amex platinum ?

[merryecho]

Does anyone know what the "exclusive boarding priviliges" are that American express platinum says are a benefit of using their card? I saw this question discussed on a previous thread, but no one had an answer.

I have used my American express platinum card benefits on several cruise lines, all of which promise vip boarding for platinum card users. Because we usually book a suite on a small ship, we have never had a problem with standing in a boarding line, but I have never seen anything that said, "Amex platinum passengers use this line".

I have booked my first Cunard trip on the QMII in a couple of weeks, and because of the large number of passengers, and our B class cabin, this time I would like to know if there really ARE any exclusive boarding priviliges. I have called amex, who say it is up to the cruise line, and Cunard, who say it is up to amex.

[pnhmrk]

I would think that if you go to one of the Grill Check Ins that provide priority boarding to Cunard's own Platinum members I would think that they'd give you priority check in as well. Unfortunately I can't help you with the specifics of Amex cards.

[2moose]

Does anyone know what the "exclusive boarding priviliges" are that American express platinum says are a benefit of using their card? I saw this question discussed on a previous thread, but no one had an answer.

I have used my American express platinum card benefits on several cruise lines, all of which promise vip boarding for platinum card users. Because we usually book a suite on a small ship, we have never had a problem with standing in a boarding line, but I have never seen anything that said, "Amex platinum passengers use this line".

I have booked my first Cunard trip on the QMII in a couple of weeks, and because of the large number of passengers, and our B class cabin, this time I would like to know if there really ARE any exclusive boarding priviliges. I have called amex, who say it is up to the cruise line, and Cunard, who say it is up to amex.

tell the floor guide you are platinum members and they will escort you to one of the grill pax / vip desks!!!! bon voyage

[merryecho]

Thanks moose- is this the voice of experience?

[2moose]

Thanks moose- is this the voice of experience?

yes we have done this 3 times and 3 hours early works just fine !!!!!just say you are a platinum member. wish i was going with you bon voyage

[carlmm]

just say you are a platinum member.

 

Is this to misguide them? Do they just mistake you for a Cunard World Club Platinum member if you "just say you are a platinum member"?

Or are you actually entitled to priority boarding because you hold this particular credit card?

[merryecho]

Carl- The american express platinum website states that cardholders cruising on Cunard are entitled to "exclusive boarding priviliges", whatever that means, along with several other perks. I assume Moose intended for me to tell the floor guides I was an amex platinum holder.

[2moose]

Carl- The american express platinum website states that cardholders cruising on Cunard are entitled to "exclusive boarding priviliges", whatever that means, along with several other perks. I assume Moose intended for me to tell the floor guides I was an amex platinum holder.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[garycarla]

We recently use the AMEX Plat perk boarding the QM2 in New York, or should I say Brooklyn?

 

Anyway, I had my card in hand and walked to the line that said Grill/Platinum and they waived me right through. Not sure if they saw the card, or just took my word for it. When we finished the paperwork and got our ID Cards, there was another separate boarding line - actually no line, just a different way to board. We onboard in no time flat. I think from the curb to stepping on the ship was less than 15 minutes, mainly while we completed the check in and walked a fair amount. Zero lines.

 

As others have said, not sure if they are actually giving your the AMEX Plat perk, or confuse you with a Plat Member of the Cunard Club, but it worked great.

 

By the way, we did get a bottle of wine that comes with the Plat Amex but did not get any upgrades.

[jtimmer]

garycarla,

I am doing the same thing on June 9th (used plat card for a Q5 suite). Just wondering what time you got there for boarding. I want to be there as early as possible but not so early that I am waiting around.

[2moose]

We recently use the AMEX Plat perk boarding the QM2 in New York, or should I say Brooklyn?

 

Anyway, I had my card in hand and walked to the line that said Grill/Platinum and they waived me right through. Not sure if they saw the card, or just took my word for it. When we finished the paperwork and got our ID Cards, there was another separate boarding line - actually no line, just a different way to board. We onboard in no time flat. I think from the curb to stepping on the ship was less than 15 minutes, mainly while we completed the check in and walked a fair amount. Zero lines.

 

As others have said, not sure if they are actually giving your the AMEX Plat perk, or confuse you with a Plat Member of the Cunard Club, but it worked great.

 

By the way, we did get a bottle of wine that comes with the Plat Amex but did not get any upgrades.

 

last i checked amex plat members were entitled to an upgrade or a $ 300 on board credit!!Did you recieve the $ 300 mon board credit????????????

[2moose]

garycarla,

I am doing the same thing on June 9th (used plat card for a Q5 suite). Just wondering what time you got there for boarding. I want to be there as early as possible but not so early that I am waiting around.

Usually 12:00 noon begins boarding. We arrive 3x @ 12 noon and breezed right on board the only waiting was while they processed us at the vip booth which was a matter of a few minutes. enjoy!!! That was in Manhatten not red hook!

[merryecho]

Thanks for the good advice, sounds like there shouldn't be a problem. RE: the $300 cabin credit, we have received this credit on other cruises, and assume we will on this one as well. As this is all last minute, I haven't heard back from the travel agent yet.

[ciaobella]

We sailed last year and received the $300 shipboard credit and a bottle of wine from AMEX. We did not receive priority boarding in Southampton, but we have received it on other cruise lines. We had a wonderful time on our crossing - Hope you do as well!

