Warning re advance purchase of OBC

[jackson bernard]

Sadly, people do exactly this. Even when there is no issue.

 

Guess what happens?

 

Staff and executives are tied up dealing with this petty crap. The other folks that are just trying to get simple answers are now pushed to the back of the line. Extra time and money are spent on these royal PIA folks, and those expenses then get pushed down to everyone else via higher prices.

 

It is so sad that some people only think of THEIR LITTLE WORLD.

 

So very sad. Almost makes me want to cry.

 

(p.s. - Yes, they should get the checks out sooner. But to raise holy he l l.... really?)

 

They only do this because people let them get away with it. They are so quick to take your money, but takes forever to get a refund. There is no reason anyone should put up with this without a fight.

 

Oh I forgot bad mouth the cruiseline to anyone will listen. Tell them your story. Tell them how bad it made you feel and how you need the money. Spread the word. Look up some executives cellphone numbers and call them over and over to discuss.

 

The internet is your friend. You are finally on somewhat even ground with these companies.

 

Oh and don't cry.

 

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[dalgirl]

I have never understood why people buy OBC. Put the money in a savings account if you want to sock it away with little return on your money. Then after you know what you have actually spent pay the bill with that money. And confirm any credits, etc. with accounting the first part of the cruise, not at the end when it is too late to do anything about it.

 

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[matj2000]

Annnnnddddd there you have it, the American Dream. The problem is that most people live off their credit cards, I'm not saying that is your case. But I suppose your okay paying the additional interest to a company. I don't understand people who charge everything, I prefer to prepay as much as I can even if that means waiting for a refund, so that I don't have to pay interest to anyone. It helps me travel within my means and affords me not have to worry about a large bill. /QUOTE]

 

I pay tons of stuff with a CC and then make balance transfers all the time.

 

I do it to collect points.

 

I have around 150,000 saved up which is worth $1500.

 

That's from only a few years.

 

And very minimal CC balance...

[maywell]

I have never understood why people buy OBC. Put the money in a savings account if you want to sock it away with little return on your money. Then after you know what you have actually spent pay the bill with that money. And confirm any credits, etc. with accounting the first part of the cruise, not at the end when it is too late to do anything about it.

 

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There's nothing wrong with OBC for your trip because that money will be used up 1st before the credit / debit card is used. But you have to honest and realistic with yourself before going on a cruise- are you planning to do alot of shopping at the cruise's store? Buying Art at the gallery? going to gamble alot or little? how often are you going to buy drinks? Should you get the UBP or just use OBC to pay for the drinks? How much OBC do you really need - $100, $150, $200, $500? per person or altogether? ect...

 

That just good questions to ask yourself before planning a budget whether or not your using OBC or Credit/debit or combination of both. Because it easy to overspent or not spent depending on the person and/or couple.

[garycarla]

Social media is your friend. Twitter them continuously. Have your friends retweet over and over again. Post to every website you can think of. File suit in small claims court just for the fun of it. Call them on their 800 number over and over. Demand to speak to the CEO. Email every executive listed in their annual report. Maybe then they will be able to give you the credit as fast as they made the charge.

 

I honestly feel sorry for people that go through life with this approach. I really do.

 

 

 

I also feel sorry for businesses that actually FAIL because somebody went nuts on social media with unfounded claims. I have a close acquaintance that lost their business due to social media - even though the claim was later found untrue. No, NCL will not fail,but and other companies will spend lots of time and effort battling troubled people.

[royerhouse]

This is not correct. DH and I handed over $300 cash per adult on embarkation day and at the end of the cruise waited 30-45 days for our check. The fine print is on the NCL website regarding refunds and how they are processed. We had the option of withdrawing our onboard account balance from the casino ATM with the percentage charge applied. We decided to wait for our funds it was obligated to the cruise and was a bonus back in our pocket when we hadn't spent it all

 

 

 

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Everyone I talked to at NCL agreed that they would have refunded the credit in cash, on the ship, on the day of debarkation, if I had given cash at checkin on the day of embarkation. In fact, I observed many such refunds going on that morning while standing in line.

