OBC confusion

[vacationgirl13]

Hi, I know that there are some previous threads but I am hearing different information in different places so thought I would ask. Maybe Bonnie can confirm one way or the other. Another couple and ourselves booked the same June cruise with separate travel agencies which had $200 per person on board credits included. After reading this board and hearing that some credits can only be used for shore excursions I asked my travel agent about it as we had wanted to use the credits for specialty dining, upgraded drink package or the spa. She called Azamara and was told that they could only be used for shore excursions. She didn't think that was quite right since it does not stipulate that on the booking confirmation. The Azamara person on the phone stated to our travel agent that it wasn't really a problem because we could prebook our shore excursions online and pay for them. Then once we are on the ship that we could cancel and rebook them using our OBC's. The money from the cancellations would be credits on our account and could then be used for whatever we wished. This seems to contradict what has been said on the board that you can't do this. To top that off our friends phoned their travel agent and were told by their travel agent that they could be used for anything.

Sorry for the long post but this is so confusing :o

Thanks

[BBMacLaird]

Hello vacationgirl13, and welcome to our CC forum!

It all depends on who issued the OBC, and sometimes when you were issued the OBC.

If the OBC was given to you by your agent, it can be used for anything, and it is refundable if you don't use it all.

If it was a promotional OBC given out by us (Azamara) there was a time awhile back when the promo OBC was only applicable to our tours, aka Land Discoveries.

Due to the level of confusion we did away with that tour-only OBC for future offers, but not retroactively.

In your case, your TA really should be able to clarify which type of OBC you were given. That's part of their service.

P.s. The Azamara-issued OBC has no cash value, and is not refundable, regardless of when it was issued.

[travelberlin]

....

 

If it was a promotional OBC given out by us (Azamara) there was a time awhile back when the promo OBC was only applicable to our tours, aka Land Discoveries.

Due to the level of confusion we did away with that tour-only OBC for future offers, but not retroactively.

In your case, your TA really should be able to clarify which type of OBC you were given. That's part of their service.

P.s. The Azamara-issued OBC has no cash value, and is not refundable, regardless of when it was issued.

 

Hi Bonnie, in my next B2B with Azamara, I have OBC resulting from 2 major positions: B2B bonus and OBC for booking on board at the current promotion at the time of booking. No one mentioned at the time of booking that any of those OBC can only be used for shore excursions. As I have always been able to use the OBC for other items besides shore excursions, I am assuming that this continues to be so.

 

Now you mention that there was a time that the promotional OBC was only aplicable for shore excursions. When was that time? How were clients made aware of that restriction?

[BBMacLaird]

Hi Bonnie, in my next B2B with Azamara, I have OBC resulting from 2 major positions: B2B bonus and OBC for booking on board at the current promotion at the time of booking. No one mentioned at the time of booking that any of those OBC can only be used for shore excursions. As I have always been able to use the OBC for other items besides shore excursions, I am assuming that this continues to be so.

 

Now you mention that there was a time that the promotional OBC was only aplicable for shore excursions. When was that time? How were clients made aware of that restriction?

 

To the best of my recollection the shorex-only OBC was part of a promotion we offered in 2016...the exact dates I don't have readily available.

We also had changed the acronym for the shorex-only credit. It was called an OBS, for 'on board spending credit', to differentiate it from the still extant OBC which could be purchased by TA for their clients. The OBS was only applicable to our Land Discoveries, as explained in the terms & conditions.

But the two acronyms and applicabilities confused many, including me (!), and when our power-that-be reviewed this they agreed. Thus we are back to OBC, which can be used for anything onboard, except future cruise deposits, or casino. And we still have refundable vs non-refundable OBC.

I hope I haven't confused you more than before!

[papa B me]

To the best of my recollection the shorex-only OBC was part of a promotion we offered in 2016...the exact dates I don't have readily available.

We also had changed the acronym for the shorex-only credit. It was called an OBS, for 'on board spending credit', to differentiate it from the still extant OBC which could be purchased by TA for their clients. The OBS was only applicable to our Land Discoveries, as explained in the terms & conditions.

But the two acronyms and applicabilities confused many, including me (!), and when our power-that-be reviewed this they agreed. Thus we are back to OBC, which can be used for anything onboard, except future cruise deposits, or casino. And we still have refundable vs non-refundable OBC.

I hope I haven't confused you more than before!

 

Bonnie,

I booked a Sept 2018 cruise in January of this year and was given $1000 OBC for early booking from Azamara and I think another $150 or $300 or so for booking on line. I assigned the booking to a TA. After reading a number of these threads saying that it would have to be used only for Land Discoveries I had my TA call Azamara on Monday and they said that was accurate and I could only use it for excursions. So I guess I'm wondering whether its just a matter of the power-that-be's decision not getting back to the call center or whether it hasn't actually been changed yet. I'm sure we will use it no matter what but just trying to decide about booking excursions in advance and working out the overall budget for the trip. Thanks for your help.

