Stock Obc Not Combinable Anymore

[cruisenfever]

We just returned from B2B September 20 - October 19 on the Serenade. We got both stockholder credit and credit for booking while on prior cruise (for each cruise).

That is probably due to the fact that you booked your b2b prior to July 31, 2008.

 

We just returned from Radiance and had both OBC from booking on board and Shareholder OBC................of course, we booked the cruise in April of 2007.

[petesweet]

When they start enforcing these "new" rules is when I'll really be disappointed, which will probably be very soon I am afraid. I enjoy both the OBC for booking on board in addition to the OBC for the stock. If they don't let you combine them, then there is no use in obtaining the "Next Cruise" booking since I already have the stock for the OBC. Both OBC's would be the same, so it wouldn't matter picking one over the other.

 

Actually, there is an added benefit to purchasing a Next Cruise certificate. You also get two "friends and family" certificates, so others will get the same OBC as you get.

[petesweet]

I think they should disallow the transfer of the booking to a TA. Most people do that right before final payment, JUST to get the OBC, which as you've said, causes RCCL to have to pay that TA commission. That TA did NONE of the work for the reservation, they just reap the benefit (as does the customer).

 

I am one who, for the most part, books directly with RCCL and DOES NOT transfer my booking from RCCL to a TA. I'd much prefer to have total control over my reservation when I call RCCL than to have to go thru a TA. The only time I've booked with a TA is when the TAs used to offer cruises for less than what you could get from RCCL. Since RCCL put a stop to that, I just book directly with them now, knowing I've got the best price available.

 

I don't own RCCL stock and am a Platinum Crown and Anchor member. I just look for the good deal and if I do get some OBC (as I will on my upcoming Liberty cruise from my B of A Visa), that's an added bonus. I do think that RCCL has always been VERY generous with allowing the reservation to be transferred to a TA; giving price reductions, even after final payment; allowing OBC to be combined; C & A discounts/coupons and other OBC opportunities. Frankly, I'm surprised their generosity has lasted this long.

 

I will continue to sail RCCL regardless of their changes. I LIKE their ships and their product. I've only ever sailed RCCL and have no plans to try other lines.

 

I started deleting some of your message in the quote section; however, there is so much I agree with that I couldn't edit it down. Except the part about not being a shareholder, I can relate to everything else. I HAVE cruised with other lines (Princess once, Carnival three times, and NCL several times), but unless I am part of a group sailing, I would probably NEVER select a line other than RCCL. The product sells itself. And yes, they have been extremely generous. Remove all the extras, and I'm still with them.

 

And yes, the idea of not allowing a transfer at the last minute to a TA is, I think, a good one. I got burned this last B2B. We got the credit, but we had to really fight for it. It was my first time to try that, and it was not worth it.

[cruisenfever]

Actually, there is an added benefit to purchasing a Next Cruise certificate. You also get two "friends and family" certificates, so others will get the same OBC as you get.

You can also receive Certs for F&F when booking a specific cruise on board. The only difference is that when given to F&A they have 30 days from the date that the cruise was booked on board.

[crazy 4 cruising]

Here's the updated resolution to my problem - before I head out the door on my flight to my next cruise. :D

 

D.J. was wonderful. She called back within the half hour after talking with shareholderbenefits dept. She said they have had a lot of problems because of the confusion over this new policy. They have REapplied my shareholder credits - both of them - and they are going to be changing that Oct 15 date to Dec. 31 of this year. This will allow people to make decisions and book their cruises that they have made with their "next cruises" booked on board and get the credit we have all been told we can get when we made those bookings on board. This is as she told it to me....who knows what you might hear. :)

 

I would assume - she didn't tell me this - that the Loyalty Ambassadors have been selling cruises on board without knowing the current policy. This would be misleading to those guests who have no idea about this new policy. I would suspect RCI is going to have to get the word out to the LAs about this before they can just cut us all off from our OBC addictions.

 

I have one "next cruise" that I'll be booking for something before Dec 31 so I can get all my OBC. No conversions will be allowed after that date. Now my problem is.....which cruise should I book? :p

 

 

Gina

 

PS - Thank you D.J. for resolving this problem for me.

wow Gina, great resolve. I will be looking for an announcement on the Dec 31 bit. Hope your cruise is great

 

You can also receive Certs for F&F when booking a specific cruise on board. The only difference is that when given to F&A they have 30 days from the date that the cruise was booked on board.

