Beginning 1/1/09, Shareholder OBC will be combinable with............

[setsail]

I just love reading threads like these.12 pages of who is or isn't getting a deal.

I like getting discounts like anyone else but nowhere does it say the shareholder credit is forever or is supposed to be used with other credits.

If you bought your stock for shareholder credit and not that it was or wasn't a good company then you take your chances. The stock is way down and you might not get a credit,oh well.

Want to avoid all this 12 pages of what ifs,buy RCCL's corporate bonds.Just keeps paying even if you don't cruise,and the interest can be used for anything,even with other OBC or to pay for whole cruises and you won't have to run it by somebody to see if it is ok.

Nice at 7.25% if it has not all been bought up. Helps Rccl build these nice new ships that all you guys like to sail on also.

[uksimonusa]

When all is said and done. I am under the opinion that RCL is doing a wonderful job of shooting itself in the foot.

With the cruise market more competative these days (and in 2009) it seems to me that RCL would be doing everything possible to keep its' loyal following and try to attract new customers with better markedting and (more Importantly) through word of mouth from its' current base.

I look at it this way. If RCL wants to take away the "benefits" of booking a cruise on board a ship combined with D/P/P++ and the stockholder benifit, then they are telling me to goout in the market and find better deal with other cruise lines.

 

I mean, what is the advantage to booking online if you are already a platnum or diamond member if you can't get some sort of deal?

Scott

 

Totally agree, have only sailed RCI, well my DW did a Carnival before we met, and am happy with my choice, we will make D+ this year. I know it's only $100 for the average 7 night cruise, and really in the whole scheme of things $100 is not a lot of money, HOWEVER, to have a shareholder "Benefit" that doesn't benefit the shareholder that utilizes the line regularly, seems to be a total waste of time.

 

I think I know why it happened, the stock dropped to a low of $6.00 and a lot of people spent the $600 needed to buy 100 shares to qualify for the benefit. This probably resulted in a major amount of OBC being given out.

 

We have a friend who is a guest entertainer on RCI, and we try and sail with him on each of his contracts, we do however also sail without him and for these sailings we will start looking at other lines, maybe saving some money in the proccess and, who knows, find a line we enjoy better than RCI:(

[uksimonusa]

Hey there Simon..............unfortunately your email is more accurate than mine.:(

 

I received mine on 12/18 and on 12/23 somebody else got an email that was in direct contrast to mine.

 

I will tell you, if you haven't read all of this thread, that there are more changes that are going to happen sometime in 2009.............we just don't know what.

 

Never a dull moment.....................

 

 

Thanks Patti:(

[FL_Cruiser64]

I just love reading threads like these.12 pages of who is or isn't getting a deal.

I like getting discounts like anyone else but nowhere does it say the shareholder credit is forever or is supposed to be used with other credits.

If you bought your stock for shareholder credit and not that it was or wasn't a good company then you take your chances. The stock is way down and you might not get a credit,oh well.

Want to avoid all this 12 pages of what ifs,buy RCCL's corporate bonds.Just keeps paying even if you don't cruise,and the interest can be used for anything,even with other OBC or to pay for whole cruises and you won't have to run it by somebody to see if it is ok.

Nice at 7.25% if it has not all been bought up. Helps Rccl build these nice new ships that all you guys like to sail on also.

 

 

Well said!

Too many people just get stocks for the incentives rather than as an investment. The OBC was intended as an incentive for stockholders. But just like NCs and C & A level benefits (which were intended as incentives as well) it has become the "only thing to cruise with RCI".

 

RCI made the right decision to plug those loop holes.

[endymion6942]

Totally agree, have only sailed RCI, well my DW did a Carnival before we met, and am happy with my choice, we will make D+ this year. I know it's only $100 for the average 7 night cruise, and really in the whole scheme of things $100 is not a lot of money, HOWEVER, to have a shareholder "Benefit" that doesn't benefit the shareholder that utilizes the line regularly, seems to be a total waste of time.

 

I think I know why it happened, the stock dropped to a low of $6.00 and a lot of people spent the $600 needed to buy 100 shares to qualify for the benefit. This probably resulted in a major amount of OBC being given out.

