Don't let RCI cheat you of your fuel supplement refund as OBC!!

[39august]

Shelli - Yes, that was my situation. And that is exactly what they originally tried to tell me. They also claimed that "next cruise" was not a reservation until the ship and date were chosen. That's when I knew that I was going to win the argument, as the term in the press release was NOT "reservation" but "booking". I had printed the original press release for just this purpose, as I thought I might need to read their own words back to them. And to others, you can only access your payments, credits, etc. if you booked thru' RCI. When you move your booking to a travel agent you can no longer access your account. Perhaps anyone interested could do a search and find the original press release as it was posted on these boards.

[CMurph]

When you move your booking to a travel agent you can no longer access your account. Perhaps anyone interested could do a search and find the original press release as it was posted on these boards.

 

Not entirely correct. I guess it depends on your TA. I can go online with my TA & view my account.

[Shelli]

Shelli - Yes, that was my situation. And that is exactly what they originally tried to tell me. They also claimed that "next cruise" was not a reservation until the ship and date were chosen. That's when I knew that I was going to win the argument, as the term in the press release was NOT "reservation" but "booking". I had printed the original press release for just this purpose, as I thought I might need to read their own words back to them. And to others, you can only access your payments, credits, etc. if you booked thru' RCI. When you move your booking to a travel agent you can no longer access your account. Perhaps anyone interested could do a search and find the original press release as it was posted on these boards.

 

A link to the press release is on the front page of RCCL's web site:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ourCompany/pressCenter/pressReleases/info.do?prDate=03-10-2008&prCode=A

 

Based on the same logic you used, I sent an email to customer service (replying to the one they'd sent me saying I still have to pay the surcharge) earlier this afternoon. I'll post again when I receive a reply. Here's my email:

 

"According to the press release issued by Royal Caribbean on March 10, 2008, 'Royal Caribbean will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to November 16.'

 

If my Next Cruise booking, made in October, did not qualify as a "booking" per that wording, why then would I have received a booking number??

 

I know that some passengers have, indeed, received credit for their fuel supplement payment, in spite of the fact that their Next Cruise was not converted until after November. If you do it for some, should you not do it for all? Or, at least all who request it!"

[Buffettfan 225]

OK- Adventure of Seas experience last week and OBC.

I made a reservation with a private TA.

She could not give me a discount but able to give OBC, we also qualified for OBC fuel credit having booked in July 07, cruise paid Jan 08.

 

Once on board- Sun nothing first day on account. By Mon night after midnight the cruise OBC appeared and so did the fuel surcharge refund. We now on our in cabin TV account info showed ($320) meaning a credit. How to get money back? One can go to guest relations and ask for cash I think. However we tried an experiment of signing in casino for say $100 to sign and sail and got chips for blackjack play, played a bit, then cashed in chips at casino cashier window (no fee for doing this). Later in cruise we had a prepaid excursion cancelled due to lack of partipation (golf) and OBC now of another $205. I disagreed with this as we paid using a credit card ahead of time. OK- back to casino again but more chips please... play and cash out. We made sure we had a slight negative balance by end of cruise. No problems, never had to go to guest relations desks as we had a credit card on file.

I think those using debit cards are the ones having the trouble at end of cruise.

[want2seaitall]

We were on the same sailing as you on SOS..I had 2 cabins..a double and a single..we received our OBc of $60 no problems..I went to the desk Thursday am and asked for a copy of my bill and I had the fuel OBC and the OBC for the 2 rooms for booking while we were on another cruise.

 

Funny some reservations have no problems while others see m to go astray! Gotta wonder who's in charge huh???

 

Did you see the LONG line trying to settle up accounts on Friday Am? YIKES! I can't figure out if RCI lets people charge stuff when they are using cash more than what they have put on the account or what..you'd think once you reach the amount you've put down they would not let you charge anymore!

The people in front of us in line had an outstanding balance and when they put their sea passes into to get off the ship a red light came on and they were not allowed to leave..had to go stand in that long line at guest services!