Hi Patti--I did not know this--good to know

[TravelerThom]

Here's the updated resolution to my problem - before I head out the door on my flight to my next cruise. :D

 

D.J. was wonderful. She called back within the half hour after talking with shareholderbenefits dept. She said they have had a lot of problems because of the confusion over this new policy. They have REapplied my shareholder credits - both of them - and they are going to be changing that Oct 15 date to Dec. 31 of this year. This will allow people to make decisions and book their cruises that they have made with their "next cruises" booked on board and get the credit we have all been told we can get when we made those bookings on board. This is as she told it to me....who knows what you might hear. :)

 

I would assume - she didn't tell me this - that the Loyalty Ambassadors have been selling cruises on board without knowing the current policy. This would be misleading to those guests who have no idea about this new policy. I would suspect RCI is going to have to get the word out to the LAs about this before they can just cut us all off from our OBC addictions.

 

I have one "next cruise" that I'll be booking for something before Dec 31 so I can get all my OBC. No conversions will be allowed after that date. Now my problem is.....which cruise should I book? :p

 

 

Gina

 

PS - Thank you D.J. for resolving this problem for me.

I feel confident that Gina understands this, but just so others don't get confused, conversions WILL BE ALLOWED after that date, BUT if you convert to a new date or ship after that date you will no longer be allowed to double [or triple] dip with Shareholder OBC + NextCruise OBC + C&A Savings Certificate.

 

Thom

[havebagswilltravel]

I have just received a MOST welcome phone call from Royal Caribbean.

They've restored my faith - and then some - they are currently calling people who expressed concern with the policy change; they are revising it - he called it "making exceptions" - and I cannot swear that it is for all time - but when I asked if it were (just) being grandfathered for those of us who made Next Cruise purchases before the announcement, (which was all I had asked for),

I think he indicated that it's more than that - I told you I was excited. I asked if it will apply to my daughter who was with me on September 11; also purchased three Next Cruises and also is a shareholder; but had not communicated her concern and he said YES!!!!!!

[crazy 4 cruising]

I have just received a MOST welcome phone call from Royal Caribbean.

They've restored my faith - and then some - they are currently calling people who expressed concern with the policy change; they are revising it - he called it "making exceptions" - and I cannot swear that it is for all time - but when I asked if it were (just) being grandfathered for those of us who made Next Cruise purchases before the announcement, (which was all I had asked for),

I think he indicated that it's more than that - I told you I was excited. I asked if it will apply to my daughter who was with me on September 11; also purchased three Next Cruises and also is a shareholder; but had not communicated her concern and he said YES!!!!!!

 

ok, give me the e-mail address again--the search isn't working:( . I meant ot e-mail but didn't and we have 2 Next Cruises hanging out in the wind:D

this is great news--thanks for sharing

[traveler/]

What do you think:

Does a change in cabin category (from d1 to JS for example) on the same ship and same sailing date count as a conversion?

[tomatopa]

got this this morning after emailing my unhappiness about the new rules:

 

Dear Judy:

 

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

 

For any sailing that is confirmed on or after October 15, 2008, the shareholder benefit will no longer be combined with any other benefit or offer, be it for dollars off or onboard credit. The only exceptions will be the Crown and Anchor Platinum and Diamond balcony/suite discounts and Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Credit Card Reward Points for onboard credit or discounts. In the event that two offers or benefits are available on a given reservation, you may choose which offer you prefer. Unless advised otherwise, we will presume you wish to have the offer or benefit with the higher value. For full program details, please visit our investor's website at http://www.rclinvestor.com.

 

Judy, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa Webster

Customer Service Representative

[crazy 4 cruising]

What do you think:

Does a change in cabin category (from d1 to JS for example) on the same ship and same sailing date count as a conversion?

I hope not as I just did that. I don't think it is a conversion because I just upgraded on a future cruise and the govt fees had gone up & RCCL honored the cheaper price I originally paid. I don't know for sure

[crazy 4 cruising]

got this this morning after emailing my unhappiness about the new rules:

 

Dear Judy:

 

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

 

For any sailing that is confirmed on or after October 15, 2008, the shareholder benefit will no longer be combined with any other benefit or offer, be it for dollars off or onboard credit. The only exceptions will be the Crown and Anchor Platinum and Diamond balcony/suite discounts and Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Credit Card Reward Points for onboard credit or discounts. In the event that two offers or benefits are available on a given reservation, you may choose which offer you prefer. Unless advised otherwise, we will presume you wish to have the offer or benefit with the higher value. For full program details, please visit our investor's website at www.rclinvestor.com.

 

Judy, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa Webster

Customer Service Representative

 

ok yet another word---what does confirmed mean????????

[havebagswilltravel]

Brenda - the email addresses I used were shareholderbenefit@RCCL.com and

ibailey@RCCL.com - I also copied C&A; but they forwarded to the appropriate

department - which must have been one or both of the above.

