Signature Visa Awards OBC

[lovetotraveltx]

If you use a point reward to get obc, what happens if you don't use it all? Was told it's put back on your celebrity visa. Is in the cash amount or converted back to points?

 

Thank you!

[WestLakeGirl]

Not converted back to points.

 

Consider using the points toward cruise cost instead of OBC and there won't be any danger of losing any value

[bouhunter]

I highly doubt it, use or lose.....:rolleyes: Really no point in using the reward if you don't think you would USE IT.....

Edited April 17, 2015 by bouhunter

[cruisestitch]

I agree -- since it's not clear how the unused OBC might be treated, there is a better option -- use the points to reduce the cost of the cruise.

 

The way to do this is to wait until after Final Payment, then choose the option for Cruise Discount. Redeem your points and you will see a credit for that amount on your next credit card statement.

[rjrpar]

Pretty sure it is credited back to the credit card. Only obc from the cruise line is "use it or lose it"

[gdpups]

Those of you that responded are probably not aware of the restrictions when applying Visa Rewards to a final payment. I tried to do just that with my last cruise, but would have lost the promotions attached to the cruise, so my only option is to use it for OBC since I usually only book cruises when there are good promotions going. Here are the restrictions:

 

 

MyCruiseRewards are available for redemption on any eligible Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean or Azamara cruise vacation but

may not be combined with any other promotional offers and/or certain Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club or Le Club Voyage

promotions and benefits. MyCruise Rewards are also not combinable with restricted pricing including, but not limited to, Going-

Going-Gone, Residential rates, senior rates, military rates and Buy One Get Second Person Half Off promotion.

[cruisestitch]

yes, that's why you do it AFTER final payment -- then they simply apply it to the next credit card statement. From personal experience, this method works and it does not jeopardize either your perks or your Travel Agent's commission.

[gdpups]

Pretty sure it is credited back to the credit card. Only obc from the cruise line is "use it or lose it"

 

Not necessarily true, on my last cruise I had $300 from my TA, but for some reason it was coded as $275 non-refundable and $25 refundable. When I questioned it with Guest Services they said it was a "promotion" from the TA and that was the way it was coded by the TA. That was the first time I had encountered it that way, so no guarantees it will be refundable.

[rjrpar]

Obc from credit card rewards are definitely refundable. Your TA example is different.

[gdpups]

yes, that's why you do it AFTER final payment -- then they simply apply it to the next credit card statement. From personal experience, this method works and it does not jeopardize either your perks or your Travel Agent's commission.

 

That's great to know! I have so much OBC for my next several cruises and points that are getting close to expiring.

[gdpups]

Obc from credit card rewards are definitely refundable. Your TA example is different.

 

I was responding to the comment that only OBC from Celebrity is non-refundable.

[Vitamin_Sea]

I will be using OBC from Celeb visa and RCCL Visa for same cruise.

 

Worth about $200 or so.

 

Can it go to the tips?

[wwcruisers]

Really no point in using the reward if you don't think you would USE IT.....

 

Well, the points expire five years from the time they are awarded. And, you have to keep up with when they expire. If I were in danger of losing points, I would cash them in for OBC. And, if I didn't use all of my OBC on the cruise (yeah, like THAT's ever gonna happen :rolleyes:) -- I would probably just sacrifice the 5% "service charge", and cash my balance out in the casino. :cool:

[Vitamin_Sea]

I agree -- since it's not clear how the unused OBC might be treated, there is a better option -- use the points to reduce the cost of the cruise.

 

The way to do this is to wait until after Final Payment, then choose the option for Cruise Discount. Redeem your points and you will see a credit for that amount on your next credit card statement.

 

interesting... Will look into this

[wallie5446]

That's great to know! I have so much OBC for my next several cruises and points that are getting close to expiring.

 

OK I went and looked it up, yup they expire 60 months from date of issue.

Edited April 17, 2015 by wallie5446

[wallie5446]

I will be using OBC from Celeb visa and RCCL Visa for same cruise.

 

Worth about $200 or so.

 

Can it go to the tips?

 

The OBC will cover any and all charges made on your cabin's Sea Pass card. We had $600 from Visa last yr.

Upgraded to the premium Bev pkg and bought the 3 night Specialty dinner pkg.

Edited April 17, 2015 by wallie5446

[lovetotraveltx]

It's after my final payment and when I called to cash in Visa rewards for the discount on my upcoming cruise they said since I used a TA they would have to contact my TA before I could cash in my rewards for a cruise discount. I figure if they just credit the cash back from my OBC, I would just get it refunded that way. Tried writing to Concerns@celebrity but no reply. Was thinking maybe the celebrity rep would chime in here :(

[cruisestitch]

Have never called, I just do it on line. I think you got bad information. We're you talking to Captains Club or someone else?

 

To do it on line follow these steps.

 

Go to Celebrity home page.

Lower right corner click on image of credit card (even though you already have it and aren't applying for a new card)

On the next page scroll down to "Redeem my cruise points"

Click on that and you are taken to My Cruise rewards

Sign in

Once you are signed in, choose "cruise discounts " not "onboard credits and amenities"

Choose number of points to redeem and add to cart

Follow instructions for inputting cruise information

 

If you are after Final Payment, you will get the amount as a credit on your next statement.

Edited April 17, 2015 by cruisestitch

[lovetotraveltx]

Have never called, I just do it on line. I think you got bad information. We're you talking to Captains Club or someone else?

 

To do it on line follow these steps.

 

Go to Celebrity home page.

Lower right corner click on image of credit card (even though you already have it and aren't applying for a new card)

On the next page scroll down to "Redeem my cruise points"

Click on that and you are taken to My Cruise rewards

Sign in

Once you are signed in, choose "cruise discounts " not "onboard credits and amenities"

Choose number of points to redeem and add to cart

Follow instructions for inputting cruise information

 

If you are after Final Payment, you will get the amount as a credit on your next statement.

 

Thanks I'll try that in the morning.

[lovetotraveltx]

Have never called, I just do it on line. I think you got bad information. We're you talking to Captains Club or someone else?

 

To do it on line follow these steps.

 

Go to Celebrity home page.

Lower right corner click on image of credit card (even though you already have it and aren't applying for a new card)

On the next page scroll down to "Redeem my cruise points"

Click on that and you are taken to My Cruise rewards

Sign in

Once you are signed in, choose "cruise discounts " not "onboard credits and amenities"

Choose number of points to redeem and add to cart

Follow instructions for inputting cruise information

 

If you are after Final Payment, you will get the amount as a credit on your next statement.

 

Thank you for laying out all the steps. They were easy to follow and I got the discount in my cart. However, a big chunk of my points are still pending so I had insufficient points. Should be able to do it by end if this week. We will see :)

[cruisestitch]

You're welcome -- I hope it all works out for you.

[lovetotraveltx]

You're welcome -- I hope it all works out for you.

 

Let you know in 2 days!!

[lovetotraveltx]

Does anyone know for sure that these cruise discounts after final payment do not effect my TA's commission??

 

FYI Everyone, celebrity confirmed in writing that any leftover obc from my visa would go back to my visa in cash :)

[cruisestitch]

My TA says that it has never affected his commission.

[lovetotraveltx]

My TA says that it has never affected his commission.

 

 

Great! Hate to do that to him, as this is the biggest sale I ever gave him. He's booked much cheaper trips for us before :)