AMEX Platinum

[royal65]

I have a platinum American Express card and am suppose to receive a $300 OBC as a benefit. I cruised Princess in Feb. and paid with my AMEX card. When the credit didn't show on my account prior to the criuse, I was assured it would be on my final bill. It wasn't, and when I inquired at the purser's desk was told she could do nothing and I had to take it up with my TA. The TA says she's dealing with AMEX on it, but 2 1/2 months later still no credit. The TA is not an American Express agent, but supposedly that doesn't affect it. Has anyone else had a similiar experience? I'm nearing the date I need to make my first payment (other than deposit) on my next cruise and if I'm doing something wrong, I need to correct so I can get the OBC. I've called AMEX travel this morning, but their lines are swamped with volcano ash travel issues.

[bhopal21]

I had to use an Amex TA to receive my credit a few years back. Not sure if it has changed.

 

I saved more money by changing to a discount online TA so I haven't used them since.

 

Mike:)

[Woobstr112G]

I have heard this from others as well. I have a platinum card but use a T/A since they are much cheaper than Amex. Do use it though to get me into first class lounges at the airports.....:):):)

 

Bob

[jajohnson]

On our last cruise (March) we did not book a suite so we didn't qualify for $300 OBC, but we did get the two level cabin upgrade (actually we asked for a two cabin level price decrease because we wanted to keep our booked cabin) as well as the other platinum benefits (free dinner for 2 at Sabatinis and bottle of champagne) . Once we booked the cruise, in order to get the benefit using our regular (not AMEX) TA he had to call AMEX and get a code, which he then called Princess with to get a special promo code appended to our booking. We then received an updated invoice with the price reduction. When on board our steward gave us the coupons for the dinner and champagne). In order for the code to be issued by AMEX, we had to have paid for the full cruise with AMEX card (including the deposit). He has also followed the same process on our upcoming Sapphire cruise in October. Hope this helps a little since our case is not exactly like yours but I bet the process to be followed is similar.

 

John

[AFT_LOVER]

since was told by the Platinum agent at AMEX that you must book the cruise with AMEX Travel, they book the flight that you get business class companion seat for free. The OBC, dinner & champagne are an AMEX Travel perk, so you must use them to get them.

 

 

 

I have a platinum American Express card and am suppose to receive a $300 OBC as a benefit. I cruised Princess in Feb. and paid with my AMEX card. When the credit didn't show on my account prior to the criuse, I was assured it would be on my final bill. It wasn't, and when I inquired at the purser's desk was told she could do nothing and I had to take it up with my TA. The TA says she's dealing with AMEX on it, but 2 1/2 months later still no credit. The TA is not an American Express agent, but supposedly that doesn't affect it. Has anyone else had a similiar experience? I'm nearing the date I need to make my first payment (other than deposit) on my next cruise and if I'm doing something wrong, I need to correct so I can get the OBC. I've called AMEX travel this morning, but their lines are swamped with volcano ash travel issues.

[stinesheri]

We used the platinum card and I do not believe an OBC was part of the offer. We did get at 2 category upgraded - in our case AB and and AD rate, dinner for 2 at Sabatini's on the first night and maybe the champagne (don't remember, and we don't sail for a month). I believe we also recieved/will receive a statement credit on our Amex bill. Also, 2x points for the cost of the cruise, credited after sailing.

 

We did have to use the Amex TA to get this.

[jajohnson]

since was told by the Platinum agent at AMEX that you must book the cruise with AMEX Travel, they book the flight that you get business class companion seat for free. The OBC, dinner & champagne are an AMEX Travel perk, so you must use them to get them.

 

You DO NOT have to book with AMEX for the cruise benefit. I have used the platinum cruise perk more than once, as often as two months ago, as have several of my friends who are also AMEX Platinum. All your TA has to do is call AMEX Platinum travel.

 

As far as the free international companion when you fly business on selected carriers between selected cities, I can see where you would have to deal with AMEX, since they negotiate a special rate with their carriers each year. BTW, those special rates are not the same as you see on the carriers own web sites, so don't research the business fare on the web and expect AMEX to quote you a 2 for 1 at the typical web rate. AMEX platinum free companion fare (especially international) is significantly higher (but not a bad deal all considered).