My most welcome telephone call came from Corporate Guest Relations, as I've already received and completed a survey from them about my contact.

 

I know this is not jibing with some of the other posts here since yesterday

noon, which somehow I'd missed, and it may be a bit before the word gets to C&A reps - be patient - it WILL be worth it - BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!

[emmy]

ok yet another word---what does confirmed mean????????

 

Perhaps 'confirmed' means for those bookings say by Shareholders who will be sailing tomorrow and the next day or next week and do a Next Cruise or book a sailing directly while on a RCI ship BUT before Dec.31/08

 

For instance in two weeks I am on Liberty and if I do a Next Cruise and the day I come home convert it to a sailing will I be able to combine shareholder with O/B credit?

 

Just trying to clear up the ever muddy waters:D cause you know when you get on the ship I am sure you will get conflicting information from the LA:)

[ChevyCruiser]

We Made Enough Noise, RCCL WILL ALLOW US TO COMBINE OBCS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyCruiser

I choose to stand up and be heard. Here's the text of a letter I sent to RCCL:

 

My wife and I are "Loyal Royals" having cruised exclusively with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We are Diamond members of the Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean shareholders, and as young retirees looking forward to many, many more years of cruise vacations. We have introduced several friends and family members to cruising and we frequently book cruise vacations on RCI together.

 

We are distressed to learn from a cruising friend - we missed the official announcement from RCI - that we will no longer be able to combine Next Cruise on-board credits with shareholder benefits. Luckily, we learned of the change in time to utilize two open Next Cruise certificates that we purchased on the Radiance of the Seas in September and we hurriedly booked two cruises prior to the October 15th deadline. Had we known in September of the changes taking effect in October, we would not have booked two open Next Cruise certificates.

 

Because of this sudden change in benefits that even had the RCI phone reps scratching their heads in trying to explain the ramifications to the customers, our confidence in RCI has been seriously eroded. We do understand that RCI retains the right to adjust loyalty program benefits, but you must understand that we retain the right to adjust our cruise plans.

 

With the ill-timed, sneaky, and poorly communicated changes to the RCI loyalty program, we have begun to look elsewhere for cruise vacations and recently booked a two-week cruise with Princess Cruises this winter. Another couple with whom we have cruised with RCI in the past, will join us on the cruise. That represents approximately $10,000 in revenue that RCI has let slip away.

 

Any wet-behind-the-ears MBA understands that it is much more cost-effective to retain loyal customers than find new ones.

 

We hope that RCI will reconsider the recent changes to shareholder benefits.

 

 

And here's the answer I just recieved from RCCL - the bolding is mine.

 

 

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clampett,

 

Thank you for your e-mail to Mr. Ian Bailey, VP of our Investor Relations Department. We appreciate this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

 

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this recent change has caused you. After some consideration, we will be allowing the combinability of the onboard credits until further notice. Please feel free to contact me at the number listed below if you wish to discuss this matter further.

 

Thank you,again, Mr. & Mrs. Clampett, for your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Janelle Valentino

Executive Guest Specialist

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Phone: 1-888-767-4644 Ext. 11615

Fax: 1-800-886-6485

__________________

[jmraggs]

We Made Enough Noise, RCCL WILL ALLOW US TO COMBINE OBCS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyCruiser

I choose to stand up and be heard. Here's the text of a letter I sent to RCCL:

 

My wife and I are "Loyal Royals" having cruised exclusively with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We are Diamond members of the Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean shareholders, and as young retirees looking forward to many, many more years of cruise vacations. We have introduced several friends and family members to cruising and we frequently book cruise vacations on RCI together.

 

We are distressed to learn from a cruising friend - we missed the official announcement from RCI - that we will no longer be able to combine Next Cruise on-board credits with shareholder benefits. Luckily, we learned of the change in time to utilize two open Next Cruise certificates that we purchased on the Radiance of the Seas in September and we hurriedly booked two cruises prior to the October 15th deadline. Had we known in September of the changes taking effect in October, we would not have booked two open Next Cruise certificates.

 

Because of this sudden change in benefits that even had the RCI phone reps scratching their heads in trying to explain the ramifications to the customers, our confidence in RCI has been seriously eroded. We do understand that RCI retains the right to adjust loyalty program benefits, but you must understand that we retain the right to adjust our cruise plans.

 

With the ill-timed, sneaky, and poorly communicated changes to the RCI loyalty program, we have begun to look elsewhere for cruise vacations and recently booked a two-week cruise with Princess Cruises this winter. Another couple with whom we have cruised with RCI in the past, will join us on the cruise. That represents approximately $10,000 in revenue that RCI has let slip away.

