lkcous Posted January 21, 2017 #4051 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Hello....just found this thread great info...just got the card in 2015. I have 11,000 points. i have a owners suite booked on the sky in july and balcony on the getaway in nov. is the only upgrade you can do with 60,000 points is from inside to balcony? or can i go higher form balcony? i am going to but both of these on my card. i might be pretty close by time nov rolls around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted January 21, 2017 #4052 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Hello....just found this thread great info...just got the card in 2015. I have 11,000 points. i have a owners suite booked on the sky in july and balcony on the getaway in nov. is the only upgrade you can do with 60,000 points is from inside to balcony? or can i go higher form balcony? i am going to but both of these on my card. i might be pretty close by time nov rolls around. Yes that is the biggest reward available. You cannot go higher than a balcony and afts are excluded. Pay the cruise off earlier, get your double or triple points on that charge then redeem. I never carry a balance so paying early does not cost me anything really. Oh yeah, the .005 my checking earns.:p:D Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkcous Posted January 22, 2017 #4053 Share Posted January 22, 2017 Yes that is the biggest reward available. You cannot go higher than a balcony and afts are excluded. Pay the cruise off earlier, get your double or triple points on that charge then redeem. I never carry a balance so paying early does not cost me anything really. Oh yeah, the .005 my checking earns.:p:D Steve Thanks! we will just leave the nov cruise as is cause my brother and family are joining us and we got rooms close to each other. Another question...we are thinking about booking a alaska cruise july 2018. when i book do we have to have the 60,000 points then or just use a cruise next to hold book a inside then when we have to pay in full use points to upgrade to balcony? or do they need to know using points when I book? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted January 22, 2017 #4054 Share Posted January 22, 2017 Thanks! we will just leave the nov cruise as is cause my brother and family are joining us and we got rooms close to each other. Another question...we are thinking about booking a alaska cruise july 2018. when i book do we have to have the 60,000 points then or just use a cruise next to hold book a inside then when we have to pay in full use points to upgrade to balcony? or do they need to know using points when I book? Book inside now if you want and when you have enough points, call and upgrade. Let me caution you though. If you book cheapest inside, when you upgrade you need to hope they have cheapest Balcony available or you will pay the current rate for an inside category that is high enough to equal a balcony. IA+BA IB=BB IC=BC and so on. So I would book higher inside now and you should be safe later. You are usually only talking a $100 difference really. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twopizz Posted January 23, 2017 #4055 Share Posted January 23, 2017 5 years from date earned. so if you don't use them for 5 years (60 months)every month after 60 months,the 61st month will drop off or expire. Steve Thank you, Steve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twopizz Posted January 23, 2017 #4056 Share Posted January 23, 2017 Book inside now if you want and when you have enough points, call and upgrade. Let me caution you though. If you book cheapest inside, when you upgrade you need to hope they have cheapest Balcony available or you will pay the current rate for an inside category that is high enough to equal a balcony. IA+BA IB=BB IC=BC and so on. So I would book higher inside now and you should be safe later. You are usually only talking a $100 difference really. Steve Steve, I booked an inside for a TA -2018. I should reach the 60 000 points in the next couple of months. Only have paid so far the $100 booking. Should I have paid in full the inside before I call for the doble meta? Thank you in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted January 23, 2017 #4057 Share Posted January 23, 2017 Steve, I booked an inside for a TA -2018. I should reach the 60 000 points in the next couple of months. Only have paid so far the $100 booking. Should I have paid in full the inside before I call for the doble meta? Thank you in advance! twopizz, As soon as you get 60,000 "earned" points" call them. No need to pay off right now. You get double points for charging NCL so you could make a partial payment to get you over the 60K points if you are in one of the cheaper insides. If you are in a higher priced inside than no real need to worry about it. Since its also in 2018, you have plenty of time. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmele999 Posted January 23, 2017 #4058 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I just called and tried to upgrade from an oceanview to an Aft balcony using 30K points. They told me that aft balconies don't qualify for the upgrade. The best I can do is get a BA from OA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted January 23, 2017 #4059 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I just called and tried to upgrade from an oceanview to an Aft balcony using 30K points. They told me that aft balconies don't qualify for the upgrade. The best I can do is get a BA from OA. You cannot go higher than BA. That is the ceiling no exceptions. Afts are high demand rooms. