ATXChips

I, too, have previously had issues getting the Shareholder benefit with steeply-discounted casino rates. But, mine went through on this one. I don't think my rate for this one was as steeply-discounted as on previous trips. But, your actual booking rate code might be different. I know there were several casino rates available when my agent booked for me. Good luck.

My credit came through yesterday - just one week (five business days) after submission of proof of stock.

I submitted my stock info this past Saturday and just received the email about my eligibility this morning (Wed). So, it was on the third business day.

This is likely a point of confusion for many. In the app, when I was presented with the screen to login or create my account with Plaid (the service the app uses to verify US brokerage holdings), I was able to close that window (via an X in the top right corner). I was then prompted to manually uploaded my proof of ownership. Since I already had my redacted pages ready, I uploaded them directly. I've read that others took pictures for that step. Hope this helps.

Given that I submitted my request over a weekend and I'm getting close to the deadline for applying, I decided to read some other threads about the switch to StockPerks. Based on what I'd read in other Cruise Critic forums, it appeared there is a way to avoid the brokerage account link and manually uploaded docs similar to the old way. It seems that this manually uploaded file approach has been successful for others. So, I decided to check out the app to assess my comfort level. I did not want to have my late booking and request prevent me from receiving the Shareholder benefit. While I, too, do not appreciate the use of a third party app and would never agree to use the "connect your brokerage account via a third party" approach, I was able to submit my redacted brokerage account pages (same as I sent to Carnival) manually in lieu of using the additional third party connection service (it's called Plaid). My understanding is that once my Shareholder status is confirmed, the process for requesting the OBC for each cruise is just a few additional clicks. I'll post my results when I get them. FWIW, allowing the manually uploaded file approach instead of the brokerage connection is likely a nod to those of us who don't trust this new electronic method. Also, I suspect it means on each subsequent cruise, it'll require that I go through the manual upload again since they can't re-verify my stock ownership electronically. But, I'd be fine with that.

I just faxed my request tonight. I don't expect to hear anything until early next week at the earliest. I'll let you know if I encounter the same thing. However, I submitted one for a different cruise last November and it went through normally.

...

I booked this cruise while on board the Venezia last week. Looking forward to this long journey and taking a break from regular life. I'm retired, traveling solo, and enjoy meeting other friendly travelers who are into the more relaxed aspects of long journey cruises. Looking forward to meeting new folks as this will be my first Australia embarkation. Also, does anyone know of any special activities that I should pack for on this cruise?