Military and shareholders OBC no longer combinable soon.

[Astro Flyer]

Mahalo to everyone who provide input about your experiences which I've confirmed are official Princess policy...one guest can have MOBC and the other guest can get SOBC for jointly owned CCL shares or owned by them.

 

My TA contacted the Princess Partner Support section & a knowledgeable agent stated that the vague 6/29/23 email was followed up by a clarification email...I did not receive either of them. The PS agent is planning to eventually forward that email to my TA stating that one guest can have SOBC and the other one can have MOBC in the same cabin. If I receive a copy of that clarification email, I'll share it here.

 

SBPCL wrote that if SOBC is eliminated when refaring a cruise that by emailing them the details they can locate the original SOBC request & will restore it to the reservation.

 

Yesterday two CSRs and a Partner Support agent provided my TA with incorrect information by assuming it was either SOBC or MOBC per cabin but not for 2 eligible guests to get SOBC & MOBC...wrong. Sadly another example of incorrect information being provided by Princess staff to create more unnecessary confusion for their guests. Princess needs to resend the clarification not only to their guests but also to their staff to provide accurate information.

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

43 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Mahalo to everyone who provide input about your experiences which I've confirmed are official Princess policy...one guest can have MOBC and the other guest can get SOBC for jointly owned CCL shares or owned by them.

 

My TA contacted the Princess Partner Support section & a knowledgeable agent stated that the vague 6/29/23 email was followed up by a clarification email...I did not receive either of them. The PS agent is planning to eventually forward that email to my TA stating that one guest can have SOBC and the other one can have MOBC in the same cabin. If I receive a copy of that clarification email, I'll share it here.

 

SBPCL wrote that if SOBC is eliminated when refaring a cruise that by emailing them the details they can locate the original SOBC request & will restore it to the reservation.

 

Yesterday two CSRs and a Partner Support agent provided my TA with incorrect information by assuming it was either SOBC or MOBC per cabin but not for 2 eligible guests to get SOBC & MOBC...wrong. Sadly another example of incorrect information being provided by Princess staff to create more unnecessary confusion for their guests. Princess needs to resend the clarification not only to their guests but also to their staff to provide accurate information.

 

But if both eligible guests are military veterans and one also is eligible for SOBC, we still understand the new policy does not allow the eligible SHB veteran to also get the SOBC. Correct?

[Astro Flyer]

8 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

But if both eligible guests are military veterans and one also is eligible for SOBC, we still understand the new policy does not allow the eligible SHB veteran to also get the SOBC. Correct?

That is my understanding.

[rosevew]

On 6/29/2023 at 8:37 PM, bjkTX said:

We just got the email from Princess about this change.  It specifically states that any cruises already booked are grandfathered and only those booked after today will be effected.  I really don't expect a major change - I'll apply for military in my name and shareholder under Sue's.

Do you have a copy of that email as we cruise this weekend and suddenly our refundable Military OBC has become non-refundable.

[Guest ldtr]

1 hour ago, rosevew said:

Do you have a copy of that email as we cruise this weekend and suddenly our refundable Military OBC has become non-refundable.

 what I have seen indicated that getting the benefit was grandfathered for those that had gotten approval prior to the change. I have not seen anywhere that the refundable status was grandfathered. 

 

It is my belief that on the implementation date all military became nonrefundable, previously approved or not.

[Ken the cruiser]

OK I was curious, so I went and checked our 10 future PCL cruises, all booked well before the Jun 29, 2023, cutoff date. All of the Military OBC is still showing refundable (no asterisk) under the Payments/Credits section, except for an Apr 2024 booking, which now has the nonrefundable "asterisk" next to it. The unique issue with this booking is there was a recent port itinerary change. I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but ...

[coo359a2]

5 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

OK I was curious, so I went and checked our 10 future PCL cruises, all booked well before the Jun 29, 2023, cutoff date. All of the Military OBC is still showing refundable (no asterisk) under the Payments/Credits section, except for an Apr 2024 booking, which now has the nonrefundable "asterisk" next to it. The unique issue with this booking is there was a recent port itinerary change. I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but ...

You made me want to go check our 13 upcoming cruises.  Ten were booked way before 29 June and 8 show refundable and 2 (part of 6 B2Bs)  show nonrefundable.  Three were booked in August and all show refundable (no *).  Only email notice I could find about the MOBC changes did not state that MOBC would be grandfathered to stay refundable.   

[davidprovost]

I am a vet and have, and still do, receive the MOBC.  My wife and I jointly own 100 shares of CCL, but we have been told by customer service reps that she can not receive SOBC on our current cruise (we’re currently on the Coral Princess).   

