Benefit/Offer Combination Chart

[FL_Cruiser64]

 

Why does having a Future Cruise Credit allow one to use all the above????

 

Remember the FCC is the Future Cruise Credit as some have explained in this thread: onboard credit you receive when complaining. The Letter of Credit and FCC are handled alike.

 

It is not the onboard credit you get when booking a specific cruise while on a cruise. The LA's call that FutureCruise and is listed as FC in the chart and has the same restrictions as the NC.

 

I am following your chart just fine. Great work!!

 

My question is; Was the info filled in by a reliable source at RCI? Can we truly count on this information to be fact? I'm not trying to be difficult, just wondering how do we know this information is no different than the 'rumors' on other threads?

 

 

 

Extremely reliable.

 

One possibility for the LOC is if you purchase Royal's travel insurance (Cruise Care?) and cancel for a reason that is NOT covered by the full refund provisions. Royal insurance will credit you up to 75% of your cruise fare for a future cruise to be taken within a year. I believe they issue a LOC in this situation.

 

Ahhhh. Thanks. I knew there is use for an LOC somewhere. LOL.

 

As a thank you for that explanation I will leave the Navigator in good shape for you. :D;)

[Mary loves to travel]

Thanks for putting this together. It really helps explain a lot of conversations / questions in one nice place.

 

I'd prefer to just know up front what can be combined or not, because I notice that if I try to combine something, then get told no (after I've sort of started counting on it in my mind), it's more upsetting than just knowing up front. So, for me, knowing up front is easier.

 

I do tend to agree with the loss of revenue from folks bringing their own sodas, etc on board -- hope I don't get flamed for this!

 

Cheers,

Mary

[Clarea]

Ahhhh. Thanks. I knew there is use for an LOC somewhere. LOL.

As a thank you for that explanation I will leave the Navigator in good shape for you. :D;)

Thank-you for making the chart. Depressing, but still a very clear way to depict the situation.

[ClipperMiami]

Great chart, thanks. I think its a bad business decision but its their company they get to make the decisions. Seems like they are foregoing those nice interest-free loans generated by the onboard booking deposit.

 

As a shareholder and Platinum C&A there isn't much sense in making an onboard future cruise booking. From my perspective I might as well book at my convenience and keep my deposit money that much longer.

 

But it was nice while it lasted :-)

[ChevyCruiser]

Great chart, thanks. I think its a bad business decision but its their company they get to make the decisions. Seems like they are foregoing those nice interest-free loans generated by the onboard booking deposit.

 

As a shareholder and Platinum C&A there isn't much sense in making an onboard future cruise booking. From my perspective I might as well book at my convenience and keep my deposit money that much longer.

 

But it was nice while it lasted :-)

 

I agree.

 

One has to wonder why RCCL is so intent on driving away their most loyal customers.

[phantom728]

Thank you for the chart. We are now Plat members, so some of these changes stink, but business is business and ultimately that's what RCCL is.

 

I will say that the only time I can see a FC/NC being beneficial is if we don't care about booking a balcony room on a particular cruise, which we don't normally book anyway because of cost. Then we could use the OBC instead.

 

Going on Dec for a mini-cruise. Will be booking our cruise for 2010 and utilizing our last FC/Plat balcony combo discounts.

[moandbo]

Thank you for putting the chart together. Looks like there's no point in booking NextCruise any more. As another poster said, it was nice while it lasted.

 

I have a question specifec to our situation that someone may be able to help with. We booked a cruise for Oct 09 with a NextCruise. Last week I emailed for the stockholder benefit and got that confirmation - so far so good. Here's the twist: we will become platinum on our upcoming cruise (12/28/08 thru 1/4/09). Since the Oct 09 cruise was booked before 12/31/08, can we get our platinum balcony discount applied after we retun since the cruise was booked before the cutoff, or will that not be applicable since we weren't platinum when the cruise was booked? Chicken or the egg situation, sort of. Any ideas? No big deal since the rates in October are so good, but if it's applicable, I'll apply it! Thanks.

