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Find a Cruise that Fits Your Sailing Style with American Express Travel®
More travelers than ever are making waves. Here’s what to know about popular sailings, from the Alaska fjords to the Caribbean islands, and the varied experiences aboard cruise lines.
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December 23, 2025
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Falling asleep to the lullaby of the water and waking up in beautiful new destinations – both are on the itinerary when you set sail. From there, the cruise experience varies widely; the sheer number of options is exciting and potentially overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back trip spent by the beach and onboard pool, a cultural river journey through history, or an expedition to far-flung destinations, there’s a cruise to fit every travel style.
While smaller ships offer a more intimate and personalized experience and can often access smaller, less-visited ports, larger vessels provide an abundance of onboard activities and entertainment, catering to a variety of preferences.
When you use your Platinum Card® to book with the Cruise Privileges Program* through Amex Travel, you’ll enjoy elevated benefits on participating cruises of five nights or more with 15+ cruise lines, including up to $300 onboard credit, and one unique amenity per stateroom.† Plus, receive 2X Membership Rewards® Points on each eligible booking with your Platinum Card®.*
Get inspired with our guide to cruise experiences below. And when you’re ready to plan, click here or call 800-525-3355 to get in touch with an American Express Travel Consultant who can help you select the cruise that's right for you.
Explore Cruises: Alaska | Caribbean | River | Expedition | South Pacific & Beyond
†Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
Alaska Cruises
Towering snow-capped mountains, rugged glaciers, marine wildlife, and miles of pristine terrain are among the natural wonders that abound in Alaska. Many of the captivating locations are only accessible by water, so there’s no better way to explore its 6,640 miles of coastline than by cruise.
Silversea
Silversea is a luxury all-inclusive cruise line sailing to destinations across the globe – and Alaska is one of its specialties. With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, you can expect top-tier service while onboard and on shore. Designed to cultivate an intimate sailing experience, Silversea’s ships offer multiple high-end dining options, expert guides to help you make the most of your voyage, and spacious suites, each featuring a personal butler and sweeping ocean views of Alaska’s glacial vistas.
With your $300 onboard credit, embark on special shore excursions such as an adventurous helicopter flight and glacier hike on Mendenhall Glacier or a serene sea kayaking adventure in Sitka.
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line
For a larger ship with a wide variety of activities and amenities, look to Norwegian Cruise Line. Distinguished by a convivial atmosphere and dynamic onboard programming, a Norwegian cruise offers your choice of Broadway-caliber entertainment spa treatments, gourmet dining options, and family-oriented activities. Plus, The Haven, Norwegian’s luxurious ship-within-a-ship, offers oceanfront balconies in every suite, penthouse, and villa.
Put your up to $300 onboard credit toward excursions like the picturesque White Pass Scenic Railway experience in Skagway, where you’ll take in panoramic views while traversing the original Klondike Trail.
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
Caribbean Cruises
When many people think of a cruise, they think of the Caribbean, and no wonder with the lure of balmy breezes, sparkling turquoise waters, and proximity from the East Coast. You can return to this region again and again, given the diversity of routes and islands to explore, from The Bahamas to Cozumel, Mexico to Curacao in the southern Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean
There are so many reasons to get excited about a Royal Caribbean® cruise. Choose from itineraries starting at three days that take you to over 300 destinations – like Perfect Day at CocoCay, a 125-acre private island in The Bahamas where adventure meets fun in the sun. Onboard, get ready for rock climbing, ice skating, and surfing at sea for even more excitement on the water. Whether your dream vacation includes adrenaline-pumping thrills with the whole family or peaceful relaxation for two, Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers cutting-edge experiences, entertainment, and friendly service.
When you sail to Perfect Day at CocoCay with the Cruise Privileges Program, put your up to $300 onboard credit toward a relaxing day at Coco Beach Club – or soar to new heights at Thrill Waterpark.
