OBC from AmEx?

[silvercruiser]

Does anyone know what level of American Express credit card you have to have in order to get OBC when you pay for the cruise with your AmEx card?

[GmaPajama]

Platinum Card

[silvercruiser]

Thanks...and can the OBC be combined with the OBC from owning Carnival stock?....double dipping, so to speak.
Also, does the Platinum card earn FF airline miles?
And what's the annual fee?

[silvercruiser]

There seem to be more than one type of Platinum card. Does it matter which one you use? One gives Delta miles, one has no annual fee, and the one gives you airline lounge privileges.

[heavenly]

There seem to be more than one type of Platinum card. Does it matter which one you use? One gives Delta miles, one has no annual fee, and the one gives you airline lounge privileges.

It has to be the true AMEX Platinum Card, not a branded one such as Delta or Starwood. This card says nothing other than American Express on it. The annual fee is about $600 on the card.

[silvercruiser]

How can I learn exactly what the benefits are? Which cruise lines are covered for OBC? Which airport lounges? etc etc etc

[Pennsylvania Sailor]

The info from other posters is correct. Best source is probably to contact American Express direct. Their rewards program which is "free" with the Platinum Card can be used to get points on a large number of airlines as well as cruise lines and merchandise. Access to airline clubs are provided for American, Continental, Delta, and Northwest.

[madelinerose]

https://www143.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_c&benefitId=1

How can I learn exactly what the benefits are? Which cruise lines are covered for OBC? Which airport lounges? etc etc etc

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been able to combine our shipboard credit from AMEX Plat with the Carnival shipboard credit as well as with the shipboard credit we get when we book a cruise on board.

[avalon1025]

HAL is getting a bit tricky with AMEX platinum benefits, we always enjoyed them but on our upcomming Noordam cruise, the mariner rate on our suite was not eligable for the benefits, we would have to take a higher fare to be eligible.

[chrismch]

From my understanding, you only get the $300 OBC with a suite plus dinner at Pinnacle the first night and a bottle of champagne or wine. Last year on another cruiseline I tried to combine the AMEX OBC with free gratuities and the gratuities got nixed.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Todate we have never had a problem combining the various ship board credits.

We have always gotten the bottle of champagne as well as the free Pinnacle dinner -- which the last 3 years has not been restricted to the first night.

[chrismch]

The AMEX site says the Pinnacle Grill "is good for the first night only." Did you get a card in your cabin at boarding saying you had complimentary dining for any night or did you find that out after calling to book a time?

I happen to like dining at the specialty restaurant on the first night as it makes the start more elegant; however, having other options would be nice.