Cruzinram

Have to Azamazing evening stopped?

 

Seriously considering Azamara Onward for a sailing at a great price. Curious as to how they are doing Financially, service, ship condition etc. It was only a a few months Azamara was getting negative review. I have sailed this R Class of ship before and love it. What do you say, Pul the trigger or not?

Guest Services issued us a 300.00 FCC for Corporates mistake of telling us we could us these for onboard purchases. For fare purchase but not deposits. I also would not use them for taxes and fees. Taxes and fees are credited back to your credit card. They admitted it was their mistake and good for Celebrity. I will just use the card for a future voyage. Policy statement on these cards that are provided by AARP and not current and should be confirmed with Celebrity before purchase. Those outdated polices where past Celebrity policies and have not been updated.

On 4/14/2024 at 1:28 PM, DGP1111 said:

 

 

On 4/14/2024 at 1:28 PM, DGP1111 said:

 

 

 

That seemingly took a swerve.  😶

 

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For the time being DO NOT purchase any gift cards for Celebrity until they can get their act together. Do not trust the policy statement. No where does it say third part gift cards cannot be used for onboard purchases. That seems to be the issue. I was told that yes for fare purchase they will be accepted but at this point I have reason not to trust them. We have been customers of Celebrity for 30 years. We are working on a solution, but I am not comfortable with their resolution. I told Guest Service that unless the policy statement is corrected they will continue to have this problem. Also do not trust the terms and conditions the gift card provider has. They are not correct either. A complete fiasco. Just about ruined our Cruise. I confirmed the acceptance  of these cards before sailing just be sure and it still is a mess.

Latest news from GS onboard regarding gift card use for onboard purchase. Inspite of what I was told by the gift card support dept on shore, They now are saying you have to call them before sailing to load the gift card to your account. I just knew they would not handle this correctly. Now told it will be next week when the office is open. I think I am getting the run around.

Currently on Beyond and attempted to use 500,00 gift card for onboard purchases. As I expected we had an issue, Guest services said they needed an expiration date, None of these cards I have used have an expiration, They never expire. The are just like cash. GS working on the problem. Will let you know outcome.

You are correct. However  Celebrity Terms and Condition apply regardless of the source. Ignore the TC on AARP, They are not updated and are outdated. Refer only to Celebrity for redemption policy. Always call Celebrity for any questions before you purchase.

Straight off the Celebrity Web site. New Policy FAQ. A lot of misinformation about this policy. Read it carefully.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Purchasing & Sending

Are there any fees associated with the purchase of an eGift Card?

No. You will only be charged the face value of the eGift Card, and we will not impose shipping or any other fees at any time.

Can I change the value of an eGift Card after I've paid for it?

Not at this time.

How do I cancel the purchase of an eGift Card?

If your eGift Card has not been delivered, you can cancel your purchase by contacting Customer Support. If the delivery date is today or in the past, your purchase cannot be cancelled.

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.

What is a card Security Code and why is it required?

In order to protect you from unauthorized transactions, we require your card's Security Code.

MasterCard, VISA, and Discover: The Security Code is the 3-digit number printed on the signature panel on the back of your card.

American Express: The card Security Code (also referred to as the CID number) is printed above the imprinted card number on the front of the card (on either the left or right).*

*Please note, there are a small percentage of "plastic-less" card accounts for American Express - Corporate and Purchasing Card accounts. If you have one of these accounts with no AMEX card, please enter 5555 as your card security code.

When is my card charged for my purchase?

Your card is charged at the time of purchase. This purchase will appear on your credit/debit card statement as CS *CELCRUISES GC.

When will my recipient receive their eGift Card?

Your eGift Card will be sent via email on the delivery date you choose, with rare exceptions for processing delays. For same-day delivery, most eGift Cards are sent within an hour of the purchase transaction. For future delivery, eGift Cards are sent on the morning of the scheduled delivery date.

Can I buy an eGift Card for myself?

Yes. To do so, go to the "For Me" tab underneath "Who is the egift card for". Your eGift Card will be sent to the email address entered on the Payment Page. When you receive your eGift Card alert via email, follow the instructions in this message to retrieve and redeem your eGift Card.