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
Cunard
British cruise line Cunard has a long history of pampering travelers with the royal treatment – after all, its fleet of vessels named for queens has been sailing across the world for over 180 years. Expect attentive, high-end service and Cunard signature experiences, such as a black-tie Gala Evening or Afternoon Tea during a day at sea. Entertainment options also abound, including performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company, stage productions ranging from comedies to operas, and live music. Cunard sails to all corners of the Caribbean; you might pair one voyage with Cunard’s iconic Transatlantic Crossing for a balance of adventurous days in island ports and an enriching week at sea.
Using your $300 onboard credit, experience the sun-kissed islands with excursions ranging from snorkeling above vibrant reefs to chocolate-making workshops.
Ships' Registry: Bermuda
River Cruises
A river voyage is a great option for first-time cruise travelers and returning guests alike. You’ll sail through scenic villages and dock right in small port cities along rivers including the Danube, Nile, and Mekong, to name only a few. And with more frequent port stops and fewer sailing days than many ocean voyages, you’ll have even more time to explore Europe’s riverside charms.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld's fleet of destination-inspired floating boutique hotels offers unique voyages through both celebrated and lesser-traveled waterways. All-inclusive itineraries in Europe span the Rhine’s storied castles and the Douro River Valley’s rich culinary traditions. On a Ganges river cruise, immerse yourself in India’s vibrant palaces and cities as you sail the serene and sacred river.
With your $300 onboard credit, go above and beyond with a privately guided Curated Service excursion in your destination.
Ships' Registry: Switzerland, Portugal, India
AmaWaterways
As a family-founded cruise line sailing the world’s rivers for over two decades, AmaWaterways strives to make guests feel like part of an onboard family. Taste the Flavors of Burgundy on a food-and-wine-inspired voyage through France’s rivers, or deep dive into history with Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, which includes a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari. On the Danube, experience Central Europe’s vibrant arts and architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights – plus, opt for a November or December cruise to experience each city’s enchanting winter markets.
After a long day of exploring in port, enjoy a luxurious massage or spa treatment with your $300 onboard credit and $100 spa credit, your special amenity aboard AmaWaterways.
Ships' Registry: Switzerland and Egypt
Expedition Cruises
Designed to take you to the edges of the earth, expedition voyages unlock some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic Circle, the Galapagos, the Amazon, and beyond. Offering a unique blend of luxury and adventure, these immersive journeys are crafted for travelers seeking to sail beyond oceans and rivers and embrace the spirit of exploration.
Seabourn
Seabourn’s ultra-luxury expeditions take you to some of the world’s most remote destinations on board state-of-the-art, purpose-built ships, each led by a team of explorers, scientists, and academics – many of whom have decades of expedition experience. In each destination, expect immersive included experiences like guided explorations (backroading in the Kimberley region of western Australia), wildlife encounters (observing penguins in Antarctica), and on-the-water Zodiac tours. On sea days, prepare for your shore adventures with immersive lectures and visits to the ship’s open bridge – and from your oceanfront balcony, keep an eye out for spectacular natural vistas and wildlife sightings.
With your $300 onboard credit, adventure even further with small-group submarine dives – or explore the water’s surface up-close on a kayaking excursion.
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas
South Pacific Cruises and Beyond
A resort stay isn’t the only way to get to know the South Pacific’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Cruises venture to this region, calling at ports from Polynesia, the Cook Islands and Tahiti to New Zealand, Fiji and Guam, and allowing you to see more of this enchanting and expansive region. In fact, some of these island destinations are only accessible by boat. You might also be surprised by the breadth of itineraries stopping in both big cities and smaller coastal ports across Asia and Africa; a quintessential Nile River cruise is just the beginning.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises provides warm, personalized service and cultivates travelers’ passion for exploration through all aspects of each voyage. On their South Pacific itineraries – which include cruises to Bora Bora, Fiji, Samoa, and beyond – explore unique experiences like motu picnics, lagoon catamaran sailings, and black pearl farm tours. Back on board, you can look forward to Oceania’s stand-out dining program.
With the Cruise Privileges Program, enjoy a Premium Wine Tasting event for two during your Oceania voyage, plus a bottle of specialty wine of your choice.
Ships' Registry: Marshall Islands
