How do FCCs work?

[OneParticularHarbour 71]

We are waiting on FCC for our cancelled April cruise and are looking at new cruises to book but wasn’t sure how the FCC works.  There were 5 of us on the original reservation (me, DH & our 3 kids - 2 of which are college age).  Here are my questions:

 

1. Will we receive one FCC for the full amount paid or one FCC per person?

2.  If we receive one FCC for the full amount, do all 5 of us need to sail on the new cruise or can we use it for a cruise for just 2 of us?

3.  If the new cruise we book is less then the amount of the FCC, what happens to the balance of the FCC?

4.  When does the FCC expire?

 

If you have any other tips for making  best use of the FCC, please let me know.

 

Thank you for any help you can give!

[Beamafar]

You’ll just get one FCC voucher to use.  It can only be used for a cruise where the fare is more than the value of the FCC (was told by MSC that the FCC had to be a certain minimum % of the fare but can’t remember what it was).   I would imagine that you wouldn’t have to book for the same number of people.

 

The FCC I’m getting for a May cancellation expires in April 2022.

Edited March 14, 2021 by Beamafar

[shipgeeks]

Expiration date will vary, based on --??  Date of original cruise?  Date when applied for?  Ours expire next December.

Other conditions could vary.  Ours are slightly different from what is posted above.  Perhaps different in different countries?

(I know, I'm posting more questions than answers.  Just thinking that the absolute answers will be on your certificate.)

[Geobugs]

1. FCC for the full amount, in the names of all five persons.

2. Any amount of the FCC can be used on one cruise, for any amount of people.

3. The balance of the FCC after the fair and taxes, could be used for cruse purchases onboard the ship, such as store purchases, beverage packages, shore excursion, etc.

4. The FCC if unused or partially used, will be refunded minus the 25% after April 2022.

Nothing is lost or expired.

[OneParticularHarbour 71]

Thank you everyone!  Ironically, today we received the email from MSC with our FCC.  Here is what it says (it contradicts itself on when it needs to be booked by and sailed by):

 

If you booked through MSC Cruises directly, please call us at 1-866-420-3584 to apply your FCC to a new cruise booking. If you booked through a travel advisor, please contact your travel advisor to apply your FCC to a new cruise booking.

Your Future Cruise Credit certificate can be used on any open sailing, as long as it’s booked by April 30, 2022. The Future Cruise Credit can be applied at the time of booking toward your stateroom as well as items such as specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, 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). As an added level of comfort, if your Future Cruise Credit is unused by April 30, 2022, you will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid.

 

If you prefer to request a refund, for guests booked directly through MSC Cruises USA, please call us within 30 days of receiving this Future Cruise Credit at 1-866-420-3584.
For guests booked through a travel advisor, please contact your travel advisor within 30 days of receiving this Future Cruise Credit.

 

BOOKING CONDITIONS The Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is valid for U.S. and Canadian residents only, will follow the country and currency amount listed on the guest’s FCC certificate, and can be applied to sailings departing on or before April 30, 2022, but booked by December 31, 2021. An initial deposit is required to hold a booking. The FCC can be applied at a later date. Alternatively, if one prefers not to place a deposit, simply book your reservation and apply your FCC at the same time by calling our contact center or travel advisor. If your FCC is greater than the deposit amount, it will cover your deposit at the time of booking so no further funds will be required at that time. If the total value of the new booking exceeds the FCC’s value, the guest will be responsible for the difference. If the new value is lower than the FCC’s value, your remaining balance can be used towards upgraded accommodations, enhancements to your onboard experience, shore excursions, shipboard credits and more. The FCC is non-transferable. This FCC cannot be redeemed for cash. The FCC is null and void if the booking number on the cruise credit certificate has been refunded or associated to a chargeback. If you re-book a cruise using an FCC and that cruise is also canceled, you will be reissued the FCC based on the original cruise fare paid to use at a later time. The FCC excludes government taxes & fees and prepaid items on the original booking, which will be refunded separately to the original form of payment. Please note: If your booking is related to two or more cruises that have been canceled, the benefits are calculated based on the first cruise booking. This FCC expires on December 31, 2021.

Edited March 15, 2021 by OneParticularHarbour 71

[Beamafar]

Much more clearly worded than the email I got. 

[Two Wheels Only]

47 minutes ago, OneParticularHarbour 71 said:

If you re-book a cruise using an FCC and that cruise is also canceled, you will be reissued the FCC based on the original cruise fare paid to use at a later time.

 

This seems like the FCC doesn't get "double-dipped". However, if the 2nd cruise cost more than the first cancelled one, the cash used to pay the difference on the 2nd one would get the 125% bonus if FCC is taken again.