7 cents per point in value. That means a $3,500 cruise would cost you 500,000 points — a poor redemption when compared to transferring those points to airline partners for premium cabin flights, where you can often get multiple times that. For context, we value Amex points at 2.2 cents apiece.

The only time using Pay With Points for a cruise might make sense is if you have more points than you can reasonably use for flights or if you simply want to offset a big bill without spending cash. Otherwise, you get more bang for your buck by keeping your points for air travel.

Final Thoughts

The American Express Cruise Privileges Program is one of those lesser-known perks that can quietly deliver significant value if you enjoy cruising. With up to $300 in onboard credit, unique amenities, and extra Membership Rewards points, it can easily add $500 or more of value to your vacation — without changing how you book or what you pay.

Yes, there are restrictions. You need to book through AmexTravel.com, sail for at least 5 nights, and pay with your Platinum or Centurion card. But if you’re already in the market for a cruise, this is an easy win that enhances your experience from the moment you step on board.

If you’re holding the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card, don’t overlook this benefit. With just 1 cruise booking, you could cover the cost of a couple of specialty dinners, indulge in a spa treatment, or toast your trip with premium Champagne, and it’s all courtesy of Amex.