Celebrity Cruise Signature Visa Card ??

[ghstudio]

Just got in invite to get one of these cards with a teaser of 10,000 points if I spend some minimal $'s within the first 60 days. It points out that I can get a $100 OBC with 10,000 points.

 

Once again...what is combinable with what???

 

If I take this offer, can I still get the stockholder OBC benefit which seems to not be combinable with any other offers.

 

How about it "Celebrity Cruises" ... here's a question of general interest that should be cut and dry. What's the policy?

[cruisestitch]

I have the card, and recently cashed points in on three cruises. No problems.

On one cruise I also had the 2013 WAVE OBC, and on the other two I had both OBC from stockholder credit and OBC from my travel agent in addition to the credit card OBC. The credit card offers seem to be independent of everything else.

 

Of all the OBC I received, only the credit card money was marked OBR -- meaning refundable.

[Honeybearhollow]

I have the card, and recently cashed points in on three cruises. No problems.

On one cruise I also had the 2013 WAVE OBC, and on the other two I had both OBC from stockholder credit and OBC from my travel agent in addition to the credit card OBC. The credit card offers seem to be independent of everything else.

 

Of all the OBC I received, only the credit card money was marked OBR -- meaning refundable.

 

 

I was thinking travel agent OBC was also refundable.

[Johnny Heedless]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the card basically gives you 1% back in OBC and not much else.

 

There are dozens of cards that will give you a higher percentage back (other cards give 2% on places like gas stations and super markets) in regular cash.

 

Why would anyone regularly use the Celebrity affinity card beyond the initial offer period? Isn't getting regular cash back better than getting OBC?

[cruisestitch]

The OBC from the travel agent was one of those "pass-through" kinds -- in that it originated from Celebrity.

 

The card gives higher rewards for purchases on Celebrity. That's the only thing i use it for. I use other cards for other types of purchases.

[Celebrity Cruises]

Just got in invite to get one of these cards with a teaser of 10,000 points if I spend some minimal $'s within the first 60 days. It points out that I can get a $100 OBC with 10,000 points.

 

Once again...what is combinable with what???

 

If I take this offer, can I still get the stockholder OBC benefit which seems to not be combinable with any other offers.

 

How about it "Celebrity Cruises" ... here's a question of general interest that should be cut and dry. What's the policy?

 

Hello there,

 

In our Program Rules, the Terms & Conditions associated with redeeming onboard credits states, "Orders for Onboard Amenities and Onboard Credits (accompanied by the associated Reward Redemption) will be accepted up to five (5) business days (not including weekends) prior to the cruise departure date. Not applicable on the Celebrity Xpedition."

 

For our full Program Rules, please visit this link: http://media.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/content/en_US/pdf/credit_card/Program-Rules-Celebrity-Tribranded-Program-Rules-FEE-January-2014.pdf

[Classynfun1]

The card also gives 10% discounts on Premium Bev Packages ($41.30 p/p per cruise) and Speciality Restaurant reservations. If you cruise even once, that more than makes up for the annual fee (when the cruise without the package is cheaper that using that promo). I only use it to actually spend money with Celebrity and to get the discounts. Because, as noted above, I get better ROI on other cards for my other purchases.

[Andy]

I have the card, and recently cashed points in on three cruises. No problems.

On one cruise I also had the 2013 WAVE OBC, and on the other two I had both OBC from stockholder credit and OBC from my travel agent in addition to the credit card OBC. The credit card offers seem to be independent of everything else.

 

Of all the OBC I received, only the credit card money was marked OBR -- meaning refundable.

 

Same here cruisestitch. I received a $300 OBC (for $5,000 in spending within the first 60 days of issuance), and booking a concierge cabin (this is a premium card benefit - which carries an annual fee). The OBC was combinable with other offers, and was refundable - though we spent it onboard. It's also worth noting that you receive 2 my points for every Celebrity, RCCL & Azamara dollar spent.

 

As Celebrity mentioned, it's suggested to review the terms and conditions at the link provided above. Overall, if you cruise with Celebrity often, it's a excellent card, and I don't leave home without it. Oh wait, that's another brand :)

 

Hope this is helpful !

Edited May 6, 2014 by Host Andy

[blambition]

They are offering one that has no annual fee, and that will give me 10,000 bonus points or enough for $100.00 OBC after spending any amount in the first 60 days. Will this be able to be combined with the 123 promo? I might take it out for that reason alone, if I can use it for our next sailing!

[WestLakeGirl]

Reports are that this credit is not linked to anything else and won't interfere with other promotions

[ghstudio]

Hello there,

 

In our Program Rules, the Terms & Conditions associated with redeeming onboard credits states, "Orders for Onboard Amenities and Onboard Credits (accompanied by the associated Reward Redemption) will be accepted up to five (5) business days (not including weekends) prior to the cruise departure date. Not applicable on the Celebrity Xpedition."

