Cruise Rewards - any 'extra' benefits?

[travel dog]

With the change of time in which a CR can be used - to 4 years - we are finally going to spring for one. I think I understand the basics: $250 - immediate $100 OBC - $250 'on account' to pay toward a future NCL cruise - and that $250 credit can serve as the full deposit on any cabin up to a mini-suite.

 

I've seen one or two references to receiving a 2-for-1 at one of the specialty restaurants and some more vague references to "other benefits" but there's nothing in the official NCL description of the program. We're trying to be as economical as possible (to justify going on this cruise and saving for that next one!) so I'd hate to miss out on a 2-for-1 deal especially. Does anyone know if this ever happens? always happens? is something they offer only later on in the cruise? Any info appreciated.

 

Also is there any downside to the Cruise Rewards (except of course that it ties you to NCL - which isn't a terrible fate)? Thanks

[brunolvr]

Hi, travel dog! We were able to book an AB suite on the Pearl using the $250 cruise rewards deposit--no payment from us needed until final payment time.:)

 

Not aware of any other "benefits" of the Cruise Rewards, though.

[njhorseman]

Here's a link to the full terms and conditions:

 

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPages.html?pageId=CruiseRewardsTC

 

It can be used as the full deposit for any cabin except Owners Suites, Courtyard Villas and Garden Villas.

 

There are no other benefits.

[mbisson]

When we bought a cruise reward on the Dawn a couple years ago (gee, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago)...they did give a few other incentives, but I don't think you can count on them ever giving more than just the $100 OBC (in essence making it $150 for the CR)

 

We got 2 for 1 in the Bamboo dining room (I think that's the name of it). They gave us a $25 piece of artwork---well, OK that's what they said it was worth, but I wouldn't have paid that for it. There may have been more incentives, but that's all I remember-and again, I wouldn't count on any of them being available

 

With the change of time in which a CR can be used - to 4 years - we are finally going to spring for one. I think I understand the basics: $250 - immediate $100 OBC - $250 'on account' to pay toward a future NCL cruise - and that $250 credit can serve as the full deposit on any cabin up to a mini-suite.

 

I've seen one or two references to receiving a 2-for-1 at one of the specialty restaurants and some more vague references to "other benefits" but there's nothing in the official NCL description of the program. We're trying to be as economical as possible (to justify going on this cruise and saving for that next one!) so I'd hate to miss out on a 2-for-1 deal especially. Does anyone know if this ever happens? always happens? is something they offer only later on in the cruise? Any info appreciated.

 

Also is there any downside to the Cruise Rewards (except of course that it ties you to NCL - which isn't a terrible fate)? Thanks

[travel dog]

Thank you, everyone -- and good (tho, alas, probably immaterial) to know that the deposit could be used for a Penthouse as well. (I wish for such a problem <g>.)

 

I doubt they need to use many incentives now that they've extended the time period to 4 years, so I'll just go ahead an purchase it as soon as I get on the ship in .... let's see .... 8 days, 18 hours, 13 minutes and 24 seconds. No - I'm not at all anxious.

 

Again, thanks!

[LJH1]

While on the Pearl in Sept they were offering $125 in the casino if you used your cruise reward there.

I'm not sure exactly how it worked but it probably works the same way as your casino slot coupon where you pay $10 and get $20 in slot play.

[uneamie]

Had the wrong information.....wish we could erase our post...but consider the one that was here erased.

[njhorseman]

Our TA called and they said we could not get this because we paid such a low price for our mini suite already. Hmm...so if you got a deal to begin with you can't use this one. Wonder if it says that in the "official rules" if there are any. I will have to check.

 

 

Freestyle Cruise Rewards have nothing to do with the price paid or promotions for your cruise. They are puchased while you are on board for use as your deposit for a future cruise. You will still be able to get what ever promotions are in effect at the time you book that future cruise.

[hamrag]

For those booking in the UK, a UK agent will take the cruise reward even although it is dollar based. I bought one reward a couple of weeks ago on the Jade, and have already used it with a UK agent for a cruise on Gem September 2010.

[sjbdtz]

On the Jade last week, they included a coupon in the confirmation letters (I bought 3) which said if you bought $100 of slot play (effectively using the $100 OBC), then they would load the slot play card with $125 (a $25 bonus).

[snorklinbarb]

Monte's right that in the beginning they did have a twofer included at a specific specialty restaurant like Bamboo.

 

Last wk on the Dawn, if you filled out your reward request at the Latitudes party second day at sea (or by sometime that day and that day only), the Cruise Consultant was giving away a bag of "goodies" to one winner. That gave her an opportunity at the party to very briefly describe what Cruise Rewards are and "wag a carrot" to do it that day.

 

I've seen that done before where a piece of jewelry or something is offered to one lucky winner among those who bought the reward right then.