 

Hey cruise1234! I was annoyed more than anything. The last thing I wanted to be doing is hanging out at the Purser's desk. And, unfortunately I was there quite a bit. Everytime I went, I got a different answer.

 

Yes I did see the llllooooonnnnggg line. Actually, I was so tired when we left the ship...I accidentally got in it. When it wasn't moving, my husband decided to ask the people in front of us if they were disembarking and they said no...they were in line to settle their Sea Pass account. The man in front of us...got the dreaded flashing red screen and the RRRRRRRRRRR instead of the happy BING when his Sea pass was put in the machine. I'd never seen that before...yikes.

[melsdt]

I'd read on here a couple of weeks ago that someone who'd booked their cruise via "Next Cruise" before the deadline got the refund as an OBC, so I wrote to C&A and asked about it. We booked a Next Cruise in October, but didn't transfer it to a real booking until January.

 

The answer I got back from C&A said "Guests who have booked a Next Cruise prior to November 16, 2007 but did not convert their sailing to a ship and sail date until after the November date will be charged the fuel supplement at the time of the booking conversion. We apologize for any disappointment this answer may cause."

 

OP: are you saying that these were also your circumstances, but they gave you the credit anyway?

 

I would like to know the same. I booked Nextcruise last June, but didn't transfer to real cruise until a few weeks ago, and was told I must pay fuel charge, but I have read otherwise on these boards.

[melsdt]

A link to the press release is on the front page of RCCL's web site:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ourCompany/pressCenter/pressReleases/info.do?prDate=03-10-2008&prCode=A

 

Based on the same logic you used, I sent an email to customer service (replying to the one they'd sent me saying I still have to pay the surcharge) earlier this afternoon. I'll post again when I receive a reply. Here's my email:

 

"According to the press release issued by Royal Caribbean on March 10, 2008, 'Royal Caribbean will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to November 16.'

 

If my Next Cruise booking, made in October, did not qualify as a "booking" per that wording, why then would I have received a booking number??

 

I know that some passengers have, indeed, received credit for their fuel supplement payment, in spite of the fact that their Next Cruise was not converted until after November. If you do it for some, should you not do it for all? Or, at least all who request it!"

 

Please let us know how they respond!

[cruz1234]

Hey cruise1234! I was annoyed more than anything. The last thing I wanted to be doing is hanging out at the Purser's desk. And, unfortunately I was there quite a bit. Everytime I went, I got a different answer.

 

Yes I did see the llllooooonnnnggg line. Actually, I was so tired when we left the ship...I accidentally got in it. When it wasn't moving, my husband decided to ask the people in front of us if they were disembarking and they said no...they were in line to settle their Sea Pass account. The man in front of us...got the dreaded flashing red screen and the RRRRRRRRRRR instead of the happy BING when his Sea pass was put in the machine. I'd never seen that before...yikes.

 

 

Well other than that I hope your vacation was good..ours was! We had 2 teens with us who had a great time..met lots of other kids..always seems to be their main objective.

 

Coco cay was a nice relaxing day for us..just able to hang out on the beach :)

 

We thought the weather was perfect..we hung out at Atlantis for the day and really enjoyed that too..we had done a land vacation there about 18 months ago so it was fun to try the new water slides and see the new part.

The girls met some kids and hung out in the pools with them..actually ran into some friends from home who were staying at Atlantis! Small world!

 

Sea Day was nice and relaxing..I only wish we had 1 more day! I say that every time..whether its 4, 5 or 7 days! LOL..Next time we're going to try a 10 or 12 day and see if it leaves us wanting more :eek:

 

We thought the dining room selections were quite good..we all found things we liked and were happy with our choices..I missed having shrimp but maybe they had it the day at Nassau..we missed dinner that night cuz we were still at Atlantis..the Chix Marsala and shrimp are 2 of my favorites..but missed them both :(

 

We were a bit disappointed that there was only 1 RC singer and dancer production..the comedians are funny but would rather have had another production show.

 

And we were disappointed that they have done away with the Chocolate Buffet! Although we really didn't eat it we loved to go look!

