Savings Cert Question

[icsys]

I just sent an email to my PC contact at C&A. My question to her was as follows.....

 

"Question regarding the C&A Savings Certificates. Has there been a change in the procedure for applying a certificate? What I mean is, can a certificate be applied to an existing reservation or does it have to be booked during the quarter that the Certificate is available"?

 

Her answer to me...........

 

"You are correct in saying that the cruise has to be booked during the quarter that the Savings Certificate is issued for. Our saving certificates have always had a book between date, but along the way exceptions were made to apply saving certificates to bookings as long it was booked in or prior to the current quarter. That exception became the norm... With our new booking system rolling out very soon it will only let us apply certificates if it is valid at that time. So we are reinforcing the true policy now to get everybody ready for that adjustment".

 

 

So there is no longer a possible extra saving for booking in advance.

The certificates are now becoming a 'booking discount'.

[Ashland]

Why should the many be penalised for the few?

 

If you cancel then you should lose the entire deposit!

This happens in the UK already.

 

I guess most people book because they want to go on that cruise.

If its a genuine reason for cancelling then claim on the travel insurance.

I'm so sorry those of you in the UK are under different terms than us in the US :(...this makes no sense to many of us....But wouldn't it serve you better to want similar terms to us not the other way around :confused::confused:

[Ashland]

So there is no longer a possible extra saving for booking in advance.

The certificates are now becoming a 'booking discount'.

"Bingo"... :(

[icsys]

I'm so sorry those of you in the UK are under different terms than us in the US :(...this makes no sense to many of us....But wouldn't it serve you better to want similar terms to us not the other way around :confused::confused:

 

Yes it would. And I wish we could!

 

I'm guilty of a gut reaction to DHADEN's post

[Ourusualbeach]

I'll start off by saying that I don't like the recent change to the savings certificates as I was able to take advantage of it just last week for a cruise that was booked over a year ago however from a marketing and business point of view it totally makes spence and I had always wondered why RC was allowing this practice.

 

Savings certificates or any coupons are generally introduced to increase business or sales of a slow moving product. It defeats the purpose of increasing sales if you will allow everyone who has previously booked to call and ask for $ off. If you buy an item at any store you can't return it six months or a year later when it goes on sale. RC will most likely put restrictions about cancelling and rebooking or just raise the price by the amount of the savings certificate so that it makes it pointless.

[cruisenfever]

First of all, if someone has 15 cruises booked it means RCI is holding on to $7500.00 of deposit money ($15,000.00 if we are talking suites). I'm sure RCI has no complaints about that.

If you book a cruise while on a cruise or use a NC for booking the most it would cost you if are booked in a JS or below is $$200 per booking. For 15 cruises that's $3000 in deposit money.

 

Patti...Just wondering where those booked "between" dates are listed in the T&C's..? I can easily find the book by expiration date..

I hope that they plan on changing the wording because it certainly doesn't specify that now.:eek:

[Canadian Tyler]

Not a fan of the change either. I've always thought (maybe incorrectly) that not many cruisers (mainly non-CCers) don't know about the savings certificates or don't check, so the use isn't that high. I know I never used to check for them until recently. Maybe an incorrect assumption, but I just always thought there probably wasn't that great of a loss because of the certificates. Guess if they're clamping down that must be incorrect.

 

So basically this new rule means that the savings cert and the Wow sale OBC can't be combined, unless the savings cert is released in the same quarter as the wow sale. Otherwise if I cancel and re-book to take advantage of the savings cert, I'd lose my wow sale OBC which is worth more anyway in my case.

[Ocean Boy]

I'll start off by saying that I don't like the recent change to the savings certificates as I was able to take advantage of it just last week for a cruise that was booked over a year ago however from a marketing and business point of view it totally makes spence and I had always wondered why RC was allowing this practice.

 

Savings certificates or any coupons are generally introduced to increase business or sales of a slow moving product. It defeats the purpose of increasing sales if you will allow everyone who has previously booked to call and ask for $ off. If you buy an item at any store you can't return it six months or a year later when it goes on sale. RC will most likely put restrictions about cancelling and rebooking or just raise the price by the amount of the savings certificate so that it makes it pointless.

 

I also don't buy most items months before I take possession of them. In most cases if you place an order for something if it goes on sale before you take possession you do get the lower price.

[icsys]

Here are the current (UK) terms and conditions attached to Savings certificates:

 

 

Crown & Anchor Society Savings Vouchers: Terms & Conditions

 

1. This savings voucher may be redeemed at most travel agencies or cruise specialists.
    
   
2. Only applicable to ships and departure ships specified.
    
   
3. One savings voucher per booking only.
    
   
4. If you have booked with Royal Caribbean International directly this savings voucher should be mailed to us.
    
   
5. If booked through an agent, certificate must be validated by the agent first, before sending to Royal Caribbean International.
    
   
6. The applicable voucher value will be deducted from final payment, upon review by Royal Caribbean International to verify that the voucher is applicable to the actual cruise booked.
    
