Amex platinum cruise privileges run around

[cusematt4]

Hi,

I have received a really big run around between some travel agents and amex for a RCL cruise.  I’ve been told that if I pay for a cruise in full with my amex platinum card that I could receive amex cruise privileges benefits with a $200 obc  for a balcony or above. I booked with a very large agency but they claim to have no idea what I am talking about.

supposdely from what I’ve been told all an agent needs to do is get a code from Amex after authorization and have it applied to my booking. Do you know if any agent can indeed do this and if so who they need to call or ask for at amex to generate the platinum discount authorization code?  Does the agent have to be affiliated with Amex or have a relationship with Amex?  I’ve heard of people using both small and large agents who have booked with their platinum card and have not had an issue with redeeming the Amex cruise privileges benefits.  I find it strange such a large agency either doesn’t know what I’m referring to or is unable to help.

thanks so much.

 

 

[PWP-001]

As an AMEX Platinum cardmember, I think you may be referring to this benefit:

 

"Cruise Privileges Program" which is one of the many benefits available to Platinum Card members.

 

But just like the many, many other benefits that come with the card, there's a lot of fine print that separates your understanding of the benefit from the reality of qualification from the benefit.  I have pasted all the hoops to jump through that are listed on their website.  (Log-in to our account, then making sure your Platinum Card is selected if you have multiple cards, navigate to benefits and drill down to Travel, to find this particular benefit and Learn More.)

 

The most important part of this benefit --like many of their other travel related benefits-- is the requirement that the travel (in this case a cruise) is booked and paid for through American Express Travel with your AMEX card.  

 

I looked this up because common sense and my 40 + years as an Amex Card member told me that AMEX was simply NOT going to dole out $200 credits for simply paying for a cruise using their card.  I've always looked at these benefits as AMEX sharing a part of their profit earned from my purchase and  from their travel volume contracts they have with cruise lines and upscale hotel chains (Fine Hotels and Resorts which includes ONE ANNUALLY $200 statement credit, breakfast for two every morning of stay, noon check-in based upon availability, guaranteed 4pm check-out, and usually a use it or lose it property credit that generally cannot be used towards the hotel's daily resort fee or valet parking.)  

 

Cruise Privileges Program

Cruise Privileges Program ("CPP") benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion^® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express^® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards^® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward^® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member's Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.
 

Seller of Travel

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms.

California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

[adolfo2]

I'm a no longer practicing, Independent "VERY SMALL" Travel Agent who "signed up" with AMEX many moons ago to offer clients CPP benefits. I've procured the $200/$300 benefit on several occasions BUT NOT the "Extra Membership Rewards^® points" (I think you need your own "Merchant account" for that. 

 

It wasn't difficult, didn't cost me anything, & I didn't have to prove anything to AMEX other than signing up to offer it. It was though VERY HARD to find out how/where to do so. My perseverance paid-off as I'm getting the OBC these days :-) 

 

I suggest asking point-blank if the agency/agent is geared up to offer CPP. There must be others like me, out there, somewhere.

 

 

[GetToLivin]

Chiming in, but it was my understanding that you have to actually book the cruise through the AMEX travel site in order to receive the OBC. Also, when I've done "mock bookings" before the fare on the AMEX site didn't reflect the deals on the RCCL site, so it always ended up costing more to book through AMEX anyway. 

[adolfo2]

1 hour ago, GetToLivin said:

Chiming in, but it was my understanding that you have to actually book the cruise through the AMEX travel site in order to receive the OBC. Also, when I've done "mock bookings" before the fare on the AMEX site didn't reflect the deals on the RCCL site, so it always ended up costing more to book through AMEX anyway. 

Nope, not necessary (I know first hand)... you just need to find an agency that's taken the time to sign up with AMEX to offer CPP benefits. 

[PWP-001]

7 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

Chiming in, but it was my understanding that you have to actually book the cruise through the AMEX travel site in order to receive the OBC. Also, when I've done "mock bookings" before the fare on the AMEX site didn't reflect the deals on the RCCL site, so it always ended up costing more to book through AMEX anyway. 

Your understanding aligns with what I cut/pasted here from the AMEX website.   