I want a printed eGift Card to present to someone as a gift. How do I do this?

Simply personalize the eGift Card for your recipient, have it sent to yourself and then print it. Go to the "For Me" tab underneath "Who is the egift card for". Your eGift Card will be sent to the email address entered on the Payment Page. Enter your recipient's name and your personal message on the eGift Card messages page and complete the transaction normally. You will receive an eGift Card alert via email. Follow the instructions in this message to retrieve your eGift Card and then choose "Click to print this page." The resulting printout may be presented as a gift to the recipient.

Can I send two (or more) eGift Cards to two (or more) different people who share an email address?

Yes. If you send separate eGift Cards to Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim at their shared email address, they will receive two messages with the subject "[Sender] sent you an eGift Card from Celebrity Cruises" with your name in place of [Sender]. Within the text of the emails, each message will be addressed to the respective recipient, using the name you entered in the purchase process, for example: "Mary Smith, John Jones sent you a $XX eGift Card from Celebrity Cruises."

Receiving & Redeeming

Where can I use my eGift Card?

Celebrity Cruises Gift Cards are redeemable for Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International cruise bookings. The Gift Card can be redeemed by booking online at Celebritycruises.com; by calling us at 888-751-7804; or by visiting your Travel Advisor. Gift cards can also be used onboard as payment toward your onboard expense account.

When does the eGift Card expire?

There is an expiry date on each Celebrity Cruises eGift Card; this is when the card expires. However, funds on your eGift Card never expire. If funds remain on the card after the expiration date, please call 866-294-6806 to have a replacement card issued and sent to you at no cost. The balance on the replacement card will be equal to the balance on the expired card.

Can I reload my eGift Card after I've spent the full value?

Not at this time.

What exactly does the recipient receive when I send an eGift Card?

On the delivery date you choose, a message is sent to the recipient informing them of your eGift, with a link to retrieve it online. The link in the email goes to a page showing the eGift Card you created (the design you selected, with your recipient's name and your personalized message), its value and card number. This page also gives simple instructions for redeeming the eGift Card. Sometimes, special offers and promotions are listed on the page.

How do you prevent the email from getting lost as spam?

We adhere to all industry best practices to ensure successful delivery of the eGift Card via email. Still, there is a chance that the email will be treated as spam or the recipient didn't notice it in their email inbox. You will receive an email message confirming delivery of the eGift Card alert email, and a message notifying you that the eGift Card has been viewed. If the eGift Card goes un-viewed for 15 days after delivery, you will receive a message with options for resolving the issue.

How do I know the recipient actually received the eGift Card I sent them?

You will receive an email message confirming delivery, and a message notifying you that the eGift Card has been viewed. If the eGift Card goes unviewed for 15 days after delivery, you will receive a message with options for resolving the issue. You may also contact Customer Support with the order number from the email you received confirming your purchase, and we can tell you if the recipient has viewed their eGift Card.

Do I need a special printer? Do I need to print color?

No and no. Most standard office and household printers are equipped to print eGift Cards, and you do not need to print in color. Some printers produce great results, and older printers sometimes don't print certain images well, but the most important thing is that the Card Number, expiration date, and CVV are clear. If it is not, you may need to install a new ink cartridge.

Security & Reliability

Is my order secure?

All personal and financial information is transmitted using the https protocol over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), utilizing state of the art technology for consumer protection. Behind the scenes, your web browser is sending all personal and financial information over SSL. The eGift Card purchase process is fully PCI compliant. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Support.

What if I lose my eGift Card?

Your eGift Card has cash value and should be safeguarded as such. If you lose your printed eGift Card, contact Customer Support immediately. If your eGift Card has not been redeemed or has some remaining value, we can cancel the original and issue you a new eGift Card for that value. The card number and proof of purchase are required to facilitate a replacement.

What if someone makes a copy of my printed eGift Card?