[jmraggs]

b) onboard spending is down, people walk away with cash backs on a $200 OBC after a 7 Night cruise, bring their own soda on board, share soda cards, smuggle alcohol etc

 

Ok, first I am not trying to flame you since you are not the first person to mention that people aren't spending as much, but this is what RCL posted to the SEC quarter ended September 30. This is from the RCL consolidated statement of operations:

 

Onboard and other revenues for 2008 is $565,168,000

Onboard and other revenues for 2007 is $530,413,000

 

Giving an increase of $34,755,000

[FL_Cruiser64]

Ok, first I am not trying to flame you since you are not the first person to mention that people aren't spending as much, but this is what RCL posted to the SEC quarter ended September 30. This is from the RCL consolidated statement of operations:

 

Onboard and other revenues for 2008 is $565,168,000

Onboard and other revenues for 2007 is $530,413,000

 

Giving an increase of $34,755,000

 

This is RCCL not RCI. Pullmantur and Azamara are highly profitable ventures and I am assuming that Celebrity is as well profitable when it comes to onboard revenue.

 

The issue is RCI which is not listed individually.

 

Thank you for putting the chart together. Looks like there's no point in booking NextCruise any more. As another poster said, it was nice while it lasted.

 

 

I will say that the only time I can see a FC/NC being beneficial is if we don't care about booking a balcony room on a particular cruise, which we don't normally book anyway because of cost. Then we could use the OBC instead.

 

Going on Dec for a mini-cruise. Will be booking our cruise for 2010 and utilizing our last FC/Plat balcony combo discounts.

I still hold 4 NCs and will wait until I have friends and family cruising with us. I will then use the coupons for them.

 

Phantom: do not forget to join our roll call for December 11.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=840824

[firefly333]

No Next Cruise and Balcony and Stock. Wishing I hadnt bought the stock that is down. Good time to cut off stock holder benefits when we are down and losing money. Ouch!!!

[traveler/]

Thank you for putting the chart together. Looks like there's no point in booking NextCruise any more. As another poster said, it was nice while it lasted.

 

I have a question specifec to our situation that someone may be able to help with. We booked a cruise for Oct 09 with a NextCruise. Last week I emailed for the stockholder benefit and got that confirmation - so far so good. Here's the twist: we will become platinum on our upcoming cruise (12/28/08 thru 1/4/09). Since the Oct 09 cruise was booked before 12/31/08, can we get our platinum balcony discount applied after we retun since the cruise was booked before the cutoff, or will that not be applicable since we weren't platinum when the cruise was booked? Chicken or the egg situation, sort of. Any ideas? No big deal since the rates in October are so good, but if it's applicable, I'll apply it! Thanks.

Yes, I think you should get the platinum discount because you booked an actual cruise prior to the 12/31/08 cut off date for combining. I don't think you have to be paid in full according to the current rules. Make sure to call C & A AFTER you return from the 12/28 cruise and ask to have it applied. Request an email of your booking invoice, you'll see it there if they apply it.

[jmraggs]

This is RCCL not RCI. Pullmantur and Azamara are highly profitable ventures and I am assuming that Celebrity is as well profitable when it comes to onboard revenue.

 

The issue is RCI which is not listed individually.

 

 

 

So if it's not listed individually, then how do you know onboard purchases are down?

[moandbo]

Yes, I think you should get the platinum discount because you booked an actual cruise prior to the 12/31/08 cut off date for combining. I don't think you have to be paid in full according to the current rules. Make sure to call C & A AFTER you return from the 12/28 cruise and ask to have it applied. Request an email of your booking invoice, you'll see it there if they apply it.

 

That's what I was thinking. It seems like the rule for combining is based on when you actually booked the cruise, which we've already done. I'll give them a few weeks to upgrade our status after the December cruise, then give them a call around the end of January to see if we can get the balcony discount applied. Can't hurt to ask!