 

We have a friend who is a guest entertainer on RCI, and we try and sail with him on each of his contracts, we do however also sail without him and for these sailings we will start looking at other lines, maybe saving some money in the proccess and, who knows, find a line we enjoy better than RCI:(

 

I usually book an balcony Grand Suite or and Owners Suite with an inside cabin for my two boys or get a Royal Family Suite. Our trips usually cost me $15,000.00 + each.

It is not really the amount of money for the combined credits. It is the principal of the thing. We signed on thinking one thing only to have it change. I don't like that.

 

BTW, I own stock in RCL and CC. And it is more that 100 shares in each.

[rednancy1]

Quick little update to my chart: cruises booked before 12/31/08 and will be switched after 1/1/09 will most likely be grandfathered in.

 

That's great news. I may have to test it in the near future. Thanks for the heads up. :):):)

[cruisenfever]

Quick little update to my chart: cruises booked before 12/31/08 and will be switched after 1/1/09 will most likely be grandfathered in.

 

That's great news. I may have to test it in the near future. Thanks for the heads up. :):):)

Oh, how I hope that is true. I too may have to do a little rearranging.

[pmshirl]

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

 

Just to add some Fuel to the Fire...I just got this in an email for 2009 from RC!

[pmshirl]

This is fine for OBC from a T/A, Next Cruise, but when you paid your Cruise in Full ( with your own money) and RC decides to refund the Fuel Surcharge by OBC , this is the PIT'S.

 

I am cruising in 13 days, cruise was paid in full, have lots of OBC coming besides the $110.00 p/p for the FS.

 

It wasn't my choice to receive my FS refund in an OBC!:D

[cruisenfever]

Thanks Shirl for posting this.....................

 

I'll bet that they will have your FS coded so that you could get it back in cash.............you should be entitled to you.............as you said...........it is "your" money.

 

Another question.............I see "Casino" is listed. Are they still going to charge the 3% service fee if you take the money out??

[torpeedo]

Well just to update on our own question a few pages ago! We booked a cruise on 12/30 and were able to use our Diamond plus balcony discount of $200 plus our Shareholders OBC of $100 and a savings certificate of $150 for a total of $450 off our booking. Nice deal and we knew it was the last opportunity to combine all and we sure did. I am pretty sure the cost of the cabin is also going to be reduced in the near future so that will be an added bonus. Don't know what the future hold for us Diamond plus passengers but hopefully good!

[pmshirl]

Thanks Shirl for posting this.....................

 

I'll bet that they will have your FS coded so that you could get it back in cash.............you should be entitled to you.............as you said...........it is "your" money.

 

Another question.............I see "Casino" is listed. Are they still going to charge the 3% service fee if you take the money out??

 

 

Patty: You can set up an account with the VIP program ( I have never done this), sort of like linking your checking/savings account through the casino for advance money! Assuming ( like I said I have never and will Never do this) it is your money that is being withdrawn from your bank, there wouldn't be a 3% charge!

 

I have been sent the application to apply for it, but No TY!:D I just take enough of my own cash to cover my addiction! LOL! This is the 1st Casino cruise I took them up on, I have had many offers, but they were all for 4-5 night cruise's. This is for 11 nights. so here I go!:)

 

With the way RC is going, I may be jumping Cruiselines!:p

[cruisenfever]

[/u][/b]

 

 

Patty: You can set up an account with the VIP program ( I have never done this), sort of like linking your checking/savings account through the casino for advance money! Assuming ( like I said I have never and will Never do this) it is your money that is being withdrawn from your bank, there wouldn't be a 3% charge!

 

I have been sent the application to apply for it, but No TY!:D I just take enough of my own cash to cover my addiction! LOL! This is the 1st Casino cruise I took them up on, I have had many offers, but they were all for 4-5 night cruise's. This is for 11 nights. so here I go!:)

 

With the way RC is going, I may be jumping Cruiselines!:p

Thanks for the explanation.................I think I'll just use the OBC another way.

 

In fact, I just told Jim what you posted and he said that he will now be visiting the "spa" for those neck massages that I can't seem to give him!!

[RosieRoo]

Is this another new rule they are implementing? We ended up with leftover OBC in November on the Jewel and were able to take the money out in cash the last evening. I guess from now on we are going to have to find a way to spend it all.:)

[TravelerThom]

The information regarding combinability is located in a box at the top right hand corner. It states

 

Please note that as of December 31, 2008, the Shareholder Onboard Credit will not be combinable with other Onboard Booking Credits, Loyalty Programs and/or other Reduced Fare Offerings. For bookings made prior to December 31, 2008, the Shareholder Onboard Credit is combinable under certain conditions. Please direct queries to InvestorRelations@rccl.com, and a prompt response will be forthcoming.