Our state of the art technology inhibits fraud, but you must safeguard your eGift Card for your own protection. If someone makes a copy of your eGift Card and redeems it for the full amount, your copy will have no value. No matter how many copies are made, the value of the eGift Card is tied to the eGift Card number. When that number is used, the value of the purchase is deducted from the eGift Card. If you suspect that someone has copied or stolen your eGift Card, contact Customer Support immediately. Any value that has not been used can be reissued to you in a new eGift Card.

Who is CashStar?

CashStar is a Blackhawk Network business specializing in Digital Gifting that allows consumers and businesses to securely order and send Gift Cards over the internet. CashStar's focus is on developing a secure payment technology platform and service dedicated to bridging the digital and physical divide. CashStar is fully PCI compliant.

Celebrity Cruises eGift Cards, powered by CashStar.

Card is issued by Pathward^®, N.A., Member FDIC.

1 hour ago, TMLAalum said:

Sounds intriguing! Do you have a link for purchasing them via AARP? Or is there a place to enter AARP member # on the links provided by @Jeremiah1212?

If you are a member login and go to the Rewards button. The list of Cruise lines are listed there.

I have never had a problem using any gift card for celebrity purchased from any source. The policy says nothing about where the card is purchased. They are discounted cards sold on web sites such as AARP and others. Just do a search to find them.None of my cards (e-cards) have been purchased from Celebrity and all accepted. Any questions just call the gift card line. Look under the Rewards button on AARP. They also sell Princess, Carnival, HAL and others. Your choice pay full price or get at discount. Read the new policy carefully and decide for yourself. Myself, I like saving money.

A 10 % to 12% discount on the card. Ex. Buy a 500..00 gift card pay only 440.00 to 450,00. We save hundreds of dollars since we started using them. AARP Members receive 10%.

Has anyone tested the new Gift Card Policy for onboard purchases? I plan on bringing a gift certificate for OBC to my account for the Beyond Sailing this Friday April12. Crossing my fingers that it will work. I expect to get the glazed over eyes when I present them to Guest Relations even though Corp said to show them to Guest Relations.

Per Celebrity Gift Card redemption, Cards are submitted to Guest Relations after boarding and they are then added to you onboard account.

9 hours ago, mtempelaar said:

Day 3 on Beyond / Grand Cayman

 

I see a few questions that I cannot readily answer but I will try and get them.

1) For the person who asked about giftcards, I really recommend calling Celebrity directly.  I think there are different kinds of giftcards, each with their own terms and conditions, and possibly a cap on amount for the cabin.  They most likely need to be applied to the cabin by them pre-cruise anyway.   
2) For type of champagne - I will have to find out.  My husband can no longer drink alcohol so I haven’t seen a list.

3) Alejandro is not the cruise director.  It’s a woman and I cannot recall her name.  We have only seen her one time so far and its not in the daily planner.   
4) For the butler, I would prefer not to give a name because I don’t want to get someone in trouble based on below comments.

 

On to todays comments….

 

we have had a rough time with butler service.  The butler did finally leave his card, and some truffles, but by day 3 afternoon, we still had not seen him personally.  My husband tried to call him twice and no answer.   Hubby is not the type to get upset about anything ever, but he finally got so upset he stomped into the Retreat Lounge.   I don’t know exactly what was said but he told me they were sending the butler to the cabin.  He waited in the cabin for 90 minutes before swearing and saying they are useless and Celebrity should get rid of butlers entirely and lower the price.   Note when we booked butlers were supposed to be “dedicated”. Now we can’t even get a call answered.  After 90 minutes we left for dinner.  The butler actually tracked us down at Eden to apologize.   According to the butler, he has 21 cabins, had been in our cabin a lot and just hadn’t seen us.  I have a counterargument to that but whatever.   Starting tomorrow at least we will get our morning cappuchinos but the lounger is highly unlikely.   Same song and dance - cruiseline policy due to safety.  

 

Eden dinner was fantastic, and service was top notch.  The exec chef and sous chefs were fascinating to watch work.

 

As for Grand Cayman, we did Stingray City.  I’ve done it before but my husband hadn’t/. I was a bit surprised they didn’t allow hubby to feed a stingray, but that was a pleasant surprise.  It seemed safer for everyone (I saw someone stung years ago and taken to hospital) and a bit more respectful of the sealife. 