[want2seaitall]

Well other than that I hope your vacation was good..ours was! We had 2 teens with us who had a great time..met lots of other kids..always seems to be their main objective.

 

Coco cay was a nice relaxing day for us..just able to hang out on the beach :)

 

We thought the weather was perfect..we hung out at Atlantis for the day and really enjoyed that too..we had done a land vacation there about 18 months ago so it was fun to try the new water slides and see the new part.

The girls met some kids and hung out in the pools with them..actually ran into some friends from home who were staying at Atlantis! Small world!

 

Sea Day was nice and relaxing..I only wish we had 1 more day! I say that every time..whether its 4, 5 or 7 days! LOL..Next time we're going to try a 10 or 12 day and see if it leaves us wanting more :eek:

 

We thought the dining room selections were quite good..we all found things we liked and were happy with our choices..I missed having shrimp but maybe they had it the day at Nassau..we missed dinner that night cuz we were still at Atlantis..the Chix Marsala and shrimp are 2 of my favorites..but missed them both :(

 

We were a bit disappointed that there was only 1 RC singer and dancer production..the comedians are funny but would rather have had another production show.

 

And we were disappointed that they have done away with the Chocolate Buffet! Although we really didn't eat it we loved to go look!

 

We did have a great time. I think you have to try hard not to have a good time on any cruise. But, as said earlier...it was probably our least favorite of all our cruises. We also ran into people we knew...we had no idea the other family was booked on our cruise. My husband is a firefighter and the secretary at headquarters was there with her family. Our kids are the same age...so that was nice. We had common acquaintances with our table mates. I'm pretty sure my husband had shrimp one night...I can't remember if it was while in port at Nassau...must have been. We paid the $15 day pass for the Wyndham/Sheratan. $1 bus ride back/forth. It was awsome. 10-12 day...lucky you!!! My next is a 4 night again. It is getting harder for us to cruise as a family with my oldest in college. He missed this last one. So our cruise in Dec is catering to his schedule. And the shows...you and I are opposites. We don't go to the productions...more comedians/jugglers etc. Love them! We went to karaoke on the last night instead of the production. It was a hoot! Did you go to the Love and Marriage game??? OMG Bert was a hoot!

 

Enjoy your next cruise!

[puggal]

Now - look down on the page and under Purchased & held cruises you should see a reservation number. Click on it. That will bring you to the page with all of the details of your cruise.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

OK I've clicked on my reservation numbers and looked at the page that says Countdown to Cruise. The only headings are:

Overview

Messages

Cruise Enhancements

Cruise Documents

Cruise Details

Tips & Reminders

 

I've clicked on all those tabs and still don't see anything about payments or OBC. I paid in full back in February for the June cruise. I've not received a credit on my cc. Sorry I can't see what you see but anymore help would be appreciated.

[cruz1234]

We did have a great time. I think you have to try hard not to have a good time on any cruise. But, as said earlier...it was probably our least favorite of all our cruises. We also ran into people we knew...we had no idea the other family was booked on our cruise. My husband is a firefighter and the secretary at headquarters was there with her family. Our kids are the same age...so that was nice. We had common acquaintances with our table mates. I'm pretty sure my husband had shrimp one night...I can't remember if it was while in port at Nassau...must have been. We paid the $15 day pass for the Wyndham/Sheratan. $1 bus ride back/forth. It was awsome. 10-12 day...lucky you!!! My next is a 4 night again. It is getting harder for us to cruise as a family with my oldest in college. He missed this last one. So our cruise in Dec is catering to his schedule. And the shows...you and I are opposites. We don't go to the productions...more comedians/jugglers etc. Love them! We went to karaoke on the last night instead of the production. It was a hoot! Did you go to the Love and Marriage game??? OMG Bert was a hoot!

 

Enjoy your next cruise!

 

We did not see the Love & Marriage show live..but we did catch it on TV..yes he was a HOOT..so was his wife!

