New Gift Card Policy

[Cruzinram]

Has anyone tested the new Gift Card Policy for onboard purchases? I plan on bringing a gift certificate for OBC to my account for the Beyond Sailing this Friday April12. Crossing my fingers that it will work. I expect to get the glazed over eyes when I present them to Guest Relations even though Corp said to show them to Guest Relations.

[Arizona Wildcat]

Am not aware of a new policy.  Wish you well.  Some Celebrity gift "cards" can only be redeemed for new bookings, some for payment pre cruise and one for buying onboard OBC - that is not refundable according to the website.

[Jeremiah1212]

There is no new gift card policy. There are now gift card available for sale through this link: 

 

https://celebritycruises.cashstar.com/store/recipient?locale=en-us

https://celebritycruises.cashstar.com/self_service/v2/about/faq/

 

If you have any other type of gift card like once you received through an employer incentive, those still fall under the same parameters and usage rules as they always did.

Edited April 10 by Jeremiah1212

[PTC DAWG]

Unless you get some type of added value, why buy any type of gift card?  

[Cruzinram]

A 10 % to 12% discount on the card. Ex. Buy a 500..00 gift card pay only 440.00 to 450,00. We save hundreds of dollars since we started using them. AARP Members receive 10%.

[TMLAalum]

30 minutes ago, Cruzinram said:

A 10 % to 12% discount on the card. Ex. Buy a 500..00 gift card pay only 440.00 to 450,00. We save hundreds of dollars since we started using them. AARP Members receive 10%.

Sounds intriguing! Do you have a link for purchasing them via AARP? Or is there a place to enter AARP member # on the links provided by @Jeremiah1212?

[PTC DAWG]

40 minutes ago, Cruzinram said:

A 10 % to 12% discount on the card. Ex. Buy a 500..00 gift card pay only 440.00 to 450,00. We save hundreds of dollars since we started using them. AARP Members receive 10%.

That’s worth it..except no AARP for me..

Edited April 10 by PTC DAWG

[Jeremiah1212]

8 minutes ago, TMLAalum said:

Sounds intriguing! Do you have a link for purchasing them via AARP? Or is there a place to enter AARP member # on the links provided by @Jeremiah1212?

 

The gift cards AARP sells and the new gift cards Celebrity is selling are two totally different things. You cannot buy Celebrity's gift cards and apply an AAPP discount. They both have their own unique terms and conditions in how they can be redeemed also.  

[Cruzinram]

I have never had a problem using any gift card for celebrity purchased from any source. The policy says nothing about where the card is purchased. They are discounted cards sold on web sites such as AARP and others. Just do a search to find them.None of my cards (e-cards) have been purchased from Celebrity and all accepted. Any questions just call the gift card line. Look under the Rewards button on AARP. They also sell Princess, Carnival, HAL and others. Your choice pay full price or get at discount. Read the new policy carefully and decide for yourself. Myself, I like saving money.

[Cruzinram]

1 hour ago, TMLAalum said:

Sounds intriguing! Do you have a link for purchasing them via AARP? Or is there a place to enter AARP member # on the links provided by @Jeremiah1212?

If you are a member login and go to the Rewards button. The list of Cruise lines are listed there.

[Rick&Jeannie]

Just note...there are a couple of threads here that claim you will lose your money should you use rhe AARP cards for cruise fare payments and then *you* decide to cancel. I have used *many* of the AARP cards for Princess and have had no issues at all. Since reading those threads I have been very reluctant to purchase for Celebrity. Just read all of the terms and conditions!

[Softball20]

I just used several AARP gift cards to pay for our upcoming Equinox cruise (I reluctantly joined AARP for this sole reason, LOL).  It was super easy and saved, pardon the pun, a boatload of money.  

Edited April 10 by Softball20
grammar

[CruiseLifeIsTheBest]

33 minutes ago, Softball20 said:

I just used several AARP gift cards to pay for our upcoming Equinox cruise (I reluctantly joined AARP for this sole reason, LOL).  It was super easy and saved, pardon the pun, a boatload of money.  

Did you use AARP gift card(s) as a deposit payment or as additional/final payment for a cruise that was already booked with a deposit? 

[TMLAalum]

I did finally check it all out. Pretty good deal if your booking is with Celebrity and before final payment. Purchase 13 cards, use to pay for a $6500 cruise and save $650! Too late for me since my Summit cruise is paid up and my remaining cruises are with a TA.

@CruiseLifeIsTheBest

Cannot use for deposit, just to pay for cruise per the fine print on AARP.

[Softball20]

8 minutes ago, CruiseLifeIsTheBest said:

Did you use AARP gift card(s) as a deposit payment or as additional/final payment for a cruise that was already booked with a deposit? 

We used them for final payment. We had paid the deposit for this one while on board the last one.  Before final payment was due I purchased the cards and called Celebrity to apply them. Easy!

[CruiseLifeIsTheBest]

5 minutes ago, TMLAalum said:

I did finally check it all out. Pretty good deal if your booking is with Celebrity and before final payment. Purchase 13 cards, use to pay for a $6500 cruise and save $650! Too late for me since my Summit cruise is paid up and my remaining cruises are with a TA.