 

When disembarking for Grand Cayman, I expected to go out via the destination lounge area like in 2022.  Instead we went down I95 to the Cayman tenders.  I suppose that was due to using local tenders instead of Celebrity’s own tenders but it was weird to come back through the destination lounge, with the signs of when the last tender is, after already coming back.  Little too late then.   I was equally surprised that the setup was even more TSA like in lines and ropes. Still it was efficient and fast.

 

Our departure from Grand Cayman was delayed a bit due to a medical emergency but we have a day at sea and Captain Kate informed there are no delays to arriving in Cartegena.  Hoping whomever was having issues is doing better now at the local hospital.

 

No shows for us tonight.  We decided to just relax quietly, though we did enjoy the cellist in Eden.  I never expected to hear Creep by Radiohead done as a cellist solo,  And like it!

 

Couple of other random notes:

1) My Dyson airwrap does not work in my cabin.  Obviously the plug won’t fit in the magic white box, but it wouldn’t work with an extension cord either.  No problem in 2022 but it was a different extension cord.  

2) Retreat pool - I guess no one comes around to take orders anymore? 

3) Starlink on this ship, with the premium wifi, works very well.  Even with a packed ship.

4) Ordered a bloody mary in Oceanview Cafe today.  It’s on the drink menu at the tables.  Was told the guy that makes them wasn’t available.  I don’t even know what to say….

 

That’s it for now.  We are relaxing and enjoying the breeze. Will try and get some answers tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

We will be onboard Beyond on the next sailing. If you do not mind, could you ask Guest Relations how to add gift cards to a booking. Do we bring them to Guest Relations when we board? Can we add them to our booking before boarding? I have not been able to find this answer.This is for onboard spending not fares.  

thanks so much!!

Is the Eclipse scheduled for Day Dock next year. I see a gap between her arrival in Southampton and Amsterdam of about three weeks. Looks like a Dry Dock. What will they be doing to her?

Can a Carnival Gift Card be used on any line that Carnival own. ie Cunard

Where do you return rental cars at the Port. Plan on renting a car from Tampa and returning at Canaveral. Probably Budget

On 1/30/2024 at 11:29 AM, jelayne said:

Riverside or Hyatt Place on 10th avenue our the ones we prefer.

Does Hyatt Place charge to park overnight or charge a resort fee or any other junk fees?

Over the course of 4 bookings we have saved around 1400.00. Almost enough for another Cruise.

 

I had to cancel booking that was paid with GC. Got 100% of my money back from Insurance in about 5 weeks. Do not use the cards to pay port fees and taxes. The GC are just like cash and should be protected as such. Port fees and taxes will be refunded by Celebrity,  All of the TC floating around have no revision dates on them so you know which one is the most current. Once you understand the process easy to you.   To much of a savings to pass up.

4 hours ago, alyssamma said:

@Cruzinram is correct. These are several threads here...one started by me...that deal with this in detail. The TLDR is..

 

1) used to be limited to 1k. That has now changed but not everyone got the memo. Lots of misinformation out there.

 

2) more often than not using them will screw up your invoice and possibly your TAs commission.

 

3) there is a good chance if you have to cancel, your trip insurance will not cover the GC portion. This is a GC thing and not an X thing. The carnival forum has the best discussion about this, but there are threads here too.

 

4 hours ago, Swagner36 said:

I just had to go through this 2 days ago. They made the receipt right by returning to the right invoice charge and taking the full amount of gift card towards payment. Also the GC department verified you can only use $500 per person. That is right on the terms of use on the gift card

I have used gift cards for four bookings in a row, and confirmed each time by calling that their is no limit on the dollar amount you can use. There was a change in T/C. I just booked last week and called before booking and confirmed there is no limit. I used three 500 and one 250 dollar card no problem. Like I said before be careful you are getting accurate information. I one had a correct invoice two times and adjusted invoice two times. The gift card dept needs to clean up their act and publish the t/c for all to see.