Major changes to RCCL Visa program

[tomahawk246]

Not sure which card you are asking about but with Capital One you get 2 points for every dollar spent and occasional promotions for more.

 

With RCI Visa you get 1 point for every dollar spent unless you are paying RCI for cruise or other items when you get 2 for 1. Occasionally RCI Visa will run a limited promotion for more points but it is minimal.

 

We are making the switch for more points and far more flexibility.

I have both I don't use the Rci Visa. I used it just for the sign up points. Correct me if I am wrong, if I spend 125,000 dollars I will recieve 1250.00 for a cruise with RCI. If I spend 125,000 with Cap One I get 2500.00 for any type travel.

[mein18]

Interesting that the companion fare rewards do not exclude Oasis and Allure.

 

They may still not have it totally updated or corrected.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

So, if I am reading everything right, I can still use 5,000 points to redeem for $50 OBC with RCI, correct?

 

I just use my RCI card for RCI purchases and just use it for OBC. Maybe not the best use, but after a huge fiasco when I tried to redeem points a few years ago for $$$ off a cruise and then the cruise price dropped to below what I was spending........ well, let's just say I don't do that anymore.:rolleyes: What a waste of points!:mad:

 

I don't like to keep opening new cards. The Capitol One card sounds nice, but once we got dinged for having too many cards. They said we had too much available credit and we had to close some before we were approved to buy a new house. However, I do have a SWA Visa that has an annual fee. I'm confused if I should close that and go to something like the Capitol One card. I like the airline miles, but we only get 1:1 redemption on most purchases. Otherwise I use my free Discover Miles card and my Costco AX for everything.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Sunny AZ Girl

[jljlinda]

I have both I don't use the Rci Visa. I used it just for the sign up points. Correct me if I am wrong, if I spend 125,000 dollars I will recieve 1250.00 for a cruise with RCI. If I spend 125,000 with Cap One I get 2500.00 for any type travel.

Just yesterday, I cashed in 125,000 "Royal" points ("old" program) and today I applied the resulting credit of $2,500 on the Allure of The Seas sailing in Apr 2014. Our balcony cabin cost a total of $3,019.62 and I put the remainder of $519.62 on my BofA RCL Visa card. (Just logged into my card account and I can see a "pending" transaction to ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES for the $519.62.)

 

This deal will NOT be available once the "MyCruise" awards program replaces the "Royal" awards program which change is expected any day now, per the agent with whom I spoke yesterday. We feel very lucky that we "got under the wire!!"

[tomahawk246]

Just yesterday, I cashed in 125,000 "Royal" points ("old" program) and today I applied the resulting credit of $2,500 on the Allure of The Seas sailing in Apr 2014. Our balcony cabin cost a total of $3,019.62 and I put the remainder of $519.62 on my BofA RCL Visa card. (Just logged into my card account and I can see a "pending" transaction to ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES for the $519.62.)

 

This deal will NOT be available once the "MyCruise" awards program replaces the "Royal" awards program which change is expected any day now, per the agent with whom I spoke yesterday. We feel very lucky that we "got under the wire!!"

2

What will you get with the new program for 125,000 points?

Edited August 20, 2013 by tomahawk246

[karena1]

Patti, is it still though that we can combine? I am glad the print out got some of the issues fixed, but I still need to know I can use points even though I have my D+ balcony discount, residency rate, military rate or senior rate as well as OBC for booking onboard. That is the issue for me. I don't want to change cards, happy with the Royal card, but need to make sure we can still combine the way we could before. Thanks

[FLACRUISER99]

2

What will you get with the new program for 125,000 points?

Same on new program only Oasis & Allure are excluded.:mad:

[9876]

I am so glad that we were able to use all of our points and get on Oasis over spring break. Used the balance for OBC. Any points accumulated since then are already credited for my sailing in the fall. I am down to 3500 points.

 

Their reward system is truly losing value. I am looking elsewhere for a more 'valuable' card. Maybe Capital One...I am not sure. Having said all that, I do like that it is becoming more of a 'corporate card' and you can use the benefits for all the lines but again, the benefits are just so so and not being able to combine them with other discounts really just puts the nail in the coffin for me. That is the beauty of the country we live in, choice, and I plan to use it.