[royerhouse]

I don't get why this is always your answer? How about waiting the allotted time for the refund and if it doesn't come through then, call and speak to a supervisor if you need to and add some pressure. You clearly have no idea how bank processing works, they can charge instantly, but refunds go through many hands and the speed has not only to do with the company making the refund but also with the individual's bank.

 

Ok, this is my last word on the subject: I am not going to bombard NCL, blow up the posts on social media, or make any other demands, at least not until a reasonable amount of time has elapsed. I trust I will eventually get my refund. If I don't receive it, then I will re-contact and pursue the matter further.

 

My post was meant to inform. It is a very honest account of an experience I had which made no sense to me, and about which I was told several different things by several different NCL employees. The misinformation continues as several posts on this thread indeed conflict with my experience and with each other. Perhaps the policies are not always applied consistently since people's experiences vary.

 

I'm a very savvy traveller who was traveling on NCL for the first time. I made a decision based on erroneous information which didn't turn out as I expected. The NCL employee who assisted me with the purchase of the OBC assured me any credit would be issued in cash at the end of the cruise. The guest relations clerk onboard told me I would receive a refund in 3-5 days. My biggest error was believing they knew what they were talking about, when they obviously didn't. I only hoped to enlighten others who might experience the same misinformation. I did not need to be blamed, lectured, or insulted, nor did I intend to start an argument.

[sparks1093]

I have never understood why people buy OBC. Put the money in a savings account if you want to sock it away with little return on your money. Then after you know what you have actually spent pay the bill with that money. And confirm any credits, etc. with accounting the first part of the cruise, not at the end when it is too late to do anything about it.

 

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People do things for different reasons and generally will do things for the simple reason that it works for them. It worked for us to buy OBC starting at about 90 days before the cruise. I always make up a budget for spending and know how much to buy. My savings account returns diddly-squat so there is no incentive there.

[pokerpro5]

Put me in the camp of people who don't understand why you would prepay OBC -- or anything you aren't forced to prepay, for that matter.

 

The interest isn't the issue, because it is under 1% annually at just about all banks nowadays (unless you lock it up in a long term CD, where the rates still stink).

 

However, the issue is giving another entity control of your money, which as you just found out here, doesn't always work out the way you expect/hope.

 

What are you gaining by buying OBC in advance? No offense, but are you not capable of being disciplined onboard with a credit-based folio? I don't get it.

 

Anyway, 30 days is fairly long, and I agree you should be annoyed about this, especially because there's no guarantee you'll actually have it within 30 days. Consider it a lesson learned about unnecessary prepaying at NCL and everywhere else.

 

I do appreciate you posting this to warn others. FYI I had a similar experience with Air Canada. They owed me a $120 refund, and when I called them to claim it, they said that it had to be submitted by e-mail and would take "2-3 weeks". Upon researching it online, it was more like 6-12 weeks. I disputed it with my credit card company and won.

[sparks1093]

Put me in the camp of people who don't understand why you would prepay OBC -- or anything you aren't forced to prepay, for that matter.

 

The interest isn't the issue, because it is under 1% annually at just about all banks nowadays (unless you lock it up in a long term CD, where the rates still stink).

 

However, the issue is giving another entity control of your money, which as you just found out here, doesn't always work out the way you expect/hope.

 

What are you gaining by buying OBC in advance? No offense, but are you not capable of being disciplined onboard with a credit-based folio? I don't get it.

 

Anyway, 30 days is fairly long, and I agree you should be annoyed about this, especially because there's no guarantee you'll actually have it within 30 days. Consider it a lesson learned about unnecessary prepaying at NCL and everywhere else.

 

I do appreciate you posting this to warn others. FYI I had a similar experience with Air Canada. They owed me a $120 refund, and when I called them to claim it, they said that it had to be submitted by e-mail and would take "2-3 weeks". Upon researching it online, it was more like 6-12 weeks. I disputed it with my credit card company and won.

 

What I do doesn't make sense to me most of the time and I'm supposed to be able to explain it to you? :);) Bottom line is that I do what works for me as I am sure most people do (and the OP as well). By the time I've started pre-paying things and purchasing OBC the cruise is a sure thing, or as sure a thing as one can make it in this day and age, so we aren't talking a long time here.