[coo359a2]

On 9/21/2023 at 11:12 AM, coo359a2 said:

You made me want to go check our 13 upcoming cruises.  Ten were booked way before 29 June and 8 show refundable and 2 (part of 6 B2Bs)  show nonrefundable.  Three were booked in August and all show refundable (no *).  Only email notice I could find about the MOBC changes did not state that MOBC would be grandfathered to stay refundable.   

On the Grand Princess now for 6 B2B. So far the first 3 cruises  have had the MOBC as non refundable. 

[jwattle]

5 hours ago, davidprovost said:

I am a vet and have, and still do, receive the MOBC.  My wife and I jointly own 100 shares of CCL, but we have been told by customer service reps that she can not receive SOBC on our current cruise (we’re currently on the Coral Princess).   

I believe that would be due to having to not applied prior to the cruise,..?

[Moondogy]

13 hours ago, davidprovost said:

I am a vet and have, and still do, receive the MOBC.  My wife and I jointly own 100 shares of CCL, but we have been told by customer service reps that she can not receive SOBC on our current cruise (we’re currently on the Coral Princess).   

At one point when they did all this stupid changes they was not allowing the vet to also have the SHOBC, at this point I think they have wised up a little I just sent in my SHOBC for my 2025 cruise and they posted it along with my MOBC, both in my name.

[Happiest when cruising]

16 hours ago, davidprovost said:

I am a vet and have, and still do, receive the MOBC.  My wife and I jointly own 100 shares of CCL, but we have been told by customer service reps that she can not receive SOBC on our current cruise (we’re currently on the Coral Princess).   

I think I would head right back to guest services with the proof of your shareholders statement and ask them to add the appropriate credit. 

[jwattle]

2 hours ago, Happiest when cruising said:

I think I would head right back to guest services with the proof of your shareholders statement and ask them to add the appropriate credit. 

It is supposed to be done no later than 4 weeks prior to your sail date; guest services' hands may be tied on a cruise that has already begun.

[thinfool]

16 hours ago, jwattle said:

It is supposed to be done no later than 4 weeks prior to your sail date; guest services' hands may be tied on a cruise that has already begun.

Close....Applications to receive these benefits should be made at least three weeks prior to cruise departure date. (sb instructions, carnivalcorp.com)

Edited October 27, 2023 by thinfool

[Happiest when cruising]

17 hours ago, jwattle said:

It is supposed to be done no later than 4 weeks prior to your sail date; guest services' hands may be tied on a cruise that has already begun.

They might not be able to do anything, but I am pretty sure I’ve read posts before about people handing them in on the ship with some success. That whole new policy was ridiculous, so I would still give it a try. 

[davidprovost]

On 10/27/2023 at 12:09 PM, jwattle said:

It is supposed to be done no later than 4 weeks prior to your sail date; guest services' hands may be tied on a cruise that has already begun.

The customer service rep emailed HQ, and he told me that he received a reply that stated that we could not have both. This is aggravating and seemingly wrong, but I don’t seem to be able to do anything about it 

[jwattle]

20 hours ago, thinfool said:

Close....Applications to receive these benefits should be made at least three weeks prior to cruise departure date. (sb instructions, carnivalcorp.com)

I took it directly from the current Shareholder Benefit: 

 

The benefit is applicable on sailings through July 31, 2024 aboard the brands listed below. Certain restrictions apply. Applications to receive these benefits should be made at least three weeks prior to cruise departure date. This benefit is available to shareholders holding a minimum of 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc. Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, interline rates, tour conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer. This benefit is not transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash and, cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities charged to your onboard account. Only one onboard credit per shareholder-occupied stateroom. Reservations must be made by February 28, 2024. Please provide by email1 , fax or by mail your complete legal name, reservation/booking number, ship and sailing date, along with proof of ownership of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc shares (for example, photocopy of shareholder proxy card, a dividend tax voucher or a current brokerage or nominee statement with your current mailing address and your brokerage account number blacked out) no later than 4 weeks prior to your sail date to your travel agent or to the cruise line you have selected below. 1 If you chose to email, you do so at your own risk and with the knowledge that email is inherently an insecure method of communication.

https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f

 

Edited October 28, 2023 by jwattle

[Medsom]

I recently found out that Princess is no longer accepting fax requests for Share holder credit.  (I called after no activity on my fax request for 2 weeks)  Was told they now use and app Stock Perks  Good news, I got OBC the same day I resubmitted using the app.  As to this thread, not sure I can add anything.  I have military OBC and I applied for Stock holder credit in my wife's name.  Everything worked but I booked cruises prior to the policy implementation date.  I have another cruise in Aug.  will see it this all works when I apply for this cruise

[Moondogy]

On 12/15/2023 at 6:47 PM, Medsom said:

I recently found out that Princess is no longer accepting fax requests for Share holder credit.  (I called after no activity on my fax request for 2 weeks)  Was told they now use and app Stock Perks  Good news, I got OBC the same day I resubmitted using the app.  As to this thread, not sure I can add anything.  I have military OBC and I applied for Stock holder credit in my wife's name.  Everything worked but I booked cruises prior to the policy implementation date.  I have another cruise in Aug.  will see it this all works when I apply for this cruise

Both MOBC and SHOBC are in my name and both OBC show up for our 3/2025 cruise.