 

John

[MGnut]

On our last cruise (March) we did not book a suite so we didn't qualify for $300 OBC, but we did get the two level cabin upgrade (actually we asked for a two cabin level price decrease because we wanted to keep our booked cabin) as well as the other platinum benefits (free dinner for 2 at Sabatinis and bottle of champagne) . Once we booked the cruise, in order to get the benefit using our regular (not AMEX) TA he had to call AMEX and get a code, which he then called Princess with to get a special promo code appended to our booking. We then received an updated invoice with the price reduction. When on board our steward gave us the coupons for the dinner and champagne). In order for the code to be issued by AMEX, we had to have paid for the full cruise with AMEX card (including the deposit). He has also followed the same process on our upcoming Sapphire cruise in October. Hope this helps a little since our case is not exactly like yours but I bet the process to be followed is similar.

 

John

 

This is exactly the same procedure that we have used to get the AMEX benefits. In the first case, we could not upgrade two categories (we were in a BB category, and couldn't jump to an A(?) category, so we got about a $300 price reduction. On our upcoming cruise, we will get the two-category upgrade - plus the other benefits, of course.

 

We have easily paid for the Platinum card extra cost just on one cruise a year.

[happytalk44]

We are AMEX Platinum and have neverr known about this perk. Is this just due to the program you joined under at the time (ie--cruise credit card perks or some such) as opposed to ours being sky miles?

[jajohnson]

Following is a set of detailed instructions for your TA to follow to get AMEX Platinum (or Centurion) benefits from the Cruise Privileges Program. The post is copied and pasted from a March 10, 2010 Cruise Critic Post that I found by searching for "AMEX Platinum Cruise Provileges Program". Hope this helps....and it does work exactly as written. Remember that you MUST pay foe entire cruise with the AMEX card.

 

----------------------

 

I just (Friday) received a magazine (Destinations) from American Express that states that they DO still have a relationship.

 

I copied this from an old post. This is how you apply your benefits

 

TA must contact the Agency Services Department (ASD) at Platinum Card Travel Service: 800-443-7672, prompt 5. ASD is responsible for tracking the usage of this promotion by travel agencies and for verifying a Platinum or Centurion Card member is traveling on the cruise.

 

After the ASD has verified the customer as a Platinum or Centurion Card member and has recorded the intended itinerary, the representative will issue a unique tracking. Only ASD representatives are authorized to issue tracking numbers which are assigned to a specific cruise transaction and can not be duplicated.

 

Next, TA contacts Princess reservations, refers to "VA2" and adds the tracking number to the booking. If the two category upgrade is not available, refer to 'VA4" for other amenities.

 

Note: This step MUST be done prior to commencement of the cruise in order for the Platinum or Centurion Card member to receive the amenities of the Cruise Privileges Program.

[jajohnson]

We are AMEX Platinum and have neverr known about this perk. Is this just due to the program you joined under at the time (ie--cruise credit card perks or some such) as opposed to ours being sky miles?

 

This is a standard US AMEX Platinum and Centurion benefit and is documented on the AMEX site and was included in the documents we received when we become members in 2009. Note I said US because I understand that non US benefit packages vary by country.

 

P.S. I assume that you have the American Express Platinum card, not an affiliated AMEX card, like the DELTA Platinum card issued by American Express.

 

John

[happytalk44]

Thanks for that answer. I will certainly be checking on this. Mine is just AMEX Platinum. Ya'll all may have really been a huge help here and I thank you!!.

[jajohnson]

Thanks for that answer. I will certainly be checking on this. Mine is just AMEX Platinum. Ya'll all may have really been a huge help here and I thank you!!.

 

FYI I have also found some very good hotel deals using the AMEX Platinum Fine Hotel program, which provides good rates and benefits. We more than get double back from what we pay for the card each year......Good luck and good sailing......

