You Have Saved Me So Much Money

[petesweet]

Thank you to all those who post tips. I am fairly new to these boards, but not to cruising. (This is my third RCCL cruise.) This is the first time I've spent time reading all these posts prior to embarking on our Explorer trip. Here's how you have benefitted me financially:

 

1. I bought 100 shares of RCCL. I e-mailed my broker's statement to RCCL last Thursday night, and today I got confirmation of my $200 onboard credit. (The stock has appreciated $1.20 since I bought it, earning me an additional $120.)

 

2. I applied for an RCCL Visa card for myself and a separate one for my husband, earning me 15,000 (each), or total of $300 onboard credit for the two of us. We may or may not get that in time for this cruise since it is so close; however, it will definitely be used in the future.

 

3. I researched future itineraries and picked two that I like and plan to book them on board to get additional onboard credit. I learned I can use some of this onboard credit toward the cruise deposit. Or if I get our new credit cards in time, that will be an even greater savings, since we get twice as many points for spending on RCCL things.

 

WOW! Thank you, all of you. I never would have thought!!

[kathyemma]

All those obcs!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Kathy

[mom2bcr]

This may be a silly question, but how do you apply for a RCCL visa? Is it on their website or is it a separate site?

[CVU]

Thank you, thank you as well!!!

 

You helped us select our cabin, by showing photos and through comments made.

 

We bought RCCL stock before our first cruise, used a C&A Special coupon for an added discount, then we also got a RCCL price reduction on a cruise as well.

So, we have saved a lot and are very grateful for all that are happy to help inform new cruisers!!:)

[Priusprof]

This may be a silly question, but how do you apply for a RCCL visa? Is it on their website or is it a separate site?

It is integrated right into their site...easy to apply.

[petesweet]

It is integrated right into their site...easy to apply.

 

Be sure to get separate ones for husband and wife. Double the benefit. Read that on one of these boards too.

[crcossel]

I just looked at the stock quote for RCCL and it is $38 per share. So 100 shares is $3800. And for that you got $200 credit. That doesn't look like saving money. Am I only one who sees this?

[RoyalC]

I just looked at the stock quote for RCCL and it is $38 per share. So 100 shares is $3800. And for that you got $200 credit. That doesn't look like saving money. Am I only one who sees this?

 

It depends on the stock price when you eventually sell (vs. what you paid) and what the cost/fee of purchasing and selling the shares is.

[RetireeWannabee]

Don't shareholders get that OBC on each cruise they book?

[rednancy1]

We certainly do. So far we've gotten $1,400.00 OBC from owning the RCI stock on past and future booked cruises. Not too shabby. :)

[Papa1]

What is the symbol for the RCCL stock. I can't seem to find it.

Thanks

[Shanafan]

How much is stock going for today and how many shares do you need in order to qualify for on board credits?

[PhoenixCruiser]

Thank you to all those who post tips. WOW! Thank you, all of you. I never would have thought!!

 

You did EXCELLENT, congratulations :D

 

###

[petesweet]

I just looked at the stock quote for RCCL and it is $38 per share. So 100 shares is $3800. And for that you got $200 credit. That doesn't look like saving money. Am I only one who sees this?

 

The onboard credit is just an added benefit. Yes, we get that for every cruise, so it's possible you might get several hundred dollars in a year's time. (You get smaller credits for shorter cruises and up to $250 for the longest ones--I am getting $200 for a 9-night cruise.)

 

Many stocks you own benefit you as they appreciate in value; some stocks also have dividends. This stock will benefit you as it appreciates in value PLUS the onboard credit (like a dividend). If you have a discount broker like I do (Scottrade), it costs only $7 to buy and sell. Of course, the stock might go down in value; it's a chance you take.

[petesweet]

How much is stock going for today and how many shares do you need in order to qualify for on board credits?

 

Symbol is RCL, and current cost is $38. Unless you need credit immediately, I would bid for a lower price with the stock market as volatile as it is now--maybe $33 or even $30.

[Chicagomom]

We may or may not get that in time for this cruise since it is so close; however, it will definitely be used in the future.

 

 

If you want to use the certificates for this cruise, just call back and ask them to give you the certificate numbers. Then call Crown and Anchor, give them the certificate numbers. They will confirm them with the bank and apply your certificates.

 

I just did this the other night and that is what they told me to do. In fact, the guy at the bank asked if I needed the certificate numbers--I didn't even have to ask him for them.

[aqhacruiser]

I just looked at the stock quote for RCCL and it is $38 per share. So 100 shares is $3800. And for that you got $200 credit. That doesn't look like saving money. Am I only one who sees this?

 

You get OBC for every cruise you take. If you cruise a lot there are few stocks that pay that much in dividends today. Plus RCCL does pay a dividend as well of .15 a share this quarter. Say you put 3800.00 in a CD paying 5% now or less for 1 year. ( rates just dropped today ) Take 3800.00 and buy 100 shares and and cruise 2 times. You get 400.00 OBC which is like cash as you can take it out in the casino as cash if you want plus your dividend checks for the year. That's over 10% you just made on your 3800.00 in a year more if you cruise more than 2 times. That's for a 9 night cruise. So you are earning more money on your money than if you just let it sit in the bank. This is not a plan for everyone but if you cruise RCCL it's really excellent. You can also use it for OBC for Celebrity which RCCL owns. :) If the stock drops, you still get your OBC. Not a bad deal. :)

[petesweet]

If you want to use the certificates for this cruise, just call back and ask them to give you the certificate numbers. Then call Crown and Anchor, give them the certificate numbers. They will confirm them with the bank and apply your certificates.

