LIVE LIVE LIVE from the MARINER with MERION MOM for 53 DAYS!!!

[mtcabin2]

Pulled this off my Shareholder thread.................I think somebody better let the folks that have large OBCs on their SeaPass account know about this...............

 

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

 

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

Thanks for posting this! It tell us we need to spend, not expect to get a refund! Gee, that'll be hard ------:D

[HRHPrinceJim]

Bringing the Mariner to San Pedro to do year round 7 day voyages.......well.......that is going to get old very quickly IMHO!

 

Rick

 

I agree with you, Rick. I think we'll see some "resident" discounts and FAMs at various points during the summer.

[HRHPrinceJim]

Hello Carol!

 

got brandy? :D:D:D

 

Please tell Len and Letty, Roger and Ivan and Bobbie that I said HI.

[FIRELT5]

Pulled this off my Shareholder thread.................I think somebody better let the folks that have large OBCs on their SeaPass account know about this...............

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

Can OBC be used to purchase Poker chips in the Casino $$$$$ ????

[rubrrick]

Pulled this off my Shareholder thread.................I think somebody better let the folks that have large OBCs on their SeaPass account know about this...............

 

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

 

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We have, in the past, been able to use the onboard credit towards all tipping at the end of the cruise.

 

Will this practice cease?????

 

Rick

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We have, in the past, been able to use the onboard credit towards all tipping at the end of the cruise.

 

Will this practice cease?????

 

Rick

 

I sure hope not.

[Coralc]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We have, in the past, been able to use the onboard credit towards all tipping at the end of the cruise.

 

Will this practice cease?????

 

Rick

 

It just says what they list are "examples" of how OBC may be used. :)

[rubrrick]

It just says what they list are "examples" of how OBC may be used. :)

 

 

They need to add.........gratuities..........as an example!! Bobbies parents don't drink, gamble, use the specialty dining......but will use their OBC for excurisions.

 

I talked them into purchasing 100 shares of RCL stock.........which they got for $12.28 per share.....which gives them a $250.00 per leg OBC, plus they have the fuel supplement.......which is a $280.00 OBC.

 

They thought that they could get some cash from the casino against their OBC......but with no warning........RCCL changes their rules.

 

Maybe Bobbie's folks will loosen up a bit........knowing that they got to spend the OBC's:D;):)

 

I wonder how she is going to break this to them!!

 

Rick

[wl2cruise]

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

 

 

My question is what is complimentary obc ?

[critterchick]

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

 

 

My question is what is complimentary obc ?

 

Complimentary OBC would be the credits you get from booking onboard, any OBC offered in a promotion and (I think) the shareholder credit. Purchased OBC would be something given to you by your TA or a friend, as they actually pay RCI for those.

[TPKeller]

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

 

 

My question is what is complimentary obc ?

The post by cruisenfever does a pretty good job of explaining it, but the note does not include every possible detail. It does not mention the Fuel Surcharge refunded as OBC, but it would seem to me from their explanation that it would be cash refundable. The complimentary OBCs would seem to be just that, the ones that were provided at no cost to you, such as the stock benefit, or the credits from booking on previous cruises, etc.

 

As usual, the company folks don't quite do a good enough job with the details.

 

Here's the kicker though... if you have mixed OBC on your account, which do they use first? My bet is that the line will charge out the refundable credits first, leaving any balance in the non-refundable category. Clearly it would be better for the customer to do it the other way around. I can imagine folks becoming very angry if they try to do that, especially with no advance warning.

 

There seems to be a rash of surprise policy changes lately. Did they hire a new revenue enhancement team?

 

Theron

[rubrrick]

Complimentary OBC would be the credits you get from booking onboard, any OBC offered in a promotion and (I think) the shareholder credit. Purchased OBC would be something given to you by your TA or a friend, as they actually pay RCI for those.

 

Too bad that they are "non transferable"!! Well......it's going to be one heck of a party...........as I'll have Bobbie's parents order wine (so overpriced) and just stockpile it.

 

I know that they will use it for Xplorations as well.

 

Being the Legal Beagle that you are...........would you be kind enough to get clarification on this new rule.........Please!!:o:p:D

 

Rick

[whirlybird3]

We are taking a Baltic cruise this summer but understand that the tour guide looks after you in St. Petersburg, Russia and you don't need a Visa?

 

You are not allowed to get off the ship to go on your own. You would have to be on a excursion that is organized by the cruise ship. FYI: They will take everyone's passport and photo copy it for the Russia's customs check point.

[kerrydee]

....there are three tour providers in st. petes that have blanket visa's for you as long as you're with them when off the ship for the two days.

i don't know if we are allowed to mention them here but almost everyone knows who they are.:rolleyes:;)

[critterchick]

You are not allowed to get off the ship to go on your own. You would have to be on a excursion that is organized by the cruise ship. FYI: They will take everyone's passport and photo copy it for the Russia's customs check point.

