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America's cruise line has gone Italian — or has it?
In addition to cruising, Ashley is obsessed with reading, lawn gnomes, pizza, cats, CrossFit, SEO and proper grammar.
April 30, 2024 • 15 min read
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Editorial note: TPG's Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip to sail on Carnival Firenze for its naming ceremony and inaugural voyage. The views expressed below are entirely hers and were not subject to review by the cruise line.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Carnival Firenze is a cruise ship themed around Italian culture, but its decor, food and entertainment lean heavily on playful stereotypes rather than authenticity.
The ship features over-the-top Italian-inspired design elements, themed parties and a mix of Italian and American culinary options, including an upscale Italian restaurant and reimagined casual venues.
Entertainment includes lively events like a street festival, operatic performances and humorous art, all designed to create a fun, lighthearted atmosphere.
While the Italian theme is exaggerated, the ship maintains the approachable, cheerful vibe typical of the cruise line's fleet.
What to consider
The Italian theming is more caricature than genuine, appealing to those who enjoy playful, immersive environments rather than cultural accuracy.
Dining options include a specialty Italian restaurant with a higher cover charge and several rebranded venues, but some traditional favorites are missing or altered.
Suite guests have access to exclusive spaces, while some popular bars have been replaced or reimagined to fit the Italian motif.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed look at how Carnival Firenze balances themed entertainment, dining and decor to deliver a unique but intentionally kitschy cruise experience.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
"I could really go for another slice of pizza," I thought, as I eyed the gelato along the Lido Deck's outdoor piazza and hummed, "That's Amore" — a tune that has seemed to play on repeat since I boarded Carnival Firenze four days ago.
When I first heard Carnival Cruise Line was adopting a couple of ships from Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and trying to pass them off as "Italian style," I couldn't help but wonder if it was possible for the experience to feel even a little bit authentic. After all, Costa is used to catering to Europeans, so I figured the ship would know how Italians prefer to cruise. But, as it turns out, that's not the point.
Carnival Firenze — formerly Costa Firenze, which is the Italian name for Florence — was not built for Italians but for foreigners. The result is a ship that seems like an over-the-top highlights reel, packed with nods to Italy that any tourist would understand but which would make an actual Italian wonder, "Is this what they really think of us?"
Don't get me wrong: The ship is fun — lots of fun, actually — but it's Italian in the same way Sacha Baron Cohen is Austrian when he plays Bruno or Kazakhstani when he suits up as Borat (in other words, not at all). As a colleague said when he sailed sister ship Carnival Venezia last year, it’s a bit like being at The Venetian in Las Vegas or in the Italy section of Epcot at Walt Disney World. That's exactly how Carnival's clientele likes it.
Many of the design elements, food offerings, drink options and themed parties feel like an amalgamation of Italian stereotypes, rather than a tasteful ode to one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
This floating caricature reinforces the most infuriating cruise tropes: that ships force travelers to settle for a sheltered version of the real thing and that you can’t authentically experience culture when you sail.
Somehow, I find myself enjoying it anyway. I've spent the past few days leaning into everything Italian I can find on Carnival Firenze. Will the ship give you a true taste of Italy? It won’t. But, that doesn't stop it from offering the same type of unpretentious, cheerful fun for which Carnival is known — even if it's a bit Parmigiana cheesy.
An over-the-top naming ceremony
Actor Jonathan Bennett accepts several Italian-themed items on stage during the christening of Carnival Firenze, where he served as godfather. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Carnival set the tone for the ship from the beginning with the vessel's Italian-themed naming ceremony. In keeping with the precedent of choosing godfathers — Jay Leno was Carnival Venezia’s — instead of godmothers for its former Costa vessels, Carnival selected actor Jonathan Bennett to do the honors for Carnival Firenze.
Bennett isn’t Italian, so Carnival decided to change that. Company executives presented the “Mean Girls” actor with an armful of Italian items he could barely hold: an Italia soccer shirt, a pizza, a wheel of Parmesan cheese, a bottle of Aperol, several packages of pasta and Gucci swag. In an extra cringeworthy display, they squirted him with a bottle of holy water from the Vatican.
Just prior, Carnival Firenze cruise director Joey Boyes and Carnival brand ambassador John Heald sang a hilarious duet of “On Firenze” to the tune of “That’s Amore” but with lyrics about eating meatballs and other oh-so-Italian pursuits.