 

Any wet-behind-the-ears MBA understands that it is much more cost-effective to retain loyal customers than find new ones.

 

We hope that RCI will reconsider the recent changes to shareholder benefits.

 

 

And here's the answer I just recieved from RCCL - the bolding is mine.

 

 

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clampett,

 

Thank you for your e-mail to Mr. Ian Bailey, VP of our Investor Relations Department. We appreciate this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

 

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this recent change has caused you. After some consideration, we will be allowing the combinability of the onboard credits until further notice. Please feel free to contact me at the number listed below if you wish to discuss this matter further.

 

Thank you,again, Mr. & Mrs. Clampett, for your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Janelle Valentino

Executive Guest Specialist

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Phone: 1-888-767-4644 Ext. 11615

Fax: 1-800-886-6485

__________________

 

This was a great well written and professional letter that you wrote. That's exactly the way to do it.

 

So we can now combine "booking on board" OBC with the stock OBC? If that's the case this is great news and the complaints were listened to.

[emmy]

We Made Enough Noise, RCCL WILL ALLOW US TO COMBINE OBCS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyCruiser

I choose to stand up and be heard. Here's the text of a letter I sent to RCCL:

 

My wife and I are "Loyal Royals" having cruised exclusively with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We are Diamond members of the Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean shareholders, and as young retirees looking forward to many, many more years of cruise vacations. We have introduced several friends and family members to cruising and we frequently book cruise vacations on RCI together.

 

We are distressed to learn from a cruising friend - we missed the official announcement from RCI - that we will no longer be able to combine Next Cruise on-board credits with shareholder benefits. Luckily, we learned of the change in time to utilize two open Next Cruise certificates that we purchased on the Radiance of the Seas in September and we hurriedly booked two cruises prior to the October 15th deadline. Had we known in September of the changes taking effect in October, we would not have booked two open Next Cruise certificates.

 

Because of this sudden change in benefits that even had the RCI phone reps scratching their heads in trying to explain the ramifications to the customers, our confidence in RCI has been seriously eroded. We do understand that RCI retains the right to adjust loyalty program benefits, but you must understand that we retain the right to adjust our cruise plans.

 

With the ill-timed, sneaky, and poorly communicated changes to the RCI loyalty program, we have begun to look elsewhere for cruise vacations and recently booked a two-week cruise with Princess Cruises this winter. Another couple with whom we have cruised with RCI in the past, will join us on the cruise. That represents approximately $10,000 in revenue that RCI has let slip away.

 

Any wet-behind-the-ears MBA understands that it is much more cost-effective to retain loyal customers than find new ones.

 

We hope that RCI will reconsider the recent changes to shareholder benefits.

 

 

And here's the answer I just recieved from RCCL - the bolding is mine.

 

 

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clampett,

 

Thank you for your e-mail to Mr. Ian Bailey, VP of our Investor Relations Department. We appreciate this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

 

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this recent change has caused you. After some consideration, we will be allowing the combinability of the onboard credits until further notice. Please feel free to contact me at the number listed below if you wish to discuss this matter further.

 

Thank you,again, Mr. & Mrs. Clampett, for your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Janelle Valentino

Executive Guest Specialist

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Phone: 1-888-767-4644 Ext. 11615

Fax: 1-800-886-6485

__________________

 

Great letter.. I remember when you posted it awhile back. Thanks very much for the information.

[ChevyCruiser]

Great letter.. I remember when you posted it awhile back. Thanks very much for the information.

 

 

You're welcome. I wonder just how many complaints they received?

[emmy]

You're welcome. I wonder just how many compalints they received?

 

This announcement is very timely for me as I am sailing in two weeks and planned to book on board so I will be able to get the O/B credit and shareholders now. You can bet as soon as I get home I will send off the email to have th Shareholders applied.

[mikeerdas]

Thanks for posting your most recent response ChevyCruiser. Good to hear RCI is listening.

 

Anyone noticed if the investor web site verbiage has changed to reflect the change of heart? Or might "further notice" around the corner?

[crazy 4 cruising]

Brenda - the email addresses I used were shareholderbenefit@RCCL.com and

ibailey@RCCL.com - I also copied C&A; but they forwarded to the appropriate

department - which must have been one or both of the above.

My most welcome telephone call came from Corporate Guest Relations, as I've already received and completed a survey from them about my contact.

