shellunderwater

39 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

It does not go back as REWARDS points.  You have cashed the points to get on board credit. It is refundable so it will either go back to your credit card bill or you can ask for it in cash at the front desk on the last night

If I may ask another question....

There is a slight (but real) chance we may need to cancel our cruise (covered by trip insurance, no worries).  But, if we cancel after applying the points to the cruise as OBC, can we get the points back?  In the grand scheme of things, its not a big issue.  They are funds we never had.  But, would be nice to be able to reapply them if we reschedule our trip.  I don't anticipate cancelling, but there is a scenario that could happen. 

On 4/21/2023 at 10:42 AM, cruisestitch said:

My advice is to use the points differently. Instead of applying them for OBC, apply them to a reduction in the cost of the cruise.

 

My thought is based on assuming that you intend to cruise Celebrity Again. In that case, you want to maximize the charges that go onto your credit card.  
 

So if you plan to spend $300 on board, instead of using the points for OBC, charge that $300 to your card.

 

Use the points for the cruise fare reduction option. This will take $300 off your next credit card statement.

 

With both options, you go through the credit card company, not Celebrity.

Not sure when we'll be back on Celebrity so we'll just cash them in now. 

Have first grandson, so cruise priorities are changing.

About 70 days out from our first Celebrity cruise but are Diamond on RCL.  Haven't done the credit card OBC before, so have a couple of questions.

We have a $300+ OBC from the Celebrity credit card to have applied. 

What timing is best for requesting it? 

Do I contact the cc company or does Celebrity do that? 

One issue, there is a slight chance we may need to cancel before the cruise.  If I need to cancel, do those points go back to the card?  Is there something I need to do to recapture the points?

Sorry to be a bother, but new to the cc points game.  Thanks in advance.

I print tags to go into each bag (in case it gets lost or such).  Then I have the porters put tags on the bag.

If it makes you feel any better, I gave up contacting MSC's equivalent. 

Yeah, the recent drop is likely a factor of overall market issues.  Maybe a bit of investors deciding to take some profits when it up around $75-ish again.

But, its the stock market, so its all an assumption....

Just now, closecruiser said:

Money is money, cash is cash......

Except when you are working overseas and the banks and retailers won't take your cash because its a $2 bill.

Just now, Ret MP said:

Thanks, but no thanks.  My Experience:  More of the crew seem to enjoy getting them than not.  And like I said, "it is a convenience factor for ME!  Yes, I said, "for ME"!  That doesn't necessarily mean that it is an inconvenience for others.  

 

BTW, there are 1.4 billion two-dollar bills in circulation.  Yes, I said, "Billion".  The least denomination but in circulation, for sure.  But, not extinct and not useless.  

2 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

Thanks, but no thanks.  My Experience:  More of the crew seem to enjoy getting them than not.  And like I said, "it is a convenience factor for ME!  Yes, I said, "for ME"!  That doesn't necessarily mean that it is an inconvenience for others.  

 

BTW, there are 1.4 billion two-dollar bills in circulation.  Yes, I said, "Billion".  The least denomination but in circulation, for sure.  But, not extinct and not useless.  

They are an oddity that aren't printed any longer.  The likely reason they haven't taken them out of circulation is so they don't become even larger collectors items.  The ones that exist are squirreled away by collectors or stashed in bank teller windows for when grandma comes in to get them for their grands' Christmas presents.

 

You know something......these folks work hard to give passengers a great vacation experience.  Just give them tips in normal US currency (ok, that very regional, I know).  Not the $2 bill that isn't even really used in the US.  I know its legal currency, but give these folks a break and just give them 2 1$ bills.  Or every 2 or 3, give them a $5.  Or write up the tip on a drink slip.  

Same goes for other currencies if they have a funky, barely used bank note.  

This shouldn't be grandma giving the little grands something unique.

(stepping down off the soapbox)....

Let the thrashing begin.

On 3/11/2023 at 9:07 AM, njsmom said:

What's the MDR quality on Harmony of the Seas?