[luvtheships]

First off, this is not a debit card issue at all. (I would never use one anyways, but that is another story).

 

 

As to prepaying stuff, I just don't get it. Giving somebody my money knowing there is a reasonable chance I will have to try and get it back in certain situations just does not make sense.

 

We would never prepay the daily service charge.

 

We would never pre-buy the drink program or meal program and would wait until we boarded to buy (and might change our mind).

 

We MIGHT prepay a tour if we really want that tour and fear it would be sold out. And only then.

 

Would never prepay an OBC with hopes we would spend it.

 

We charge everything we can (vs cash or debit), then pay it when we get home.

 

What I do as well

 

Practically every penny I spend is via credit card

 

I set up auto bill pay and everything gets paid off in full with zero interest

And I always take advantage of interest free credit cards. Cash back. And my all time fav first use $$$$.

 

Estimate I have made $1000 plus in cash points and bonus in the last year

 

Oh that is probably because instead of writing the colleges tuition checks I just charge it. Earn points and pay my card promptly. Interest free of course. Lol

 

I don't understand using cash for anything these days especially cruise expenses

 

 

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Edited October 15, 2014 by luvtheships

[luvtheships]

And that's okay, because it works for you. But more often than not, people tend to max out their cards. I've seen many a people who say they cannot afford to travel because of their credit card monthly financial obligations and it's sad and an endless cycle.

 

Yes we are lucky over here

 

We are well employed and fully fund any and all retirement options available to us.

Spend wisely

Travel often

Educate the kids

Don't waste money " keeping up with the joneses"

 

Oh wait.... Maybe it is because we live in a normal sized house

 

Keep our cars forever

 

Make the kids earn and pay for most if their stuff ( including kicking in a bit for family trips)

 

It could possibly be because we didn't do stupid life altering stuff when we were teens and young adults too!!!

 

 

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Edited October 15, 2014 by luvtheships

[cruisecritiquer]

Yes we are lucky over here

 

We are well employed and fully fund any and all retirement options available to us.

Spend wisely

Travel often

Educate the kids

Don't waste money " keeping up with the joneses"

 

Oh wait.... Maybe it is because we live in a normal sized house

 

Keep our cars forever

 

Make the kids earn and pay for most if their stuff ( including kicking in a bit for family trips)

 

It could possibly be because we didn't do stupid life altering stuff when we were teens and young adults too!!!

 

 

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My parents taught me the importance of education, hard work, and a thick longstanding credit profile with lots of "pays as agreed" and no "late pays" or "high rolling utilization" as the secret to fulfilling the American dream of buying a house, buying whatever car you can afford (and keeping it until the mechanic said it would cost more to repair it than to replace it). They were right in that we were able to purchase a house at a very young age and buy pretty much whatever we want (within our monthly budget). So we have been able to get the pick of the litter when it comes to credit card perks and I consider it a blessing that we are able to use those cards to earn points and pay it off at the end of the month.

 

However, there are a lot of financial advisers who disagree that credit cards are the best way to manage your finances and I've had an internal struggle with both ideologies. Dave Ramsey (who I do not always agree with) comes to mind.

 

Here's what i know can happen with credit cards, even to people who were responsible as teenagers :confused:, parent their kids properly, and aren't spend-thrifts. I work in several areas of law but one area in particular that makes me privy to a lot of people's finances. On more than one occasion, I've seen people lose everything through divorce, family illness (cancer, etc.), failed investments, loss of their lucrative job, etc. and end up not being able to pay the credit card debt that they had historically paid off each month. Unfortunately, tragedies don't usually occur in between the narrow space of time when your bill has been paid in full and your next charge. These people weren't overspending based upon their net worth and income and they weren't terrible stewards of time or money. They just live in a fallen world with a fallen system where bad things happen and sometimes it is no one's fault.

 

For that reason and sometimes for personal or religious reasons, some people believe firmly in paying everything in cash and I don't see the point in making judgments on people who do that. :confused: To insinuate that people that don't do that were bad teenagers, didn't parent responsibly, don't put aside money for retirement, etc. seems like a self-righteous accusation.