Carnival Firenze cruise director Joey Boyes and Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald sing a duet to the tune of "That's Amore." ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The event was a little weird, but it was still a great time with tons of laughs. In fact, some elements were downright wonderful. I was stunned, in a good way, by the operatic performance by members of the ship’s Playlist Productions entertainment crew, many of whom are often stuck singing only pop tunes during nightly shows. Unfortunately, though, their “Italian” costumes were so garish they were distracting.
The immensely talented actress Leslie Kritzer — one of Bennett’s castmates from the Broadway musical “Spamalot” — who is also not Italian, gave a phenomenal performance of several Italian-themed songs. Her set was one of the few saving graces of the evening.
Overall, I’m fairly certain the only authentically Italian aspect of the proceedings was when Captain Crescenzo Palomba — who actually is Italian — translated Bennett’s blessing of the ship into his native tongue.
Decor that makes you say 'hmmm'
Artwork featuring two confused women on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
From Carnival Firenze's sweeping, lavish three-deck Piazza del Duomo atrium with its gleaming gold replica of Donatello’s "Marzocco" lion statue to the Lido Pool, which is set up like an Italian promenade, complete with wrought-iron balconies, the ship is designed to make you feel like you’re in some alternate universe’s version of Italy. It's kitschy for sure, but there are parts of it — like the art — that I don't hate.
Near the pool, you can grab a fruity tropical cocktail from Rococo, an open-air bar where you’ll find the walls plastered with late Baroque-style art whose subjects have been embellished with modern twists like sunglasses and pithy text. Women in frilly dresses are overlaid with exclamations like “Don’t rush me,” “Dogs before dudes” and, simply, “Swag.”
They’re great for a chortle, and they’re exactly the type of art I can appreciate. What truly makes me laugh out loud, though, are the prints that span the walls in the ship’s aft stairwells. They might seem innocuous at first, but as you look more closely, you can pick out some exceptionally odd characters. They include two women who clearly tested the limits of their drink package, a creepy crone who needs dental work and some Pasties, and a sad dog who stands on top of the table in a chaotic version of "The Last Supper" as Jesus nonchalantly looks on.
A replica of Michelangelo's David statue stands in the Michelangelo Restaurant on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
On the surface, the above artworks look Italian, but they lend themselves to the less stuffy atmosphere for which Carnival is known.
However, one of the biggest — both literally and figuratively — reminders that this ship is squarely American, despite its Italian theming, is a huge replica of Michelangelo’s "David." It presides over the two-deck Michelangelo Restaurant, one of the ship’s two main dining rooms.
The statue, which originally appeared in the nude on Carnival Pride, has been moved to Carnival Firenze; it still bears the fig leaf that was added to preserve delicate American sensibilities after prudish passengers complained.
Tasty 'Italian' food
Il Viaggio on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
As is the case across the Carnival fleet, the food on Carnival Firenze is great, but some of the menu changes have me scratching my head.
On many of its ships, Carnival already has an Italian restaurant, Cucina del Capitano, which offers a homey ambience and family-favorite recipes from the Italian captains across the line’s fleet. Oddly, the restaurant appears on neither Carnival Venezia nor Carnival Firenze.
Instead, it has been replaced by Il Viaggio, an upscale Italian eatery with a $42 per-person cover charge — nearly double what most ships with Cucina del Capitano charge passengers to dine. Il Viaggio’s decor is elegant but understated. It doesn’t drip with red, white and green or stereotypical Italian adornments, offering a refreshing escape from other areas of the vessel where the theming is overkill.
The menu, which is billed as “a culinary voyage through Italy’s diverse regions — one plate at a time,” includes some of the best food I’ve ever had on a ship. I thoroughly enjoyed the house-made burrata; the pollo Parmigiana pizza, which has a crust made of chicken; the gnocchi with goat cheese and truffle oil; and the mile-high gelato pie. Still, I would have liked to see some of the captains’ traditional recipes carried over from the Cucina menu on other ships. It would have been a way to include some additional authenticity.
Another pleasant surprise is Il Mercato, which replaces Carnival’s deli venue found on other ships. It was moved from the Lido Marketplace buffet into an open-air space on Deck 11 to make room in the buffet for a for-fee chicken wing spot. Although the physical setup feels a little cheap and temporary — it looks like a modular stand you'd find at a farmer's market — the food is complimentary and shockingly tasty.
In addition to standard deli fare like hot dogs and turkey and Swiss sandwiches, you can also choose from more Italian-themed eats like sausage and meatball sandwiches. Despite being a little light on meat, the cheesesteak I had one evening was delicious; as a lifelong Eastern Pennsylvanian, I think it could rival some of the best in Philadelphia. You also can’t go wrong with one of the pretzel rolls.