[shipknotshore]

Thanks for the chart...and answering everyones questions about it.

 

We made a couple of Next Cruise bookings just last month to hold until we make up our minds on dates, ship, etc. It now apprears that in order to receive the Next Cruise credit of $100.00 AND get our diamond balcony discount I now must make my decision and book by 12/31/08. Looks like I've got some planning to do.

 

I'm also assuming that whatever I book I must keep in order to 'save' these benefits....by changing the booking down the road I'd most likely lose one or the other.

[woody73]

The chart is helpful, thanks.

 

Woody

[justfriends340]

Thanks for the chart... it is depressing but very helpful! I'm a solo cruiser who just made diamond, and was hoping to use the NC credit and balcony discount to justify finally having a balcony versus PR on my next crusie. Been looking at upcoming sailings, my C&A coupons, and the diamond discount to come up with a good deal; Aw well :(

 

Can the allowed discounts/coupons/credits be used for the Tuesday Happy Hour Sales?

[land lover]

Remember the FCC is the Future Cruise Credit as some have explained in this thread: onboard credit you receive when complaining. The Letter of Credit and FCC are handled alike.

 

It is not the onboard credit you get when booking a specific cruise while on a cruise. The LA's call that FutureCruise and is listed as FC in the chart and has the same restrictions as the NC.

 

 

 

Extremely reliable.

 

 

 

Ahhhh. Thanks. I knew there is use for an LOC somewhere. LOL.

 

As a thank you for that explanation I will leave the Navigator in good shape for you. :D;)

 

 

I would confirm with your contact re: LOC...Letter of Credit...my GF has one and it is for OBC due to a problem on board.............I thought FCC was money off on a future cruise, not OBC to be used on the cruise.

 

 

Again thanks for the chart I feel it was clear.

[FL_Cruiser64]

So if it's not listed individually, then how do you know onboard purchases are down?

 

 

Through talking to people. I seek information at the right places. It can be as small as innocent as striking up a conversation with the Casino manager or chatting with the hotel director or wait staff.

 

I observe and see the change throughout the years how empty some of the bars are these days only to be full when there is a trivia for free stuff.

 

If you understand business, you understand a lot by observing and can project even more by conversing with people.

 

Just look at this very board and how many people are proud when they cash out $50 of $200 OBC on a 7 Night cruise and how many share soda cards. Heck I have seen people sitting in the Schooner bar with 3 or 4 straws in a soda mug or people with a soda card order a soda, pour it into another cup and order another spoda from a different waiter.

 

There is no way that RCI is making a substantial amount of onboard revenue.

 

Plus, the changes come in the middle of a credit crunch. This is a problem only people in business understand. You borrow money for your immediate expenses against short-term future income to keep your cash flow going. It is usually a short term loan or an increase in the credit line. It is common business practice. Most payroll is paid like that or short notice supplies. When this dries up and those loans or line increases are not there anymore a business is forced to use 'cash' thus reducing cash flow.

 

RCI's new implementation of changes to the benefit program strictly affects cash flow - money in the bank. If cash flow is low you have to implement ways of increasing cash flow otherwise you run out of cash and you can not buy expenses such as fuel in the Caribbean which you have to pay upon delivery or prepaid. Cash is also being used if they run out of certain supplies because of unusual increased demand.

 

This all tells me that onboard revenue is a problem or at least becomes a huge problem.

 

I would confirm with your contact re: LOC...Letter of Credit...my GF has one and it is for OBC due to a problem on board.............I thought FCC was money off on a future cruise, not OBC to be used on the cruise.

 

 

Again thanks for the chart I feel it was clear.

 

I think it was made clear in this thread by others what the FCC and LOC stand for. Both are similar. Initially I thought about FCC the same way as you did but it was made clear by my contact that FCC and LOS while having the same effect are different.