 

For our full Program Rules, please visit this link: http://media.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/content/en_US/pdf/credit_card/Program-Rules-Celebrity-Tribranded-Program-Rules-FEE-January-2014.pdf

 

 

I did and I also read the stockholder benefit terms and conditions that include:

 

Benefit is not combinable with other onboard credit offers, general loyalty offers, “dollars off”

promotions, savings certificates, onboard chartered sailings, certain group sailings or bookings made at a reduced rate or travel

agent rate. Shareholders have the option to choose between the shareholder benefit or the other offer.

 

The stockholder statement seems very clear that it's not combinable...but from other responses here, it is.......so what's the real policy?

Edited May 6, 2014 by ghstudio

[WestLakeGirl]

I guess the fact that people have combined it made it a de facto policy

[Mercruiser]

In the world of credit card sign up offers, $100 value is near the bottom of the barrel. You can do a lot better than this with:

 

1) Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard - $400 sign up bonus, 2% back on all purchases, $89 annual fee waived first year.

 

2) Or the no fee alternative - Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard - $200 sign up bonus, 2% back on travel & dining, 1% back on all othere purchases, no fee

 

Similar to cruise critic, there are many web forums dedicated to the accumulation of frequent flier and frequent guest points. Credit card sign up bonuses are a big topic on these web sites. The Celebrity Cruise Signature Visa Card would never make the "Top Deals" web page on any of these sites. There are way better deals to be had.

[blambition]

If there is no annual fee and you only have to use the credit card once to get the hundred dollar credit to use on an upcoming cruise and you don't have to continue to use the credit card I don't see the harm in taking it out

 

 

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[wallie5446]

If there is no annual fee and you only have to use the credit card once to get the hundred dollar credit to use on an upcoming cruise and you don't have to continue to use the credit card I don't see the harm in taking it out

 

 

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We just did the same thing with the Hyatt card for 2 free nights at the Pier 66 in Nov.

[UniPac]

I would love to get this card but unfortunately it is for US residents only :-(

 

Anyone knows a way to get that when are living outside the states?

[Bababooey Land]

In the world of credit card sign up offers, $100 value is near the bottom of the barrel. You can do a lot better than this with:

 

1) Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard - $400 sign up bonus, 2% back on all purchases, $89 annual fee waived first year.

 

2) Or the no fee alternative - Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard - $200 sign up bonus, 2% back on travel & dining, 1% back on all othere purchases, no fee

 

Similar to cruise critic, there are many web forums dedicated to the accumulation of frequent flier and frequent guest points. Credit card sign up bonuses are a big topic on these web sites. The Celebrity Cruise Signature Visa Card would never make the "Top Deals" web page on any of these sites. There are way better deals to be had.

 

I have to agree. Being in the finance profession and knowing many of the credit cards that are out there, Celebrity's credit card falls short, imo. If they offered $2 OBC per $1 spend anywhere, that would be more interesting. But as long is it is one for one, it is a no brainer NOT to get the card when you get can easily get 1% CASH back on many cards. why would I want OBC??? just my 2 cents.

[Mercruiser]

I would love to get this card but unfortunately it is for US residents only :-(

 

Anyone knows a way to get that when are living outside the states?

No one can answer this question because you do not disclose where you are from. I suggest you update your "Location" in your profile.

[ghstudio]

I have to agree. Being in the finance profession and knowing many of the credit cards that are out there, Celebrity's credit card falls short, imo. If they offered $2 OBC per $1 spend anywhere, that would be more interesting. But as long is it is one for one, it is a no brainer NOT to get the card when you get can easily get 1% CASH back on many cards. why would I want OBC??? just my 2 cents.

 

$100 is $100 :) you don't actually have to use it more than once. Yes, if you cancel it, there may be a very small hit on your credit rating but many are doing the "bonus" cards and cancelling during the first free year.

[wallie5446]

$100 is $100 :) you don't actually have to use it more than once. Yes, if you cancel it, there may be a very small hit on your credit rating but many are doing the "bonus" cards and cancelling during the first free year.

Bingo! I too am in finance, in the auto industry. The wifester and I play the revolving bonus deals like a casino on a cruise ship. Our vacation in Nov, the round trip air is comped with points, the hotel is comped, and we will have a very nice OBC from our RCCL card and 2 Celebrity cards, which both will be cancelled in Dec. Oh, because We will get the Marriott card which will give us 7 yes, SEVEN free nights for a lousy $1000 charged in 90 days. Do the math, 2,3,4, points per $$ can not come close.

 

Ok, so the basic Royal visa program stinks, I get it.