@CruiseLifeIsTheBest

Cannot use for deposit, just to pay for cruise per the fine print on AARP.

Oh!! I so mis-read the fine print! YAY! 

[NutsAboutGolf]

 

 

[NutsAboutGolf]

You don't have to be "old" to get an AARP membership, just at least 18.  Here's a list from AARP of what comes up when you type "cruise"

 

[CruiseLifeIsTheBest]

16 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

 

And apparently mis-read twice!!! Thank you!

[Softball20]

I used some on RCCL a couple months ago, too.  Celebrity's process is much easier to have them applied. 

[Swagner36]

Rewards Terms

The following explains Celebrity Cruises Inc.’s policies regarding the purchase and use of this gift certificate/card. By purchasing, redeeming, or otherwise using the Certificate/Card, you hereby agree to accept and comply with these terms and conditions.

 

1. Certificate may be used only as a form of payment toward a new reservation made directly with Celebrity Cruises.
2. Certificate value may only be applied toward the cruise fare for Celebrity Cruises sailings quoted in USD and cannot be used toward payment of the required initial deposit. The initial deposit must be paid in USD (by cash or credit card) at the time of booking.
3. To redeem this Certificate/Card send email request to celebritygiftcertificateprogram@celebrity.com or call (888) 837-5676. 
4. Certificate may not be applied in partial amounts.
5. There are no blackout dates and no restrictions as to ship, itinerary or stateroom category; however, all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking.
6. Certificate may not be applied to a reservation within a group, charter, casino program or other promotion.
7. Certificate may not be used to obtain onboard credit or to settle any shipboard charges.
8. Multiple certificates may be applied toward the cruise fare of the same reservation if there is a balance on the reservation. Full Certificate balance must be used within any given reservation. Once the reservation has been made, Celebrity Cruises normal policies regarding cancellation, changes, and deadlines for the payment of deposits and all other payments, shall apply.
9. Certificate is transferable only by gift and bears no expiration date.
10. Certificate is nonrefundable, has no cash value, and will be not replaced if lost, stolen or if the reservation is cancelled.
11. Certificate shall be void where prohibited or restricted by law and if sold for cash or other consideration.
12. Passenger Ticket Contract. All passengers must sign and agree to the terms and conditions of Celebrity Cruises’ Cruise Ticket Contract available online at celebrity.com. Those terms and conditions are hereby incorporated by reference. IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE CRUISE TICKET CONTRACT CONTAINS IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS. Among other things, any disputes between passengers and Celebrity Cruises must take place in Miami/Dade County, Florida and must be filed within a certain period of time. By redeeming the certificate, the Recipient/holder agrees to be bound by all such terms and conditions.
13. Celebrity Cruises’ other policies and terms and conditions shall also apply. Among other things, Celebrity Cruises has minimum age requirements, restrictions on infant travel and other terms and conditions which shall apply.

[Cruzinram]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Purchasing & Sending

Are there any fees associated with the purchase of an eGift Card?

No. You will only be charged the face value of the eGift Card, and we will not impose shipping or any other fees at any time.

Can I change the value of an eGift Card after I've paid for it?

Not at this time.

How do I cancel the purchase of an eGift Card?

If your eGift Card has not been delivered, you can cancel your purchase by contacting Customer Support. If the delivery date is today or in the past, your purchase cannot be cancelled.

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.

What is a card Security Code and why is it required?

In order to protect you from unauthorized transactions, we require your card's Security Code.

MasterCard, VISA, and Discover: The Security Code is the 3-digit number printed on the signature panel on the back of your card.

American Express: The card Security Code (also referred to as the CID number) is printed above the imprinted card number on the front of the card (on either the left or right).*

*Please note, there are a small percentage of "plastic-less" card accounts for American Express - Corporate and Purchasing Card accounts. If you have one of these accounts with no AMEX card, please enter 5555 as your card security code.

When is my card charged for my purchase?

Your card is charged at the time of purchase. This purchase will appear on your credit/debit card statement as CS *CELCRUISES GC.

When will my recipient receive their eGift Card?

Your eGift Card will be sent via email on the delivery date you choose, with rare exceptions for processing delays. For same-day delivery, most eGift Cards are sent within an hour of the purchase transaction. For future delivery, eGift Cards are sent on the morning of the scheduled delivery date.

Can I buy an eGift Card for myself?

Yes. To do so, go to the "For Me" tab underneath "Who is the egift card for". Your eGift Card will be sent to the email address entered on the Payment Page. When you receive your eGift Card alert via email, follow the instructions in this message to retrieve and redeem your eGift Card.

I want a printed eGift Card to present to someone as a gift. How do I do this?

