Shareholder stock credit denied...anybody else experience this?

[consmarci]

Hello. We are very frequent cruisers and have loved the CCL  credits for being stockholders. We were offered a casino rate for a cruise coming up in a few months. We were denied the 100.00 credit  because "we already got a great deal" and anyone with a "reduced rate" doesn't qualify. 

Yes, we got a reduced rate, but still are spending over 1000.00 dollars, so certainly not a "free" cruise by any means. 

 

I called corporate investor relations and was given the run around...first the "you already got a great deal" then something about compliance, then you sent it too early and it has to be less than 3 weeks due to needing the most current stock portfolio paperwork. So, which is it? Who doesn't sail at some sort of reduced rate is what I asked. Whether resident rate, senior citizen rate, special promo rate...probably very few sail at a not reduced rate, yet she quoted the corporate paperwork saying anyone on a "reduced rate" doesn't qualify. This is our 22nd cruise. We aren't new to this, but the first time refused. I'm frustrated because it seems like an arbitrary decision. Thoughts? 

[Carol1560]

As a stockholder, this is a benefit you are due regardless of the rate

 

[consmarci]

Thanks, Carol. I thought so, too. I have already called investor relations...who else can I contact to get it?

 

She was not helpful or supportive and when I told her to please stop laughing at my request, she got really snippy. I was really calm and sweet and she just kept saying not to be "greedy" and "you already got a great rate". I did ask her about where is the line drawn? Who is to say what is a great rate? She said, we'll lose money on you and if we get audited...compliance...blah blah, lots of buzz words which I didn't understand. I finally just hung up. 

[twodaywonder]

9 minutes ago, Carol1560 said:

As a stockholder, this is a benefit you are due regardless of the rate

 

That is not correct.

[FLCruise7]

The stockholder benefits form states that if you're on a reduced rate, you don't qualify.  I've never gotten the Shareholder OBC when doing a casino rate cruise.

[twodaywonder]

27 minutes ago, consmarci said:

Hello. We are very frequent cruisers and have loved the CCL  credits for being stockholders. We were offered a casino rate for a cruise coming up in a few months. We were denied the 100.00 credit  because "we already got a great deal" and anyone with a "reduced rate" doesn't qualify. 

Yes, we got a reduced rate, but still are spending over 1000.00 dollars, so certainly not a "free" cruise by any means. 

 

I called corporate investor relations and was given the run around...first the "you already got a great deal" then something about compliance, then you sent it too early and it has to be less than 3 weeks due to needing the most current stock portfolio paperwork. So, which is it? Who doesn't sail at some sort of reduced rate is what I asked. Whether resident rate, senior citizen rate, special promo rate...probably very few sail at a not reduced rate, yet she quoted the corporate paperwork saying anyone on a "reduced rate" doesn't qualify. This is our 22nd cruise. We aren't new to this, but the first time refused. I'm frustrated because it seems like an arbitrary decision. Thoughts? 

This benefit is available to shareholders holding a minimum of 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc. Employees, travel agents
Cruising at travel agent rates, tour conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer.

This benefit is not transferable and cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities charged to your onboard account. Only one onboard credit

[PhillyFan33579]

To the OP, some times it pays to do a little research first before calling and asking for something you are not entitled to per the rules of this benefit. 

[BlerkOne]

Just because Carnival has not enforced rules in the past does not preclude them starting to enforce them and/or randomly enforce them. Rules are rules.

[consmarci]

Thank you for your thoughts. 

[Joebucks]

The language states that any reduced rate can disqualify you from the OBC. I have not seen them do it with any of the sales. However, as you have noticed, a casino rate can do it.

[geoherb]

Almost everyone cruises on a reduced rate, but casino rates are different, just like Interline rates.

[xDisconnections]

2 hours ago, FLCruise7 said:

The stockholder benefits form states that if you're on a reduced rate, you don't qualify.  I've never gotten the Shareholder OBC when doing a casino rate cruise.

If Carnival wanted to, they could even consider Early Saver and Past Guest Rate as reduced rates for the intents and purposes of this benefit. At this time, it’s mostly complimentary cruises and casino fares that are restricted.

 

With that said, your mileage may vary and my shareholder benefit was applied to my upcoming casino rate cruise on Carnival as well as previous Princess cruises reserved under the casino rate.

[Purvis1231]

2 hours ago, twodaywonder said:

That is not correct.

Right, the language about this is plain. No benefit, sorry. I hope the OP enjoys the cruise anyway. 

[MCC retired]

The Casino Rate is a really Reduced Rate more like the Travel Agent Rates and Interline Rates for which the Share Holder OBC does not apply. Unlike the normal Rate Codes available to all.

Carnival Rep is correct OP already has a Real Good Deal.

[BlerkOne]

41 minutes ago, geoherb said:

Almost everyone cruises on a reduced rate, but casino rates are different, just like Interline rates.

 

Not everyone is eligible for casino rates or interline rates.

[twodaywonder]

I receive offers a lot for the casino rates. Usually not any better that what my TA can get me. Plus only a $50.00 OBC and free drinks AFTER you qualify. You can qualify for free drinks on any cruise.

[May1cruiser]

I have been on two cruises this year, both with casino rates, the first was dealers choice, the second was a premier casino cruise. I did get shareholder OBC for both. The only ask was a recent shareholder statement. I always send the request as an attachment to an email. never speak to anyone on the phone.

 

I have to add, the casino rates are not much of a savings any longer, so I am not sure what argument they have. 

 

 

[pusywillow]

I have also been denied on a casino rate   They made plenty of money off me on that cruise so it was not a hardship for them.

[sassy~one]

 I've never gotten the Shareholder OBC when doing a casino rate cruise.  

[sassy~one]

4 hours ago, Carol1560 said:

As a stockholder, this is a benefit you are due regardless of the rate

 

This is wrong!  Read the fine print.  

 

[Carol1560]

I guess that I am wrong.  I have NEVER been denied unless it was like a twenty five dollar cruise

 

[NCTribeFan]

The only time I've ever been denied a SH credit was on a HAL sailing.  Yes, it was a discounted casino  (nowhere near "free") fare.

 

I've received mine OBC from Carnival on casino fares before.  None of them have been deeply discounted.  Maybe they've taken pity on me since I'm usually solo so paying 200%. 😉

 

I never send mine in earlier than 3 or 4 weeks prior to sailing because I don't want the "you sent this in too early" response.  I sail at the end of October on a casino rate, so we'll see what happens.  I'll send it in after I have my August statement.  Hopefully, I'll still get my $100 OBC.

Edited July 30 by NCTribeFan

[VentureMan_2000]

Interesting topic...

I didn't know there were exclusions.  Good info.

[JaniceB]

Good info.  I have received Casino rates never have taken them because of the rules but I just did one for Jan 2020 because the deposit was only $99 each.  I can't wait to see if I get my shareholder credit because the rate was not very reduced.

[pirateg11]

This is actually one of the things that makes me shy away from purchasing the 100 shares, since I always sail on a casino rate. Without the $100 OBC, this seems a less appealing investment.  What should it matter what rate you get for the sailing, you're still a stock holder?