   
7. Applicable to all stateroom categories, prices/savings vary by ship, sail date and membership tier and space is subject to availability at the time of booking.
    
   
8. Lower amount shown on voucher is applicable to Interior staterooms only. Higher amount shown on voucher is applicable to Ocean View and above staterooms only.
    
   
9. Vouchers only valid for fully enrolled Crown & Anchor Society members with a valid Crown & Anchor Society number.
    
   
10. The savings voucher cannot be transferred, cannot be redeemed for cash or onboard credit.
     
    
11. Not combinable with certain restricted fares (ISO, CUG, IT or charter), balcony discounts any UK onboard credit promotion, or in conjunction with any other promotion or offer unless expressly stated herein.
     
    
12. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to withdraw offers without notice at any time.
     
    
13. Rate of exchange will affect voucher savings. Note: Voucher value will be deducted from your final payment.
     
    
14. Voucher value may not be deducted from deposit amount.
     
    
15. Travel agent commission is based on the discounted price.
     
    
16. Voucher only applicable when payment is made in the same currency.
     
    
17. It is the agent’s discretion if they accept or decline this voucher.
    

[icsys]

I also don't buy most items months before I take possession of them. In most cases if you place an order for something if it goes on sale before you take possession you do get the lower price.

 

That is a very good point.

If a cruise is discounted before final payment then why shouldn't we receive the discount?

(See condition #6 above)

 

And these discounts are meant for C&A members only.

 

The Crown & Anchor® Society is our way of recognising and rewarding our most loyal guests. As a member, you'll receive exclusive benefits and privileges

[cruisenfever]

That is a very good point.

If a cruise is discounted before final payment then why shouldn't we receive the discount?

(See condition #6 above)

 

And these discounts are meant for C&A members only.

 

The Crown & Anchor® Society is our way of recognising and rewarding our most loyal guests. As a member, you'll receive exclusive benefits and privileges

Because C&A can word their Terms and Conditions any way they want to.:D

 

I expect that the new Terms & Conditions for redeeming C&A Savings Certificates will be released shortly.

[Ashland]

I'll start off by saying that I don't like the recent change to the savings certificates as I was able to take advantage of it just last week for a cruise that was booked over a year ago however from a marketing and business point of view it totally makes spence and I had always wondered why RC was allowing this practice.

 

Savings certificates or any coupons are generally introduced to increase business or sales of a slow moving product. It defeats the purpose of increasing sales if you will allow everyone who has previously booked to call and ask for $ off. If you buy an item at any store you can't return it six months or a year later when it goes on sale. RC will most likely put restrictions about cancelling and rebooking or just raise the price by the amount of the savings certificate so that it makes it pointless.

The conditions your referring to don't usually apply if you've just made a "deposit"...most if not all stores will give you that sale price.

 

And "FYI" there are some stores (Target maybe other's) that if you buy an item and that item goes on sale the next week you can bring in your receipt and they will easily give you the price difference either in cash or back to the card you used. ;)

[Ashland]

If you book a cruise while on a cruise or use a NC for booking the most it would cost you if are booked in a JS or below is $$200 per booking. For 15 cruises that's $3000 in deposit money.

 

 

I hope that they plan on changing the wording because it certainly doesn't specify that now.:eek:

Which seems that they should comply with the T&C's written that accompany this quarter's saving certificates and make the change in wording with next quarters certificates.

 

What a PR mess RCI has turned this into :eek:

[Ashland]

Here are the current (UK) terms and conditions attached to Savings certificates:

 

 

Crown & Anchor Society Savings Vouchers: Terms & Conditions

 

1. This savings voucher may be redeemed at most travel agencies or cruise specialists.
    
   
2. Only applicable to ships and departure ships specified.
    
   
3. One savings voucher per booking only.
    
   
4. If you have booked with Royal Caribbean International directly this savings voucher should be mailed to us.
    
   
5. If booked through an agent, certificate must be validated by the agent first, before sending to Royal Caribbean International.
    
   
6. The applicable voucher value will be deducted from final payment, upon review by Royal Caribbean International to verify that the voucher is applicable to the actual cruise booked.
    
   
7. Applicable to all stateroom categories, prices/savings vary by ship, sail date and membership tier and space is subject to availability at the time of booking.
    
   
8. Lower amount shown on voucher is applicable to Interior staterooms only. Higher amount shown on voucher is applicable to Ocean View and above staterooms only.
    
   
9. Vouchers only valid for fully enrolled Crown & Anchor Society members with a valid Crown & Anchor Society number.
    
   
10. The savings voucher cannot be transferred, cannot be redeemed for cash or onboard credit.
     
    
11. Not combinable with certain restricted fares (ISO, CUG, IT or charter), balcony discounts any UK onboard credit promotion, or in conjunction with any other promotion or offer unless expressly stated herein.
     
    
12. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to withdraw offers without notice at any time.
     
