Originally Posted by Global Adventurer

In addition to the first cruise that I booked through American Express travel online, today I checked platinum card cruises and didn't find anything I wanted. So, I checked the actual cruise line website and went back to amex travel site and the price was almost $50 higher. I called AMEX travel (non-platinum line) and they couldn't reduce the price any lower.

So, I booked directly with the cruise line. Even though I would have gotten double points and 1000 bonus points it was still cheaper to book with the cruise ship because I was still getting 1x points for the purchase and almost $50 ofg. I would not have gotten 5000 points ($50) from Amex. So, I don't really see the purpose in using Amex on lower budget cruises when you can get a better discount going direct. The first time I used them the prices were the same, so it was worth it.