Military Rates

[Clayswife]

BBSails

 

That happened to us on our first cruise ... We were given a choice - Either an upgrade or a refund for the discount amount ... We chose the refund since we already had a balcony in a pretty good location. That was the only time we received a military discount ... We had to fax them a copy of my husband's military ID and they issued the refund within a few days.

 

Jackie

[BBsails]

Thanks for reporting in, Jackie. We've got a great cabin and don't want an upgrade. I think getting OBC after final payment may no longer be an option since the draconian new policy went into effect on May 17.

[montgomeryfamily]

I can tell you that since the policy went into effect, there is no OBC with the military discount after final payment. We had booked the Solstice after May 17 and at the time there was no military rate. About three weeks ago, there was a military rate offered with the rate for $150 pp. less for our category, which was AQ. There was no military discount for the suites category. (there is not necessarily a miltary discount for every category on a sailing). We tried to get the OBC, since the military rate was not even offered/available when we booked, but Celebrity would not budge.

 

While we could upgrade, there was no military rate for any of the suites category, so it would be paying the going rate.

 

So really, unless there is a particular cabin that you want (or need if disabled), there is no advantage to booking early.

[hovank]

My son is in the Naval Reserves and has the green military ID card (similar to the beige active duty one) and it clearly says, US NAVY RESERVES. Does this qualify him for the military discount. The reason I ask is Celebrity's website states-- "1. Active personnel currently serving in the Canadian National Defense; United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves. Proper identification in the form of a United States Uniformed Services WHITE Identification Card for U.S. military personnel.."

 

He is Naval Reserves but does not have a white CAC card.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thank you--

[NnJ2010]

Hovank - he should be eligible if he's active duty reserves- but call Celebrity just to verify and to give yourself peace of mind.

 

BBSails - Montgomery family's experience mimics mine. We recently found a military rate available on our cruise, well after final payment was due. We upgraded from a gty balcony to concierge class. And I'm thrilled as can be. :)

 

Yes they check for proper documentation (id card you don't need your paperwork). So be sure if you book a military discount you qualify for one. (of course if you book one and aren't military you should be ashamed of yourself.)

 

And as for Mr Pine.... 'bitter table for one' Last time I checked there were plenty of people who abuse the system and PLENTY of them are civilians, in fact I'd dare say the vast majority. But way to stereotype and try to demean the other folks who serve honorably. Were you ever actually in the military or just a civilian contractor? Because if you were a contractor I'm sure there are plenty of folks who could make derogatory comments because of a few corrupt contractors but don't seem to feel the need to lump them all together.

[Kaye745]

"Pardon my cynicism, but prior to a canal cruise, my exposure to Panama included getting drunk with some airmen at the brand new and latter to be invaded Marriott. The Major or Lt.Col. buying the drinks insisted on buying since, as he said, "You're paying for it anyway, DOD picks up the hotel bill." The staff Sgt with us grinned. The officer had been staying in an exclusive poolside cabana for 3-4 months - papers lost - awaiting orders (having escorted Kissinger on a peace mission through Sandistista Nicaragua months before). In fact, back then, 20-30% of ALL the 4 star hotels in Panama City were US military bunks... Cap Weinberger did a good job funding. Now Gates is complaining that Congress is over funding (again or did it ever stop). I'm just a payor. "

 

 

Are you really complaining about something that happened during the NIXON administration? I would suggest before you make statements regarding the military, you may want to get some up to date information. My husband is retired military, currently serving as a DOD employee in support of the war effort. My son is active duty, getting ready to deploy to Afghanastan after 2 tours in Iraq. Believe me, neither are living it up, nor getting paid an outstanding salary for putting their lives on the line. My husband has been deployed to war zones 8 times since 9/11 (and not just a flyover). I don't usually respond to posts like this, but this one really ticked me off. BTW, the defense budget makes up 23% of our federal budget (FY2009--entitlement programs makes up 39%), not the 60% you stated.

[Bellfree Bat]

I don't usually respond to posts like this, but this one really ticked me off.

 

I don't either, Kaye, but add me to the ticked off. And I am not in a Military family but know a lot of people 2nd and 3rd hand who are. As a American, I am proud of our men and women in uniform whether deployed or stateside and will support them always as they support my freedoms!