 

I know this is not jibing with some of the other posts here since yesterday

noon, which somehow I'd missed, and it may be a bit before the word gets to C&A reps - be patient - it WILL be worth it - BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks & I believe!!!;)

Perhaps 'confirmed' means for those bookings say by Shareholders who will be sailing tomorrow and the next day or next week and do a Next Cruise or book a sailing directly while on a RCI ship BUT before Dec.31/08

 

For instance in two weeks I am on Liberty and if I do a Next Cruise and the day I come home convert it to a sailing will I be able to combine shareholder with O/B credit?

 

Just trying to clear up the ever muddy waters:D cause you know when you get on the ship I am sure you will get conflicting information from the LA:)

 

oh that cleared it right up:D

We Made Enough Noise, RCCL WILL ALLOW US TO COMBINE OBCS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyCruiser

I choose to stand up and be heard. Here's the text of a letter I sent to RCCL:

 

My wife and I are "Loyal Royals" having cruised exclusively with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We are Diamond members of the Crown and Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean shareholders, and as young retirees looking forward to many, many more years of cruise vacations. We have introduced several friends and family members to cruising and we frequently book cruise vacations on RCI together.

 

We are distressed to learn from a cruising friend - we missed the official announcement from RCI - that we will no longer be able to combine Next Cruise on-board credits with shareholder benefits. Luckily, we learned of the change in time to utilize two open Next Cruise certificates that we purchased on the Radiance of the Seas in September and we hurriedly booked two cruises prior to the October 15th deadline. Had we known in September of the changes taking effect in October, we would not have booked two open Next Cruise certificates.

 

Because of this sudden change in benefits that even had the RCI phone reps scratching their heads in trying to explain the ramifications to the customers, our confidence in RCI has been seriously eroded. We do understand that RCI retains the right to adjust loyalty program benefits, but you must understand that we retain the right to adjust our cruise plans.

 

With the ill-timed, sneaky, and poorly communicated changes to the RCI loyalty program, we have begun to look elsewhere for cruise vacations and recently booked a two-week cruise with Princess Cruises this winter. Another couple with whom we have cruised with RCI in the past, will join us on the cruise. That represents approximately $10,000 in revenue that RCI has let slip away.

 

Any wet-behind-the-ears MBA understands that it is much more cost-effective to retain loyal customers than find new ones.

 

We hope that RCI will reconsider the recent changes to shareholder benefits.

 

 

And here's the answer I just recieved from RCCL - the bolding is mine.

 

 

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clampett,

 

Thank you for your e-mail to Mr. Ian Bailey, VP of our Investor Relations Department. We appreciate this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

 

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this recent change has caused you. After some consideration, we will be allowing the combinability of the onboard credits until further notice. Please feel free to contact me at the number listed below if you wish to discuss this matter further.

 

Thank you,again, Mr. & Mrs. Clampett, for your feedback. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Janelle Valentino

Executive Guest Specialist

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Phone: 1-888-767-4644 Ext. 11615

Fax: 1-800-886-6485

__________________

 

great letter & wonderful response. My TA told me that there are only 2 people in the stockholder benefits (or whatever it is) dept & that they were so inundated that TA's could not call them for a while. My sister is the stockholder, so I will get her to write a letter & voice her feelings & see what response she gets.

[CVU]

Thank you for this information. I wrote a letter also and got a standard reply.

 

So, it now sounds like we can buy Next Cruise booking numbers on our Oct. 31 cruise to combine with our Stockholder Benefit.

 

No deadline then to use the Next Cruise until further notice, am I right?

 

Thanks again for sending such a well written letter!

[beachbuddy]

You're welcome. I wonder just how many complaints they received?

 

ChevyCruiser,

 

Great news!!! I wonder if they'll just allow it again as it was before or just extend the deadline date! The further notice kind of leaves it up in the air.

 

That was a great letter you wrote!! Thanks...........

[tocanada]

Anyone noticed if the investor web site verbiage has changed to reflect the change of heart? Or might "further notice" around the corner?

 

Yes, it has been changed:

6. Can this benefit be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?The benefit is NOT available to company employees, travel agents, tour conductors and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced-rate cruise fares. Benefit is not combinable when using inter-line rates or onboard chartered sailings.

[winncove]

We were sailing on the Mariner last week and did not consider a N.C. since it wouldn't be combined w/other OBCs. Now it can be, thanks to the CC board & letter writers. I did express negative remarks on the comment paper plus not being able to access my OBC money until the last day & then only as a refund to my CC which it did not come from! [MM..I know this ended in poor sentence structure! :D ] Where does that leave us? Any possibility of claiming a N.C. now?:( A letter can't hurt & may just help. Now if we receive our $200 fuel fees back in April that'll be a big help & appreciated!