Edited August 20, 2013 by 9876

[rakes5]

I have a CostCo American Express credit card that give 2% back on travel. The only downside is you only get the rebate back once a year, and you have to still be a member to receive the rebate. I'm sure there are other cards that offer similar 2% rebates on travel.

 

So using the card for OBC wasn't that special. What made the Royal Points attractive was the 75,000 companion (up to $1,500 oceanview) and 125,000 free 7 day cruise (up to $2,500 oceanview). In order to maximize the benefit, the Oasis class ships were usually the higher priced oceanview cabins. We also like to upgrade to a balcony, and using the C&A discount helped minimize the upgrade. We were able to get almost free cruises on both the Oasis and the Allure this way.

 

If they take these two rewards away, I won't continue to use the card.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Patti, is it still though that we can combine? I am glad the print out got some of the issues fixed, but I still need to know I can use points even though I have my D+ balcony discount, residency rate, military rate or senior rate as well as OBC for booking onboard. That is the issue for me. I don't want to change cards, happy with the Royal card, but need to make sure we can still combine the way we could before. Thanks

 

I am really confused. I read all the information and it is conflicting. Can I still use my D balcony discount and 55+ discount and get the OBC? If not the card just own't get used any more.

[novalab]

A short while ago, I called & talked with an agent at the RCCL points redemption center. I basically had the same questions that everyone else has had but since I booked through a TA (who owns my booking). I had a few more questions. During our conversation, the RC agent mentioned that there will be a 60 day transition period (after the new system is completely set up & running) where customers can elect to apply their points under the old system. She said we would get notified in an upcoming monthly RCCL Visa statement as to when the 60 day transition period would start.

 

Now...on to another topic of cashing in my cruise points. Just got off the phone (2nd call) with a 3 way call (me, my TA, and a rep from the RCCL Redemption Center). On our upcoming Allure cruise (4/14), I am using 75,000 points for a free companion fare. During this 3 way call, we have established the lowest OV price (Central Park cat. I) to apply to our Boardwalk Balcony cabin reservation. My cruise points are valued at $1500 max. My companion fare is valued at less than that. After applying $1 (for cruise night points credit for my DD/companion), the remaining $'s over the cost of my companion's fare is lost. In other words, RCCL will not apply it to the remaining balance of our bill (approx. $300). It will only be applied to the companion fare.

 

This does make sense but I think I have read elsewhere on CC that the remaining $'s (above the cost of the companion fare, in our case $300) would be applied to the remaining balance of our cruise bill. Thus giving us the full value of the 75,000 points. Guess I misunderstood that part.

 

Wonder if I would get another answer from a different rep?:rolleyes:

[hollon]

I hope RCCL is reading these boards about people "Jumping ship" to another card. So, I'm assuming I can still turn in my 75,000 pts for a free companion on the Oasis?

[cruisenfever]

So, if I am reading everything right, I can still use 5,000 points to redeem for $50 OBC with RCI, correct?

Yes, you can redeem 5000 points for $50 OBC, 10000 points for $100 OBC, 15000 points for $150 OBC and 20000 points for $200 OBC as these amounts were excluded in the original Rewards Options.

Patti, is it still though that we can combine? I am glad the print out got some of the issues fixed, but I still need to know I can use points even though I have my D+ balcony discount, residency rate, military rate or senior rate as well as OBC for booking onboard. That is the issue for me. I don't want to change cards, happy with the Royal card, but need to make sure we can still combine the way we could before. Thanks

As far as I know, yes everything is the same as before in what can be combined with C&A benefits or special rates and what can not. If you are unsure then you can call the Redemption Center at 1-888-305-4626.

Edited August 20, 2013 by cruisenfever

[novalab]

hollon,

 

See my post above yours...as of the info I received today on my companion points/Allure cruise (via the two agent's I spoke to at the RCCL points redemption center)...Yes, you can use your 75,000 points for a free companion fare on Oasis. You just can't apply any extra of your 75,000 points towards $'s off on the rest of your cruise....just the companion part.