 

I must speculate now and hope that people chip in but I could see an LOC as what it is: a letter confirming onboard credit or a discount on a future cruise and maybe an FCC more in a coupon style you just submit.

 

I never had the need, in all my cruises, to complain and ask for OBC. So this is new territory for me.

 

But I think I will change the chart today to NC/FC and FCC/LOC instead of leaving them on separate lines and columns it may make it easier.

 

EDIT: I quickly change the sheet. It is more compact and the explanation may be easier now.

 

Ready for download here: http://southern-florida.net/stuff/Benefit_Combination_Chart.pdf

[land lover]

OP Just to remind you some of us do pay for our excursions and specialty restaurants upfront...I did receive 700 back on my last cruise but I had pre-paid close to 1000...

[land lover]

just submit.

 

I never had the need, in all my cruises, to complain and ask for OBC. So this is new territory for me.

 

But I think I will change the chart today to NC/FC and FCC/LOC instead of leaving them on separate lines and columns it may make it easier

 

Probably a wise idea I will go back and read what others have posted on this thread about FCC/LOC.......

 

Thanks

[FL_Cruiser64]

OP Just to remind you some of us do pay for our excursions and specialty restaurants upfront...I did receive 700 back on my last cruise but I had pre-paid close to 1000...

 

That is a very valid argument. Like I said for me this is new territory. Hope I didn't offend you. Let me change the chart again. :p;)

 

EDIT: done

[land lover]

That is a very valid argument. Like I said for me this is new territory. Hope I didn't offend you. Lemme change the chart again. :p;)

 

You certainly didn't offend me I appreciate many of your informative posts that I have read...but then the others:rolleyes:;)

 

This is one thing that sets RCI apart from Princess, the other mass market line that I have cruised the most days on......they let you reserve your excursions but you pay for them with your ship board acct once on board.

 

Also with their future cruise bookings you purchase them on board for 100 and when you decide to use one your deposit is only 100 dollars a person and you will get your OBC. Unlike RCI who just deducts 100 from the deposit due.

 

So I might save more with misc. discounts with RCI put they have more of my money up front than other lines.

 

I am just waiting for when they and other cruise lines say our deposits are non-refundable.

That is what I think is the best benefit of all, I can reserve a cruise 2 years out and still get a complete refund....before final payment. All my other vacations once I commit I am already out 2 or 300 dollars.

[land lover]

New chart looks great.............thanks

[cruiseinfoseeker]

So many of these threads about the combinability of benefits....

 

I didn't know which was the most appropriate to post my comment.

 

After an April Cruise I will be Platinum. Any cruise I book after that I will be able to use the balcony disc. So at the time I went on the Freedom (10/12/08) this reworking by RCCL was going on. At that time no NextCruise and Balcony disc. So I didn't purchase the next cruise on board. Then low and behold---policy changed, or rather extending until the end of year. It just fires me up that they change the policy and/or are so inconsistent and this directly affected my bottom line.:mad:

 

Just seems to stive to get to a level and they change the full benefit of that OR NOT depending on which way the wind blows.

 

It isn't even "loyalty." I really don't expect their loyalty. I want consistency in their product AND consistency in the benefit program of their product. Its a trust thing here. I plan to have $XX dollars OBC for such-and-such cruise based on the policy in effect at the time of booking and if that can change at their leisure, then I am not feeling confident in their product.

Example: I will turn Platinum or Diamond on such-and-such a cruise and booked ones for after that dated (with the future discounts "budgeted" in) at the time of booking the combinabilty was not a problem but by the time I qualify for the disc. it will be.:mad:

[spiritkat090909]

Ok...I've got it.

 

No sense booking a NC while onboard.

 

Sell RCI stock if it ever goes back up.

 

Go back to Princess if they ever return to Galveston.

 

Thanks for the easy explanations! Now, I can make an educated decision on things for my sailing future.