 

My point here is there isn't one right answer to how to handle finances. The right answer is whatever one leaves you without debt, without financial strain, without financial stress, and without some company having a cause of action to sue you for failure to pay your financial obligations so from where I stand, our way works (as long as we CAN pay our bills) but so does using cash.

 

I don't generally understand giving someone money before they are owed it - such as prepaying for steward fees or whatever. BUT, if it helps someone budget effectively, then I don't see the point in judging them for it. It's actually a good thing that they are aware of what works for them to stay on top of their finances.

Edited October 15, 2014 by cruisecritiquer

[luvtheships]

My parents taught me the importance of education, hard work, and a thick longstanding credit profile with lots of "pays as agreed" and no "late pays" or "high rolling utilization" as the secret to fulfilling the American dream of buying a house, buying whatever car you can afford (and keeping it until the mechanic said it would cost more to repair it than to replace it). They were right in that we were able to purchase a house at a very young age and buy pretty much whatever we want (within our monthly budget). So we have been able to get the pick of the litter when it comes to credit card perks and I consider it a blessing that we are able to use those cards to earn points and pay it off at the end of the month.

 

However, there are a lot of financial advisers who disagree that credit cards are the best way to manage your finances and I've had an internal struggle with both ideologies. Dave Ramsey (who I do not always agree with) comes to mind.

 

Here's what i know can happen with credit cards, even to people who were responsible as teenagers :confused:, parent their kids properly, and aren't spend-thrifts. I work in several areas of law but one area in particular that makes me privy to a lot of people's finances. On more than one occasion, I've seen people lose everything through divorce, family illness (cancer, etc.), failed investments, loss of their lucrative job, etc. and end up not being able to pay the credit card debt that they had historically paid off each month. Unfortunately, tragedies don't usually occur in between the narrow space of time when your bill has been paid in full and your next charge. These people weren't overspending based upon their net worth and income and they weren't terrible stewards of time or money. They just live in a fallen world with a fallen system where bad things happen and sometimes it is no one's fault.

 

For that reason and sometimes for personal or religious reasons, some people believe firmly in paying everything in cash and I don't see the point in making judgments on people who do that. :confused: To insinuate that people that don't do that were bad teenagers, didn't parent responsibly, don't put aside money for retirement, etc. seems like a self-righteous accusation.

 

My point here is there isn't one right answer to how to handle finances. The right answer is whatever one leaves you without debt, without financial strain, without financial stress, and without some company having a cause of action to sue you for failure to pay your financial obligations so from where I stand, our way works (as long as we CAN pay our bills) but so does using cash.

 

I don't generally understand giving someone money before they are owed it - such as prepaying for steward fees or whatever. BUT, if it helps someone budget effectively, then I don't see the point in judging them for it. It's actually a good thing that they are aware of what works for them to stay on top of their finances.

 

Ok. But when I was talking about teens I was hinting at the single teen parenthood thing.

 

 

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[NMLady]

The credit card company won't do anything until they hear from the cruise line- the cruise line did not refuse to issue a refund, they are working on that, just not as fast as the OP would like.

 

Depends on the Credit Card company. When I disputed a charge they promptly subtracted that amount from my current amount due.

The amount was then added to my next bill but refunded a month later when the issue was resolved.

[maywell]

Ok. But when I was talking about teens I was hinting at the single teen parenthood thing.

 

 

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No offense, but some people can't effective manage their money when coming from a 2-parent home where both parents are making 100k each a year. Some people are frugal when it comes to traveling that only charge they have is DSC and cruise fare, and others can easily blow $5k on extras on themselves(not including the spouse &/or kids) and then othrrs who fall inbetween the two extremes, more or less. Some of it is due to how people and family but most if it is due to just personality. Some people are spendthifts for themselves only, others are cheapskates to everyone even themselves, and others are generous to others but not spend much for themselves and then others who like to spend like money will never run out on everyones even mice.

