how do so many here get OBC

[lyban]

Hi,

I have only cruised one time before on RC, so I have no special status but if I am not going with a travel agent and book directly with RC is their anyway to get OBC with just 2 balcony cabins.

:)

[HiCSailor]

Sometimes there are OBC offers from Royal, especially when booking onboard, but I believe the vast majority of OBC comes through TAs.

[Jiffymom]

You should get nice OBC for two balconys.

Guess I can't say who. But we always book thru a TA. Think of a big box place

So easy

[LMaxwell]

I too use an online T/A. Price is the same but I get perks/benefits that RCI doesn't provide directly. Not all T/A perks are equal, so call a few and see what they can offer you.

[lyban]

Thanks for the replies. I already booked directly this week with RC so I was just wondering if there was another way to get OBC.

 

Also how come I am the only one who when I post a question my title is not in bold like others. What do I have to do?

Thanks

[rnw531]

Thanks for the replies. I already booked directly this week with RC so I was just wondering if there was another way to get OBC.

 

Also how come I am the only one who when I post a question my title is not in bold like others. What do I have to do?

Thanks

 

 

I got OBC through RC. When we first booked through them we had none but everytime we would call in to make sure we had the lowest price and best deal they would check and the last time they checked we got OBC so always have them check to see if they are running any specials but make sure it's worth it as sometimes you get OBC but the price of your cruise goes up and that's not good.

[dani negreanu]

Thanks for the replies. I already booked directly this week with RC so I was just wondering if there was another way to get OBC.

 

You can now transfer your booking to a TA, and get some perks. There is a limit of time for transferring. I'm only booking through a TA which gives me free grats, agency and group discount.

Also, one a couple of weeks ago, there was a promo from RC which offered OBC (200$ for one balcony). I had my TA phone RC, and the 200$ was applied to an existing booking... Since I've booked the Anthem last November, there were already 3 price drops and one OBC offer, all of them applied. The price has dropped from 3091$ to 2699$ + 200$ OBC -- savings of almost 1000$. Worth monitoring the prices :D

[LMaxwell]

Thanks for the replies. I already booked directly this week with RC so I was just wondering if there was another way to get OBC.

 

Also how come I am the only one who when I post a question my title is not in bold like others. What do I have to do?

Thanks

 

The bold/not bold is just a function of the forum software to show YOU threads that are new to YOU. It is based on your viewing history. So when each person logs in they see slightly different versions and your post will be bold to others to indicate it is a new posting or contains a new post. So there is nothing you can do to alter it and people will see it bolded in some cases.

 

Back to your question. With RC you have 60 days to transfer your reservation to a travel agent (UNLESS you have booked during final payment period, or have entered final payment period during those 60 days.). Sometimes I book directly with RC and then I go T/A shopping to see who has the best deal. The T/A will email you a form to fill out to transfer to them.

 

Other ways to get OBC may be promotional offers through the Royal Caribbean Bank of America Credit Card. Other credit card reward programs may include gift cards for Royal Caribbean (read terms and conditions very carefully, you may not be able to use as OBC...).

 

But basically, your quickest, easiest way to get OBC is to find a T/A that gives you some. Make sure they do not have any transfer fees, booking fees, or cancellation fees. Sometimes agencies that offer the most OBC have other fees that offset the value of the OBC.

 

Some people pre-purchase their own OBC, which I do not understand the purpose of unless it maybe puts them over some credit card spending threshold that triggers a big reward/return.

 

Hope this helps.

[flowers44]

I got the RCCI Visa credit card. The first charge gives you $100 of OBC and, if you charge $3000 more in the next 90 days, you get another $75 in OBC. I was able to have the promotion added to my reservation about 2 weeks ago and both my DH and I received $100 OBC each. So far I have a total of $300 OBC and I have almost reached the $3000 in charges in 90 days so I am heading towards the $75 OBC to be added. If you make a payment on your reservation with RCCI, the dollar amount is doubled in points so if you pay $500 on the reservation, you 1000 points added to the card.

[Karter]

I get OBC in the following ways.

 

1. T/A standard OBC based on cruise price - taxes and fess that they do not get a commission on - OBC come out of their commission..

2. T/A promotions for holidays with additional OBC / free gratuities

3. T/A loyalty program - earn OBC on each cruise you take for future cruises

4. T/A Christmas promotion to buy gift cards with 10% of the gift card value in OBC

3. Next Cruise certificates - old ones before the change

4. Book on board

5. RCCL credit card

6. RCCL OBC promotions

 

I can usually get around 35% of the cabin price in OBC/ free gratuities/ additional discounts. I also shop last minute to get the going, going gone price previously known as Tuesday sale.

 

Hope this helps.

[denatravels]

I got the RCCI Visa credit card. The first charge gives you $100 of OBC and, if you charge $3000 more in the next 90 days, you get another $75 in OBC. I was able to have the promotion added to my reservation about 2 weeks ago and both my DH and I received $100 OBC each. So far I have a total of $300 OBC and I have almost reached the $3000 in charges in 90 days so I am heading towards the $75 OBC to be added. If you make a payment on your reservation with RCCI, the dollar amount is doubled in points so if you pay $500 on the reservation, you 1000 points added to the card.