[ocngypz]

Thanks for the good advice, sounds like there shouldn't be a problem. RE: the $300 cabin credit, we have received this credit on other cruises, and assume we will on this one as well. As this is all last minute, I haven't heard back from the travel agent yet.

 

Finding out if you will receive the $300 OBC is very simple. All your agent has to do is call Cunard and ask them to apply the AmexPlat promo code to your booking. If the system accepts the code on your reservation, a new fax is sent to the agent showing the OBC.

 

However, if you are booked under a promotional farecode, many times the AmexPlat is NOT applicable.

[harbormaster]

Hi. We just returned from our Queen Mary 2 crossing April 29-May 5. We used American Express Platinum. When we arrived in Brooklyn, we simply told the staff member we were AMEX Platinum (as opposed to Cunard Platinum) and we were escorted to the Grill Boarding area where we waited to board (we were early). We then went right on board as soon as they opened the doors. This area is separate from the regular waiting area. Also, we received a $300 shipboard credit and a bottle of wine from AMEX Platinum. The credit should be listed on your Cunard paperwork (it says OB CREDIT $300). (This was on top of a terrific rate for our B3 cabin- was surprised we still got the credit).

Enjoy your trip. We had a lovely time. I will post more on the trip but have to unpack first.

[merryecho]

However, if you are booked under a promotional farecode, many times the AmexPlat is NOT applicable.

 

Ocngy...- on what do you base the above? After re-reading the amex website, including the fine print, there is nothing said about promo fares not being eligible for the credit- only that it is only applicable to outside cabins and above. I am not worried though, as we have never had any problem receiving the credit.

 

Everyone else- thank you so much! I would no doubt of wasted lots of time trying to figure out where to go- now we know just what to do. Very reassuring.

[garycarla]

Finding out if you will receive the $300 OBC is very simple. All your agent has to do is call Cunard and ask them to apply the AmexPlat promo code to your booking. If the system accepts the code on your reservation, a new fax is sent to the agent showing the OBC.

 

However, if you are booked under a promotional farecode, many times the AmexPlat is NOT applicable.

 

There are times when the TA does not want to bother with it. Has happened to me, so I just get another agent. Strangely, the "higher end" agencies like Virtuoso that usually offers a special shore event or other promo when you book with them now has a policy that you can get either one or the other. Therefore, on a recent booking, I did not go with them. It might have something to do with the pricing they are able to get from the cruiselines.

 

We did this promo on our recent crossing and it paid for the card. Since we flew Delta and NW we were also able to use their club rooms along the way. Expensive credit card? Yes. But the benefits are nice.

[merryecho]

Wow- if I had an agent that "did not want to bother" with getting me a $300 credit, you can bet I would be getting a new agent!

[Threadfin]

If you are on three back-to-back cruises, each with a different booking number, would the 300 dollar credit apply to only one of the cruises or each of the three separately? Thread

[garycarla]

If you are on three back-to-back cruises, each with a different booking number, would the 300 dollar credit apply to only one of the cruises or each of the three separately? Thread

 

If you actually BOOKED them as standalone cruises, they sure should. And if somebody told you no, then book each leg with a different TA.

 

Then, after it is all done, you can get the ship to give you the same cabin for each leg.

 

For that kind of money, I would sure go after it. And, I would not be surprised if you are told that it does not apply, by more than one person.

 

 

As to the TA that does not want to bother... keep in mind that you will not be give the real story, just some lame policy excuse or something, or this cruise does not qualify, etc.

[Threadfin]

I'll certainly give it a try. If my calculations are correct, that's 70 + Stellas per trip less the cost for the liver transplant! Wow! Threadache

[ocngypz]

Ocngy...- on what do you base the above? After re-reading the amex website, including the fine print, there is nothing said about promo fares not being eligible for the credit- only that it is only applicable to outside cabins and above. I am not worried though, as we have never had any problem receiving the credit.

 

Everyone else- thank you so much! I would no doubt of wasted lots of time trying to figure out where to go- now we know just what to do. Very reassuring.

 

I'm an agent. It is not combinable with certain promotional fares. It does say "restrictions apply" in our instructions. If the Cunard rez system doesn't accept the promo code for the amex Plat. against the fare code you are booked under you cannot get the credit. Sometimes, we have to change to farecode resulting in a higher rate. Sometimes the math doesn't work and it is just cheaper in the long run to forego the obc in favor of the lower rate. We just don't know ahead of time until we try to apply it.

[merryecho]

I just got a note from my TA- I got the $300 credit for a balcony room, at an amazingly cheap, airfare included rate. Guess it's my lucky day.

[2moose]

I'm an agent. It is not combinable with certain promotional fares. It does say "restrictions apply" in our instructions. If the Cunard rez system doesn't accept the promo code for the amex Plat. against the fare code you are booked under you cannot get the credit. Sometimes, we have to change to farecode resulting in a higher rate. Sometimes the math doesn't work and it is just cheaper in the long run to forego the obc in favor of the lower rate. We just don't know ahead of time until we try to apply it.

when all else fails complain to amex plat travel service and chances are they will make good for the problem!! (they have actually sent me amex travel dollar coupons several times!!!!