kpatcamp

3 hours ago, Bookster99 said:

This is useful. We used to get gift cards through AARP, but they have ruined that program. They still have Carnival available, but not Royal Caribbean. For the original poster: Was your booking through a travel agent or direct? We are using a travel agent for our next cruise, and I am used to dealing direct so I am still unsure what's done through the agent and what's done direct.

We booked directly through RC.   

Here is a review of my experience getting RCI Gift Certificates through Allstate rewards .  

We purchased 4 Gift Certificates from Allstate rewards to put towards our cruise.  We had already booked a cruise and paid the full amount because it was less than 90 days out.  After calling both Allstate rewards and RC we were told that when the Gift Certificates were accepted by RC then we would receive a refund for what we had already paid.  This made us nervous because we had basically paid for the cruise twice!  But the RC customer service assured us it would work.

It took about a week to receive the Gift Certificates from Allstate.  The instructions say to send an email to the specified email address along with copies of the certificates (I scanned the certificates).  I did all this and received an email within 24 hours letting me know that the redemption department had received my email.  Then about a week later I received another email stating that the GCs had been accepted and I would receive a refund onto my credit card within 4-7 business days.  I received the refund just as they had said.  Keep in mind, all of this happened during the holidays so it might have gone faster during a normal time of the year. 

In all we saved 10% for this small hassle. I am very happy with the outcome and would definetly purchase the GC again.  

Note: The Gift Certificates are only good for the price of the cruise NOT taxes, gratuities, and other fees.  You also cannot use them for onboard credit, excursions, drink packages, etc. 

Hope this helps someone else save some $$

That would be wonderful! Thank you!!

Has anyone done a shark diving excursion in either Nassau or Freeport? Would love any input!

Cruising in December.