 

ps: I will use the OBC to upgrade to the Premium Bev pkg and cover the 5 night speciality dinning too!

Edited May 7, 2014 by wallie5446

[cruisestitch]

There was a three month period where we got 3 points per dollar spent on Celebrity. That was a nice extra, and I hope they repeat it next year.

 

Meanwhile, I only use the card for Celebrity purchases, at 2 points per dollar. no annual fee. $100 OBC to open the account.

 

I was happy with the deal. Knowing that there are other cards out there that might be better is akin to knowing that there are passengers out there who might have paid less for their cruise. Something I just have to let go.

[Bababooey Land]

Bingo! I too am in finance, in the auto industry. The wifester and I play the revolving bonus deals like a casino on a cruise ship. Our vacation in Nov, the round trip air is comped with points, the hotel is comped, and we will have a very nice OBC from our RCCL card and 2 Celebrity cards, which both will be cancelled in Dec. Oh, because We will get the Marriott card which will give us 7 yes, SEVEN free nights for a lousy $1000 charged in 90 days. Do the math, 2,3,4, points per $$ can not come close.

 

Ok, so the basic Royal visa program stinks, I get it.

 

ps: I will use the OBC to upgrade to the Premium Bev pkg and cover the 5 night speciality dinning too!

 

I am ALL for saving money..and trust me, i have many credit cards using all those teaser deals. But for me personally, the $100 OBC does not excite me, as I believe there are MUCH better teaser deals out there for the same "credit hit" youll take for opening up a credit card. i.e. the marriott card you just mentioned.

 

here are the steps involved for the Celebrity CC..if all this work is worth it to you for $100 OBC...then more power to ya! Im just giving my own personal opinion.

 

1) apply for card (need to give out SS#, personal info)

2) your credit takes a hit for applying for a CC

3) lets see assume you get approved. now u need to read the terms and conditions for the 10,000 Bonus points.

 

"You will qualify for 10,000 bonus points in addition to your basic points, if any, if you use your new credit card account to make at least one transaction that posts to your account no later than 65 days after the account is opened."

4) get card in mail and activate online or over phone

5) make one transaction within 65 days

6) get statement in mail. need to either set up bill pay online or mail check

7) takes up to 2 months to get bonus points...AND, you might get hit with a tax bill. read below.

 

"Bonus points are credited to your account approximately 6-8 weeks after you qualify and they will count towards your maximum yearly points earnings limits. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form)"

 

8) 2 months later..whew...you finally get your 10,000 points...NOW...you just need to take a CRUISE with celebrity and get that OBC (hope that you can combine it with other promos). figure out how t o get the OBC on your sailing, etc. probably another phone call.

 

9) after your sailing, you can call customer service and cancel card or just cut card up. either way, its not credit savvy to have another card.

 

im just being a realist...thats ALOT of work + plus youll take a credit hit all for a $100 OBC. again, just my opinion.

[blambition]

I see it as $100.00 free to spend on my cruise I have booked for Dec., and yes I would not be taking it out if I did not have a cruise already booked. I don't really see any reason for canceling the card since they do not have an annual charge on it, so no hit to my good credit rating, and one charge on it, it not really a problem to charge and pay as soon as I get the bill. To me it is a win, win situation.

[cruisestitch]

My thoughts: I believe that you were saying that other cards were better. Well, with other cards you have to:

 

 

1) apply for card (need to give out SS#, personal info)

2) your credit takes a hit for applying for a CC

3) lets see assume you get approved. now you need to read the terms and conditions for their Bonus points.

4) get card in mail and activate online or over phone

5) make one transaction within some number of days days

6) get statement in mail. need to either set up bill pay online or mail check

7) takes up to X months to get bonus points...AND, you might get hit with a tax bill.

8) some months later..whew...you finally get your points... figure out how to get the cash back, probably another phone call.

9) afterwards, you can call customer service and cancel card or just cut card up. either way, its not credit savvy to have another card.

 

Now, the reality of one who has actually done it is that the BOA card application was easy, the approval instant, the card came, it was used the next day, the statement came approximately five weeks later, with bonus points added, the bill was easily paid, the OBC was applied for on line, (one of the few things that is connected to Celebrity's website that went easily, taking only a few minutes,) the OBC was combinable, and it was at least as painless as applying for one of the other credit cards you touted earlier.

 

And as for not being "credit savvy" to have another card, that's all dependent on one's personal finances, isn't it? For some it will be a good deal, others, not so much. So far so good at this end.

Edited May 7, 2014 by cruisestitch

[Bababooey Land]

I'm glad it worked out for you. I'm just giving my opinion, nothing more.

 

On a side note. I didn't tout any other credit cards. Just here to state my personal opinion on the cc.

 

 

 

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