[vacationgirl13]

Thanks Bonnie for all the information. I checked our Booking confirmation to see what it actually said and it has the credits listed for each quest in a section labeled 'Onboard Credits', no acronyms, so still not clear.

[LuAnn]

Thanks Bonnie for all the information. I checked our Booking confirmation to see what it actually said and it has the credits listed for each quest in a section labeled 'Onboard Credits', no acronyms, so still not clear.

 

Yes...I have the same thing...two line items under the "Onboard Credits", no acronyms..$75 USD pp and then $200 pp. LuAnn

[travelberlin]

To the best of my recollection the shorex-only OBC was part of a promotion we offered in 2016...the exact dates I don't have readily available.

We also had changed the acronym for the shorex-only credit. It was called an OBS, for 'on board spending credit', to differentiate it from the still extant OBC which could be purchased by TA for their clients. The OBS was only applicable to our Land Discoveries, as explained in the terms & conditions.

But the two acronyms and applicabilities confused many, including me (!), and when our power-that-be reviewed this they agreed. Thus we are back to OBC, which can be used for anything onboard, except future cruise deposits, or casino. And we still have refundable vs non-refundable OBC.

I hope I haven't confused you more than before!

 

Thanks Bonnie! Happy to say in my case it says OBC not OBS

[cruiservirginia]

Bonnie,

I'm looking at 2018 and 2019 sailings and the promotion still says the early booking benefit is for shore excursions. "This voyage qualifies for our early booking benefit. With the early booking benefit you'll receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit to use on Cruise Global, Connect Local shore excursions when you book your voyage 12 months prior to departure." I would appreciate your clarification.

Pam

 

Wit

[BBMacLaird]

Bonnie,

I'm looking at 2018 and 2019 sailings and the promotion still says the early booking benefit is for shore excursions. "This voyage qualifies for our early booking benefit. With the early booking benefit you'll receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit to use on Cruise Global, Connect Local shore excursions when you book your voyage 12 months prior to departure." I would appreciate your clarification.

Pamt

 

On our webpage I'm not finding what you reference. What I've found on our website is from the T&Cs of our Early Booking Bonus (pasted below.)

But, this said, the old promotion terms may still be floating out there somewhere, or worse, maybe still in effect in some corner of the world that I am not aware of. I've sent an email to our marketing department to try and find out.

[May I ask you to copy the link to where you found that text?]

 

"The Early Booking Bonus (EBB)is a per stateroom Onboard Credit (“OBC”). Offer is valid for new, individual bookings as of March 10, 2017 made at least 365 days prior to sail date . OBC is in USD and varies by stateroom category ($300 for Club Interior and Club Oceanview, $400 for Club Veranda, $500 for Club Continent or Spa Suites, $1000 for Club World Owners or Club Ocean Suites). Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Azamara’s cancellation policy for details. Promo code EARLYBONUS must be entered at time of booking.

OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the voyage. OBC cannot be used in the casino or for future cruise bookings. If guest cancels and reinstates the booking, applies a fare change, or changes the ship or sail date of the booking within the 12-months prior to the sail date, the EBB will be removed from the booking. EBB is not available for contracted groups, charter bookings, and certain restricted fares. Offer is subject to change without notice and may be withdrawn at any time." https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan/early-booking-bonus

[uktog]

The out of date information is in the place where many prospective cruisers will look

 

Left hand drop down menu select plan your voyage

Click on our pricing programme and this appears

 

And now we’re going to sweeten the pot. With our NEW Early Booking Benefit, if you book your Azamara voyage 12 months prior to departure, you will receive Onboard Credit to be used against Cruise Global, Connect LocalSM shore excursions:

[free from work]

On our webpage I'm not finding what you reference. What I've found on our website is from the T&Cs of our Early Booking Bonus (pasted below.)

But, this said, the old promotion terms may still be floating out there somewhere, or worse, maybe still in effect in some corner of the world that I am not aware of. I've sent an email to our marketing department to try and find out.

[May I ask you to copy the link to where you found that text?]

 

"The Early Booking Bonus (EBB)is a per stateroom Onboard Credit (“OBC”). Offer is valid for new, individual bookings as of March 10, 2017 made at least 365 days prior to sail date . OBC is in USD and varies by stateroom category ($300 for Club Interior and Club Oceanview, $400 for Club Veranda, $500 for Club Continent or Spa Suites, $1000 for Club World Owners or Club Ocean Suites). Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see Azamara’s cancellation policy for details. Promo code EARLYBONUS must be entered at time of booking.

OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the voyage. OBC cannot be used in the casino or for future cruise bookings. If guest cancels and reinstates the booking, applies a fare change, or changes the ship or sail date of the booking within the 12-months prior to the sail date, the EBB will be removed from the booking. EBB is not available for contracted groups, charter bookings, and certain restricted fares. Offer is subject to change without notice and may be withdrawn at any time." https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan/early-booking-bonus

 

 

An extract from the UK website as we wait to fly out to Miami tomorrow to board the Quest.

