Live from Constellation - Changes to Onboard Bookings Program

[cruisinsusin]

Just off Constellation and the "pilot program" is still in effect. The deposit required for the future cruise is immediately applied as on board credit for the current cruise. We booked 2 future cruises and were able to withdraw the on board credit in cash from the casino ( minus the 5%). Since we have already received the cash, the deposit is non refundable but the cruise can be moved to another date and time or ship if needed, keeping the 123 go promotion. This is also combinable with one other offer. The one category upgrade for Captains club was the only upgrade available.

So we have 2 future cruises in 2015 and 2016 reserved/deposited with essentially no money out of pocket, altho no future on board credit. We decided we would rather have the $ in hand rather than promised for future use on board.

[need2bespoiled]

Just off Constellation and the "pilot program" is still in effect. The deposit required for the future cruise is immediately applied as on board credit for the current cruise. We booked 2 future cruises and were able to withdraw the on board credit in cash from the casino ( minus the 5%). Since we have already received the cash, the deposit is non refundable but the cruise can be moved to another date and time or ship if needed, keeping the 123 go promotion. This is also combinable with one other offer. The one category upgrade for Captains club was the only upgrade available.

So we have 2 future cruises in 2015 and 2016 reserved/deposited with essentially no money out of pocket, altho no future on board credit. We decided we would rather have the $ in hand rather than promised for future use on board.

 

If someone really wanted OBC the could just use the $$ later to buy it for the future Sailing. It all comes out in the wash.

 

Do you know how they're handling suites? What the deposit/current cruise OBC is?

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

[cruisinsusin]

If someone really wanted OBC the could just use the $$ later to buy it for the future Sailing. It all comes out in the wash.

 

Do you know how they're handling suites? What the deposit/current cruise OBC is?

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

 

Hi Jenna, depending on the length of the cruise and which suite, $350-500 per cabin.

Susan

[need2bespoiled]

Hi Jenna, depending on the length of the cruise and which suite, $350-500 per cabin.

Susan

 

Is that the deposit or the OBC? Have they also reduced the deposit for Suites?

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Orator]

Perhaps I'm missing something but I don't see the deposit as non refundable. Rather I see it as a protection for Celebrity that guarantees that if someone uses the OBC during their current cruise and does not take another cruise Celebrity will not be out the OBC money. I was on a few cruises where they offered a free dinner in a specialty restaurant if you book certain cruises and/or cabin categories. I know a few who booked, got the dinner and then cancelled when they arrived home. Celebrity was left holding the tab for dinner. This may have motivated the restriction. Perhaps it's just a matter of definition. This program may also impact "double bookings" in one way or another. Since those who double book tend to be frequent cruisers they may stack OBC and just replace one booked onboard cruise with a cruise booked on shore. There is just too much I don't know about this program and hope that this thread assists Celebrity in the future of the plan.

[need2bespoiled]

Perhaps I'm missing something but I don't see the deposit as non refundable. Rather I see it as a protection for Celebrity that guarantees that if someone uses the OBC during their current cruise and does not take another cruise Celebrity will not be out the OBC money. I was on a few cruises where they offered a free dinner in a specialty restaurant if you book certain cruises and/or cabin categories. I know a few who booked, got the dinner and then cancelled when they arrived home. Celebrity was left holding the tab for dinner. This may have motivated the restriction. Perhaps it's just a matter of definition. This program may also impact "double bookings" in one way or another. Since those who double book tend to be frequent cruisers they may stack OBC and just replace one booked onboard cruise with a cruise booked on shore. There is just too much I don't know about this program and hope that this thread assists Celebrity in the future of the plan.

 

I don't know how you can't see it is non-refundable. You book the cruise, pay the deposit, they will not give you any $$ back even if you cancel. You get OBC that you can take out of the casino as cash or spend. If you could cancel the cruise and get your deposit back, then they REALLY be out, more then the cost of a dinner.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Orator]

I don't know how you can't see it is non-refundable. You book the cruise, pay the deposit, they will not give you any $$ back even if you cancel. You get OBC that you can take out of the casino as cash or spend. If you could cancel the cruise and get your deposit back, then they REALLY be out, more then the cost of a dinner.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Appears that the deposit amount is the same as the advance OBC. Take the cruise you get both. Cancel the cruise and don't substitute another qualifying cruise you forfeit the deposit since you spent it as an OBC. You are out nothing. You gave them $50 and received $50 in OBC. You are whole.I've learned to not be overly trusting. Can you just imagine what would happen if people were allowed to book a cruise, get the OBC, spend the OBC and then cancel?This could potentially cost X a great deal of money if people game the system. This is what actually happened with the dinner promotion. Perhaps it didn't cost a fortune, but it did affect the bottom line.

