FCC confusion

[ms sjsky]

I had a cruise for September that was canceled and since I only had paid the deposit I was happy to be notified that I could get 125% FCC instead of a refund.

I got an email from MSC with the amount of the FCC and the following conditions:

 

"Your 125% Future Cruise Credit certificate can be used on any sailing departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021 and applied at the time of booking toward stateroom upgrades, specialty dining, beverage packages, spa treatments and more. (It excludes government taxes & fees and prepaid items on your original booking, which will be refunded separately to the original form of payment within 60 days.) As an added level of comfort, if the Future Cruise Credit is unused by that date, you will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid"

 

Since I want to see what the industry will look like before I commit, this seemed like a win-win situation since I could get my money back if I eventually decide not to cruise.

 

However, the next day I receive another email from MSC with my FCC and these conditions:

 

"To make it up to you, we’re offering you a Future Cruise Credit for the amount currently deposited on the original booking, plus an extra 25% bonus on that fare, to be used on any sailing departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021. This credit can be applied, at the time of booking, toward stateroom upgrades, specialty dining, beverage packages, spa treatments and more. (It excludes government taxes & fees and prepaid items on your original booking, which will be refunded separately to the original form of payment within 60 days.) As an added level of comfort, if the Future Cruise Credit is unused by that date, you will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid. If you prefer a refund, we will issue this within 60 days from the date requested.

Click on the button below to download your Future Cruise Credit certificate and call us at 1-866-420-3584 to apply it to a new cruise booking, which must be made within the next 60 days."

 

 The first email never mentioned making a new booking within 60 days, I'd rather wait as long as possible to use it if I choose to do so.

Does anyone know if FCC has to be used in 60 days, and if it isn't, do I lose the FCC and my chance to get a refund?

 

Thanks for any infput

 

 

[Até]

The emails sound like a mix of US and Canadian policy.  I've never heard on US bookings that once you select a FCC if you don't use it by 12/31/2021 it will be refunded.  I think they just need to hear from you in the next 60 days so they know which you want - FCC or full refund.  Then they can start the refund of the port fees/taxes portion only.  I'm pretty sure the "which must be done in the next 60 days" is regarding clicking the button below to accept the FCC, not the apply it to the new booking.  English isn't MSC's first language.  But to be sure just call to get an explanation.

Edited June 22, 2020 by Até

[mamaneedsavacay]

12 hours ago, Até said:

The emails sound like a mix of US and Canadian policy.  I've never heard on US bookings that once you select a FCC if you don't use it by 12/31/2021 it will be refunded.  

 

I am US, and I was told on the phone by MSC rep that if I didn't use the FCC by 12/31/2021 it would be refunded. (100% of fare refunded, not 125%.) I'm hoping when I get the actual certificate those terms will be on it somewhere, because I've never seen it in writing. My certificate has been processing since about March 30 now. 

[sfaaa]

17 hours ago, ms sjsky said:

I had a cruise for September that was canceled and since I only had paid the deposit I was happy to be notified that I could get 125% FCC instead of a refund.

I got an email from MSC with the amount of the FCC and the following conditions:

 

"Your 125% Future Cruise Credit certificate can be used on any sailing departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021 and applied at the time of booking toward stateroom upgrades, specialty dining, beverage packages, spa treatments and more. (It excludes government taxes & fees and prepaid items on your original booking, which will be refunded separately to the original form of payment within 60 days.) 

 

If I read this correctly, FCC must be used toward statement upgrade...and more. Does this mean FCC cannot be used as new booking deposit or payment towards a lower grade cabin such as Interior Bella? And what does the term More mean? 

[dexddd]

Our fcc offer said could be used on any future sailing which I consider the one we had booked for next year.

 

If they are now going to be putting in restrictions after initial offer, that will be a problem.

 

Of course, it hasn't processed yet.

Edited June 23, 2020 by dexddd

[Até]

6 hours ago, sfaaa said:

If I read this correctly, FCC must be used toward statement upgrade...and more. Does this mean FCC cannot be used as new booking deposit or payment towards a lower grade cabin such as Interior Bella? And what does the term More mean? 

Again I think it's just typical MSC not being careful with wording, and also a little that people are being hyper critical due to MSC's erratic handling of the situation.  Since MSC is talking about you getting 125% they are just suggesting ways to use up that extra money.   Upgrading the stateroom type is one possible way mentioned to use the extra 25%, along with several others.  "More" just means that this is not an inclusive list, so things like internet, laundry packages, photo packages, fun passes, etc... would also qualify.

[Paphillyguy]

If you are booked through the Casino on a free cruise certificate and paid to upgrade.  I was told today that your FCC will only be 100% of what you paid to upgrade.  The reason was that the 125% is on the cruise fare and since the cruise fare is $0 and the upgrade is a fee, you are only eligible for 100% of what you paid.  Just wanted to let anyone that was wondering my experience.