Subjective.

Food is subjective.

If you go to Columbus Cove, take the tram over and back, don't walk thru the market area.

In the US, the usual choice is between Atlantic salmon and Alaskan salmon.  I largely prefer the Alaskan salmon.  Of the Alaskan salmon, I love chinook.  But I will always pick wild caught Alaskan over farm raised.

18 hours ago, sgbgla said:

We will be traveling in September to Greece, Israel, Egypt and Turkey on the Celebrity Apex.  Does anyone know the requirements for a U.S. citizen traveling to those countries need a visa?  Also, does the Celebrity cruise lines do it onboard or is it best to do it yourself prior to going if a Visa is required?

 

 

Thanks

 

Sheila

You should use the State Department for your information.  I don't want to say folks here are less than stellar at helping, but for something that has a major impact on your trip, you should use the expert source available to you.

Or, if you booked with a travel agent, they should tell you/help you.  

Don't disagree with the idea to look at your roll call.  But, I would be verifying it with the State Department.

It will be a bad posting that begins, "I asked folks about the need for Visas, turns out they were wrong.  I didn't check the state department's website....."

On 3/1/2023 at 11:23 AM, Dar & Bob said:

One more reason to give them a deposit on board with a reduced amount.  

Exactly.  We book on board, pay $200 deposit.  I can eat that if I really need to.  Especially on my RCL Sept 2024 Alaska trip (20 months from booking).  Paid $200 deposit, got $100 OBC for it.  Eliminates the need for worry about cancelling (in our opinion) until final payment.  I get it doesn't help much after final payment, but we buy our trip insurance before final payment so we pick up those cancellation benefits. 

Yes, I know there are risks with what we do.  We accept those. Insurance is about managing risks.  We are willing to take a risk for the $200.

In 14 cruises, closest we came to cancelling was a cruise after DW father passed.  But, that would have been covered under trip insurance we bought.

Your risk tolerance and/or experiences may vary, and I respect them.

Yeah, bring laundered shirts.  They will press-only.

2 hours ago, twangster said:

 

True, but the onboard prices for a bottle of wine even with a discount are much higher than the price for a bottle in a retail store that can be carried on.

Not always.  I've found some that were close to equal  retail vs. on-board discounted.

Not saying all always.

Turned it over to our TA.  Warned her about my experience, told her its not top priority (as it isn't for us).  Lets see what she can do. 

She's dealt with the MyVegas benefits with our RCL booking so she's aware it may not be easy.

Now that i think about it, can't say I've ever had a multi device plan.  Didn't realize.  Thanks for clarifying.

Learn new things all the time.

Specifically...you don't have to log out before the other person logs in.  Logging in automatically logs out other users on that user id/password.  

Can't even get MSC to contact me about a booking using MyVegas.

What's the secret?  How do you book?  Filled out the form twice.  Emailed once.  Even tried the phone twice...never answered the call.

19 hours ago, easyqueasy said:

You have my permission. I’m a fellow Royal Caribbean cruiser. Diamond at that. Hope that helps. Enjoy your cruise. 😀
 

 

I believe you must be Pinnacle to do that.

And, you must be wearing you pin as well.

My Sept 2024 Akaska trip just had one excursion added.  Yep, 18 months out.

3 hours ago, lcpagejr said:

No need to rush and buy the package at BOGO 50% off. They offer this pricing on embarkation day only. So I would wait to see if they lower package cost...If not buy it when you board. We did this when we cruised on Odyssey of Seas over Thanksgiving

Or buy it now if it saves folks money.

1) one less thing to waste time on vacation.

2) maybe it won't be that price at embarkation.

Buy now, lock in 15٪. If you find it cheaper, cancel and rebook.

2 hours ago, xlairways said:

Hi,

 

Found out why have not been able to amend the bid for the last few days...

Got the email today saying the upgrade bid was accepted, very happy to be moving to Sky Class!

 

Thanks for your help.

Dom

Sah-weet!