Future Cruise Credit?

[doone]

I have seen this future cruise credit, but am not familiar on how it works, can anyone enlighten me, pros cons?

[CruiserBruce]

A quick search will find dozens of threads, with boatloads of info. It is a very commonly discussed topic here.

 

In essence you are buying a cheaper deposit on your next cruise. In exchange you get a OBC, as well as the cheaper deposit.

[doone]

Thanks Cruiser Bruce, I will do a search.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You can stop by the Future Cruise Consultants desk and put down a deposit for a future cruise -- $100 per person -- It will be charged to your credit card right away. You do not have to book a specific cruise.

When you decide on what cruise you want to do, give the certificates to your TA. If the cruise is longer than 7 days, you may be asked to put down a little more deposit.

Depending on the length of the cruise and cabin category, depends on the amount of shipboard credit you can get.

 

The certificates are good for 4 years. If you haven't used them by the end of 4 years, your deposits will be credited back to your credit card.

Edited March 2, 2016 by Krazy Kruizers

[just_cruising_along]

Future Cruise Consultants usually offer you onboard credit along with a minimal deposit, which is good up to 4 years. You can work with a travel agent, or not to continue with your booking. What is also nice is you can select a specific cabin. FCC also can give you advice on cabin selection for the various ships and can help you avoid some problems with cabin location you might not be familiar with. Also they can request dining preferences. We have taken advantage of FCC services on our cruises. If you do this, don't wait until the end of your cruise, as the tend to get very busy. Usually they have a sign up sheet so you can request a date and time to book your next cruise. The FCC also has all the materials to see which cruises are coming up and any special offers.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[sapper1]

You can stop by the Future Cruise Consultants desk and put down a deposit for a future cruise -- $100 per person -- It will be charged to your credit card right away. You do not have to book a specific cruise.

When you decide on what cruise you want to do, give the certificates to your TA. If the cruise is longer than 7 days, you may be asked to put down a little more deposit.

Depending on the length of the cruise and cabin category, depends on the amount of shipboard credit you can get.

 

The certificates are good for 4 years. If you haven't used them by the end of 4 years, your deposits will be credited back to your credit card.

I just converted a couple of FCDs from US currency to Canadian currency this week and according to the email confirmation I received last night from HAL, the $100 deposit is good for cruises up to 21 days.

 

22 to 50 days will require a $300 deposit and 51 days and over will require $1000.

 

Note to the OP--- you still only have to buy a $100 deposit on the ship and can add to it if necessary on booking your cruise at a later date.

[doone]

This is very helpful, thanks everyone.

[DaveOKC]

My standard reply:

 

Booking a future cruise while onboard can be a cost saving tool, but there are several things to consider:

First, you should do your homework and know what your future cruise pricing and current promotions are on Holland America’s (HAL) website. Its easy to do but be sure you know the exact cabin categories you are considering (and their prices/promotions). Be careful though, as promotions can vary in amount by cabin category.

 

Second, add to your pricing homework the on board credit (OBC) you would earn if you purchased a Future Cruise Deposit (FCD) while on board (you get this from the future cruise consultant). The FCD requires that you put $100 down (for cruises up to 21 days) as your deposit for a future cruise (good deal by itself), but this deposit is fully refundable if you do not use it in 4 years.

 

Further, the FCD earns you OBC, in an amount that depends on your cabin category and length of cruise as follows (example for 21 days or shorter cruises) per person:

Interior & Oceanview Cabins - $25 for up to 10 days, $50 for 11-21 day cruises.

Veranda Cabins - $50 for up to 10 days, $75 for 11-21 day cruises.

Suites (Vista/Signature/Neptune) - $50 for up to 10 days, $100 for 11-21 days.

 

BONUS – HAL will normally send you a “Thank you for sailing with us” email within 2 weeks of your cruise ending. This email will offer to DOUBLE the above OBC if you book within 2 months of receiving the email. Even if you do not get this email, just tell your travel agent to use promotion ZPM and you will get the double amount, as sometimes emails do not get through, so everyone qualifies.

 

Third, add these two OBC amounts to HAL’s website pricing (or your own travel agent’s) and take it to the onboard future cruise consultant and see if he/she can beat that price/promotion. In most cases they cannot, so just thank them and book when you get home.

 

NOTE: when comparing prices, be sure to include all extras (free drink packages, free internet, free specialty dining, etc.) in your numbers.

[richwmn]

I don't think this has changed, but something to be careful about. If you book an actual cruise with the Future Cruise Consultant, it will be assigned to whatever agency or PCC the cruise you are on is booked with. You can request that be changed, or left with HAL, but you must request it.

 

Future Cruise Deposits are not associated with an agency or PCC until you actually use them.

[Dismomx5]

I couldn't get the "quote" feature to work, but I wanted to thank the above posters for a clear explanation of the Future Cruise Credit. It was very helpful and I appreciate the time you took to do this.