? about booking cruise and the NCL MasterCard

[melissa6675]

I just received my NCL MasterCard today! Woohoo! I've read all the threads regarding the card and I know many of you are experts on the subject of managing points.

 

We are planning our first cruise on NCL for the October timeframe to Coz, Belize, Honduras, etc. out of NO.

 

My goal is to get 500 points to take $500 off this cruise. I plan to put everything I'd write a check, or use a debit card for, on the card and do an online payment each week to the card. I know I'll get 25 bonus points, plus 4 points per $100 for the deposit.

 

I know I can't use the card for my mortgage (boohoo!), but I should be able to squeeze 500 points out by July, believe it or not. The question is, can I apply the $500 off AFTER I make final payment on the cruise? I am planning to book through an online agency. They are offering balconies for $794 (not GTY) with $150 in gift cards. Add this to the $500 off, and the price becomes really sweet.

 

Any thoughts on how I could do this? TIA for all your help!

[SRUTKO1226]

I am going with my first impression and I have to say no. But then again I never tried to do that.

[CTCruisers]

I think your travel award has to be applied to the final payment as you make it by the final payment due date. (not after)

[Big Al B.]

I agree. I was given to understand that you had to first get the certificate from Master Card and then present it with your final payment. I reached 500 points when I charged my final balance and the TA said she didn't think I could then ask for money back and I don't think you can use the points for credit on your shipboard account.

[melissa6675]

I'll have to make a big push through the next 7 months to get the 500 certificate. I told my husband that everything...and I mean everything...that we'd use the debit card for will go on this card. Final payment is due July 23rd, so hopefully I'll have it buttoned up by then.

 

We're really excited about trying Norwegian!

[sodell]

My $500. certificate was applied after my final payment.

 

I applied for my cert before my final payment due,

Recieved it after the 60 day final payment window,

Meanwhile, I paid the final payment on MC,

Upon reciept of the cert, sent it to NCL.

Credit appeared on my MC.

 

Long story short.. the cert was applied to my credit card in due course. Was it timely?? frankly I don't know, don't remember, don't care.... Bottom liine, it was applied accordingly.

 

 

I think this is how it works... tho someone correct me if this is not the case....

 

MC & NCL is independent of the TA.

The TA is booking your cruise & has nothing to do with the certificates.

 

 

You must redeem your credit from MC & the cert will be mailed to you & must send it to NCL for a credit. When NCL recieves it they will advise your TA & then the $500. credit will apear on your MC credit card.

 

Clear as mud???

 

I really hope this helps. I hope it isn't confusing.

 

(btw...hope you enjoy your first NCL cruise...)

[Guest nhrich]

It depends on the TA whether you need to send the certificate to NCL or whether the TA will.

 

Rich, ACC

Carefree Vacations

[Rumncoke]

Although we've received our certificates usually in a week, the reps tell you it may take as long as 14 days. You'll need to factor that into your schedule, too. They are awesome, though. We've saved thousands over the years.

[kim826]

Say you've made your final payment and still have another $500 certificate to use. Can you buy spa/casino packages off of the website before traveling and use the certificate?

[DJ Dale]

I'll be taking the same cruise out of New Orleans....

 

What is your departure date? We leave on the 16th..

 

Should be a great time!!!!

[shoreguy]

Say you've made your final payment and still have another $500 certificate to use. Can you buy spa/casino packages off of the website before traveling and use the certificate?

 

The cert. are good for cruise fare only. As others have posted you should be able to send then in post final and use the credit on your card to fund the onboard charges.

[melissa6675]

We're booked on the 16th as well, and can't wait to go!

 

We're in Suwanee and haven't decided yet to fly, drive the day before or the day of. Neither of us mind road trips, so we'll probably drive.

 

Has anyone started a roll call for the cruise?

[DJ Dale]

Thats great!

 

I just booked ours tonight. We are hopefully going to fly into New Orleans from Atlanta (live in Peachtree City) on Friday October 14th and party in the French Quarter until the ship departs.

 

Didnt you say this is your first cruise? You'll love it. Its our third.

 

I dont think a roll thread has been started. May be a little early...but who knows.

 

I'm soooo excited!!!! This is gonna be such a blast!!!

[melissa6675]

Actually, 3rd cruise. We've taken 2 smaller RCCL cruises out of Port Canaveral. This will be our 1st 7 nighter, and the kids are not happy that they aren't going on this one.

 

We got married October 26, 1991 in the courtyard of the Hotel Ste. Marie in the Quarter. Naturally, being from Atlanta, we spent our wedding night in some sports bar in the FQ watching game 5 of the World Series, Braves vs. Twins. (My mother thought we were insane.)

 

I think we'll probably head to New Orleans on Saturday and revisit the scene of the crime. I can't think of a better way to kick off the cruise!

 

We should hook up and have a few hurricanes!

[DJ Dale]

It sounds like you're as ready as I am. We'll be celebrating my birthday.

 

We'll definately have to get together for a drink. Its hard not to have a good time in New Orleans and what better way to kick off the trip.

 

My email is dj-dale@yahoo.com

 

We'll have to stay in touch and get a roll call going. Maybe we can stir something up and get a little group together. We had a blast on our last cruise meet others from the board.

 

ONLY 258 DAYS!!!!

[melissa6675]

Absolutely, let's keep in touch!

 

gymmom2004@hotmail.com

 

258 Days??? Wayyy too long!