 

Adolfo2's exact words were "many moons ago."  I will guess that any travel agency that still has the contract to offer CPP is grandfathered in. 

 

I became a Platinum Cardmember back when it was a "by invitation only"  card.  Back then, which was prior to the internet, they offered PTS:  "Plantinum Travel Service," an exclusive team to help with cardmember travel needs.  Only the first time I called to book a Royal Caribbean Cruise that my aunt and uncle asked me to purchase as their gift for my parent's anniversary, the AMEX agent scoffed at the idea that she would have to waste her time to book a simple 7 day cruise.  Read:  not enough commission.  Today, things have changed:  do it yourself on their website or wait way too long to speak with someone.  What hasn't changed is their focus on generating profit for shareholders.  Given their current "relationship" with Expedia, it's all about funneling business through American Express travel.  And as GetToLivin points out, their prices aren't always the best. 

[Sunshine3601]

6 hours ago, adolfo2 said:

Nope, not necessary (I know first hand)... you just need to find an agency that's taken the time to sign up with AMEX to offer CPP benefits. 

Have you done this recently?   

 

[adolfo2]

13 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Have you done this recently?   

 

No, I haven't signed up to participate/offer the CPP program recently (Must be ~ 10-years ago) BUT I did get a $200.00 CPP benefit applied to a RoyalC, non-suite stateroom on 5/16/22 😲

Edited October 19, 2022 by adolfo2
Clarity

[adolfo2]

5 minutes ago, adolfo2 said:

No, I haven't signed up to participate/offer the CPP program recently (Must be ~ 10-years ago) BUT I did get a $200.00 CPP benefit applied to a RoyalC, non-suite stateroom on 5/16/22 😲

Luxury "High-End" agencies belonging to the Ensemble or Virtuoso travel consortia are your best bet to be participating w/CPP

[Jkaczanowski]

14 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Have you done this recently?   

 

My travel agent is also signed up with American Express Platinum and had my $300 OBC applied to my January 7th sailing when I made my final payment in late September.  It required her to contact someone at American Express to verify the booking was eligible (all payments made with Amex platinum) and then either she or they applied a “code” to the booking. 

[Joseph2017China]

Sounds like the issue is simply a misunderstanding on how the program works.   

[Cruise Gopher]

You do NOT need to book through AMEX Travel. I just applied this to three reservations in the last week. 
 

The agent logs into a special AMEX portal, then types in the customer’s Amex card number to have the system validate that it’s a Platinum card.  Then you input the cruise reservation details into a from, like the sail date, ship, res # and total cost and then submit and it generates a confirmation number. Then you call a special number at the cruise line and they ask you for the confirmation code and then they add the OBC (and sometimes other perks like bottle of wine) to the reservation. 
 

That’s it.  It’s super easy for agencies to do but they do have to have their agency registered with the special AMEX website. 

[adolfo2]

11 minutes ago, Jkaczanowski said:

My travel agent is also signed up with American Express Platinum and had my $300 OBC applied to my January 7th sailing when I made my final payment in late September.  It required her to contact someone at American Express to verify the booking was eligible (all payments made with Amex platinum) and then either she or they applied a “code” to the booking. 

BINGO, same here, other than my obtaining/applying CPP benefits "up-front"  @ deposit stage.

[GetToLivin]

1 hour ago, Cruise Gopher said:

You do NOT need to book through AMEX Travel. I just applied this to three reservations in the last week. 
 

 

I always book directly with a RCCL agent, anyone know if they can or will do this? Or does it have to be an independent agency?

[Jkaczanowski]

1 hour ago, adolfo2 said:

Luxury "High-End" agencies belonging to the Ensemble or Virtuoso travel consortia are your best bet to be participating w/CPP

My agent is an independent franchise owner with a large travel agency that is not high end.  That being said, most / much of her business is star class and suites so she may be participating because of that. 

[adolfo2]

1 hour ago, GetToLivin said:

 

I always book directly with a RCCL agent, anyone know if they can or will do this? Or does it have to be an independent agency?

Not sure BUT would surprise me if they did. You can always call & ask...

[Cruise Gopher]

3 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

 

I always book directly with a RCCL agent, anyone know if they can or will do this? Or does it have to be an independent agency?

