azam71209

I would be very careful about this type of promotion. I booked when I got home and tried to use the $200 OBC from the flyer. It was denied because I am silver level and already get extra OBC. I was told that you can't get more than one OBC. No amount of complaining from me and my TA has been able to get it. I did get a much better deal- 4 category upgrade-than the onboard rep was able to offer so I guess overall it worked out for me. The real issue appears to be that you can't combine offers. Mary

I just got the usual blue book and personalized luggage tags for each person-Barcelona-London, May 22. Mary

If the employees don't read the rules and/or don't understand them, asking questions is pretty much a waste of time. I do appreciate fellow cruisers explaining what seems to be a correct answer. Never try to use an end of cruise "gift certificate" if there is any promotion going on because promotions are likely to be better than the gift certificate and you can't get both. It seems like it also follows, don't try to do an on-board booking for a future cruise and get the $200 credit there until you check that there isn't a better promotion available. Mary

I only know what my TA told me was told to her by Oceania. i could not use the $200 gift certificate because I already had $250 OBC regular Silver Club level benefit. I chose the 3 excursions as my OLife benefit. I did get a perk of a cabin upgrade from a window cabin to a B1, as part of the Labor Day special. That was not mentioned by the Oceania rep as an issue but it could be the real sticking point. Mary

I do have the gift certificate the OP showed. I took my TAs word for it that it would not apply, because she checked with Oceania and that's what she was told. It does seem as if this type of "gift certificate" is designed to get people to book early and it did motivate me to do so when I would have waited a bit. But my guess is that it is basically worthless unless Oceania has NO offers of any sort available at the time, which never seems to happen. It would likely not be available to anyone at Bronze level or above, since that qualifies as a perk. I will send it in to Oceania and let you all know what happens. Mary

Hi all- On my last Oceania cruise last July, we were told that we would get a $200 gift certificate for booking onboard or with 45 days. My travel agent got the same information. Oceania denied the $200 gift certificate allegedly because I already got $250 OBC as a Silver Level member. The travel agent can't get them to budge on this. Anyone else have a similar experience trying to use the post cruise gift certificate? Mary

I was on another cruise line where a married Catholic deacon did a Communion service. He had to get permission of the local bishop to do this. It was very meaningful. A Catholic deacon or someone with appropriate training could lead a service if the ship is at sea on both Saturday evening and Sunday. I'm not sure who you check with but I believe you could get it listed in Currents. Attending Mass in a local Church can be quite inspiring, even with the language challenges. Mary

Is it possible to use OBC to pay for excursions booked before the cruise starts?