[need2bespoiled]

Appears that the deposit amount is the same as the advance OBC. Take the cruise you get both. Cancel the cruise and don't substitute another qualifying cruise you forfeit the deposit since you spent it as an OBC. You are out nothing. You gave them $50 and received $50 in OBC. You are whole.I've learned to not be overly trusting. Can you just imagine what would happen if people were allowed to book a cruise, get the OBC, spend the OBC and then cancel?This could potentially cost X a great deal of money if people game the system. This is what actually happened with the dinner promotion. Perhaps it didn't cost a fortune, but it did affect the bottom line.

 

Sure, we agree, you're out nothing if you cancel, and they're out nothing, if you cancel, but they're still not going to refund it when you cancel, since they already gave it to you.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[cruisinsusin]

Is that the deposit or the OBC? Have they also reduced the deposit for Suites?

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Hi Jenna, the deposit and on board credit were equal so the deposit for the suite would be $350-500 depending on the # days and suite type.

Susan

[need2bespoiled]

Hi Jenna, the deposit and on board credit were equal so the deposit for the suite would be $350-500 depending on the # days and suite type.

Susan

 

Thanks so much for the clarification.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Iamthesea]

I am the OP of this thread. Been back home almost a month. I believe that I mentioned that we did go ahead and book only one other cruise while onboard. We received $350 OBC, which we spent onboard. That was also our deposit for an AQ1 on a 14 night cruise. So when we take that cruise in the fall of 2015, we will not receive any more OBC, but will receive the 1-2-3 Beverage Package, which we were told would ONLY be offered onboard from now on at the Future Cruise desk. :rolleyes:

 

We did enjoying being able to have instant OBC, but kind of a bummer not to have it for a future cruise, as we usually do. In addition to the $350 given to use on that cruise, we came onboard with $300 from booking onboard another.

 

So, we still have time to transfer the booking to a TA (we kept the booking with Celebrity and have 60 days to transfer.) I noticed that the TA that sponsors CC sent out a 4th of July sale flyer. The TA group is offering ALL 3 Perks (Beverage, Gratuities and OBC) for booking with them today tru Thursday.

 

I wonder if I transfer my booking to them, if I will be able to pick up the gratuities and OBC to go along with my Beverage package???

 

Does anyone have experience transferring their onboard bookings to this group and receiving the extra perks?

Edited June 30, 2014 by Iamthesea

[ghstudio]

Clearly 1-2-3 is not ONLY offered with on board bookings.

 

As far as transferring and maintaining perks, you have to discuss with each travel agency because their firecracker (or other) offers are often a combination of Celebrity and TA provided benefits. Obviously, if they are giving you all three, then maintaining the OBC you got when you booked is a moot point....it doesn't matter. But pick up the phone and call the agency to see how they will handle your situation.

[hcat]

Hi Everyone,

 

Sorry to say, but I think this is rotten idea. It seems clear (at least to me) the strategy, is to move towards making deposits non-refundable. I also do not like the idea of getting the OBC for this cruise, as opposed to a future sailing. I've always liked the idea of having the OBC to use on my next sailing. As others have mentioned, if you book late in the sailing, the OBC may be of little to no use for the current sailing.

 

What amazes me, is that Celebrity usually creates progams which complicate things. Why cant they work towards making things *easier* to understand for all ??? I'm on a vacation for heavens sake. When I'm booking cruises onboard, the last thing I want, is complicated.

 

It's truly amazing how Celebrity FINALLY had a program, that everyone was excited about, and... was quite difficult to book cruises onboard, due to the HUGE demand. Now, they've found a way to kill their golden goose. Unreal.

 

I hope this pilot program ends very quickly.

 

Andy...we agree with everything in your post...

 

also why is what Norwegian does the new model of things to try and why would they start this before fixing their website problems, ???

 

we used to either book a specific cruise while on bd or at least purchase a next cruise credit but with so many options abd perks always just around the cirnermwhy lock in...

[Andy]

Andy...we agree with everything in your post...

 

also why is what Norwegian does the new model of things to try and why would they start this before fixing their website problems, ???

