Amex Platinum/Pinnacle Grill

[kootz]

I had read on another board that if you book with your American Express Platinum card you can get a complimentary dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. Has anyone heard of that and is it true?

[elmorejj]

That ones new on me! I always book with an AMEX Plat. and have never been offered a meal in the Pinnacle gratis.....jean

[Orcrone]

It sounds unlikely, but I'd love to know if that's the case as I used that card to book my cruise.

JMHO, but if it is true, it's probably only if you book through American Express Travel Agency.

[sail7seas]

Yes, it is true....and Jean, it is new.

I had also read about it on one of the boards but had not received anything from AmEx about this new perk.

When we arrived in our "PS" on Rotterdam, there was a notice on the desk saying we could enjoy a free dinner in Pinnacle ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR CRUISE ONLY.

We did go to Pinnacle (several times) but not on the first night and we did not try to use it any other night....I wonder if we would have been allowed to??

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[vjb223]

Offer is only good for first nite.

VJB223

[vjb223]

ps, you do not have to book with Am. Express to get this bonus, any agency can book for you.

VJB223

[Orcrone]

sail7seas,

I booked with an American Express Platinum Cash Rebate card. It's not a traditional AMEX, but a revolving one, like Visa or Mastercard. Three questions:

1. Do you know if that one qualifies,
2. Should I contact anyone ahead of time or just see if I have a certificate when I get on board, and
3. Why am I asking you instead of calling AMEX?

Congratulations on blue ribbon,
Orcroone

[Krazy Kruizers]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif American Express

You have to actually book your cruise through American Platinum Travel Services (PTS), the following cruise privileges amenities are applied:

(1)either a 2 category upgrade on outside staterooms or $300 per suite shipboard credit.

(2)complimentary dinner at the Pinnacle Grill - available first night only.

(3)a welcome bottle of champagne.

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Orcrone]

Krazy Kruisers,

I gave them a call. In addition you get a $150 credit on your platinum card once the cruise was paid for. However, even with all these discounts it was really no less expensive than booking though my TA.

[Krazy Kruizers]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Orcrone

Sorry - forgot about that part.

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[Cruising Illini]

We never book with Am. Ex. and 90% of the time receive our $150/each shipboard credit when in our full suite on HAL. On Crystal they give $300 to every cabin paying with Plat. and doesn't have to be a suite. These perks are all at the discretion of the individual cruise lines and not Am. Ex.- the only criteria is that all deposits and final payments are made with the Platinum card.

[vjb223]

to my knowledge and I could be wrong, BUT you DO NOT have to book with Am Express travel to get your free first nite dinner at the Pinnacle grill, you also get a $300 ship board credit "depending" on suite type booked. You do however have to book through them to get your extra $150 credit once per year for sailing. I am sure your travel agent will be "happy" to help you. All the agent needs to do is call Am. Express and get a tracking number then give that to HA. Every little bit helps.

VJB223

[Orcrone]

Thanks vjb223. I'll give my TA a call tomorrow. Currently we're booked in an inside room. However, if I can get a $300 credit for a suite I may consider the upgrade. I won't tell DW. What a SURPRISE that would be.

[Orcrone]

My eyes read one thing while my brain read another. Is the $300 credit only for suites (categories S and PS) or do they also apply to verandahs (categories A and B)?

[sail7seas]

We NEVER book with AmEx Platinum anymore.....some years ago we used to but no longer use them.

Our TA is down the street and round the corner....I can drop in when I want.

They process all of our cruise bookings through Platinum so that we get all the perks but use the TA of our choice.

These Am Ex Platinum perks only apply to the card that has a $350 per year (or a sum something like that) memeberhsip fee.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[sail7seas]

Orcrone....On all of the ships prior to Vista, Category A and B get the perks.

On Vista, I am not familiar enough with the new categories they added and we only do an "S" (although did a "PS" for the first time on Rotterdam recently).....I think Categories A and B and SS all qualify.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[Orcrone]

Thanks sail7seas. I have an AM EX Platinum cash rebate card. I'll call my TA and let her sort it all out. I'm on the Maasdam, so categories A and B would be great.

[sail7seas]

I don't think that card qualifies....but, nothing to lose by having your TA check.

Good luck.
Letr us know.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[Orcrone]

SO SAD. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Called my TA. As expected I'd have to book through Am Ex travel agency to get the perks. Oh well, inside room for now, but if the price drops....

[vjb223]

If the price drops and you move into a suite ask you TA to call Am. Express travel division and get a tracking number to give to the cruise line to get your perks. I have done this many times and it works just fine.

VJB223

[Orcrone]

Thanks vjb223. They had some smaller perks that did not require a suite (e.g. Pinnacle on first night). Do you suppose I could try it for that.

Guess I can always ask.