 

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Edited October 15, 2014 by maywell

[jackson bernard]

My parents taught me the importance of education, hard work, and a thick longstanding credit profile with lots of "pays as agreed" and no "late pays" or "high rolling utilization" as the secret to fulfilling the American dream of buying a house, buying whatever car you can afford (and keeping it until the mechanic said it would cost more to repair it than to replace it). They were right in that we were able to purchase a house at a very young age and buy pretty much whatever we want (within our monthly budget). So we have been able to get the pick of the litter when it comes to credit card perks and I consider it a blessing that we are able to use those cards to earn points and pay it off at the end of the month.

 

However, there are a lot of financial advisers who disagree that credit cards are the best way to manage your finances and I've had an internal struggle with both ideologies. Dave Ramsey (who I do not always agree with) comes to mind.

 

Here's what i know can happen with credit cards, even to people who were responsible as teenagers :confused:, parent their kids properly, and aren't spend-thrifts. I work in several areas of law but one area in particular that makes me privy to a lot of people's finances. On more than one occasion, I've seen people lose everything through divorce, family illness (cancer, etc.), failed investments, loss of their lucrative job, etc. and end up not being able to pay the credit card debt that they had historically paid off each month. Unfortunately, tragedies don't usually occur in between the narrow space of time when your bill has been paid in full and your next charge. These people weren't overspending based upon their net worth and income and they weren't terrible stewards of time or money. They just live in a fallen world with a fallen system where bad things happen and sometimes it is no one's fault.

 

For that reason and sometimes for personal or religious reasons, some people believe firmly in paying everything in cash and I don't see the point in making judgments on people who do that. :confused: To insinuate that people that don't do that were bad teenagers, didn't parent responsibly, don't put aside money for retirement, etc. seems like a self-righteous accusation.

 

My point here is there isn't one right answer to how to handle finances. The right answer is whatever one leaves you without debt, without financial strain, without financial stress, and without some company having a cause of action to sue you for failure to pay your financial obligations so from where I stand, our way works (as long as we CAN pay our bills) but so does using cash.

 

I don't generally understand giving someone money before they are owed it - such as prepaying for steward fees or whatever. BUT, if it helps someone budget effectively, then I don't see the point in judging them for it. It's actually a good thing that they are aware of what works for them to stay on top of their finances.

 

Interesting but can we get back to harrassing the company until they give this poor lady her money back?

 

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[luvtheships]

No offense, but some people can't effective manage their money when coming from a 2-parent home where both parents are making 100k each a year. Some people are frugal when it comes to traveling that only charge they have is DSC and cruise fare, and others can easily blow $5k on extras on themselves(not including the spouse &/or kids) and then othrrs who fall inbetween the two extremes, more or less. Some of it is due to how people and family but most if it is due to just personality. Some people are spendthifts for themselves only, others are cheapskates to everyone even themselves, and others are generous to others but not spend much for themselves and then others who like to spend like money will never run out on everyones even mice.

 

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My point is that people should do their best to avoid situations that they are not financially able to handle before they have the wherewithal to do so

 

As far as credit cards. As much credit as one can responsibly handle is not a crime

 

It's the irresponsibility that many seem to have that causes people to post about the horrors of credit

 

Oh the horrors. The humanity

 

Credit is good

Just try to buy a home or car without having a credit history

 

Irresponsibility is the real culprit. Not credit.

 

 

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[mugtech]

My point is that people should do their best to avoid situations that they are not financially able to handle before they have the wherewithal to do so

 

As far as credit cards. As much credit as one can responsibly handle is not a crime

 

It's the irresponsibility that many seem to have that causes people to post about the horrors of credit

 

Oh the horrors. The humanity

 

Credit is good

Just try to buy a home or car without having a credit history

 

Irresponsibility is the real culprit. Not credit.

 

 

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I agree

[medicalma'am]

I am grateful to the OP for posting this information. I learned something new.

 

I have always used my CC at check in. I save prior to a cruise the amount that we usually spend on board and have it in savings to pay off the CC when the bill comes. I don't carry balances on my CCs. I get free travel points for every dollar I spend on the one I use (and I use it for EVERYTHING, paying it off at the end of every month). I saved for my upcoming cruise, charged it to the card at the final payment date and paid the bill when it came interest free. Essentially I always fly for free because I use a CC.

 

[pokerpro5]

I just don't get it.