 

You do not have to go on a cruise ship excursion in St. Petersburg. You can book through one of the companies that offers group excursions, such as Denrus (we used them), Alla or Red October, to name three of the most prominent. They will take care of the visa requirements.

 

Also, we were advised by Denrus to bring a photocopy of our passports with us, so I'm not sure whether they would make one on the spot for you.

 

Finally, you CAN get off the ship on your own, but in that case you would have to have gotten your own visa.

 

Being the Legal Beagle that you are...........would you be kind enough to get clarification on this new rule.........Please!!:o:p:D

 

 

I assume that my retainer check is in the mail?:rolleyes:

 

How's the bachelor life?

[Annieeee]

So if my TA gives us OBC, will I be able to use that for the casino? Would I be able to use the stockholder OBC in the casino?

 

Annieeee

[TheMiz]

So if my TA gives us OBC, will I be able to use that for the casino? Would I be able to use the stockholder OBC in the casino?

 

Annieeee

 

 

You used to be able to use your stockholders OBC in the casino, I know some would cash out to get the money minus 3% , but I am not sure how they will handle this now.

[Merion_Mom]

MM, will you and the girls get a bridge tour on this journey?

 

Yes.

 

We have been offered a bridge tour, a galley tour and a behind-the-scenes theatre tour, just like last week.

 

:)

[Merion_Mom]

Carol, through it all, sounds like you're having a fabulous time!

 

The $3.95 charge for room service is between certain hours - I believe from midnight to some early morning hour. Carol, I guess that means you! LOL!

It seems so sad that CocoCay was so quiet. We had a great time there in November, even though it was short due to weather conditions.

 

BTW, how is the weather?:D

 

I'm truly surprised that folks didn't join in with "99 bottles of beer on the wall." They must not want to have fun.:eek: Well, keep making your own! That's what we love about you!

 

The weather is FANTASTIC!!

 

I heard that it was miserable in Philadelphia today. :D

 

I wonder if they will delay implementing the "late night" room service charge here on the Mariner...........you actually CAN'T just go to the Café Promenade throughout the night..........because this cruise is so, um, DEAD, they close early, and last night they actually CLOSED the Royal Promenade with huge wall-doors.

[flames]

As you can tell from this thread, definitely not a dumb question. More like a very smart question!!!

 

As truffles2 said, no visas required for Panama Canal cruises if you are a US citizen.

 

Or if you are a Canadian Citizen, just your passport, to get into the States and to get on the Ship and to get back into Canada:D

 

Carol:)

[Merion_Mom]

Kind of funny isn't it, considering a few of my Canadian friends.:D

 

jc<---- loves all Canadians:D

 

 

 

Eh?

 

;)

[Merion_Mom]

Hey Royal Divas, now that you're chummy with the Nelsons, how about arranging for them to stay aboard so those of us joining in Rio can enjoy them! :D

 

Oh, believe me, I would if I could!!!!!

 

So, we were walking down the Royal Promenade this morning (Cindy and I), and who comes walking towards us, trying to look inconspicuous with their gorgeous golden locks shoved up under nondescript caps?

 

Matthew and Gunnar!!!!!

 

We greeted them, and got a cheery, "Hi, Carol!" in return.

 

I think that my heart stopped!

 

:D

 

P.S. Matthew is the older twin, by 40 minutes. ;)

[Merion_Mom]

Pulled this off my Shareholder thread.................I think somebody better let the folks that have large OBCs on their SeaPass account know about this...............

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

There was actually a special letter in our cabin this morning emphasizing that OBC must be spent on board. (thus the name: ON BOARD credit). No refunds, no credits, no carryover from voyage to voyage. (our cruise is actually three separate cruises, in case anyone missed that point.)

[flames]

The weather is FANTASTIC!!

 

I heard that it was miserable in Philadelphia today. :D

 

I wonder if they will delay implementing the "late night" room service charge here on the Mariner...........you actually CAN'T just go to the Café Promenade throughout the night..........because this cruise is so, um, DEAD, they close early, and last night they actually CLOSED the Royal Promenade with huge wall-doors.

 

Carol, maybe you should rest until you get down to South America as it will be Party, Party, Party all the time down there, and you will never sleep:eek::D

 

Carol:)

[Merion_Mom]

Merion Mom,

I know this is off topic.......but I finally had time to sit down and read your "story" for this trip and read this post. Are you originally from Merion? I was born and raised in Penn Valley! My parents lived in Bala after I moved to Michigan.

Enjoy your trip!:p

 

I grew up in Elkins Park, and graduated from Cheltenham High School.

 

We moved to St. Davids for a year after we returned from school out of state. Then 7 years in Wynnewood, and now 22 years in Merion.

 

:)