Amex renamed its cruise perk the Cruise & Yacht Collection. Here is what Platinum cardholders get, when to use it, and which banks should build a rival.

What The AMEX Cruise & Yacht Collection Is

On October 20th, American Express Travel announced that its longstanding cruise program is now the American Express Cruise & Yacht Collection, with the refreshed program going live on October 22nd, 2026. The old name was Cruise Privileges, and AMEX says the partners and cardmember benefits remain consistent with the previous program. This appears to be a new coat of paint on an existing perk, not a new perk, but from an acquaintance at American Express Travel, I am certain there’s a desire to make this into more than it is right now.

The collection spans 20 cruise lines and yacht brands, and the names AMEX leads with are hotel-at-sea brands: the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Aman at Sea, with Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys called out as newer partners.…