 

 

I just got this card recently-- I heard about the original $100 but not about the extra $75. Was that in the original offer that you did or did that info come to you later?

[sailor05]

I got the RCCI Visa credit card. If you make a payment on your reservation with RCCI, the dollar amount is doubled in points so if you pay $500 on the reservation, you 1000 points added to the card.

 

This is an EASY way to get obc. Not only the bonus points promotion for first time cardholders, but pay for the cruise using the card. It adds up quick this way.

[flowers44]

I just got this card recently-- I heard about the original $100 but not about the extra $75. Was that in the original offer that you did or did that info come to you later?

 

It came with the original offer. When I signed up for it online, it was mentioned and then, when the credit card came in the mail, it was in the literature that came with the card. I have already purchased my first $100 from the Rewards Site with the points that I got for activating the card. I am about $700 away from having enough points for the $75 OBC and I still have 6 weeks before the 90 days is up. I am sure I will get that OBC too.

[Uri1961]

I got $200 with RCCL and $200 form my TA for a total of $400 for my October cruise.

[denatravels]

It came with the original offer. When I signed up for it online, it was mentioned and then, when the credit card came in the mail, it was in the literature that came with the card. I have already purchased my first $100 from the Rewards Site with the points that I got for activating the card. I am about $700 away from having enough points for the $75 OBC and I still have 6 weeks before the 90 days is up. I am sure I will get that OBC too.

 

 

You can pay for my cruise and that will get you past the $700. Anyway I can help.....

[molly361]

I just got this card recently-- I heard about the original $100 but not about the extra $75. Was that in the original offer that you did or did that info come to you later?

 

That is a fairly new offer. You can apply and get more than 1 card and then you will get the current offer

[denatravels]

That is a fairly new offer. You can apply and get more than 1 card and then you will get the current offer

 

 

I just got the card within the last 30 days. I am on vacation this week so I will double check when I get home on Friday to see what it says in the documentation-- but thanks for the info

[jayblue]

Some people pre-purchase their own OBC, which I do not understand the purpose of unless it maybe puts them over some credit card spending threshold that triggers a big reward/return.

 

Perhaps it's just me, but I would rather prepay than have a bill waiting on me when I get back.

[RocketMan275]

Thanks for the replies. I already booked directly this week with RC so I was just wondering if there was another way to get OBC.

 

 

Just CALL a few TAs. Don't rely upon web searches. You will generally have to call and request a quote to get the good deals. Tell them your shopping around and ask for their best deal. Don't hesitate to quibble. Getting 10% OBC is nothing to brag about.

 

BTW, tell them you have booked a cruise direct with RCI and ask what they will offer for you to transfer the booking.

[jules815]

I've never used a TA. Received $200 OBC for booking our upcoming cruise while on board, and then due to a promotion they were running, received an additional $200 when I called to inquire about a price drop.

[griffy116]

We have received OBC in the following ways:

 

RCI Credit card points which we convert to OBC.

TA which we always use, knowing we will get OBC.

RCI when we book with promotions that offer the OBC.

 

By using all three, on our last cruise, we had a good bit of OBC and used every cent of it. On one cruise a couple of years ago, I had a good bit of it left and I did a bit more time in the casino, a couple of rounds of drinks and a few items purchased at the shops, so we had a lot of fun using the OBC we had accumulated. I wasn't interested in bringing any of it home. We spent it.

[Karter]

We have received OBC in the following ways:

 

RCI Credit card points which we convert to OBC.

TA which we always use, knowing we will get OBC.

RCI when we book with promotions that offer the OBC.

 

By using all three, on our last cruise, we had a good bit of OBC and used every cent of it. On one cruise a couple of years ago, I had a good bit of it left and I did a bit more time in the casino, a couple of rounds of drinks and a few items purchased at the shops, so we had a lot of fun using the OBC we had accumulated. I wasn't interested in bringing any of it home. We spent it.

 

I'm one of those that never spend it. Convert it to cash in the casino if it's RCCL's OBC or cash out early on the last night if it is TA's OBC.

[Jiffymom]

One time I booked on board got a great OBC. Then I transfered to TA and got their OBC on top

Since you already booked with RCCL. Call the big box TA you have 60 days to transfer from RCCL you should call and confirm that it us 60 not 30. Anyway it's simple just fill out a form and fax to RCCL.

You will get same cost just added bonus of OBC

[Karter]

One time I booked on board got a great OBC. Then I transfered to TA and got their OBC on top

Since you already booked with RCCL. Call the big box TA you have 60 days to transfer from RCCL you should call and confirm that it us 60 not 30. Anyway it's simple just fill out a form and fax to RCCL.

You will get same cost just added bonus of OBC

 

We just did the transfer thing and it's electronic now. No forms to fill out.

[WaveSplasher]

If you don't have the cards, and the travel agent, Just wait for the promotions on the RCL website.. If you see a good deal,with free OBC (like mine (got 200) then snap it up. Keep checking..