What are the coupons all about (CC, CA?) First time cruiser here!

[Ninner]

I've been reading on the boards all about the coupons people want or can use on their cruises. What are these coupons and how do I get them? When can you use them? Someone mentioned about being a C & A member. What's that? We're leaving on Rhapsody April 2nd for our first cruise so of course I have to get the lowdown on everything. I've learned so much from you all so far. Thanks a heap!

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

C&A = Crown & Anchor, sign up while on your first cruise and you'll be a past passenger and a member after the cruise. After that first cruise you'll get magazines that have coupons inside for discounts on certain dates.

 

CC = cruise critic, no coupons or discounts that I know of :confused:

 

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[39august]

Crown & Anchor Society (C & A) is the repeat cruisers club. You may join after your first cruise. Once a member, you will receive a coupon book in your cabin for all subsequent RCI cruises. Coupons vary but usually include discounts on photos, a drink, spa, logo shop, second bottle of wine, free wine tasting, a free specialty coffee, and casino credits. Other C & A member coupons used to come out in a quarterly RCI magazine. Beginning in April, only 2 magazines per year will be mailed, but the quarterly coupons will be e-mailed to registered C&A members. These coupons are for $$ off specified cruises and can only be used by the C&A member. Sometimes, RCI sends out "thank you for cruising" coupons for $50 off the price of a cruise, one for the addressee and one "for a friend" coupon. There is usually a specified date range of when these may be used. The "friend" coupon can be used by anyone. Welcome to RCI!

[MrsJennifer]

I will also be cruising in May, first time, and I've seen on ebay some coupon books. If I bought a coupon book via ebay, would there be a problem with me using the coupons since I'm a first timer?

[39august]

You might and you might not. I wouldn't pay more than a dollar or two. The coupons are really not that great. We've used others' coupons on the same cruise, but you don't know how old those coupon books are. I'm sure there is some sort of code to indicate time frame and/or ship.