 

we used to either book a specific cruise while on bd or at least purchase a next cruise credit but with so many options abd perks always just around the cirnermwhy lock in...

 

Hi Hcat,

 

As always, thanks for your comments. I'm fairly certain that marketing and the website are 2 totally different areas at Celebrity, so I can only presume that one has nothing to do with the other.

 

As an aside, I'm very curious if this program remains available on Connie or any other Celebrity ships. If any recent guests can comment, I'd appreciate it. If it is available, is it the only option, or can you choose the previous onboard program (where the OBC is for a future cruise) as well ? Thanks !

[Iamthesea]

Hi Andy,

 

Read this post #126 which is from just a few days ago. :)

 

Just off Constellation and the "pilot program" is still in effect. The deposit required for the future cruise is immediately applied as on board credit for the current cruise. We booked 2 future cruises and were able to withdraw the on board credit in cash from the casino ( minus the 5%). Since we have already received the cash, the deposit is non refundable but the cruise can be moved to another date and time or ship if needed, keeping the 123 go promotion. This is also combinable with one other offer. The one category upgrade for Captains club was the only upgrade available.

So we have 2 future cruises in 2015 and 2016 reserved/deposited with essentially no money out of pocket, altho no future on board credit. We decided we would rather have the $ in hand rather than promised for future use on board.

 

ghstudioClearly 1-2-3 is not ONLY offered with on board bookings.

 

And why I included the rolling eyes GIF with my statement. :D

Edited June 30, 2014 by Iamthesea

[wrk2cruise]

I am the OP of this thread. Been back home almost a month. I believe that I mentioned that we did go ahead and book only one other cruise while onboard. We received $350 OBC, which we spent onboard. That was also our deposit for an AQ1 on a 14 night cruise. So when we take that cruise in the fall of 2015, we will not receive any more OBC, but will receive the 1-2-3 Beverage Package, which we were told would ONLY be offered onboard from now on at the Future Cruise desk. :rolleyes:

 

We did enjoying being able to have instant OBC, but kind of a bummer not to have it for a future cruise, as we usually do. In addition to the $350 given to use on that cruise, we came onboard with $300 from booking onboard another.

 

So, we still have time to transfer the booking to a TA (we kept the booking with Celebrity and have 60 days to transfer.) I noticed that the TA that sponsors CC sent out a 4th of July sale flyer. The TA group is offering ALL 3 Perks (Beverage, Gratuities and OBC) for booking with them today tru Thursday.

 

I wonder if I transfer my booking to them, if I will be able to pick up the gratuities and OBC to go along with my Beverage package???

 

Does anyone have experience transferring their onboard bookings to this group and receiving the extra perks?

 

Yes I have transferred onboard bookings to them and retained everything I had (the old system where I had OBC for the future booking and Grats from 123 GO). They ended up giving me the grats from their group booking and substituting the OBC for 123GO.

 

For this current promo I think you will just need to give them a call. Make sure they detail what you will be getting from Celebrity and what's from them. Sometimes they aren't real forthcoming with that info but if you push they will detail it for you.

 

Since they probably put you in a group don't be surprised if things from Celebrity which were on your Guest Invoice aren't on there after so that's why you need some documentation in case there's a problem later.

 

That said I was very satisfied with what I ended up with. Just don't like their cancellation fees.

[PoppyandNana]

Hi Hcat,

 

As always, thanks for your comments. I'm fairly certain that marketing and the website are 2 totally different areas at Celebrity, so I can only presume that one has nothing to do with the other.

 

As an aside, I'm very curious if this program remains available on Connie or any other Celebrity ships. If any recent guests can comment, I'd appreciate it. If it is available, is it the only option, or can you choose the previous onboard program (where the OBC is for a future cruise) as well ? Thanks !

 

Got off Connie four days ago. We booked a 15 night cruise while on board and received:

 

$250 instant OBC which is credited to our CC if not spent which we did not.

$250 deposit toward the future cruise

Two of the three 123 perks; we selected the $300 OBC and prepaid gratuities

 

While aboard I transferred the booking to our online TA and received an additional $50 OBC plus a roughly $1800 savings over Celebrities quote.

 

The only proviso was that in order to be placed in our TA's "group", we had to pay an additional $650 deposit for the normal $900 for two. Still, we ended up with almost $960 in credit for our 2015 cruise.

 

The only downside was that I couldn't talk my wife into booking a Caribbean cruise for this winter but I'm working on it.

