American Express has narrowed the booking channel for the Platinum Card's
cruise benefit. Effective September 15, 2026, the Cruise Privileges Program
onboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom applies only to eligible sailings
booked through American Express Travel, either at AmexTravel.com or by calling
the number on the back of the card. Cruises booked through an independent travel
advisor, an online travel agency or any other third party no longer earn the
credit.
The remaining program terms are unchanged. The sailing has to be at least five
nights with double occupancy on a participating cruise line, the full cost has
to go on an eligible Card in the Card Member's name, the Card Member has to
travel on the booked itinerary, and the benefit is capped at three staterooms
per member per cruise. The credit itself ranges from $100 to $300 depending
on the cruise line and the fare booked.
Why it matters
Luxury cruises are one of the categories where booking through a specialist
advisor is common, and advisors often layer their own consortium perks on top of
the Amex credit. Cardholders who work with an advisor now have to choose between
those perks and the onboard credit rather than stacking them.
The American Society of Travel Advisors has requested a meeting with American
Express and asked the company to postpone the change, saying it "limits consumer
choice, disrupts established advisor-client relationships." American Express had
not publicly commented on the objection as of the report.
Anyone holding a cruise deposit made before September 15 should confirm with the
booking channel whether the credit still attaches to that reservation.