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twopizz Posted January 24, 2017 #4060 Share Posted January 24, 2017 twopizz, As soon as you get 60,000 "earned" points" call them. No need to pay off right now. You get double points for charging NCL so you could make a partial payment to get you over the 60K points if you are in one of the cheaper insides. If you are in a higher priced inside than no real need to worry about it. Since its also in 2018, you have plenty of time. Steve Thank you Steve! You are very helpful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyBShores Posted February 13, 2017 #4061 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I really wish they would start this sticky fresh as there's literally 10 years of info on here. I tried to search for answers but my keywords hit posts from 2009 and 2012 and I'm afraid it's outdated info. So...sorry for the (probable repeats) but: 1) How far in advance of my cruise should I call to redeem my points if I want them as OBCs? 2) Will they show up on my NCL account page or do I receive/need to take paper proof? 3) I read the disclaimer on BOAs website and it says "credits cannot be used toward service charges". Does this mean I cant use the OBC money to pay a tip I add for a drink? 4) Also in the disclaimer it says any unused amounts can be refunded. So if I don't spend every penny they're wasted? On a possibly helpful note, this past month I have used my card to pay for extras purchased via NCLs website and received triple points, not just double. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casino Comp Chick Posted February 13, 2017 #4062 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I wish had gotten this card sooner. I have 2 cruises booked and plan on maxing out the card in the casino(20k). Taking the cash home and paying off the card. I will get 60,000 points on each cruise. The best thing is that I am Golden in the casino so I save the 3% cash advance fee that the casino normally takes. Has anyone been able to use an upgrade on an already CAS comped room? No I tried last year and it cannot be used on a CAS booking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted February 13, 2017 #4063 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I really wish they would start this sticky fresh as there's literally 10 years of info on here. I tried to search for answers but my keywords hit posts from 2009 and 2012 and I'm afraid it's outdated info. So...sorry for the (probable repeats) but: 1) How far in advance of my cruise should I call to redeem my points if I want them as OBCs? 2) Will they show up on my NCL account page or do I receive/need to take paper proof? 3) I read the disclaimer on BOAs website and it says "credits cannot be used toward service charges". Does this mean I cant use the OBC money to pay a tip I add for a drink? 4) Also in the disclaimer it says any unused amounts can be refunded. So if I don't spend every penny they're wasted? On a possibly helpful note, this past month I have used my card to pay for extras purchased via NCLs website and received triple points, not just double. :) 1.You can do it up to a week before sailing 2. It should show up on your NCL cruise page but print it anyway 3.Its not supposed to be used for DSC, but it seems like it does sometimes so dont count on it. 4. Again, not supposed to, but I have gotten a check at cruise end,so assume you will lose it. If you are redeeming that much OBC, take the statement credit an avoid all the above. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting_Cruiser Posted February 13, 2017 #4064 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I agree it would be nice to restart this sticky with current pertinent information for card holders. When I got my card last year, I took a look and just reviewed the last page or so--wasn't going to wade through 100s of posts that, as you said, are probably outdated... I really wish they would start this sticky fresh as there's literally 10 years of info on here. I tried to search for answers but my keywords hit posts from 2009 and 2012 and I'm afraid it's outdated info. So...sorry for the (probable repeats) but: 1) How far in advance of my cruise should I call to redeem my points if I want them as OBCs? 2) Will they show up on my NCL account page or do I receive/need to take paper proof? 3) I read the disclaimer on BOAs website and it says "credits cannot be used toward service charges". Does this mean I cant use the OBC money to pay a tip I add for a drink? 4) Also in the disclaimer it says any unused amounts can be refunded. So if I don't spend every penny they're wasted? On a possibly helpful note, this past month I have used my card to pay for extras purchased via NCLs website and received triple points, not just double. :) On #3, this has nothing to do with tips you add to drinks or dinners, etc. "Service charges" is referring to the DSC that is added to your on-board account. You should have received a notice from them that NCL puchases now receive triple points. I've had my card almost a year and have gotten triple on every NCL purchase I've made--it adds up fast if you use your card to pay for your cruises! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
att2detail Posted February 13, 2017 #4065 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Hi all, Fist time NCL cruiser here. For clarification, can the OBC from the earned credit cards points be used toward gratuities, or is that considered a service charge? Thanks in advance for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted February 14, 2017 #4066 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Hi all, Fist time NCL cruiser here. For clarification, can the OBC from the earned credit cards points be used toward gratuities, or is that considered a service charge? Thanks in advance for your reply. Technically no. You might be better with a statement credit instead if you are not going to spend nothing on board. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
