What Are American Express Platinum Perks?

[Dbedros]

I keep reading post where there is mention of the AMX Platinum upgrades and would like more information.

Anyone that knows about them please explain about the AMX deal. I have been Platinum for years and the only thing I am getting is the double miles on some purchases, plus the
occasional airline tickets. I always pay for the cruises with this card to get the additional miles. These perks sound wonderful.

Thanks in advance.

[MarciAnn]

You must book your cruise through Amex Platinum travel or have your travel agency do so. Using your Platinum card to pay, in and of itself, is not sufficient. Depending on whether you book a mass market cruise line (HAL ) or one of the luxury lines, you will get a 2 cabin upgrade (mass market but you must book at least an outside cabin) or a $300 shipboard credit per cabin (luxury lines). If you book a suite or higher on a mass market line I believe you will also get the $300 shipboard credit instead of the upgrade. If you book directly through the Platinum desk you will also get 25,000 bonus reward points and a $100 credit on your Amex card after you return if your total cruise cost was at least $3000. There is also a special amenity depending on what cruise line you choose- usually a free bottle of wine.

If you call Amex Platinum Travel they will explain in further detail.

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

You might want to go to the AMEX site for further details (or if you need to read this) naturally but for the $450 annual fee you get some of the following cruise 'perks'.

14 The 2007 Cruise Privileges program (CPP) is only valid on voyages of 6 days or longer and may not be combinable with group promotions depending on cruise line. CPP may not be combined with other American Express Card offers, including American Express(R) Mariner Club. Blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. CPP is a special benefit for Platinum Card members. Certain Platinum Cards are not eligible for certain benefits and services. 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 member and there is a three-cabin limit per Card member, per sailing. Deposit and final 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, travel agencies are responsible for following CPP bookings guidelines provided by the Agency Services Desk (ASD): 1-800-443-7672, prompt 5. Bookings made directly with the cruise lines are not eligible for CPP amenities. Program valid for sailings completed by 12/31/08. Partners and amenities are subject to change without notice. Ships' registries: Crystal Cruises: Bahamas; Cunard Line: Great Britain; Holland America Line: Netherlands & Bahamas; Princess Cruises: Bermuda; Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Bahamas, Wallis & Futuna; Seabourn Cruise Line: Bahamas; Silversea Cruises; Bahamas; Windstar Cruises: Bahamas. The partners and benefits described herein are accurate as of time of printing and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the acts or inactions of such suppliers. CST#1022318-10,Washington UBI# 600-469-694, ML-1192, TA-002 registered Iowa Travel

Bon Voyage and Good Health!
Bob:)

[gizmo]

You must book your cruise through Amex Platinum travel or have your travel agency do so.

You do not have to book through Amex travel but your TA must contact Amex and get a tracking number.

[taxman]

Some cruise sailings are not park of the AMEX promotion. We have used the cruise privileges four times but on my most recent booking (Westerdam 1/9-16) we were told after making the reservation that it does not qualify for the promotion.

Check with AMEX travel services before making the booking.

[bobmagg]

Here is the AMEX Platinum url:

http://www201.americanexpress.com/apply/Fmacfservlet?csi=17/13298/b/3/0/0/0/n&from=10

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always book suites and therefore do get the $300 shipboard credit - have never been refused yet.

We also get a free dinner at the Pinnacle.

Remember that the AMEX Plat card cannot be the one that you get through places like Cosco - it's the one that you get directly through American Express.

[Cruising Illini]

Amex Plat can be used for admittance to Delta, Northwest, etc. Club rooms in airports but must be using the appropriate ticket -- Delta in Delta, etc. A super advantage.

The $300 credit is given only if booking a superior verandah suite or a mini-suite. Should go to the web site for all details because many.

[sail7seas]

Something else you may wish to investigate is the provision that allows for emergency medical evacation should you (hopefully not) every require that. Review those terms carefully. Great benefit but be sure you fully understand what is provided.

[Linda VH]

We got the shipboard credit AND a free dinner in the Pinnacle for the Westerdam TA in October using the platinum. I asked NOT to be upgraded because they would have to move me up a couple of decks and I wanted to be no higher than deck 6 and amidships. Linda

[Two if by Sea]

I assume you can't book a category "A" verandah and be upgraded to "PS"? That would be a "two-category" upgrade!

[sail7seas]

You cannot be AmEx upgraded into a veranda cabin under the two category free upgrade terms. Same for all veranda cabins into higher level ones. That is not to say that HAL may not give you an upgrade. That could happen but would not be related to AmEx/HAL contract terms for AmEx Platinum Card holders.

Many years ago, we used to be able to book a "B" category and be upgraded into an "S" at the time of booking under the two category upgrade terms. (We used to pick which "S" we wanted when we booked.) They did not have the $300 shipboard credit at the time. This no longer is possible.

[Two if by Sea]

Many years ago, we used to be able to book a "B" category and be upgraded into an "S" at the time of booking under the two category upgrade terms. (We used to pick which "S" we wanted when we booked.)


At a savings of $3000 or more, that would pay for the Platinum card's annual fee for several years!

[sail7seas]

No kidding! :D That was an amazing deal and we were VERY sad when that ended.