    
13. Rate of exchange will affect voucher savings. Note: Voucher value will be deducted from your final payment.
     
    
14. Voucher value may not be deducted from deposit amount.
     
    
15. Travel agent commission is based on the discounted price.
     
    
16. Voucher only applicable when payment is made in the same currency.
     
    
17. It is the agent’s discretion if they accept or decline this voucher.
    

Looks like RCI is trying to not only enforce #12 but also trying to include the word "change" :eek::rolleyes:

[molly361]

Patti- when the rep referred to their "new booking system" do you have any idea what that might mean?:eek: Thanks Ellen

[S.S.Oceanlover]

First of all, if someone has 15 cruises booked it means RCI is holding on to $7500.00 of deposit money ($15,000.00 if we are talking suites). I'm sure RCI has no complaints about that. I also suspect that they did this (double deposit) to ward off the exact problem that you mentioned of trying to find a GS 6 - 12 months out.

 

Secondly, people who book way out are probably booking something other than inside or OV cabins so even if a coupon comes out later it is of no use against most C&A balcony discounts. So it is immaterial to the subject of this thread which is the C&A coupons. And inside and OV cabins can be found on almost any sailing the week before the ship departs. So the coupon incentive is not limiting anyone from being to book a cruise.

 

Thirdly, you suggested RCI have a non-refundable $100.00 cancellation fee. RCI is already providing a lot of incentive, because of some of their policies, for plenty of people to put off booking until later. I think that they should be careful about adding more fuel to that strategy. Imagine if more people adopt that method of booking. Six months out from sailing RCI finds themselves with an empty ship and here comes a sale to get people to book. Maybe not a bad idea for the consumer but not of much benefit to RCI's bottom line. And since you are suggesting to RCI that they keep our deposit money I can only think that RCI's bottom line much be your first priority.

 

OK, you asked.

 

It is material to me since I have cruised with RCI before but not enough to qualify for the balcony discount.

 

After this cruise I think it will be immaterial to me but not sure on that.

 

Bill

[FLACRUISER99]

But when you book onboard you get this.

And It states "Guest can use OBC reward with there Crown & Anchor Society Saving Certificates or Balcony Suite Discounts" Their are no dates!!

RCI Booking.pdf

[msakmom]

I was just on the phone with RCI. Apparently this is a new rule that was just recently sent out to the employees.

 

I just canceled my cruise booked during the WOW sale and rebooked getting my balcony discount and my cruise certificate.

 

During the wow sale I received $100 onboard credit and 1/2 deposit. Today I received balcony discount $100 plus savings certificate $150.

$250 savings verses $100 OBC. I chose the savings. I did have to give the full deposit.

[Clarea]

I was just on the phone with RCI. Apparently this is a new rule that was just recently sent out to the employees.

 

I just canceled my cruise booked during the WOW sale and rebooked getting my balcony discount and my cruise certificate.

 

During the wow sale I received $100 onboard credit and 1/2 deposit. Today I received balcony discount $100 plus savings certificate $150.

$250 savings verses $100 OBC. I chose the savings. I did have to give the full deposit.

Interesting. You are the second or third person that has recently reported being able to combine the balcony discount with a savings certificate. This has not been allowed for years. I wonder if more rule changes are in the works?

[UNV-IT!!!]

Interesting. You are the second or third person that has recently reported being able to combine the balcony discount with a savings certificate. This has not been allowed for years. I wonder if more rule changes are in the works?

 

I was able to combine both. I just had to give up the OBC of the wow sale. Still got reduced deposit along with my diamond discount and savings certificate. The rep told me it wasn't combining if I was taking the wow sale OBC.

[cruisenfever]

Patti- when the rep referred to their "new booking system" do you have any idea what that might mean?:eek: Thanks Ellen

Ellen, I was afraid to ask, but see my response to Bob below.

Interesting. You are the second or third person that has recently reported being able to combine the balcony discount with a savings certificate. This has not been allowed for years. I wonder if more rule changes are in the works?

I believe that this is one of the new changes in their booking system.

[Clarea]

Ellen, I was afraid to ask, but see my response to Bob below.

 

I believe that this is one of the new changes in their booking system.

Patti, are you saying you think they have changed the rules, and we can combine savings certificates with balcony discounts? Or maybe they are experiencing some issues with the new booking system, and it's allowing combinations that they don't want?

[printingchick]

But when you book onboard you get this.

And It states "Guest can use OBC reward with there Crown & Anchor Society Saving Certificates or Balcony Suite Discounts" Their are no dates!!

 

VERY VERY good point!

[cruisenfever]

Patti, are you saying you think they have changed the rules, and we can combine savings certificates with balcony discounts? Or maybe they are experiencing some issues with the new booking system, and it's allowing combinations that they don't want?

I know there is change coming, I just don't know what it is.

[Clarea]

I know there is change coming, I just don't know what it is.

Well, maybe they figure that if they reduce the amount of cruises that can use savings certificates (by requiring them to be booked in the same quarter for which the certificate is valid), they can allow combinations again without too much financial impact. Just thinking out loud. Thanks.:)