att2detail Posted February 14, 2017 #4067 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Technically no. You might be better with a statement credit instead if you are not going to spend nothing on board. Steve Hi Steve, thanks for the information. Every where I turn it seems like NCL is tiring to stick it to me. The ultimate drink package is far from ultimate, which I suspect is why the are offering it as part of the cabin price. Hopefully our on board experience will be good because I am beginning to regret booking a cruise with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting_Cruiser Posted February 14, 2017 #4068 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Hi all, Fist time NCL cruiser here. For clarification, can the OBC from the earned credit cards points be used toward gratuities, or is that considered a service charge? Thanks in advance for your reply. On NCL they don't call them "gratuities"...it's the DSC or Daily Service Charge, it's not just considered a service charge, it's called one. You can use the OBC for just about anything else though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellmisi Posted February 15, 2017 #4069 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Okay so my day has been ruined. I know you all are just the messengers! We plan on spending nothing more on this cruise. We had a job loss after final payment and all other travel booked. So we are going, but doing absolutely nothing extra - dining, drinks, excursions, etc. We are perfectly happy with this plan as we enjoy the included activities and food. Now I just read that I can't pay for the service charge with my Mastercard OBC that is already processed and sitting there for me. #$&@%#%& So this is the plan and please tell me if I have any of this wrong. 1. Go to the casino. 2. Ask to get $150 out. 3. Take $150 to guest services and place it on our account. 4. Deal with $4.50 charge and $39 remaining DSC balance. 5. End of cruise, pay $43.50. Is this a workable plan of action? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtw Posted February 16, 2017 #4070 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Seems like a lot of red tape and rules in order to receive a fairly minimal pct on points. We use a card that is not affiliated with any sponsor other than our credit card bank. We get double and better points for a lot of our purchases. And, we can use the cash back in any way we want, with any purchase (read: Not NCL only), it is a true cash value. I suggest using a card that offers this flexibility instead of a cruise affiliated card. Zero headaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNJCruisers Posted February 16, 2017 #4071 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I preferred to keep it simple. Got the card for free, used it a couple times, paid it off and got my 100 in OBC. Did the same thing a few years ago for another Bank of America card for Celebrity. Sent from my XT1254 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkmaj Posted February 16, 2017 #4072 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I preferred to keep it simple. Got the card for free, used it a couple times, paid it off and got my 100 in OBC. Did the same thing a few years ago for another Bank of America card for Celebrity. Sent from my XT1254 using Forums mobile app Same here. Got it, used it to pay cruise balance, 150 OBC, the end. Sent from my SM-N900V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted February 16, 2017 #4073 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Seems like a lot of red tape and rules in order to receive a fairly minimal pct on points. We use a card that is not affiliated with any sponsor other than our credit card bank. We get double and better points for a lot of our purchases. And, we can use the cash back in any way we want, with any purchase (read: Not NCL only), it is a true cash value. I suggest using a card that offers this flexibility instead of a cruise affiliated card. Zero headaches. If you get a cruise card, one would assume that cruising is what you want out of it. If you want cash back you get a cash back card. If you plan it right with the right card you can get a value that is equal to 10% of your purchases. That is why I like this NCL card. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtw Posted February 16, 2017 #4074 Share Posted February 16, 2017 If you get a cruise card, one would assume that cruising is what you want out of it. If you want cash back you get a cash back card. If you plan it right with the right card you can get a value that is equal to 10% of your purchases. That is why I like this NCL card. Steve 10% ? I'm sold! Problem is, when I read the fine print and the math, it's far from 10%. More like 1% on most purchases. Maybe 10% on a very limited initial offer, but not thereafter. And if you look, you'll see literally every card - not just a cruise card - has similar initial offers. So mostly 1%. And red tape. Not about being a cruiser or a cash back guy, it's about realistic return and usability. My cash back paid for 100% of two of our cruises, no flim flam to deal with. (And no high interest rates for that month you don't pay in full!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mscdivina2016 Posted February 16, 2017 #4075 Share Posted February 16, 2017 10% ? I'm sold! Problem is, when I read the fine print and the math, it's far from 10%. More like 1% on most purchases. Maybe 10% on a very limited initial offer, but not thereafter. And if you look, you'll see literally every card - not just a cruise card - has similar initial offers. So mostly 1%. And red tape. Not about being a cruiser or a cash back guy, it's about realistic return and usability. My cash back paid for 100% of two of our cruises, no flim flam to deal with. (And no high interest rates for that month you don't pay in full!) Key word was value =10% I used 60,000 points to go from inside cabin, upgraded to Balcony on a 40 night cruise. The difference in cost between inside and Balcony for 40 nights is/was $6000. As time went on the spread got even larger. Now it is sold out and its still a year away. If I used the points for OBC or cash back that would be $600. I always use the upgrade. I just booked a 15 night Panama cruise, value of inside to Balcony =$2400 Many of my points come from using NCL as they give triple on any of their stuff. Last 21 night cruise gave me 27,000 points just for booking and paying.:) Steve Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now