Simply personalize the eGift Card for your recipient, have it sent to yourself and then print it. Go to the "For Me" tab underneath "Who is the egift card for". Your eGift Card will be sent to the email address entered on the Payment Page. Enter your recipient's name and your personal message on the eGift Card messages page and complete the transaction normally. You will receive an eGift Card alert via email. Follow the instructions in this message to retrieve your eGift Card and then choose "Click to print this page." The resulting printout may be presented as a gift to the recipient.

Can I send two (or more) eGift Cards to two (or more) different people who share an email address?

Yes. If you send separate eGift Cards to Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim at their shared email address, they will receive two messages with the subject "[Sender] sent you an eGift Card from Celebrity Cruises" with your name in place of [Sender]. Within the text of the emails, each message will be addressed to the respective recipient, using the name you entered in the purchase process, for example: "Mary Smith, John Jones sent you a $XX eGift Card from Celebrity Cruises."

Receiving & Redeeming

Where can I use my eGift Card?

Celebrity Cruises Gift Cards are redeemable for Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International cruise bookings. The Gift Card can be redeemed by booking online at Celebritycruises.com; by calling us at 888-751-7804; or by visiting your Travel Advisor. Gift cards can also be used onboard as payment toward your onboard expense account.

When does the eGift Card expire?

There is an expiry date on each Celebrity Cruises eGift Card; this is when the card expires. However, funds on your eGift Card never expire. If funds remain on the card after the expiration date, please call 866-294-6806 to have a replacement card issued and sent to you at no cost. The balance on the replacement card will be equal to the balance on the expired card.

Can I reload my eGift Card after I've spent the full value?

Not at this time.

What exactly does the recipient receive when I send an eGift Card?

On the delivery date you choose, a message is sent to the recipient informing them of your eGift, with a link to retrieve it online. The link in the email goes to a page showing the eGift Card you created (the design you selected, with your recipient's name and your personalized message), its value and card number. This page also gives simple instructions for redeeming the eGift Card. Sometimes, special offers and promotions are listed on the page.

How do you prevent the email from getting lost as spam?

We adhere to all industry best practices to ensure successful delivery of the eGift Card via email. Still, there is a chance that the email will be treated as spam or the recipient didn't notice it in their email inbox. You will receive an email message confirming delivery of the eGift Card alert email, and a message notifying you that the eGift Card has been viewed. If the eGift Card goes un-viewed for 15 days after delivery, you will receive a message with options for resolving the issue.

How do I know the recipient actually received the eGift Card I sent them?

You will receive an email message confirming delivery, and a message notifying you that the eGift Card has been viewed. If the eGift Card goes unviewed for 15 days after delivery, you will receive a message with options for resolving the issue. You may also contact Customer Support with the order number from the email you received confirming your purchase, and we can tell you if the recipient has viewed their eGift Card.

Do I need a special printer? Do I need to print color?

No and no. Most standard office and household printers are equipped to print eGift Cards, and you do not need to print in color. Some printers produce great results, and older printers sometimes don't print certain images well, but the most important thing is that the Card Number, expiration date, and CVV are clear. If it is not, you may need to install a new ink cartridge.

Security & Reliability

Is my order secure?

All personal and financial information is transmitted using the https protocol over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), utilizing state of the art technology for consumer protection. Behind the scenes, your web browser is sending all personal and financial information over SSL. The eGift Card purchase process is fully PCI compliant. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Support.

What if I lose my eGift Card?

Your eGift Card has cash value and should be safeguarded as such. If you lose your printed eGift Card, contact Customer Support immediately. If your eGift Card has not been redeemed or has some remaining value, we can cancel the original and issue you a new eGift Card for that value. The card number and proof of purchase are required to facilitate a replacement.

What if someone makes a copy of my printed eGift Card?

Our state of the art technology inhibits fraud, but you must safeguard your eGift Card for your own protection. If someone makes a copy of your eGift Card and redeems it for the full amount, your copy will have no value. No matter how many copies are made, the value of the eGift Card is tied to the eGift Card number. When that number is used, the value of the purchase is deducted from the eGift Card. If you suspect that someone has copied or stolen your eGift Card, contact Customer Support immediately. Any value that has not been used can be reissued to you in a new eGift Card.

Who is CashStar?

CashStar is a Blackhawk Network business specializing in Digital Gifting that allows consumers and businesses to securely order and send Gift Cards over the internet. CashStar's focus is on developing a secure payment technology platform and service dedicated to bridging the digital and physical divide. CashStar is fully PCI compliant.

Celebrity Cruises eGift Cards, powered by CashStar.

Card is issued by Pathward^®, N.A., Member FDIC.

[Cruzinram]

Straight off the Celebrity Web site. New Policy FAQ. A lot of misinformation about this policy. Read it carefully.

 

[Jeremiah1212]

3 hours ago, Cruzinram said:

Straight off the Celebrity Web site. New Policy FAQ. A lot of misinformation about this policy. Read it carefully.

 

Again, these are not the same as the AARP gift cards. 

[Cruzinram]

You are correct. However  Celebrity Terms and Condition apply regardless of the source. Ignore the TC on AARP, They are not updated and are outdated. Refer only to Celebrity for redemption policy. Always call Celebrity for any questions before you purchase.