 

Kind of looks like we loose some points in this transaction if what we paid for our companion fare is less than $1500 (which is what our 75,000 points are worth towards a free companion fare only).

 

Any one know of a way to get around this? If we cashed in the points for OBC, our 75,000 points would only be worth $750.

 

Or, should I wait & call back tomorrow to the Redemption folks...and get another answer that I might like better?:rolleyes:

Edited August 20, 2013 by novalab

[parrotfeathers]

I've never redeemed points--went online and couldn't figure it out. I want to apply a certain number of points toward payment of the cruise price. I use my points to help my cruise friend so she will stay in a GS rather than a JS. Do I have to call the redemption center?

[mein18]

I have both I don't use the Rci Visa. I used it just for the sign up points. Correct me if I am wrong, if I spend 125,000 dollars I will recieve 1250.00 for a cruise with RCI. If I spend 125,000 with Cap One I get 2500.00 for any type travel.

 

Unlike all the answers to the RCI card which require "now you can", you will not be able to", "I assume", conflicting "I was told", "I think", "you can not on Oasis or Allure", "you can not combine", "this site says" and a few asprins for the headaches trying to sort it all out, ... the simple answer to your question is YES.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

[CruisinDawn]

I read & skimmed quite a few pages and maybe I am missing something. This is for the Visa Signature card. In my experience quite a few brands offer 2 different cards, one plain old reward card and another a signature card which offers additional benefits BUT it's harder to qualify for the signature card. :confused:

 

We were just reissued a new card because Royal said our account had been compromised (AGAIN), if they switch my card again I will scream! I just got all of my direct payments reauthorized. They did the same to my parents too. Only charges we have in common is Royal, Seapass charges and using the card with Bank of America!

 

Will be interesting to see what is really going on.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

[tomahawk246]

Unlike all the answers to the RCI card which require "now you can", you will not be able to", "I assume", conflicting "I was told", "I think", "you can not on Oasis or Allure", "you can not combine", "this site says" and a few asprins for the headaches trying to sort it all out, ... the simple answer to your question is YES.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

 

Everyone should switch to Capital One, there is no comparison. Its not even a close call.

[cruisenfever]

I've never redeemed points--went online and couldn't figure it out. I want to apply a certain number of points toward payment of the cruise price. I use my points to help my cruise friend so she will stay in a GS rather than a JS. Do I have to call the redemption center?

It may be easier for you to call the Redemption Center and do it over the phone 1-888-305-4626.

 

If redeeming points here Go to online redemption site you will need to use the same User ID and Password that you do when accessing your account through the BofA site. It will also show your site key, which is the picture that you selected when you first established a User ID and Password on the BofA Site.

 

 

[sweetlove13]

Maybe someone already answered & I missed it. How about combining OBC rewards from the card with WOW sale OBC & reduced deposit? I don't see any reason they wouldn't allow that but not sure how far they're taking the not combinable with other offers bit.

[kccrzr]

hollon,

 

See my post above yours...as of the info I received today on my companion points/Allure cruise (via the two agent's I spoke to at the RCCL points redemption center)...Yes, you can use your 75,000 points for a free companion fare on Oasis. You just can't apply any extra of your 75,000 points towards $'s off on the rest of your cruise....just the companion part.

 

Kind of looks like we loose some points in this transaction if what we paid for our companion fare is less than $1500 (which is what our 75,000 points are worth towards a free companion fare only).

 

Any one know of a way to get around this? If we cashed in the points for OBC, our 75,000 points would only be worth $750.

 

Or, should I wait & call back tomorrow to the Redemption folks...and get another answer that I might like better?:rolleyes:

 

 

The companion and "free" cruise certificates are not actually for a set value. They are for the cost of the then lowest available stateroom in the applicable class up to a maximum value (of $1500 in your case). If the applicable stateroom rate is less than the maximum value on redemption, the excess has never been applied to the cruise cost. This is the way it has been ever since we first began using the RCI Visa card 8 or 9 years ago.