[Happiest when cruising]

24 minutes ago, Moondogy said:

Both MOBC and SHOBC are in my name and both OBC show up for our 3/2025 cruise.

Yes, you are now able to receive both benefits. Princess backtracked on the new policy they tried to implement. 

[Hlitner]

We just came off (today) 14 days on the Sky Princess.  On this cruise we had both our $250 military credit and the $250 shareholder credit.  When we boarded on Dec 2, the on-board app showed that my military credit was "refundable."  During the voyage, I noticed that it had changed to "non-refundable."  We had a total of approximately $1500 of OBC, but only the "gift" from our cruise agency was listed as "refundable" along with a few dollars added (during the voyage) for a refund of some port charges/fees.

 

Since we had the Premiere Package. we had trouble spending all that OBC.  We managed to book 6 specialty restaurant dinners (2 were free as a Premiere Package perk) so that only used about $368).  We had booked 3 excursions (we generally dislike any excursion) and one of them was cancelled (by Princess).  We soon realized we would have about $400 remaining non-refundable OBC, so I bought a couple of expensive bottles of Cognac (at the shop) to use up all that OBC.

 

Hank

[Happiest when cruising]

54 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

We just came off (today) 14 days on the Sky Princess.  On this cruise we had both our $250 military credit and the $250 shareholder credit.  When we boarded on Dec 2, the on-board app showed that my military credit was "refundable."  During the voyage, I noticed that it had changed to "non-refundable."  We had a total of approximately $1500 of OBC, but only the "gift" from our cruise agency was listed as "refundable" along with a few dollars added (during the voyage) for a refund of some port charges/fees.

 

Since we had the Premiere Package. we had trouble spending all that OBC.  We managed to book 6 specialty restaurant dinners (2 were free as a Premiere Package perk) so that only used about $368).  We had booked 3 excursions (we generally dislike any excursion) and one of them was cancelled (by Princess).  We soon realized we would have about $400 remaining non-refundable OBC, so I bought a couple of expensive bottles of Cognac (at the shop) to use up all that OBC.

 

Hank

Yep..don’t leave anything behind. I hope you enjoy your purchase. Too bad about the excursion, though. 

[Hlitner]

15 minutes ago, Happiest when cruising said:

Yep..don’t leave anything behind. I hope you enjoy your purchase. Too bad about the excursion, though. 

We will give Princess some credit for that cancellation.  We had a boat/snorkel tour booked in Belize (it looked like a fantastic excursion) but, apparently, the operator did not obtain the necessary insurance (required by all cruise lines).

 

Hank

[Moondogy]

6 hours ago, Happiest when cruising said:

Yes, you are now able to receive both benefits. Princess backtracked on the new policy they tried to implement. 

Yep, that's why I posted it in this thread a couple of times to let everyone know. The only difference is now MOBC is no longer refundable. 😞

[Bwana Tom]

18 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We just came off (today) 14 days on the Sky Princess.  On this cruise we had both our $250 military credit and the $250 shareholder credit.  When we boarded on Dec 2, the on-board app showed that my military credit was "refundable."  During the voyage, I noticed that it had changed to "non-refundable."  We had a total of approximately $1500 of OBC, but only the "gift" from our cruise agency was listed as "refundable" along with a few dollars added (during the voyage) for a refund of some port charges/fees.

 

Since we had the Premiere Package. we had trouble spending all that OBC.  We managed to book 6 specialty restaurant dinners (2 were free as a Premiere Package perk) so that only used about $368).  We had booked 3 excursions (we generally dislike any excursion) and one of them was cancelled (by Princess).  We soon realized we would have about $400 remaining non-refundable OBC, so I bought a couple of expensive bottles of Cognac (at the shop) to use up all that OBC.

 

Hank

The same thing happened to us on a back to  back cruise to the Med and returning on a transatlantic voyage on the Enchanted (Nov/Dec 2023). We had both vet and stock OBC both of which was in my name and initially the vet credit was marked refundable (no *) in the account record. I actually went to the Guest Services Desk mid way through the second cruise to verify that the vet would be refundable. The gal at the desk pulled up our account and confirmed it was. About a week before the end of the cruise the * appeared in the account, indicating it was now classified as non-refundable. We went ahead and spent all of the OBC money because Princess has become terrible with their customer service and I simply did not want to deal with likely months of emails and telephone calls likely coming out of Philippines.

I wish Princess would be more upfront with their cruisers and stop changing their policies in the dark. 

 

Tom