One of two Italian-themed menu items at Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Carnival has also added two Italian-themed options to the menu at Guy’s Burger Joint and replaced the BlueIguana Cantina with a walk-up counter called Tomodoro that purports to be a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines. (Really, it’s just BlueIguana, rebranded, and it still serves tacos and burritos.)
I tried both of the options from the former — one burger with mozzarella cheese, balsamic, tomatoes, basil and Donkey Sauce and another with pepperoni, marinara sauce, Donkey Sauce, mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan. Both were just OK, and I was sad to see that my favorite burger, the Pig Patty, is absent from the menu on this ship.
At Tomodoro, the menu lists tacos and burritos, as well as Italian meatball heroes, Sicilian chicken wraps and tortas de Milanese.
My hot take on these two restaurants' changes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Drink options
A Frizzante Spritz from the Frizzante Bar on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
As far as Carnival Firenze’s bars are concerned, I get the impression that the line just picked out singular Italian words for their names — Frizzante, Rococo, Moda, Amari, Pergola — and tossed in some drinks made from Italian alcohol.
The first three are my favorites, with Frizzante offering popular bubbly spritz-style drinks like the Aperol Spritz and — my new go-to — the Frizzante Spritz, as well as a slew of espresso martini variations. You’ll want to sidle up for a predinner drink or two if you’re planning to dine at Il Viaggio.
I enjoy Rococo mainly for its hilarious art, but it’s also a great spot to grab a quick bottle of water or a fruity frozen drink if you’re near the Lido Pool.
Moda has a super-fun entryway that makes you feel like you’re on a runway as you walk inside, complete with fashion-forward furniture. The Moda Lounge is also where people booked in La Terrazza, the ship’s exclusive suite area, can enjoy waiter-served breakfast; the bar and lounge are open to everyone after the morning meal, though. (The adjoining sun deck remains exclusive to suite passengers.)
The Amari Bar on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
I have a bone to pick with Carnival because it replaced the Alchemy Bar — Carnival’s apothecary-style bar, which appears on nearly every single Carnival vessel — with the Amari Bar. I’m trying to understand why Italian-style fun involves removing one of the line’s most beloved watering holes in favor of an herbal liqueur-focused spot.
One saving grace: There's an Alchemy section on the menu, so you can still order popular drinks like The Remedy and Cucumber Sunrise cocktails there.
The Pergola Bar is hardly worth a mention since it’s little more than a sterile counter on Deck 11 that feels a lot like an afterthought. The seating area around it is nice enough, replete with columns of faux topiary, but it isn’t noteworthy otherwise.
Over-the-top entertainment
An Italian-themed "welcome on board" party in the atrium of Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Ultimately, some of Carnival Firenze's Italian-style entertainment works, but some made me groan. At embarkation, the first round of passengers was met with a raucous welcome in the Piazza del Duomo, complete with loud music, confetti and enthusiastic crew members waving giant signs that bore Italian phrases like “CIAO” and “BENVENUTI.” That was actually fun, and it fell in line with Carnival’s usual “welcome on board” celebrations.
However, Festa Italiana — a big, loud, cheesy Italian-themed street festival-type celebration — just made me roll my eyes. One night on each sailing, the Lido Pool area is strung with red, white and green flags. The event, which lasts more than two hours, kicks off with a talented violin trio.
Flags hanging over the pool deck during Festa Italiana on Carnival Firenze. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Following that, the cruise director moves into what the line calls a “traditional” opening ceremony, involving members of the Playlist Productions cast in cartoonish-looking versions of Italian dress parading around the deck. They perform several times throughout the night, alternating with activities like gelato-eating contests, Italian lessons (where the audience learns a couple of phrases that they scream back and forth at one another) and competitions where participants have to maneuver, blindfolded, around terra cotta pots.
The night ends with a DJ, who plays music while servers walk around with trays of Italian sausage sandwiches and bites of salami and cheese pastry.
Bottom line
Carnival has gone all-in with its Italian-themed vessels. They're still great at delivering the fun experience for which the line is known, but sometimes, the fun crosses a line into territory that can feel a bit like mockery.
If you love "Jersey Shore” and could see yourself as someone who would pose for professional photos with a Vespa-style scooter, Carnival Firenze might be the ship for you. If not, be warned that a lot of what you’ll experience is likely to make you grimace.
Call it fun, but don’t call it Italian — at least not with a straight face.
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Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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No foreign transaction fees
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Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
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.