 

The certain conditions would be redeeming Visa Points, OBC from Gift Certificates or OBC from a TA.

Going back over this: What do you think is included in "Reduced Fare Offerings"? Does this include 55+ and Residency rates? Promowave/ Tuesday Specials? Any rate lower than the "Cruise Vacation Prices Starting from" in the Cruise Vacation Planners? That would knock out a majority of the fares that people are traveling on.:mad:

 

Thom

[cruisenfever]

Going back over this: What do you think is included in "Reduced Fare Offerings"? Does this include 55+ and Residency rates? Promowave/ Tuesday Specials? Any rate lower than the "Cruise Vacation Prices Starting from" in the Cruise Vacation Planners? That would knock out a majority of the fares that people are traveling on.:mad:

 

Thom

Hi Thom, that's a good question............and I don't have an answer for you.:o

 

Maybe an email is in order to the email address shown in that box?

[TravelerThom]

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

*In order to redeem onboard credit, items must be booked/purchase onboard via your SeaPass account. Onboard activities reserved on royalcaribbean.com cannot be paid with onboard credits. Onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass account typically by day 3 for sailings 7 nights or longer; for sailings 6 nights or less, the onboard credit will appear on your SeaPass by day 2.

 

For all voyages beginning on and after January 1, 2009, all complimentary/promotional onboard credits will have no cash value.

Complimentary/Promotional Onboard Credits

This onboard credit is not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Guests who do not use the full amount of the onboard credit during their purchased sailing, will not be refunded any of the remaining credit. This offer cannot be combined with another OBC on the same reservation. Onboard credit is issued in U. S. dollars only.

 

Onboard credits that are purchased pre-cruise through Shop Gifts & Gear, Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates or through the Groups Program are considered "purchased onboard credits". These are bought by the guest or for the guest by a friend/family/company. Royal Caribbean credit card points can also be used to apply a credit to the onboard account. Onboard credits that are offered through special sales and marketing promotions, such as this one, are considered "complimentary/promotional onboard credits". GAP points applied to Groups are also in this category.

 

 

Just to add some Fuel to the Fire...I just got this in an email for 2009 from RC!

I had not seen this, even though I am holding a number of OBCs. Can you please identify why you think you received this? Did you just book something?

 

I note that identifies "examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*." They do not list gratuities, but since they are only listing "examples" I'm hoping that gratuities are still an allowed use of OBCs.

 

Thom

[pmshirl]

Thom: I get emails all the time for promotions for RC from Jack Lowe with RC Cruise planners!

 

In the email were a few promtions, so I clicked on it and got to the RC website. When the page opened I happened to see on the lower left Onboard Credits. So I opened it and the above is what was there.

 

 

Here check it for yourself. It's RC website!

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/dealsandmore/featuredCruises/gateway.do

[TravelerThom]

Cruise Critic Message Boards - Reply to Topic[/url]2467]Thom: I get emails all the time for promotions for RC from Jack Lowe with RC Cruise planners!

 

In the email were a few promtions' date=' so I clicked on it and got to the RC website. When the page opened I happened to see on the lower left Onboard Credits. So I opened it and the above is what was there.

 

 

Here check it for yourself. It's RC website!

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/dealsandmore/featuredCruises/gateway.do[/quote']Thanks for the quick reply [and also thanks to Patti & Jim for their quick response]. At least I can now see that this is attached to the RCI ASAP program, so maybe it just applies to those credits, but the wording makes it sound like it applies to any and all OBCs that come from RCI [including Next Cruise and Shareholder]. I won't have any problem burning those OBCs up, and it sounds like you can still cash our TA etc OBCs if you happen to have any of them left over.

 

Thom

[crazy 4 cruising]

Oh, how I hope that is true. I too may have to do a little rearranging.

say Patti, sorry about the game last night--well not really sorry, whew, it was a squeaker

 

What can I use onboard credits for? Below are examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*.