[novalab]

The companion and "free" cruise certificates are not actually for a set value. They are for the cost of the then lowest available stateroom in the applicable class up to a maximum value (of $1500 in your case). If the applicable stateroom rate is less than the maximum value on redemption, the excess has never been applied to the cruise cost. This is the way it has been ever since we first began using the RCI Visa card 8 or 9 years ago.

 

This is what I found out yesterday while talking with a RC Redemption specialist. It does make sense. However, a few months back, I had questions for another redemption specialist. I asked her what happens to my unused points/$'s if the cost of my companion fare is less than the $1500. She replied that the 'excess' would then be applied to the remainder of my balance on my cruise.

 

Now I realize that was just another little bit of misinformation. Maybe she was new:rolleyes:? Thanks for re-affirming the correct information:)

[printingchick]

This is what I found out yesterday while talking with a RC Redemption specialist. It does make sense. However, a few months back, I had questions for another redemption specialist. I asked her what happens to my unused points/$'s if the cost of my companion fare is less than the $1500. She replied that the 'excess' would then be applied to the remainder of my balance on my cruise.

 

Now I realize that was just another little bit of misinformation. Maybe she was new:rolleyes:? Thanks for re-affirming the correct information:)

 

Another little hic-up I discovered with redeeming points deals with upgrades, and it's more a communication issue.

 

A few years back, I used my points to upgrade from INSIDE to OV cabin. It ended up being a better use of the points than merely taking the OBC or cruise discount for that number of points.

 

Then, the price of the cruise dropped...substantially...before final payment. (or maybe that limitation wasn't in place in 2010...but I digress...)

 

When my TA called to get the price drop, they wanted to ONLY lower my price to the current OV CABIN price. From their perspective, that's what I had booked.

 

The reservations people had no visibility into the fact that I had actually booked a LOWER level cabin and UPGRADED using Visa points. All they can see is the cabin booked.

 

It took a lot of phone calls to get it squared away. Since then, I just take the straight discount. (ie: 25,000 points = $250 discount off the cost of the cruise)

 

To me, it wasn't an argument over the actual cost difference between cabins being equal to the dollar value of the point redemption. An upgrade is an upgrade. The problem was the fact that requesting to have price drops applied caused so much of a hassle, due to the confusion created by this behind-the-scenes upgrade.

Edited August 21, 2013 by printingchick

[Sunny AZ Girl]

eoHack - thank you for the response. I will call and see what kind of response I get.

 

Another little hic-up I discovered with redeeming points deals with upgrades, and it's more a communication issue.

 

A few years back, I used my points to upgrade from INSIDE to OV cabin. It ended up being a better use of the points than merely taking the OBC or cruise discount for that number of points.

 

Then, the price of the cruise dropped...substantially...before final payment. (or maybe that limitation wasn't in place in 2010...but I digress...)

 

When my TA called to get the price drop, they wanted to ONLY lower my price to the current OV CABIN price. From their perspective, that's what I had booked.

 

The reservations people had no visibility into the fact that I had actually booked a LOWER level cabin and UPGRADED using Visa points. All they can see is the cabin booked.

 

It took a lot of phone calls to get it squared away. Since then, I just take the straight discount. (ie: 25,000 points = $250 discount off the cost of the cruise)

 

To me, it wasn't an argument over the actual cost difference between cabins being equal to the dollar value of the point redemption. An upgrade is an upgrade. The problem was the fact that requesting to have price drops applied caused so much of a hassle, due to the confusion created by this behind-the-scenes upgrade.

I ran into an almost identical situation with a price drop. So that is why I only use my points for OBC now. It is the same difference in redemption as $ off the price of the cruise, so either would work. I don't want to have to go through all of those multiple phone calls to various departments and stress once again.

[cruisenfever]

I thought the subject of this thread was "Major Changes to RCCL Visa Program"?? Any discussion about the new Visa Signature card is getting buried within pages of posts not relevant to the subject.

 

If you all would like to discuss other credit cards and their benefits, why not start another thread?