 

You aren't saving any money by doing this, nor are you enabling your ability to travel.

 

All you're doing is giving your money to hold by a cold, faceless corporation which may or may not make you jump through hoops to get it back.

 

If you lack the self control to not spend the money earmarked for your trip, why not just give it to your brother, adult child, or some other trusted family member to hold until you get back?

 

I doubt your brother would make you wait 30 days to get your cash.

[sfaaa]

le have their card maxed out and only pay part of it, and still cruise. Shame on them.

 

But can you blame them? Cruising can be as addictive as smooth Whiskey or good sex. Gotta get that fix and go on another cruise or check yourself into rehab. There is simply no other way out.

[pokerpro5]

Anyway regarding this credit card stuff...

 

What some of you are describing is known as "credit card bonusing".

 

It's the practice of obtaining a credit card just for the bonuses and perks, and then ceasing from using it once you've earned them, after applying for a new card with a fresh set of bonuses.

 

Of course, you pay your balance in full on each card and never accrue any interest or fees.

 

I am an expert at this. At the moment I have in excess of 30 credit cards, and I have been approved for two new ones just this past week, which are in the mail.

 

I also have cards I use when I am "in between" bonuses which earn me points/cash/miles optimally, such as one that gives me 2% flat cash back on all purchases, one that gives 3% back on restaurants, one that gives 3% on gas, one that gives 5% in various rolling categories, etc.

 

I have made thousands of dollars this year alone through the various bonuses I've earned, and my credit score is still fairly good (high 700s).

[Samstress]

Anyway regarding this credit card stuff...

 

What some of you are describing is known as "credit card bonusing".

 

It's the practice of obtaining a credit card just for the bonuses and perks, and then ceasing from using it once you've earned them, after applying for a new card with a fresh set of bonuses.

 

Of course, you pay your balance in full on each card and never accrue any interest or fees.

 

I am an expert at this. At the moment I have in excess of 30 credit cards, and I have been approved for two new ones just this past week, which are in the mail.

 

I also have cards I use when I am "in between" bonuses which earn me points/cash/miles optimally, such as one that gives me 2% flat cash back on all purchases, one that gives 3% back on restaurants, one that gives 3% on gas, one that gives 5% in various rolling categories, etc.

 

I have made thousands of dollars this year alone through the various bonuses I've earned, and my credit score is still fairly good (high 700s).

 

I do the same thing. I have so many credit cards that I can't get them all into my purse;) But, I normally only use them for certain purposes. ex: Hotel free nights, store discounts, etc. And I never carry a balance on any of my cards. If/when it comes time to renew them & there is a fee I cancel. I have one major credit card that is linked to an Air Miles program.

Having said all of this; I certainly understand someone putting down cash in advance for an upcoming purchase. Isn't this what pay as you go phones, or pay up front credit cards are? If it helps you budget, plan or de-stress the do it. Whatever floats your boat:D

Cheers,

Sandy

[SuiteCruiser]

Ok, this is my last word on the subject: I am not going to bombard NCL, blow up the posts on social media, or make any other demands, at least not until a reasonable amount of time has elapsed. I trust I will eventually get my refund. If I don't receive it, then I will re-contact and pursue the matter further.

 

My post was meant to inform. It is a very honest account of an experience I had which made no sense to me, and about which I was told several different things by several different NCL employees. The misinformation continues as several posts on this thread indeed conflict with my experience and with each other. Perhaps the policies are not always applied consistently since people's experiences vary.

 

I'm a very savvy traveller who was traveling on NCL for the first time. I made a decision based on erroneous information which didn't turn out as I expected. The NCL employee who assisted me with the purchase of the OBC assured me any credit would be issued in cash at the end of the cruise. The guest relations clerk onboard told me I would receive a refund in 3-5 days. My biggest error was believing they knew what they were talking about, when they obviously didn't. I only hoped to enlighten others who might experience the same misinformation. I did not need to be blamed, lectured, or insulted, nor did I intend to start an argument.

 

I quoted Jackson Bernard, I think your posting that it happened to you is very helpful, I just didn't think his response was helpful to you or anyone else as it's his go-to post when things don't go smoothly. I hope you get your money back soon.