 

I know what you mean about time constraints..our DH is in HS so we are limited to school breaks and summer..last summer we did the Western Med cruise out of BCN..it was 7 days..we did 1 night prior to in BCN and 3 nights after in London..the 7 days was not long enough..we are going to do the Eastern Med next time and going to go for 10 days at least..plus add a few up front..too tired to enjoy the days at the end.

 

We went to Karaoke the first night I think..there were a couple of girls who were so annoying it really ruined it for some of the singers..but it was pretty good overall..

 

We like going to Quest but with it being the last night we just didn't make it this trip...and we like to try to go to name that Tune and Trivia but the times just didn't mesh for us this trip..so now we have alot to look forward to on our next one :D

[MoreCruisesNow]

This entire thread demonstrates again (as if there were ever any doubt!) that there are more parts of horses around than there are horses.

[Bellatrix]

OK I've clicked on my reservation numbers and looked at the page that says Countdown to Cruise. The only headings are:

Overview

Messages

Cruise Enhancements

Cruise Documents

Cruise Details

Tips & Reminders

 

I've clicked on all those tabs and still don't see anything about payments or OBC. I paid in full back in February for the June cruise. I've not received a credit on my cc. Sorry I can't see what you see but anymore help would be appreciated.

It's ok, I don't see anything about payment on mine either. I see exactly the same things. I booked through costco, I dont know why it doesn't show the payment stuff???

[jaxcrsr]

It's ok, I don't see anything about payment on mine either. I see exactly the same things. I booked through costco, I dont know why it doesn't show the payment stuff???

Same with me. I also booked with Costco.

 

Patty

[Snorkel2Much]

A link to the press release is on the front page of RCCL's web site:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ourCompany/pressCenter/pressReleases/info.do?prDate=03-10-2008&prCode=A

 

Based on the same logic you used, I sent an email to customer service (replying to the one they'd sent me saying I still have to pay the surcharge) earlier this afternoon. I'll post again when I receive a reply. Here's my email:

 

"According to the press release issued by Royal Caribbean on March 10, 2008, 'Royal Caribbean will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to November 16.'

 

If my Next Cruise booking, made in October, did not qualify as a "booking" per that wording, why then would I have received a booking number??

 

I know that some passengers have, indeed, received credit for their fuel supplement payment, in spite of the fact that their Next Cruise was not converted until after November. If you do it for some, should you not do it for all? Or, at least all who request it!"

If you want to read the actual agreement between Royal Caribbean & the Florida Attorney General, try this (Read Section #4): LINK

[Kesaelcele's gramma]

I'd read on here a couple of weeks ago that someone who'd booked their cruise via "Next Cruise" before the deadline got the refund as an OBC, so I wrote to C&A and asked about it. We booked a Next Cruise in October, but didn't transfer it to a real booking until January.

 

The answer I got back from C&A said "Guests who have booked a Next Cruise prior to November 16, 2007 but did not convert their sailing to a ship and sail date until after the November date will be charged the fuel supplement at the time of the booking conversion. We apologize for any disappointment this answer may cause."

 

OP: are you saying that these were also your circumstances, but they gave you the credit anyway?

 

We booked a "Next Cruise" on our November Navigator TA, and I have been told THREE times that I am eligible to have the fuel surcharge removed (we booked the NC on November 10, 2007) but it won't be done til probably just before final payment.

 

If you look at your reservation online, it should list the booking date as the date you bought the NC option (mine does- even though I didn't choose the actual cruise til December.) I WOULD have done it onboard, ut the ship was SWAMPED with people trying to book cruises. The LA just handed me the form and almost BEGGED me to fill it out, rather than trying to get an appointment to do it onboard! I didn't find out about the fuel supplement until after we got home!

 

Everytime I call C&A I ask about the fuel supplement charge, and everytime I am told that I am eligible for it's removal, but they are working with "sooner" cruises first (mine aren't til November and January respectively).

I have had them mark my file each time I've asked, and they keep assuring me it will be taken care of by final payment.

 

Ask to talk to a supervisor if you can't get anywhere with the C&A reps.

[Kesaelcele's gramma]

It's ok, I don't see anything about payment on mine either. I see exactly the same things. I booked through costco, I dont know why it doesn't show the payment stuff???

