Exchanging champagne in AQ & CC and AmEx Platinum benefits

I know there have been questions here about whether one could exchange the complimentary champagne (ugh cheap) provided in AQ and Concierge class cabins for a red or white wine. We asked our stateroom attendant to do that immediately upon embarkation and it was done pronto. She brought us a Chilean chardonnay (it retails for probably about $12 in Ohio).

As well, since I had booked with my AmEx platinum card we were told that we would receive a premium bottle of champagne. I was delighted, when instead of the champagne, there was this notice in the room:

I called and ordered a bottle of Cakebread chardonnay (one of my favs) and we took it to the MDR, where of course, there was no corkage fee since it was provided by Celebrity (and AmEx).

Also, of note, even though the above notice stated that we received a $70 shipboard credit valid for only specialty dining, I saw that the credit was posted to our account on the second day. I asked at the front desk if it had to be used for specialty dining, and she told me that as soon as it is posted to the account, it can be used for anything (other than the casino).

We also received a 2 category upgrade via the AmEx Platinum program. Caution: Don't just depend on your TA to know and offer these things. Always do your own research and know what each program offers.

Wow! Nice find. Does the cruise have to be booked through American Express Travel or is it sufficient to book through a TA with the American Express Card?

I'm still confused about the Platinum benefits. Can you still get the benefits if you pay with your Platinum Amex but book yourself or through a TA and not directly through Amex?

If so, what's the procedure?

*Edit: Sorry if this duplicates the above post, didn't see it.

Wow! Nice find. Does the cruise have to be booked through American Express Travel or is it sufficient to book through a TA with the American Express Card?

It has to be booked using the Platinum card which I believe has a $450.00 per year annual fee. A lot of people use it for business.

I remember people looked into this a number of years ago on the HAL board and it could not be combined with offers from TA's who had Ensemble benefits.

I booked through a TA whose company is not a specific AmEx agency, and that is why I had to tell her the benefits I was entitled to. Had she not been able to get them I would not have booked with her.

I don't have the answers but if I were you I'd for sure book through a TA rather than directly with Celebrity. . .you're always more likely to get extra benefits. For instance, I got an additional $100 shipboard credit by using the TA. That was over and above the AmEx platinum benefits. Btw, I also come right out and ask for benefits because I do my research and know what is available. For instance, if I've seen an on-line agency offering OB credit, I tell her with the expectation that I should get that if I book with her.

If you use your AmEx to pay you should also get double points. Again, make sure the agent knows to do that or if you find you're required to go through an AmEx booking agency, well, then by all means do so.

My opinion is that the platinum card is very expensive, so unless I came out ahead each year I wouldn't have one. For instance, I've booked a Regent Alaskan cruise for next year and in addition to what my TA is giving us (substantial), we get a $400 on board credit courtesy of Am/Ex platinum.

It has to be booked using the Platinum card which I believe has a $450.00 per year annual fee. A lot of people use it for business.

 

I remember people looked into this a number of years ago on the HAL board and it could not be combined with offers from TA's who had Ensemble benefits.

It's true with certain cruise lines. For instance, Crystal won't allow double dipping with say Ensemble or Mariner benefits and Am/Ex platinum. It's either/or, so I just do the math. As I said earlier though as an example, Regent does allow the combining, at least on this particular journey.

Bottom line: Don't trust anyone to take care of YOU better than YOU.

I booked through a TA whose company is not a specific AmEx agency, and that is why I had to tell her the benefits I was entitled to. Had she not been able to get them I would not have booked with her.

 

I don't have the answers but if I were you I'd for sure book through a TA rather than directly with Celebrity. . .you're always more likely to get extra benefits. For instance, I got an additional $100 shipboard credit by using the TA. That was over and above the AmEx platinum benefits. Btw, I also come right out and ask for benefits because I do my research and know what is available. For instance, if I've seen an on-line agency offering OB credit, I tell her with the expectation that I should get that if I book with her.

 

If you use your AmEx to pay you should also get double points. Again, make sure the agent knows to do that or if you find you're required to go through an AmEx booking agency, well, then by all means do so.

