Amex/Princess Deal for 2006

[Lynda90]

Someone mentioned that Princess had made a deal with Amex/Platinum for 2006. Something about upgrades and/or OBC by booking and paying for cruise using the Amex/Platinum card. Does anyone have the particulars on this or can you lead me to a website that addresses this? I could not find anything about it. Also, will it work with the Amex/Hilton HHonors Platinum card?

Thanks for your help. :p :D

[Druke I]

I read that also - but gave up on Amex several years ago - they so often failed to follow through on various "deals" promised to cardholders.

 

I've had much better service from Bank of America and Chase. I am thinking about dumping Citibank, but for other reasons.

[Lynda90]

I phoned Princess and was told that there is, in fact, such a promo in place. She said the only details they have are to tell clients to contact their TA and they should be able to get this through. I have sent an email to my TA and so far I have not heard back. We shall see........

[land lover]

so are you willing to pay $400. bucks ...just do a goggle search and you will find info about the card.

[ctrlbrk]

Lynda let us know what you find. I booked our 4/1/06 cruse on the CB using our AmEx Plat, right now the $500 deposit is on but Jan 1st the balance is due. I wonder if I still qualify since I may have booked prior to the start date of this special -- hopefully it goes by sailing date, not book date.

 

I'd also like to know the details on what is needed to redeem this - I used a "bargin" volume internet booker, not sure they will have a clue so if it relies on their assitance I may be let down... :(

[Lynda90]

Lynda let us know what you find. I booked our 4/1/06 cruse on the CB using our AmEx Plat, right now the $500 deposit is on but Jan 1st the balance is due. I wonder if I still qualify since I may have booked prior to the start date of this special -- hopefully it goes by sailing date, not book date.

 

I'd also like to know the details on what is needed to redeem this - I used a "bargin" volume internet booker, not sure they will have a clue so if it relies on their assitance I may be let down... :(

Sure, I will be happy to let you know when I hear back from my TA. I used a two future cruise deposits ($100 each) to book my cruises and final payment is not due until sometime in June 06. It would be really great to get the OBC for my both 06 (b2b) cruises.

[star gazer]

Charliesmom posted this earlier today on another thread.

 

Princess has signed a Cruise Privileges agreement with Amex for 2006 for platinum and centurion cards. You get a two category upgrade unless you are in a minisuite or a suite and then you get a $300 per cabin shipboard credit, a bottle of wine (maybe champagne) and an "amenity". I don't know what the amenity is - sometimes it is a book, sometimes a dinner in the upgraded restaurant. Could be something else, too.

 

You have to reserve with your Amex card and pay final payment with the Amex Platinum card, too. Your travel agent has to get a tracking number from Amex.

[JanMD]

You are correct. The extra is the first night on board- free dinner at the Italian Rest.

Jan

[calliecat]

I'm booked for January 2006 using my Hilton Honor's Amex Card.....it looks platinum to me:D (

I think I'll call them just to be told NO!

[ctrlbrk]

Anyone have the "tracking number" for this promotion? I just spent 30 minutes talking to my travel agent, Princess, and American Express - all basically not knowing anything about this.

 

I found the promotion on the amex website:

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/cruiseprivileges.jsp#CruisePrivileges004

 

I called Princess - they knew what I was talking about but said it has to come thru the TA.

 

I called the TA (Best Price Cruises) less than helpful people I won't be using again - and they were not inclined to help me, said they couldn't do anything without a tracking number and that I'd have to call AmEx to get it.

 

I called AmEx, spoke to their travel dept, guy insisted that the travel agent has to be the one to request the tracking number, not me.

 

I just emailed the TA again and put all this down in writing, will see where that gets me. The TA seems to think this is a special promotion only when using AmEx Plat Travel Services, but I am pretty sure that is incorrect - it is listed as a Card Benefit and doesn't say you have to go thru PTS to get it.

[cynbar]

We got this package last spring on the Golden Princess -- we had a minisuite so we got the $300 onboard credit, a bottle of champagne, and two dinners in Sabatinis. Our coupon said it was for the first night, but the maitre d' explained it as good any night for OUR first night or first visit, so we actually reserved for the last night and the coupon was honored. We used the Amex Platinum travel agency,we always get our Amex perks through them and their prices have always been competitive.I think its true that any travel agency should honor this if you're paying with your Platinum card, but I just find that their own travel agency is the best for making sure we get what we're entitled to.

[Lynda90]

Anyone have the "tracking number" for this promotion? I just spent 30 minutes talking to my travel agent, Princess, and American Express - all basically not knowing anything about this.

 

I found the promotion on the amex website:

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/cruiseprivileges.jsp#CruisePrivileges004

 

I called Princess - they knew what I was talking about but said it has to come thru the TA.