 

The future cruise agent mentioned something about the current 123 program will end at the end of July. Don't know if he meant the entire 123 program ends or the pick two of the three 123 ends. Glad we were able to,get such a good deal.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Redman1947

[wrk2cruise]

Yes I forgot that detail. To be placed in the group you have to do the full deposit. I'd assume the difference you would pay in the deposit would be refundable even though the on-board deposit is not (because they gave it to you in OBC).

[PoppyandNana]

I don't know how you can't see it is non-refundable. You book the cruise, pay the deposit, they will not give you any $$ back even if you cancel. You get OBC that you can take out of the casino as cash or spend. If you could cancel the cruise and get your deposit back, then they REALLY be out, more then the cost of a dinner.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

IF you do not spend the OBC posted to your account it is credited to the CC used to make the deposit on your future cruise. If you spend it while aboard it is obviously not refunded to you since you already spent it. You get the benefit of a "free" $250 deposit if you don't spend the credit posted to your on board account. Make sense?

 

Whether you cancel the future cruise or not is of no relevance. The day you walk off the ship you have this free deposit for a future cruise. If you cancel that cruise you are out $0 because the effect on your CC is $0

Edited June 30, 2014 by Redman1947

[woodyren]

After reading the experiences of others I would be happy in principle to see this program implemented fleet wide.

I like to seek out as many options as I can so I would value opinions/experiences on transferring the future booking. These two questions are applicable to the current program as well.

 

I assume the transfer would need to be done before final payment for the cruise I booked on board. If I transferred that cruise before it's final payment to another one further in the future would I be able to be change this up until the final payment of the new booking or would the final payment of the original booking be the cut off date?

 

Secondly. Would I be able to change the on board booking to one that I have currently booked and paid deposit on (but may not have had the 1,2,3 go perks or much OBC) when I booked and just have the deposit I made on board added to my deposit I have already paid? For example could I book three RCCL cruises on board my Celebrity cruise in December and then transfer the bookings along with the OBC for booking a future RCCL cruise on board to the ones I have already booked for May 2015 through my TA?

Edited June 30, 2014 by woodyren

[floridafolks]

Got off Connie four days ago. We booked a 15 night cruise while on board and received:

 

$250 instant OBC which is credited to our CC if not spent which we did not.

$250 deposit toward the future cruise

Two of the three 123 perks; we selected the $300 OBC and prepaid gratuities

 

While aboard I transferred the booking to our online TA and received an additional $50 OBC plus a roughly $1800 savings over Celebrities quote.

 

The only proviso was that in order to be placed in our TA's "group", we had to pay an additional $650 deposit for the normal $900 for two. Still, we ended up with almost $960 in credit for our 2015 cruise.

 

The only downside was that I couldn't talk my wife into booking a Caribbean cruise for this winter but I'm working on it.

 

The future cruise agent mentioned something about the current 123 program will end at the end of July. Don't know if he meant the entire 123 program ends or the pick two of the three 123 ends. Glad we were able to,get such a good deal.

 

Way back in post #37 I asked: "Under the pilot program, if you have already been given the OBC instantly, what happens if we change categories later-- are we going to get the additional OBC if we upgrade categories(ex. Veranda to Concierge) and are we going to owe you OBC if we downgrade categories (ex. Veranda to Oceanview)? "

 

The amount of OBC(now also deposit) is dependent on length of cruise and category of cabin-

 

We have been asking Celebrity to address this to no avail.

 

Celebrity Cruises had posted this is a pilot program on Constellation and Silhouette- has this changed?

 

Does anyone who has been on Constellation or Silhouette recently know what happens if you change categories or transfer to a cruise with a different length than the original? There has to be rules to handle this, but what are the rules??

 

Otherwise why wouldn't everyone just book a suite onboard for a long cruise and get big$$$ credited immediately and then switch to an inside 7day cruise that is entitled to far less money? They were already given the big bucks for the suite and then transfer to a lower category which should be entitled to far less. This would not seem right. It also would not seem right if someone upgrades from OV to Aqua, for example, and should be entitled to more OBC than given originally. How is the change of category handled?

Edited June 30, 2014 by floridafolks

[Iamthesea]

woodyren - Yes, a transfer needs to be done before final. I transferred an onboard booking to another cruise on final payment day. No problem. I was told that I could change the cruise, again, or cancel, if we decided not to go.