Highly doubt Royal will do this directly.

[thepla]

On 10/3/2022 at 3:41 AM, Biker19 said:

Venue operating hours should be listed in the app. 

 

On 10/18/2022 at 5:55 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

Have you done this recently?   

 

I am booked on cruise now that I bought maybe month ago through a ta.

 

My Amex benefits apply for destination family, free meal at johnny rockets plus any kids get free soda.

 

The $200 benefit could be used but was not combinable with offer for cruise. Ta had negotiated rate with refundable deposit that was better than 200 obc.

[karl_nj]

On 10/18/2022 at 5:44 PM, PWP-001 said:

Your understanding aligns with what I cut/pasted here from the AMEX website.   

 

Adolfo2's exact words were "many moons ago."  I will guess that any travel agency that still has the contract to offer CPP is grandfathered in. 

 

 

 

 

 

It can be any travel agent that is willing to jump though the hoops.  I believe the procedure mentioned by several people here, including Cruise Gopher, is known as the "Agency Services Desk".

 

 

Terms and Conditions:

1. Valid for new bookings of voyages of at least five nights made with a participating supplier through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service, any American Express Travel office, eligible Travel Associate Platform agencies, or the Agency Services Desk.

 

 

I've sort of given up on this for my Royal cruises, as it seems like my fare is never combinable, and I used to get better travel insurance benefits/more credit card points by using a different credit card.  However, I have had success with it for my Cunard sailings, and Amex Plat travel insurance has improved recently.  Maybe I should try again soon.

 

[graphicguy]

On 10/18/2022 at 5:55 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

Have you done this recently?   

 

Booked my NCL cruise using the Platinum AMEX benefits ($200 OBC + dinner at the French Specialty Restaurant + bottle of wine) that I’m sailing end of this month.  I have used the perk probably 6-8 times over the last 4 years, or so.  The perk goes as high as $300OBC + dinner + wine).

 

I’ve used it on Royal, NCL and Celebrity and combined it with whatever perks/discounts were offered by the cruise line.  For example, on my Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity offered $600 OBC.  I was sailing in the Retreat.  AMEX Platinum offered $300 OBC.  Combined, that was $900 OBC I used.  

 

My TA participates in the AMEX program. I believe the TA pays a fee to AMEX to do so.  Not all do.  

 

It’s not necessary to book the trip through AMEX Travel.  Also, I note that the cruise lines don’t offer the perk if you book directly with them.

 

Edited October 21, 2022 by graphicguy

[Icesk8rReedy]

My TA is an AmEx travel agent and she told me to get it, you have to book deposit with the card and pay the fare in full with it too.

[Cruise Gopher]

9 hours ago, Icesk8rReedy said:

My TA is an AmEx travel agent and she told me to get it, you have to book deposit with the card and pay the fare in full with it too.

Yes that is correct.

[karl_nj]

On 10/19/2022 at 8:07 AM, Cruise Gopher said:

You do NOT need to book through AMEX Travel. I just applied this to three reservations in the last week. 
 

That’s it.  It’s super easy for agencies to do but they do have to have their agency registered with the special AMEX website. 

 

Do you ever have issues when AMEX says it's not combinable?  Or has RCL eased upon this (similar to how the shareholder benefit is almost always combinable now, but wasn't for a period of time).  For example, can this be applied if booked into agency "group space"?  Are there any sales that have caused issues?  Or does this work pretty seamlessly these days?

 

[adolfo2]

15 minutes ago, karl_nj said:

 

Do you ever have issues when AMEX says it's not combinable?  Or has RCL eased upon this (similar to how the shareholder benefit is almost always combinable now, but wasn't for a period of time).  For example, can this be applied if booked into agency "group space"?  Are there any sales that have caused issues?  Or does this work pretty seamlessly these days?

 

I've never encountered Non-combinable but it wasn't available on Anthem ot Seas during the first season.

[graphicguy]

I’m not certain the AMEX Plat perk is even available when booking directly with Royal.  I know it’s not when booking directly with NCL.  And, I booked my last Royal Cruise through my TA, and that was the way I got the perk.