Freestyle Cruise Reward Deposit - Was I conned?

[Wildcatllamas]

Can someone tell me if I have a huge OBC on our next cruise can any of that be used to purchase the FCC?

[ttnc4me]

That actually is quite a simple answer. The non-refundable onboard credit has to be used for purchase on the cruise. Technically what would cost you $100 is not physically costing NCL $100 in actual expenses. And encouraging you to spend onboard which is where the cruise ship gets their profits from. So you are saving $100 but it is only actually costing them a portion of that. Therefore it is a win/win for all.

 

Actually, the $250 gets charged to your onboard account. I have 0 onboard expenses and the credit gets taken off the account. So indeed, it is pay $150 & get a $250 FCC.

[boss_lady]

Let me just say this....we bought a cruise reward certificate back in August of 07 on our cruise to Alaska. Used the $100 for purchases on that cruise and then had $250 for a deposit on a future cruise. Sad to say we never did take another cruise but this past month I booked another cruise to Alaska for 2013. Not realizing that my rewards certificate had expired I asked if I could use it and they said they didn't see a problem but had to check. Got a call the next day and it was a go to use it for the deposit. NCL is the best. Not saying it will happen for everyone but if they want the booking they will do what they can. I do believe this is a good program. If I have the extra money on this next cruise I am going to do it again. We are planning a cruise to Hawaii in 2016 for my retirement and will use it for that.

Happy Cruising!!

[Planmaam]

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.

And an Easter Bunny.

 

As to this deal, there is a big catch you would not know about unless you read the small, tiny print. How dare they hide this!

 

You have to take another cruise to use it.

 

Oh, nooooooooooooooooooo! I have to take another cruise? I've been conned! And I don't have to pay any money to book that cruise? Just use the certificate!! What a travesty!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[LynneL]

Actually, the $250 gets charged to your onboard account. I have 0 onboard expenses and the credit gets taken off the account. So indeed, it is pay $150 & get a $250 FCC.

 

Agree! The staff member selling the Future Cruise Certificates was more than forthcoming in pointing that out to me when I questioned this purchase. On my first NCL sailing I wanted to buy 2 certificates but am someone who purchases next to nothing on board. The FCC rep told me that the $250. per certificate charge would be placed on my account and the $100. per certificate OBC taken off....so, in short, I'd be paying $150. for a $250. future deposit certificate.

 

Certainly nothing hidden, nothing to make people spend more than planned on their cruise, and a reminder if you are not familiar with something, don't hesitate to ask questions.

 

OP - As far as having an extra certificate, my friend bought one & wasn't using it so I gave her the $150. she paid for the $250. deposit. I had no problem using it. I only had to give her name & certificate #. I'm sure a friend or co-worker going on a NCL cruise would gladly give you the $150. you paid to get $250. cabin deposit on their next cruise. I certainly could have used one more for the cabins I just booked!

[mousecrazy]

You can get a refund if you wish...

 

Cruise Rewards Terms and Conditions

4. Freestyle Cruise Rewards Deposits are refundable only within 30 days of purchase, in the amount paid minus the amount of the instant $100 shipboard credit

[Cruisin' Lisa]

we are going on a cruise this august. If we buy 2 FCC, and dont end up using the $200 on board credit during the cruise, will the unused OBC be posted to our credit card, or could I use the OBC for gratuities?

[che5904]

we are going on a cruise this august. If we buy 2 FCC' date=' and dont end up using the $200 on board credit during the cruise, [b']will the unused OBC be posted to our credit card, or could I use the OBC for gratuities[/b]?

 

No and No. OBC from freestyle cruise rewards are non-refundable. Non-refundable OBC cannot be used for DSC or gratuities.

[Starry Eyes]

No and No. OBC from freestyle cruise rewards are non-refundable. Non-refundable OBC cannot be used for DSC or gratuities.

 

But can the OBC from a reward certificate count against the cost of the certificate itself? If NCL still allows that, the certificate functionally costs $150.

[che5904]

But can the OBC from a reward certificate count against the cost of the certificate itself? If NCL still allows that, the certificate functionally costs $150.

 

Yes you are right it would, I was only answering the question that was actually asked.