[cwn]

Also on the Amex air program...check Travelocity or whatever for air fares before calling AMEX..if the 2 for 1 fare AMEX quotes, is higher, ask about it..they may be able to give a lower rate if you can change you days by a day or two. Worked for me several times most recently about a month ago. We have paid the card fee for many years by what we have saved on airfare and some hotels in the fine hotels program.

[allegrocc]

This is the first time I'm cruising using amex's platinum benefit. When/how do we book the sabatini's meal?

 

Thank you!

[jwave]

We have done this several times. You used to get the $300 for minisuites but no longer. On my last cruise, we got the upgrade (from AC to AA), Dinner in Painted Desert (now I think it has to be Sabatini's) and a welcome bottle of champagne. Still not bad perks for using a specific card.

[MGnut]

This is the first time I'm cruising using amex's platinum benefit. When/how do we book the sabatini's meal?

 

Thank you!

 

On our last cruise - first time with the Platinum AMEX benefit - there was a card in our stateroom on boarding saying we were invited to Sabatini's the embarcation night for free dinners. We called and set it up for a few days later, rather than using it on the first night. It was not a problem to change the night, and I hope it will be the same on our upcoming cruise(s).

 

As to when/how, you can call the Dine number (listed in the room and in the Princess Patter, I believe) during the hours listed. Or you can go to the Sabatini's dining room in the afternoon hours and make the reservation.

 

Enjoy Sabitini's. It is a very nice dinner experience - especially when it's free!

 

 

dining room

[sladesboy]

I have an AMEX, UK issued platinum credit card and I get nothing although I paid for the cruise with it, although via a travel agent. If I had an AMEX charge card however, I would get an airport lounge upgrade, the charge card would cost approx £200 per year. Probably different over here.

[m steve]

and we received Amex checks after we returned for $100 each. Haven't seen any other offers like this. Have 2 cards but no deals so we stick w/ Chase United and get miles.

[Bugslyboo.com]

Here are the instructions that my TA sent me....Only valid for AMEX Platinum issued in the US. Arrgggghh.

 

AMEX_Princess 2010.pdf

[m steve]

and air miles cards as I only have free Amex cards.

[compozer]

I started a thread a month ago because we were thinking of getting this card. I was thinking it would be a great deal since we plan to do more cruising in the future so we got the card

BUT

now I'm finding more info that is not making me happy. When I talked to several different AMEX agents about the perks, they never mentioned the restrictions.

 

I have a year out 28 day cruise booked with a FCC and I am in the middle of planning a fall trip. I was going to do a b2b2b with a 7 day, 4 day and 10 day. I was looking thru AMEX travel rules and was a little upset to see:

 

 

you can not use it on b2b's

not good on cruises under 7 days

that you needed to make your deposit with the card

 

I found info last night but did not bookmark it and this morning I can not find it under history - strange - the only one close to it comes up as - Invalid URL or parameters being passed

 

Anyway if was like bugslyboo's attachment but the info was more recent - said cruises had to be booked by 12/12 and travel needed to be completed by 12/13.

 

Does anyone have a copy of a recent Travel Agent Booking Instruction?

WHat I found wasn't for travel agents but a general discription of perks.

 

Just wondering if others have been able to book with FCC's lately and the perks.

 

Thanks

[mycruz]

We received our OBC and we paid the deposit with our FCC's, we must have paid for the FCC's with our AMEX. I just took a look at the term & conditions provided for TA's, did not see anything about not able to use on a B2B. It can not be used on a sailing of less than 5 nights and the OBC can not be used in the casino or to pay gratuities.

 

This program has been around for many years and I feel pretty sure it will be approved again for booking in 2013 and travel through 2014.

 

This is when it's good to have a great TA!

[Kineticoh20]

I have been a Plat member for many years. We always use the card but not through Amex but through our travel agent. We do get the perks as well as the mileage. You also get $200 back in airport fees like baggage or food on plane. We used membership rewards miles for our upcomming cruise and there is a $10 per person charge and Plat credited my acct. The $300 only applies to suites other than that you get a 2 cat upgrade.