Just got a PRICEDROP 10 days before my cruise!!

[TravelerThom]

It depends on the type of OBC - some are refundable some are not.

Specifically if the OBC comes from RCI [such as an on-board-booking OBC or shareholder OBC] it is not supposed to be refundable [ie use it or lose it], but if it comes from non-RCI source [eg your Travel Agent, Visa points, a refund of your own money (such as from a cancelled tour) etc] it is supposed to be refundable. Actuality may vary from the stated policy. When I have had OBC left, I have gone to Guest Relations the last full sea day and gotten cash in hand - no question then that I'm getting it. If they will not refund, then hit the casino and take the 3% hit - 97% is a lot better than nothing.

 

Thom

[Ocean Boy]

To the OP, enjoy your OBC!!

To those who asked, RCCL has had a "use it or lose it" policy for a little while now...can't remember exactly when it started, but within the last couple of years. We've cashed in at the casino cashier and taken the 3 percent hit a couple of times. Luckily, the last time we were cashing $100 ($3 hit) and while DH was in line I noticed a blinking light on a slot machine that said "cash out". I pushed it and out came a $5 ticket! :)

 

No, RCI made certain types of OBC non-refundable 2-3 years ago. That included OBCs such as stockholder and WOW sale credits. Price drop OBC have always been refundable in the past not "use it or loose it".

[jilljoy]

May 17th 2010. +/- a day or so.

does the price drop rule still apply if you book with a travel agent?

[STEVE-O]

No, RCI made certain types of OBC non-refundable 2-3 years ago. That included OBCs such as stockholder and WOW sale credits. Price drop OBC have always been refundable in the past not "use it or loose it".

 

Sounds like the OP may end up with a nice chunk of unused OBC.....I wouldn't risk not getting it back.......so I'd do the casino advance manuever. Otherwise.....it may be a losing battle after the fact.

[TxStacey]

I am definitley going to ask the Purser's desk once I gat onboard. We are a family of 3 but not big drinkers..H likes the casino though:o..Our bill at the end of a typical 7 day cruise is usually about 500.00 if we dont book any excursions through the ship. We will go to Chops and Im sure I will have some drinks..I will be checking on day 6 to see where we are and then cash out in the casino to make sure we get all that we are supposed to.

[nomie]

Can the OBC be used towards a Next Cruise?

[TxStacey]

^^^That is a VERY good question...anyone know??

[STEVE-O]

I am definitley going to ask the Purser's desk once I gat onboard. We are a family of 3 but not big drinkers..H likes the casino though:o..Our bill at the end of a typical 7 day cruise is usually about 500.00 if we dont book any excursions through the ship. We will go to Chops and Im sure I will have some drinks..I will be checking on day 6 to see where we are and then cash out in the casino to make sure we get all that we are supposed to.

 

And it's probably the only 100% sure way of getting all ( less the 3% fee) you have coming to you....short of actually spending it!

 

Enjoy your cruise!.....

[TravelerThom]

I am definitley going to ask the Purser's desk once I gat onboard. We are a family of 3 but not big drinkers..H likes the casino though:o..Our bill at the end of a typical 7 day cruise is usually about 500.00 if we dont book any excursions through the ship. We will go to Chops and Im sure I will have some drinks..I will be checking on day 6 to see where we are and then cash out in the casino to make sure we get all that we are supposed to.

Refundable OBCs should be cashable at Guest Relations the last full sea day with no 3% hit - try that first and only go the Casino route for money you can't get at Guest Relations.

 

I'm pretty sure that Next Cruise has to be charged directly to your Credit Card, not your SeaPass, so that won't work.

 

Thom

[TxStacey]

I think you are right Thom..We booked this cruise when we were on the Freedom and they put the deposit on the credit card that we checked in with. Im thinking I will just cash out (if there's anything to cash out) on the 6th day...not much longer!!

[karena1]

I am so happy!:):) I just happened to check the Royal Carribbean website on a fluke to see if my cruise price dropped. I sail on Serenade in 10 days..and they are running a resident discount...I couldn't believe it!! Anyway, I called them and I have received $710.00 in onboard credit!! WOO HOO!! One note..I booked this cruise back in February of 2010, so it was BEFORE the pricedrop rule changed..so the moral of the storyis it's never too late to check for pricedrops!!

 

Had the same thing happen just this April. Booked Serenade way back when before the new rules. Ended up with $560 in OBC due to price drops, so it was pretty sweet!! Did not use it all as I had already put $250 OBC on the cruise, so got it credited back to my credit card

[ZoeyVictoria]

Can the OBC be used towards a Next Cruise?

 

No, you have to give the Loyalty Ambassador a credit card to use when you book the Next Cruise. It will appear as a separate charge on your credit card statement.

[aeonix01]

My booking was May 4th of 2010, and I'm sailing July 21. I was told that if my cruise was paid off, you can't get a price drop, or upgrade. Since I had to have it paid off well before, let's say for example 10 days, how can I still be eligible for a price drop or obc? I'm just curious.

[Ocean Boy]

My booking was May 4th of 2010, and I'm sailing July 21. I was told that if my cruise was paid off, you can't get a price drop, or upgrade. Since I had to have it paid off well before, let's say for example 10 days, how can I still be eligible for a price drop or obc? I'm just curious.

 

Because someone gave you wrong information. Sometimes you have to "remind" RCI customer reps what the rules are. And sometimes you have to make more than one call to get the right information.

[isujim]

Because someone gave you wrong information. Sometimes you have to "remind" RCI customer reps what the rules are. And sometimes you have to make more than one call to get the right information.

 

 

Or both:)

[TxStacey]

My booking was May 4th of 2010, and I'm sailing July 21. I was told that if my cruise was paid off, you can't get a price drop, or upgrade. Since I had to have it paid off well before, let's say for example 10 days, how can I still be eligible for a price drop or obc? I'm just curious.

 

You would be eligible for any pricedrops because you booked before May 17th 2010...if you see one before your cruise..call them!!