 

I called the TA (Best Price Cruises) less than helpful people I won't be using again - and they were not inclined to help me, said they couldn't do anything without a tracking number and that I'd have to call AmEx to get it.

 

I called AmEx, spoke to their travel dept, guy insisted that the travel agent has to be the one to request the tracking number, not me.

 

I just emailed the TA again and put all this down in writing, will see where that gets me. The TA seems to think this is a special promotion only when using AmEx Plat Travel Services, but I am pretty sure that is incorrect - it is listed as a Card Benefit and doesn't say you have to go thru PTS to get it.

Except for not hearing back as yet from my TA, I went through the same thing with both Amex and Princess--must come from TA. I spent more time on the phone this morning on hold and getting transferred around that I was about to explode when I finally hung up. If you hear anything from your TA, please let me know and I, of course, will do the same. I don't know if it's one tracking number for everyone or if it's specific to each individual.

[ctrlbrk]

We used the Amex Platinum travel agency,we always get our Amex perks through them and their prices have always been competitive.

 

AmEx PTS = $ 1214.00

Best Price Cruises = $ 1072.00

 

This is for an AD on Caribbean Princess, April 1 2006 sailing.

 

I am certain that AmEx PTS would have offered superior service but I wasn't willing to pay the nearly $ 300 premium (2 ppl). Of course, in retrospect, it may have cost me a $ 300 shipboard credit plus a lot of hassle with dealing with Best Price Cruises.

 

I wonder if PTS would have done better on the price, like a price match or something... anyway, I think I've learned my lesson. :)

[ikey78]

I have used PTS several times. The $300 shipboard credit only applies to full suites as stated in the link to the amex website posted earlier. With the minisuites you are only eligible for a 2 category upgrade within the minisuite category meaning all you get is a change in the position of the mini eg. AD to AB which is not worth much. Similarly you can only upgrade from one balcony category to another etc. Furthermore if you want to be in an AD mini because of the covered balcony you are not even eligible to receive the amenity of the complimentary cover charge for the specialty restaurant or the bottle of champagne because you have not taken part in the upgrade process. In other words you cannot waive the upgrade and receive the other amenity. If you do get the champagne you can use it as a $13 credit towards a bottle of wine in the dining room if you prefer.

[cynbar]

When we have booked through PTS, we have always made it clear that we have researched prices, availability, etc elsewhere -- don't know if it made a difference, but they have always quoted us a price that has been competitive with the online agencies, and we got all the perks too. Of course, it's difficult to compare cruises, some have more possibilities of discounts, etc....

[cynbar]

When we have booked through PTS, we have always made it clear that we have researched prices, availability, etc elsewhere -- don't know if it made a difference, but they have always quoted us a price that has been competitive with the online agencies, and we got all the perks too. Of course, it's difficult to compare cruises, some have more possibilities of discounts, etc....

[cynbar]

When we have booked through PTS, we have always made it clear that we have researched prices, availability, etc elsewhere -- don't know if it made a difference, but they have always quoted us a price that has been competitive with the online agencies, and we got all the perks too. Of course, it's difficult to compare cruises, some have more possibilities of discounts, etc....

[Netnurse31]

It says on the AMEX web site....

 

The $300 ($150 per person, double occupancy) shipboard credit cannot be used in the casino or for payment of gratuities, is non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash or credit and is not combinable with other shipboard credit offers. One of the travelers must be a U.S. Platinum Card or Centurion member and there is a three-cabin limit per Card member, per sailing. Payment must be made with an American Express Card in the Platinum Card member's name. Book through Platinum Travel Service (PTS) or refer your participating U.S. travel professional to PTS. To receive CPP amenities, participating travel agencies are responsible for following CPP bookings guidelines provided by PTS Agency Services Desk (ASD): 1-800-443-7672, prompt 5. Program valid for sailings completed by 12/31/05. Amenities are subject to change without notice. Ships’ Registries: Crystal Cruises: Bahamas; Cunard Line: Great Britain; Holland America Line: Netherlands and Bahamas; Princess Cruises and Tours: Great Britain and Bermuda; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Bahamas; Wallis & Futuna; Seabourn Cruise Line: Bahamas; Silversea Cruises: Bahamas; Windstar Cruises: Bahamas

 

Looks like we missed out on this "boat" as we are sailing next August. Unless of course they renew the program for next year.

[niborHS]

Just a remark to whoever it was who suggested that Amex was not living up to their bargain with the Hilton Honors Platinum Card. Those are not the kind of Platinum Cards that get any of these features. They are talking about the regular Amex Platinum that is a pay-when-its-due card. We have received shipboard credits when we book through our TA, and pay with the PC. And, let me tell you what else the Amex Platinum card has done for us. We were on a cruise in 1997 when my husband fractured his pelvis while riding a Jetski in St. Marten. We left the hospital in Marigot and I made RCCI take my husband on. He was kept in the hospital on the ship while I made the arrangements. Our travel insurance, although it did cover us for various things, but that's another post, would only transport him to Miami. Through Amex Platinum, he was med-evac'd at their expense, from St. Thomas to NY, picked up at the airport and transported to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. I convinced them that if my orthopedist at home had said that one doctor could perform this surgery, that he should be brought there, This was worth every penny that we will pay in our lifetimes to have the Platinum Amex.