 

I just did this the other night and that is what they told me to do. In fact, the guy at the bank asked if I needed the certificate numbers--I didn't even have to ask him for them.

 

Chicagomom, are you talking now about RCCL Visa cards? or credit as shareholders? It's the Visa cards I'm not sure if I will get in time. We have been approved, but they said it would take 7-10 days to get the actual cards. They may come after we've left. I would like to use the Visa cards when making my reservation for the next cruise.

[Papa1]

How do I find out about the OBC you get from RCCL if you buy some of their stock. We are planning a cruise in Feb. 08,:) so would we have time to get this done? I have a brokerage account that I get get this purchased tomorrow but then what?:confused: Who or where can I find more about this? We just applied for and was approved for the RCCL Visa so that should help with the OBC. But again how do I get this information to RCCL?????

Help

[petesweet]

This procedure is as easy as it can be. It took me just a week from actual purchase of the stock until I got an e-mail from Crown & Anchor saying the credit had been put on my account for my cruise. Here's what some other kind person provided:

 

________

 

Here is the link for all the details. I think it is a very good deal.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix....eholderbenefit

 

I bought some after I booked a Celebrity cruise and submitted the statement before the cruise and still got the credit. So you don't need to own it before you book.

 

1. Who is eligible for this offer?

Any shareholder holding a minimum of 100 RCL shares at time of sailing.

2. What is the offer?

$250 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 14 or more nights.

$200 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 9 to 13 nights.

$100 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 6 to 8 nights.

$50 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 5 nights or less.

Applicable on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises Sailings. (excludes Celebrity Xpeditions)

 

3. How do I redeem this offer?

Provide your name, address, confirmation number, ship and sailing date along with a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing proof of share ownership in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

Via Mail: RCL Investor Benefit, PO Box 025511, Miami, Florida 33102-5511

Via Fax: 1-305-539-4645

Via Email: shareholderbenefit@rccl.com

 

 

[petesweet]

Sorry - I cut my quoted material short. Here is a continuation of the information on shareholder credit:

 

4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?

The offer is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.

5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?

Yes, you may request this offer multiple times-as often as you sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises (excludes Celebrity Xpedition).

6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?

Yes, this offer is combinable with other offers, onboard credits and coupons. The offer is NOT available to company employees, travel agents, tour conductors and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced-rate cruise fares.

7. Is offer transferrable?

No. Offer is non-transferable. Only the stateroom that the shareholder is traveling in will be eligible for the onboard credit.

8. Are there any restrictions?

Valid only for cruise vacations on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises. Not applicable for Celebrity Xpedition (Galapagos). Offer is non-transferable and not available to company employees, travel agents, inter-line rates, tour conductors, and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced rate cruise fares. Onboard credit is calculated in US Dollars, but is not redeemable for cash. Certificate value credited to onboard account at time of sailing. Credit is applied on a per stateroom basis; double occupancy. Single guests paying 200% of applicable fare shall receive full value of certificate. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.

[petesweet]

(This may end up being a double post, because I just posted it but it's not there.)

 

I cut my quoted material short by mistake. Here is a continuation of the rules for shareholders:

 

4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?

The offer is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.

5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?

Yes, you may request this offer multiple times-as often as you sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises (excludes Celebrity Xpedition).

6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?

Yes, this offer is combinable with other offers, onboard credits and coupons. The offer is NOT available to company employees, travel agents, tour conductors and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced-rate cruise fares.

7. Is offer transferrable?

No. Offer is non-transferable. Only the stateroom that the shareholder is traveling in will be eligible for the onboard credit.

8. Are there any restrictions?

Valid only for cruise vacations on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises. Not applicable for Celebrity Xpedition (Galapagos). Offer is non-transferable and not available to company employees, travel agents, inter-line rates, tour conductors, and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced rate cruise fares. Onboard credit is calculated in US Dollars, but is not redeemable for cash. Certificate value credited to onboard account at time of sailing. Credit is applied on a per stateroom basis; double occupancy. Single guests paying 200% of applicable fare shall receive full value of certificate. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.

[ReyRey]

Hey this is pretty neat didnt know about the stock thing. Looks like I know what to invest in now

[Chicagomom]

Chicagomom, are you talking now about RCCL Visa cards? or credit as shareholders? It's the Visa cards I'm not sure if I will get in time. We have been approved, but they said it would take 7-10 days to get the actual cards. They may come after we've left. I would like to use the Visa cards when making my reservation for the next cruise.

 

I thought you already had the VISA cards and were waiting for certificates you had requested. Sorry.

[petesweet]

Hey this is pretty neat didnt know about the stock thing. Looks like I know what to invest in now

 

Just my opinion, but I would hold off a bit unless you need it soon. The price will no doubt go down a little. Then buy your 100 shares. It doesn't take long to do the entire transaction. Less than a week for me (with an online broker). Again, just my opinion. I'm no expert.