Embarking on unforgettable family journeys is a dream for many, and with the right tools, these dreams can transform into reality. For discerning families who appreciate elevated travel experiences, often associated with the sophisticated concept of “Kensington Travel,” combining these aspirations with the exclusive benefits offered through American Express can unlock a world of premium adventures. Understanding the nuances of programs like the Cruise Privileges Program (CPP) and Platinum Destinations® Vacations (PDV) is key to maximizing your travel investment and crafting truly memorable family getaways.
American Express extends valuable perks to its Platinum and Centurion Card Members, designed to enhance your vacation experience when booking through American Express Travel. These benefits, however, are specifically for new bookings made via American Express Travel with participating cruise lines and suppliers. It’s crucial to note that these privileges are exclusive to U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Members, excluding Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members. To access these benefits, bookings must be made using an eligible American Express Card in the Card Member’s name, ensuring that the Card Member is also traveling on the booked itinerary. These valuable benefits are also non-transferable, emphasizing their exclusive nature.
Cruise Privileges Program: Elevating Your Family Cruise
The Cruise Privileges Program (CPP) is a gateway to added luxury during your family cruise vacations. For cruises lasting five nights or more with double occupancy, eligible Card Members can enjoy both an onboard credit and an amenity. The onboard credit, a significant advantage, varies depending on the stateroom category and the cruise line.
For popular family cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, the onboard credit structure is as follows:
- $100 USD for inside and outside staterooms
- $200 USD for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms
- $300 USD for suites
Families opting for a Cunard cruise can also benefit, with $300 USD onboard credit for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher.
For those seeking more boutique and luxury cruise experiences with lines like Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, Windstar, Explora Journeys, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a generous $300 USD onboard credit is provided for all stateroom categories. Centurion Members receive an even greater advantage, with an additional $200 USD onboard credit on Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, and Silversea cruises, further enhancing the “Kensington travel” style luxury.
These onboard credits can be utilized for a range of onboard expenses, enriching the overall family cruise experience. It’s important to remember that onboard credits are applied upon completion of the cruise and are subject to the cruise line’s terms and policies. They typically cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities, or similar charges, and any unused portion is non-refundable.
Platinum Destinations® Vacations: Curated Family Escapes
Beyond cruises, American Express Platinum Destinations® Vacations (PDV) offer curated vacation packages designed to provide exceptional experiences for families. These benefits are also exclusively for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating suppliers. Like CPP, PDV benefits are for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Members (excluding Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members), and bookings must be made using an eligible American Express Card.
Extra Membership Rewards® Points: Rewarding Family Travel
Both CPP and PDV programs offer the added perk of earning extra Membership Rewards points. Eligible Card Members enrolled in the Membership Rewards program will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP and PDV bookings made through American Express Travel. This excludes separate airfare and other associated charges. These extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s account 8-12 weeks after completing the cruise or PDV travel, providing a valuable return on your family travel investments and accumulating points for future “Kensington travel”-style adventures.
By understanding and leveraging these American Express benefits, families can significantly enhance their travel experiences, making each vacation more rewarding and aligned with the sophisticated preferences of “Kensington travel.” Always remember to review the full terms and conditions and confirm participating partners when planning your next family escape to ensure you maximize these valuable privileges.
