Ricktan

You buy the stock through a stock broker. Many people use online discount brokers where the cost to purchase is low, such as around $7 per buy or sell transaction. You need 100 shares to claim the shareholder onboard credit. You do not have to hold the stock for any certain length of time to use the benefit. In addition to the onboard credit benefit, Carnival Corporation has historically paid a dividend on a regular basis. For people that cruise frequently on Carnival brands (HAL, Carnival, Princess, et.al.), it is a worthwhile benefit. Many people buy and hold their CCL stock for years and use the benefit over and over and over.

 

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=140690&p=irol-sharebenefit

 

Carnival Corporation also has a DRIP, a dividend reinvestment program, if one wanted to utilize that after buying their CCL shares.

 

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=140690&p=irol-proxy

 

Shares of CCL were up $2.70 per share today to $47.12 after announcing better than expected earnings and favorable news, although the stock is down slightly in after-hours trading.

 

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/carnival-shares-rally-as-profit-beats-expectations-2015-03-27

 

Hope that helps, Ricktan.

Thank you! This is very helpful. My husband (Ricky) has a broker he deals with, just didn't know if there was a "program" y'all had used vs. buying on your own, so you gave me my answer.......DH is all for it! Since we are finally at a point where we want to do (God willing) at 2 cruises a year, at a minimum, from here on and it seems like a sound investment it makes sense to do it. Glad I asked a "dumb" question.....I have received terrific answers!

Tanya

We delayed purchasing the stock for years.. Finally in March of 2009 we purchased our 100 shares, through our Broker for $18.24900 a share Total cost was $1895 which included the commission..

 

We normally take the longer cruises which gives us $250 in OBC for each cruise..

 

Since 2009 we've collected $1660 in OBC's plus $465 in Dividends which includes the one coming due at the end of this month for $25...When we first received dividends it was $10 per quarter.. In 2011 CCL upped the dividends to $25. per quarter..

 

Today's closing price was $47.12 per share..

 

We've done very well since we purchased the stock..Our only regret is we should have purchased more than 100 shares, as it's been a good investment so far..:D:D

Sounds like it has worked great for you! I wish I would have had this info a few years ago :D. Thank you for the details!

I'll work on him!! That's a promise my friend:D

 

You are right, I love Alaska so much that all my funeral arrangements have already been made:) Not looking forward to it, but knowing that my ashes will be in the place I love the most....ALASKA:)

 

And for the CC member who said the Suite restrictions for YVR, I have done this route a couple other times and I've never had any restrictions on booking a Suite. Your experience may be different than mine so am not saying you are wrong, just that I've never run into a problem:)

 

Joanie

So glad you said this Joanie! We want to book the RT VAC or Seward-VAC in Sept but after reading some of these was getting concerned but we want a NS.....

Tanya

Is there a big difference in the interior space of the NS between the aft wraps and the SA's?

Thanks Rod! My husband is always looking for "new" good stock investments and this is one I would enjoy!

Thank you all for the info.....do you mind telling us what kind of OBC you have rec'd?

Probably dumb question(forgive me, I'm learning).......I see a lot of the regulars on here talking about their OBC because they own stock....Is this something done (buying stock) directly through HAL or just something you have done on your own?

That is expensive.

This is one of those things that I only can hope that I luck up on a deal. As much as I wish I could truly "unplug" I never lose sight of the fact that it is because of my business that I can afford to cruise :D. So, I'll kept my fingers crossed that the necessary evil isn't too expensive !

Tanya

Thank you.

Has the unlimited been added to the NA yet??

Tanya

Our first ever cruise, about 7 years ago, was on the Oosterdam to Alaska. I remember saying, "is there really any other way to travel?" Unfortunately, with a daughter in private school and a business to run, we couldn't get away for more than a 4-day weekend which limited us to Carnival out of PC. But...with her out of nursing school and wedding paid for last year, we finally booked our 25th anniversary trip with a 12-day Med. However, we are ready to do another Alaska trip! My question....if doing Alaska in Sept. would we be able to do the helicopter/dog sled excursion ? It's the one thing I regret not doing but we went in June before. Thanks!

Tanya

We booked our Med Tapestry cruise (9-13-15) when the Explore4 was offered and I thought it was a great deal....and then I found this website and read so many times about price drops and wondered if it would pay off. Well....now, if I do a mock booking for our cruise (NA) the NS & PS are faded out....we have room 7033 (does anyone know if that a good room?) I'm thinking that means the NS have been all booked?? If so, I'm sure that means no price drop and that my Explore4 was a pretty good deal. But.....is it unusual for all the NS to be gone this early? I saw a group listed on another thread......hope it's not something that will be an issue

All that being said.....I would like to say to THANK YOU to all of the ones that take the time to answer so many "newbie" questions. Your answers and advice is so appreciated. I hope in the next few years to have enough HA experience to answer some myself!

Tanya

I booked our tickets round trip....ATL-Barcelona and then Venice-ATL though HAL. Was a very easy booking, gave me several choices. We saved almost 800.00 (for 2 of us) compared to best I could find on my own. Was super easy .....love the idea of the transfers to our hotels (booked through them also).

Wishing you a wonderful cruise! We still have 191 days (but who is counting?) and i'm excited so I'm sure you are the eve before!! Have fun!!

Thank you......maybe I'll just wait then and use my OBC

Is their any advantage to prepaying for the wine package? Or, do they offer a special once on board?

Thanks!

Everything:)

 

Joanie

Thanks Joanie! I think we will just go there first and ask them to sign us up! Can't wait!

If we are in a Neptune Suite, can they help us with all our dinner reservations in the Neptune Lounge or just in the Pinnacle Grill?

Which cruise line would you say has the BEST food(overall). I'm sure this is very subjective ......just curious since there are so many on here that have been fortunate enough to travel so many lines (and I mean that is a nice way!!!!)

Thank you!!! I may just go ahead and book the couples rate so that I don't have to be concerned about missing out! Thanks for the info!

Is is less expensive if you wait to book it once on board vs pre-paying ahead of time? Do they offer an"special" rate once on board?

Thank you for the advice! I will certainly keep checking!

We are booked on a Med cruise in Sept. we booked when the Explore4 was offered. It isn't now but I have been watching and the price for our cruise hasn't changed at all so, for now, I'm happy with the extra perks

How do you see if a PS is still open??

Thank you so much (everyone!) I just tried it and it worked....I was just curious how many of the rooms were open. I'm really surprised at how many suites are already booked this early! Oh, my.....I think I have a lot to learn.....but it sure will be fun!