Thanks for telling me about this, I'll try to get that $300 credit, and it will pay for the PC this year,.

[Lynda90]

Just a remark to whoever it was who suggested that Amex was not living up to their bargain with the Hilton Honors Platinum Card. Those are not the kind of Platinum Cards that get any of these features. They are talking about the regular Amex Platinum that is a pay-when-its-due card. We have received shipboard credits when we book through our TA, and pay with the PC. And, let me tell you what else the Amex Platinum card has done for us. We were on a cruise in 1997 when my husband fractured his pelvis while riding a Jetski in St. Marten. We left the hospital in Marigot and I made RCCI take my husband on. He was kept in the hospital on the ship while I made the arrangements. Our travel insurance, although it did cover us for various things, but that's another post, would only transport him to Miami. Through Amex Platinum, he was med-evac'd at their expense, from St. Thomas to NY, picked up at the airport and transported to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. I convinced them that if my orthopedist at home had said that one doctor could perform this surgery, that he should be brought there, This was worth every penny that we will pay in our lifetimes to have the Platinum Amex.

Thanks for telling me about this, I'll try to get that $300 credit, and it will pay for the PC this year,.

Well I guess I won't qualify. Mine is a Hilton HHonors card and I am very happy with it. Always have more than enough points for both pre and post cruise stays. That's good enough for me.

[Lynda90]

It says on the AMEX web site....

 

The $300 ($150 per person, double occupancy) shipboard credit cannot be used in the casino or for payment of gratuities, is non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash or credit and is not combinable with other shipboard credit offers. One of the travelers must be a U.S. Platinum Card or Centurion member and there is a three-cabin limit per Card member, per sailing. Payment must be made with an American Express Card in the Platinum Card member's name. Book through Platinum Travel Service (PTS) or refer your participating U.S. travel professional to PTS. To receive CPP amenities, participating travel agencies are responsible for following CPP bookings guidelines provided by PTS Agency Services Desk (ASD): 1-800-443-7672, prompt 5. Program valid for sailings completed by 12/31/05. Amenities are subject to change without notice. Ships’ Registries: Crystal Cruises: Bahamas; Cunard Line: Great Britain; Holland America Line: Netherlands and Bahamas; Princess Cruises and Tours: Great Britain and Bermuda; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Bahamas; Wallis & Futuna; Seabourn Cruise Line: Bahamas; Silversea Cruises: Bahamas; Windstar Cruises: Bahamas

 

Looks like we missed out on this "boat" as we are sailing next August. Unless of course they renew the program for next year.

My understanding is that it has been extended for 2006. At lease that's what I heard.

[gooselace]

They are talking about the regular Amex Platinum that is a pay-when-its-due card. This was worth every penny that we will pay in our lifetimes to have the Platinum Amex.

 

I must be missing something here. My regular green Amex, so far as I know, is pay-in full-when-due, which I always do. I've rejected the Platinum card offers because I didn't want extended payments. How much does the regular Amex Platinum cost per year? Maybe I should upgrade.

[jbrand29]

They are talking about the regular Amex Platinum that is a pay-when-its-due card. This was worth every penny that we will pay in our lifetimes to have the Platinum Amex.

 

I must be missing something here. My regular green Amex, so far as I know, is pay-in full-when-due, which I always do. I've rejected the Platinum card offers because I didn't want extended payments. How much does the regular Amex Platinum cost per year? Maybe I should upgrade.

 

 

The Hilton Honors Platinum Amex is free annual fee and it earns 3-5 points per dollar spent. It's a great way to earn hotel points, airlines, etc.

[Coral]

Stupid question - I don't have an AMEX card so this is hypethical.

 

My TA is associated with American Express Travel Services. Though it doesn't say "Platinum Services". If I had a Platinum card that costs $300 per year, could she do this or does it have to be one special number to book through? Her prices are very competitive with other discount agencies (so I assume it would be cheaper then calling the AMEX Platinum Services number).

[cynbar]

American Express Travel and Platinum Travel are separate, but I believe that other travel agencies can also arrange for the perks for Platinum cardholders. The green AmEx and the Platinum version are also separate --- you have to apply separately for a PLatinum card, the standards are higher, the annual fee is higher but the perks and benefits are also more extensive. We always feel that we get great service when we use it, and the fee is usally offset by the greater perks such as our $300 onboard credit on the Golden this year.But we have friends who think we're crazy -- to each his own, I guess.