[kootz]

Thanks everyone for all your help...I am waiting to hear from my Travel Agent (Discount Cruises To Go). We had booked two AA's on the "Z" in July. They obviously won't upgrade us to the next available which is a suite but the 300.00 per stateroom, we can always use. We did book with a Platinum card... A suite sure would be nice though...

[Orcrone]

kootz, let us know if you get a discount.

[kootz]

Received our cruise documents today...Was told by our Travel Agent which was not Amex that we will be getting a $300.00 per person shipboard credit, a bottle of champagne and first night in the Pinnacle Grill if we wish. We paid with our Amex Platinum.

[Orcrone]

kootz,

thanks for the update. Please remind me, is this the AMEX platinum with the annual fee? I have an AMEX platinum without the fee, and if I can use this I'll definitely have to rethink going for a verandah.

Also, do you know if there is a promo code to go with it?

Thanks,
Marc

1/1990 - RCCL Song of America
4/13/2003 - Carnival Inspiration
10/30/2004 - Maasdam

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0924ff&cdt=2004;10;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400
Till sailing on the Maasdam

[sail7seas]

Orcrone....You must use the Am Ex Platinum that carries the $350 (or there abouts) annual fee.

You do not have to use AmEx Travel.

Whichever TA you use, has to call AmEx Travel to get a tracking number.

That is how to get the $150 pp shipboard credit (or two category upgrade...whichever applies to your individual booking); the champagne which we sometimes don't get but don't care and never ask for it; and the free Pinnacle which specifies FIRST night only.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[Orcrone]

Thanks s7s,

I thought that was the case, just wishful thinking on my part. Kootz listed it as $300 per person shipboard credit, but I also remember that amount for two people.

BTW, I still don't know what you are referring to when you say, "the sky is blue, the grass is green". Any hints? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

1/1990 - RCCL Song of America
4/13/2003 - Carnival Inspiration
10/30/2004 - Maasdam

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0924ff&cdt=2004;10;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400
Till sailing on the Maasdam

[sail7seas]

no....$350 pp is incorrect. It is absolutely $150 pp. We have received in a great many times on Princess, Celebrity and dozens of times on HAL.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[kootz]

Sorry, I meant to say 300.00 per stateroom

[sail7seas]

http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/SmileyThumbsUp.gif

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[Debi_D]

I just signed up for Oosterdam with AMEX Plat. (the one with the $350.00 fee) and received $300.00 ship aboard credit, free dinner at PG the first night and champagne. My sister who is also traveling with us paid for hers with AMEX Plat. revolving (no fee) and received the same perks as I did. She can't use this card for membership awards like we can.

Debi

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;11;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
<font=color=red>*************************</font>
OOSTERDAM
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;11;14;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Orcrone]

Debi_D,

that's interesting. Every indication, including calling American Express, was that only the AMEX Platinum with the $350 fee was eligible for that promo. You may want to have your sister double check, especially if the $300 credit affected her going for the room she selected.

1/1990 - RCCL Song of America
4/13/2003 - Carnival Inspiration
10/30/2004 - Maasdam

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0924ff&cdt=2004;10;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400
Till sailing on the Maasdam

[sail7seas]

Debi....

It is POSSIBLE that she, indeed, can receive those perks because Platinum Members can book a certain number of cabins which will get the bennies. As long as your sister is following the same itinerary as you, she may be getting the shipboard credit.

I have a vague memory of, in the past, traveling with friends on the same itinerary; they paid their own bill but since we were all traveling together they could get the bennies we got.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[ekerr19]

We have received the $300 credit when using the fee Platinum card in the past... did not book through Amex agency.

I also have heard that the Platinum benefits can be shared with others cruising in your party, but have never experienced it personally.

Noordam 1984
Veendam 1999
Amsterdam 2000
Noordam 2001
Statendam 2001
Noordam 2002
Zuiderdam 2003
Maasdam 2004.
Noordam 2004

[Charliesmom]

If you check the website you will find that anybody can book the Pinnacle Grill for the first night of the cruise for $10.00 per person. The really valuable perk is the $300 shipboard credit.

Roberta

[vjb223]

The first nite at the Pinnacle Grill $10 pp price is a bargain but free from Plat. Am. Express save us $20. Another roll of quarters for the casino.

VJB223

[sail7seas]

The really valuable perk of AmEx Platinum is the Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage included in the membership fee. If you are willing to self insure your exposure if you have to cancel your cruise within the penalty period, and you cruise alot, you save a bundle by not having to book insurance on each and every cruise.

After someplace around 60 cruises (on all the cruiselines we've sailed with) we have not written insurance on perhaps the last 45-50. To date, we have been very fortunate to have never cancelled and never lost our money. IF, (hopefully not), we have to cancel a cruise at this point, we would be so far ahead because of the literally tens of thousands of dollars we have saved in insurance premiums for Suites.