 

If you booked through a Travel Agent, only they can access you reservation. You might be able to see it under "purchased cruises" on the website, but you aren't able to "do" anything with it (make payments, etc.) That's probably why you can't see the payment stuff!

[Shelli]

If you look at your reservation online' date=' it should list the booking date as the date you bought the NC option (mine does- even though I didn't choose the actual cruise til December.)[/quote']

 

Since I used a TA, my booking date isn't listed at all. At least, I assume that's why it isn't listed.

 

I wrote again to C&A on 4/13; they have not yet answered. It's frustrating!

[traveler/]

Since I used a TA, my booking date isn't listed at all. At least, I assume that's why it isn't listed.

 

I wrote again to C&A on 4/13; they have not yet answered. It's frustrating!

I always get a Booked Confirmation Invoice from RCL after I make my actual booking from a nextcruise booking. That shows OBC's etc. Any changes, I get a new invoice with a new version number. After my TA gets the reservation, she also forwards me the same invoice.

On My Cruises, you can click where it says don't see your reservation?, enter the Number, your name, ship name, sail date, etc. and it should show up.

[guidinglight]

Does anyone know if the fuel surcharge is itemized separately on the invoice? We booked on Oct. 15 for LOS on July 12, and when I look at my account on RCI's website, it states, on the side, that the surcharge was applied. My balance is due in a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd call RCI to be have it credited before I pay, rather than have to fight for the refund. The agent said that it had never been applied to begin with, and that the website "just says" that it's been charged. She says it's not shown on the invoice, but I wanted to check with any of you who may know. Is it shown separately, or might it be included in "taxes and fees"? Thanks so much!

[booze brothers]

We just received our RCL Visa statement and we were credited for two cruises.

[Tralynn222]

Would like to hear of anyone's recent experiences with this issue.

[CHAMPDDS]

I just emailed C&A yesterday, with the copy of the press releases pasted in the email. We booked NEXTCRUISE October 15th, 2007, (Prior to the beginning of the fee) and finalized our plans, by picking a specific cruise, just last week. I requested the fuel supplement charge be removed due to the wording of the charge..

 

I'll let you all know what I find out...

 

David:D

[floatel_lvr]

Hi Bellatrix...did you ever set up an account with RCI on their website? You just pick a user name and password...your information and then you can attach a cruise to your account with your booking number etc. Then it will give you the opportunity to view your payments page and some other neat features.

 

I have an account and don't see a "payments page" anywhere? Where would that be located?

Thanks,

RA

[suziehmkr]

I think I can help clarify something on the Nextcruise bookings that seems to be causing the confusion. I was involved with the original filing to the Attorney General's office and this has been hashed out several times - the wording and the basis for our original claim.

 

The key to the wording on the pricing guarantee is "fully deposited bookings". When you purchase a Nextcruise, you are getting a booking number, but your reservation is not considered "fully deposited" until you finalize your booking by picking a ship & date and placing the remaining amount due on your deposit. Just because you put $100 on a future booking does not give you any guarantees on pricing or contracts. Your booking is not fully deposited at that point.

 

I originally booked my Nextcruise when they first came out while onboard Liberty in May 2007. Shortly thereafter, I put that Nextcruise with a ship & date (prior to the November 2007 deadline for credit) - this booking would have been eligible for the credit IF I had remained on that ship & date. If I had booked it in December 2007, it would NOT have been eligible for the credit because the booking wouldn't have been fully deposited until after the deadline.

 

The other thing you have to be careful of is moving your booking. Even though the NC was booked in May and then fully deposited in June (prior to the deadline) - I have since moved to a different ship twice... each time, the prevailing fuel surcharge has applied. No complaints - that is the way it should be.

 

Anyone that DOES get the refund even if they didn't put a date & ship on the NC until after the deadline should be grateful and leave it at that. The credit was not due to them.

 

You won't find the wording in the press release. It is found in the original contract prior to Nov. 16... where the words "fully deposited" are found.