 

Spa Services

Beverages

Internet Café

Photos

Shore excursions

Specialty Dining

Onboard shopping

Bingo

Casino

 

 

I also realized that grats were not on the list, hoping that was just an oversight:confused:

[cruisenfever]

say Patti, sorry about the game last night--well not really sorry, whew, it was a squeaker

 

I also realized that grats were not on the list, hoping that was just an oversight:confused:

Yeah, you really sound sorry!:D If we would have made that one field goal and got the extra points after the 2 TDs............we would have had 5 extra points................and we would have won!!

 

I'm not sure on the gratuities. I really think that you will not be able to use any OBC given by RCI to pay your tips with. They want the money to come out of your pocket and not theirs.;)

[suzyluvs2cruise]

I note that identifies "examples of how you can spend these credits onboard*." They do not list gratuities, but since they are only listing "examples" I'm hoping that gratuities are still an allowed use of OBCs.

 

Thom

 

Me too!!

[crazy 4 cruising]

Yeah, you really sound sorry!:D If we would have made that one field goal and got the extra points after the 2 TDs............we would have had 5 extra points................and we would have won!!

 

I know exactly how you feel. had our game with Texas TEch been different in the last minutes of the game, we would be playing THURSDAY night and y'all would have played Oklahoma:(. and you're right, I am not toooooooooo sorry--just offering condolences

 

I'm not sure on the gratuities. I really think that you will not be able to use any OBC given by RCI to pay your tips with. They want the money to come out of your pocket and not theirs.;)

 

well then, I might be willing to pay 3% to get money in the casino instead of losing it

[Tucker in Texas]

My past three cruises on RCI have been 14 plus days. I have gotten $250 OBC for owning stock, $200 OBC for booking while on another cruise and $300 balcony discount as a Diamond.

 

Of the $450 OBC, $300 went for tips. The rest was spent with the exception of our last cruise we did get $100 back in cash the last day. We are not drinkers, big gamblers, art buyers, bingo players, shoppers,or spa users. We pre-purchased our excursions and alternative dining.

 

Here is what is going to change for me if these new policies stay in effect:

 

I will NOT be buying a Next Cruise Letter to keep in my file in case I want a quick getaway at the last minute. RCI loses $100 float (puns intended).

 

I will NOT be pre-buying excursions or alternative dining so I can use it from my OBC while on the ship. RCI loses $400-$500 float.

 

I will NOT be booking while on another cruise (sometimes almost a year out): RCI loses $900 deposit float. Added bonus for me--won't have to buy insurance within 21 days of deposit to get pre-existing waiver--$300 or so in my bank account longer.

 

I WILL probably dump my stock when/if it gets to what my cost average is since I most likely will get the better deal from the Diamond balcony discount than OBC for owning it. No regrets about owning the stock, though. It has given me a good return--$1,500 in tax-free on board credits with another $500 coming in this year for cruises booked prior to 12/31.

 

I don't think I am that unusual a cruiser so bottom line is RCI will lose over $1,000 of my money they would have in their pocket for five or six months longer than necessary for me to pay out.

 

Another loss for RCI, I will be checking out other cruise lines since the economical advantage crusiing with RCI has dwindled down considerably.

 

Tucker in Texas

[Char]

Going back over this: What do you think is included in "Reduced Fare Offerings"? Does this include 55+ and Residency rates? Promowave/ Tuesday Specials? Any rate lower than the "Cruise Vacation Prices Starting from" in the Cruise Vacation Planners? That would knock out a majority of the fares that people are traveling on.:mad:

 

Thom

I emailed the investor relations dept. today and got this response:

 

Please see responses in blue below. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

We thank you for your continued support.

RCL Investor Relations Department

 

Greetings!

 

Would you please clarify the new restrictions on the Shareholder Benefit?

 

Please note that as of December 31, 2008, the Shareholder Onboard Credit will not be combinable with other Onboard Booking Credits, Loyalty Programs and/or other Reduced Fare Offerings. For bookings made prior to December 31, 2008, the Shareholder Onboard Credit is combinable under certain conditions. Please direct queries to InvestorRelations@rccl.com, and a prompt response will be forthcoming.

 

My Questions:

 

1. The Shareholder Benefit cannot be used if the Diamond balcony Discount is used? Correct, these are no longer combinable.

 

2. Cannot be used with Crown & Anchor coupons? Correct, these are no longer combinable.

 

3. Cannot be used with Senior discounts? These are still combinable.

 

4. Cannot be used with Resident discounts? These are still combinable.

 

If the above is true, it seems to me there is no benefit left for those of us who are loyal to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

 

Thank you.