IF we did not have the Emergency Medical Evac coverage, we would NEVER have taken the risk of being uninsured. That can run tens of thousands of dollars depending on the circumstances.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

How about Am EX Plat--Delta skymile card?
Normally this doesnt qualify for perks!
FRANK

[lizzielady]

I have Amex Pl. Delta Skymiles card and received $300 credit and free 1st night Pinnacle Grill.

[Orcrone]

lizzielady,

I have the AMEX Platinum cash rebate card. I may consider an upgrade to a verandah with that kind of rebate. However, my TA for some reason could not find out ahead of booking whether I could get that rebate. She said that the cabin first had to be booked and then she could contact AMEX and/or HAL about the rebate. I'm hesitant to switch to a verandah before knowing I'd get the rebate.

Do you know how I can find out whether I'd be eligible?

1/1990 - RCCL Song of America
4/13/2003 - Carnival Inspiration
10/30/2004 - Maasdam

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0924ff&cdt=2004;10;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400
Till sailing on the Maasdam

Lizzielady,
Did you have to initiate this or did they contact you? This is really strange as I have cruised over 20 times in last 3 years and have not seen this anywhere--and I pride myself on getting evry penny that I have coming!!!
THANKS FRANK

[lizzielady]

I booked directly with HAL. When I initially booked, the cruise consultant asked if the card were plat. She said that it would qualify for the shipboard credit. It is a regular card, fee is $135 (I think).

However, when the docs came last week there was no mention of the $$$. I called early this week. The cc said she'd have to call Amex. Few days later I called again. Still no credit. The cc put me on hold a few minutes, got back to me and said all was ok. (Including Pinnacle which she had mentioned before) I asked for documentation so she emailed me a revised Passenger Confirmation. BTW it was $150 per person.

One other thing -- I took a cruise last year and the booking person never mentioned this. I tried to get the credit retroactively. Didn't work.

Thanks,
I just called AM EX and ,of course , no one had an answer--sounds as if it is just who you are talking to--Will call HAL monday ---

[kootz]

My hubby and I cruise often and always book with our Amex. We use different agents depending on the specials. We have never been offered this before. I originally found out when we recently took a cruise on Windstar. We booked through Amex and they told us about this offer. Look it up on the Amex website and it will give you all the details and for which cruise lines.
Again, we have never been told about this but will remember in the future...

[vjb223]

We found out about the offer in the news letter they send you with your bill. Used to not read those but I do now.

VJB223

Just went to web site and it says that this is a limted offer until 07/01/04 BUT to recieve you have to sign up for the Membership Reward program which is a internet access for your card -----NBD but it would NOT accept Delta Platium ---said card inelgible for access!!!
Will still try with TA monday --will keep informed!
FRANK

[kootz]

On Amex website, the 7/1 is for the 25,000 extra reward miles.
You can still get the stateroom credit or upgrades until 12/05...

[sail7seas]

They have had this "bennie" for at least 12-13 years and probably more. They only sign the contracts with the various cruiselines for one year only. It is usually renewed around August each year as I recall.

This is not new but like many things in life, if you do not know, if you do not ask, you do not get.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

Yes that is correct---BUT you need to book by 7/04(I believe) and cruise by 12/05---
Just talked again with AM EXP and this time was told to have agent call and get tracking #, etc. nothing mentioned about type of card---TA still hasnt responded but will stay on top DAILY!!!
This has not been mentioned on PRINCESS BOARD---also,fare has to be greater than $4000 in ANY cat.
FRANK

[sail7seas]

Frank.....


I am sorry to say that the response is No, No, No and No.

There is no "minimum" dollar amount your must spend. When Zuiderdam was "giving away "S" suites" last year, we cruised one of the weeks for well under $4,000 and got the credit.

Under the agreement, if you book "less than a veranda" cabin, you get a two category upgrade on Ocean-View staterooms OR you get $150pp shipboard credit applicable only to Suites.


There are no "dates" you need to book by and cruise by. The "date" in question may be when one "agreement" between AmEx and HAL expires and the new one goes into effect. I know what happens when one ASSumes, but for a great many of our cruising years, no matter when we booked, no matter when we sailed, there was an "in place" agreement for benefits of AmEx Platinum Card Holders and HAL.


The only "yes", is that your TA does have to contact AmEx to get the tracking number.

BTW....we also got the $150 shipboard credit when we cruised on Princess.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

I was responding,too quickly perhaps, to Kootz on the 25,000 extra miles that have the restrictions!!No restrictions on the OBC---
Just recieved call from TA(Steve@Cruisevacationoutlet.com)and he is on it--really GREAT Guy that will help you even tho not making much commission---they matched a lower price! Keep him in mind--
FRANK