 

My opinion is that the platinum card is very expensive, so unless I came out ahead each year I wouldn't have one. For instance, I've booked a Regent Alaskan cruise for next year and in addition to what my TA is giving us (substantial), we get a $400 on board credit courtesy of Am/Ex platinum.

Travel agents have to call Amex Platinum Benefits for the specific cruise. A tracking number will be assigned and then the benefits applied by the cruise line.

Travel agents have to call Amex Platinum Benefits for the specific cruise. A tracking number will be assigned and then the benefits applied by the cruise line.

Does this also applies for sailing on Royal Caribbean as well? I paid for it using my Amex Plat but my TA didn't say anything about any special perks.

There is another active thread on the first page talking about the AMEX PLAT perks.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1733979

There is another active thread on the first page talking about the AMEX PLAT perks.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1733979

Yep I know, but it doesn't mention Royal Caribbean. Just looking for clarification if they are included. thx

Amex Platinum has benefits with all major cruise lines. They vary slightly but generally include an OBC or upgrade plus other perks. Ask your TA!!! They might not know you used a Platinum card.

Just want to add a small point here. We used a non-AMEX travel agent (online) to book our cruise. Was initially attracted to her bid because it included these AMEX perks. Then she and we found out that this program only applies to cruises of five or more nights and we are on a 4 night!

Definitely worth looking into if you have AMEX Platinum.

Travel agents have to call Amex Platinum Benefits for the specific cruise. A tracking number will be assigned and then the benefits applied by the cruise line.

Mapu is correct. A TA, who is not an American Express Travel Agent, needs to contact American Express to obtain a tracking number. Some TA's apparently don't know the procedure and have to be told. I always ask the TA for a confirmation email that this has been done.

Thanks so much for this heads up!

Just off the 8/4/13 sailing of the Summit. The Platinum Amex benefits were

a bottle of Domaine Chandon Classic Brut (not Champagne and not really "premium") and a $30 per person credit for specialty dining. The $30 credit would have been enough for Qsine but not Normandie. We opted to pass on the specialty dining and just use the credit. We were in Aqua Class and were extremely pleased with Blu.

Based on what I've seen, the Platinum Amex benefits vary from ship to ship.

Thanks so much for posting this. I've been considering upgrading to an Amex Platinum and didn't realize these were some of the benefits. Hmmm...

Thanks so much for posting this. I've been considering upgrading to an Amex Platinum and didn't realize these were some of the benefits. Hmmm...

The benefits are tremendous and we get our money's worth and much more. Our friends have a UK Platinum Amex and the benefits are different so be sure and make sure you are looking at Canada benefits.

The airline lounge access and the $200 reimbursement for airline fees covers the annual fee. The rest is just a bonus!

i have amex platinum optima which i pay no fees is this good for perks paid bermuda cruise with it

My travel agent stated I could not combine AMEX platinum perks with the 123 package. I will confirm directly with AMEX.

My TA got me the Amex Plat perks (dinner for 2, $300 OBC and champagne) AND classic beverage package . But the TA herself may have kicked in the beverage package I'm not sure.

It's a 5 night caribbean on Connie in January.

i have amex platinum optima which i pay no fees is this good for perks paid bermuda cruise with it

No, it's only for the one with the annual fee of $450/year.

My travel agent stated I could not combine AMEX platinum perks with the 123 package. I will confirm directly with AMEX.

Your Agent is wrong. The AMEX benefits are totally separate from the Celebrity generated bennies, like 1-2-3, etc.

I have never been able to combine Plat Amex benefits with the Balcony Discount on Royal. Either by booking directly with Amex or directly with the cruise line. You would think they are totally separate but it would appear there are some restrictions.

I just spoke with an AMEX Platinum Travel rep. She stated benefits can be combined, but the travel agent must call on my behalf. FYI, the AMEX Travel Agency Services Desk number is 800.443.7672. I will post an update later.

I just spoke with an AMEX Platinum Travel rep. She stated benefits can be combined, but the travel agent must call on my behalf. FYI, the AMEX Travel Agency Services Desk number is 800.443.7672. I will post an update later.

I never would have expected that, thanks for the tip.

I guess it makes sense though -- since Celebrity tends to raise the prices a bit when they offer things like 1-2-3, you are already "paying" for these things to some degree (not as much as they are worth, of course.)