 

The Early Booking Benefit (EBB) of Onboard Credit for Cruise Global, Connect LocalSM shore excursions is per stateroom and available for new bookings only made at least 12 months (defined as 300 days) prior to sail date. OBC is in USD, based on double occupancy, and varies by stateroom category ($300 for Club Interior and Club Oceanview, $400 for Club Veranda, $500 for Club Continent or Spa Suites, $1000 for Club World Owners or Club Ocean Suites). OBC is redeemable only towards the purchase of a Cruise Global, Connect LocalSM shore excursion for the booking, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, is non-transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the voyage.

[Riocca]

Bonnie

 

As has already been said this is what it says on the Booking Benefits page of the UK website:

 

BOOK EARLY.

 

And now we’re going to sweeten the pot. With our NEW Early Booking Benefit, if you book your Azamara voyage 12 months prior to departure, you will receive Onboard Credit to be used against Cruise Global, Connect LocalSM shore excursions:

 

Club World Owners and Club Ocean suites$1,000 per stateroom

Club Spa and Club Continent suites$500 per stateroom

Club Veranda staterooms$400 per stateroom

Club Oceanview and Club Interior staterooms$300 per stateroom

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[papa B me]

Referencing my earlier post the information my TA was given directly from Azamara stated the OBC given for early booking on the Sep 2018 tha I booked in Jan 2017 can only be used for excursions. I didn't see this info anywhere on the website and on my booking confirmation it only says OBC. So still hoping Bonnie is right and the call center is wrong.

[cruiservirginia]

Bonnie,

On the US site, the message appears under the "Pricing & Offers" tab for each cruise. I'm unable to cut & paste the message.

Pam

[BBMacLaird]

Bonnie,

On the US site, the message appears under the "Pricing & Offers" tab for each cruise. I'm unable to cut & paste the message.

Pam

 

Thank you...our team is looking into this.

[BBMacLaird]

I'm told these are being corrected today. Thank you for pointing them out.

Here's what the new text will say on our Early Booking Bonus for 2018 & 2019 voyages:

 

THIS VOYAGE QUALIFIES FOR OUR EARLY BOOKING BONUS.

With the Early Booking Benefit you'll receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit to use on shore excursions, Sanctum Spa treatments, specialty dining, and more when you book your voyage 12 months prior to departure.

LEARN MORE +

[rabin1]

I'm told these are being corrected today. Thank you for pointing them out.

Here's what the new text will say on our Early Booking Bonus for 2018 & 2019 voyages:

 

THIS VOYAGE QUALIFIES FOR OUR EARLY BOOKING BONUS.

With the Early Booking Benefit you'll receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit to use on shore excursions, Sanctum Spa treatments, specialty dining, and more when you book your voyage 12 months prior to departure.

LEARN MORE +

 

 

Bonnie

This is NOT TRUE. I booked my cruise for April 2018 and only got $250. I was told by Azamara that because I only paid 125% as a single in a cabin that is all i got. That is not fair a cabin is a cabin is a cabin booking. It says per cabin not how much you pay for the cabin or how many people stay in the cabin. This is not only unfair but wrong. Not to mention I paid in full for a cruise that is not until April of 2018. This is my first cruise with Azamara and for sure does not leave a good taste in my mouth.

Kathy

Edited March 31, 2017 by rabin1

[cruiservirginia]

Bonnie,

In 2016, I booked 2 cruises sailing in 2018. I received OBC for shore excursions. Can I convert this to the new OBC promotion without rebooking?

Pam

[travelberlin]

Bonnie

This is NOT TRUE. I booked my cruise for April 2018 and only got $250. I was told by Azamara that because I only paid 125% as a single in a cabin that is all i got. That is not fair a cabin is a cabin is a cabin booking. It says per cabin not how much you pay for the cabin or how many people stay in the cabin. This is not only unfair but wrong. Not to mention I paid in full for a cruise that is not until April of 2018. This is my first cruise with Azamara and for sure does not leave a good taste in my mouth.

Kathy

 

The same with me... I have only received US 250 for early booking bonus. What is going on? It is becoming more confusing...

[travelberlin]

Bonnie was the early booking bonus for cruises booked in 2016 different? How much was the early booking bonus for cabin?

[cruiservirginia]

For the two cruises I booked in 2016 in club continent suites, I received $500 OBC for shore excursions and unlimited internet.

[travelberlin]

For the two cruises I booked in 2016 in club continent suites, I received $500 OBC for shore excursions and unlimited internet.

 

Thanks for the information. I hope Bonnie answers also my question.

[papa B me]

Just booked an Alaskan cruise for 2019 over the phone with Azamara. Without me asking the customer service person said that the $1000 early booking OBC could be used for anything on board other then the casino. So looks like progress is being made relaying the information to the call centers.

[BBMacLaird]

Bonnie was the early booking bonus for cruises booked in 2016 different? How much was the early booking bonus for cabin?

 

Our promotions are always changing.