 

I think the answer is "no" for your second question, but I am a little loss with your question. :confused:

 

 

Yes I have transferred onboard bookings to them and retained everything I had (the old system where I had OBC for the future booking and Grats from 123 GO). They ended up giving me the grats from their group booking and substituting the OBC for 123GO.

 

For this current promo I think you will just need to give them a call. Make sure they detail what you will be getting from Celebrity and what's from them. Sometimes they aren't real forthcoming with that info but if you push they will detail it for you.

 

Since they probably put you in a group don't be surprised if things from Celebrity which were on your Guest Invoice aren't on there after so that's why you need some documentation in case there's a problem later.

 

That said I was very satisfied with what I ended up with. Just don't like their cancellation fees.

 

You hit on my main 3 concerns about booking with an unknown (to me) TA.:rolleyes:

 

Got off Connie four days ago. We booked a 15 night cruise while on board and received:

 

$250 instant OBC which is credited to our CC if not spent which we did not.

$250 deposit toward the future cruise

Two of the three 123 perks; we selected the $300 OBC and prepaid gratuities

 

While aboard I transferred the booking to our online TA and received an additional $50 OBC plus a roughly $1800 savings over Celebrities quote.

 

The only proviso was that in order to be placed in our TA's "group", we had to pay an additional $650 deposit for the normal $900 for two. Still, we ended up with almost $960 in credit for our 2015 cruise.

 

The only downside was that I couldn't talk my wife into booking a Caribbean cruise for this winter but I'm working on it.

 

The future cruise agent mentioned something about the current 123 program will end at the end of July. Don't know if he meant the entire 123 program ends or the pick two of the three 123 ends. Glad we were able to,get such a good deal.

 

 

How did you receive 2 perks for onboard booking? We booked a 14 nighter and only received the 1 perk.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Iamthesea

[PoppyandNana]

woodyren - Yes, a transfer needs to be done before final. I transferred an onboard booking to another cruise on final payment day. No problem. I was told that I could change the cruise, again, or cancel, if we decided not to go.

 

I think the answer is "no" for your second question, but I am a little loss with your question. :confused:

 

 

 

 

You hit on my main 3 concerns about booking with an unknown (to me) TA.:rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

How did you receive 2 perks for onboard booking? We booked a 14 nighter and only received the 1 perk.

 

The promo was for any two of the three, 123 promos. Saw that it is offered by our TA as well so had nothing to do with the specificity of the Celebrity ship. Send me an email at redforddan@comcast.net and I'll tell you the name of the online TA. This promo was only for European itineraries so that might be the reason you only got one.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Redman1947

[woodyren]

 

 

 

How did you receive 2 perks for onboard booking? We booked a 14 nighter and only received the 1 perk.

 

Probably a Med cruise. The PYP or 1,2,3 go offer a choice of 2 out of the 3 available perks for those.

[PoppyandNana]

Way back in post #37 I asked: "Under the pilot program, if you have already been given the OBC instantly, what happens if we change categories later-- are we going to get the additional OBC if we upgrade categories(ex. Veranda to Concierge) and are we going to owe you OBC if we downgrade categories (ex. Veranda to Oceanview)? "

 

The amount of OBC(now also deposit) is dependent on length of cruise and category of cabin-

 

We have been asking Celebrity to address this to no avail.

 

Celebrity Cruises had posted this is a pilot program on Constellation and Silhouette- has this changed?

 

Does anyone who has been on Constellation or Silhouette recently know what happens if you change categories or transfer to a cruise with a different length than the original? There has to be rules to handle this, but what are the rules??

 

Otherwise why wouldn't everyone just book a suite onboard for a long cruise and get big$$$ credited immediately and then switch to an inside 7day cruise that is entitled to far less money? They were already given the big bucks for the suite and then transfer to a lower category which should be entitled to far less. This would not seem right. It also would not seem right if someone upgrades from OV to Aqua, for example, and should be entitled to more OBC than given originally. How is the change of category handled?

 

Haven't thought it through all the way but on the surface don't think it would make any difference. If you book a suite and receive $350 immediate OBC for the cruise you are on you also are charged a $350 deposit. for the future cruise. A zero effect. If you don't spend this and change to a seven day inside the only impact is that you have a larger deposit on the future cruise than necessary. Remember the immediate OBC, if not spent goes back to your CC making in essence a zero transaction. If you do spend it you simply do not get the credit to your CC, again a net zero impact.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Redman1947