FYI - $250 cruisefirst

[BermudaBound2014]

9 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

This is one of the main reasons some of us strongly prefer CN vs. CF.  The terms as written are more flexible and, as executed, very flexible.

I agree- based on what I’ve caught up on in the past few days it is CNs for me all the way! The terms are much more consumer friendly.  I had to move fast so I did a CF direct from ncl, but from now on I’ll be buying discounted CNs from social media.

Edited May 19, 2023 by BermudaBound2014

[carohs]

55 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I haven’t been following the Emergence of cruisefirst certs, and this is purely my twisted mind being speculative…. But…..

 

I understand why you lose the extra bonus value of the cruisefirst when rebooking the same cruise (to take advantage of a fare reduction). Fair enough.. I get it. Makes sense. 

 

What if you cancelled the cruise and had the first cruise (call it CF number 123) reinstated to your account. 
 

Then … purchased another  first cruise (number 456), rebooked the same cruise at the lower price, and applied the second cruisefirst (#456) to the booking?? 

 

You’d still have almost three years to use cruisefirst number 123 for full value.

 

Just thinking outside the box. Of course, my DH accuses me coloring outside the lines on a daily basis  🙂 

 

Anyway, just thinking out loud. 

 

The terms state "If a guest with an existing reservation cancels and rebooks the same ship and sail date with a CruiseFirst certificate, the additional value of the CruiseFirst certificate will be removed."

 

From what others have said the additional value of the CF certificate is not removed if using on a a different ship or sail date. So in my logic, something about the rebook triggers the loss of value regardless of which CF certificate is used. I have not had a situation though where I have been willing to test that theory. 

 

I think if it was reworded as "if a guest with an existing reservation booked with a CFC cancels and rebooks the same ship and sail date the additional value of the CF will be removed" then the situation you're describing would make sense. 

[carohs]

31 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I agree- based on what I’ve caught up on in the past few days it is CNs for me all the way! The terms are much more consumer friendly.  I had to move fast so I did a CF direct from ncl, but from now on I’ll be buying discounted CNs from social media.

For me, although having had positive results, buying from a stranger on social media is more risky than the terms of the CF imposed by NCL. Otoh, I'm willing to assess on a case by case basis which certs best meet my needs/situation. I'm glad for these discussions because NCL certainly doesn't make the pros/cons very clear.  

[BermudaBound2014]

19 minutes ago, carohs said:

 

The terms state "If a guest with an existing reservation cancels and rebooks the same ship and sail date with a CruiseFirst certificate, the additional value of THE CruiseFirst certificate will be removed."

 

From what others have said the additional value of the CF certificate is not removed if using on a a different ship or sail date. So in my logic, something about the rebook triggers the loss of value regardless of which CF certificate is used. I have not had a situation though where I have been willing to test that theory. 

 

I think if it was reworded as "if a guest with an existing reservation booked with a CFC cancels and rebooks the same ship and sail date the additional value of the CF will be removed" then the situation you're describing would make sense. 

Not sure and obviously just friendly chatting about the idea, but in the verbiage you quoted, I read the word “the” (bold red above) as thus assigned to a specific CFcert number (example cert 123). It would be different if they replaced the word “the” with the letter “a” or word “any”. I have entirely too many lawyers in the family 🙂 

Edited May 20, 2023 by BermudaBound2014

[carohs]

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Not sure and obviously just friendly chatting about the idea, but in the verbiage you quoted, I read the word “the” (bold red above) as thus assigned to a specific CFcert number (example cert 123). It would be different if they replaced the word “the” with the letter “a” or word “any”. I have entirely too many lawyers in the family 🙂 

That's compelling. If I'm ever in the situation where a rebook/reprice savings > loss of potential CF value I'll let you know. 

 

On another note, if one loses the CF value, can I recancel/book and apply CNC instead?

[Serengeti228]

6 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

And they have the rule that if you cancel and rebook the same cruise, you'd lose the extra value of the cruise first.  But again, no one knows for sure if this applied to canceling and rebooking before applying the CF, or it it's only after booking with a CF. 

Perhaps another scenario is to apply CF(#1) on a booking and later the booking is cancel and rebook, and apply CF(#2) on the same cruise.  

[Serengeti228]

4 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

 

What if you cancelled the cruise and had the first cruise (call it CF number 123) reinstated to your account. 
 

Then … purchased another  first cruise (number 456), rebooked the same cruise at the lower price, and applied the second cruisefirst (#456) to the booking?? 

 

You’d still have almost three years to use cruisefirst number 123 for full value.

 

Good one!

[ChiefMateJRK]

On 5/18/2023 at 2:59 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Has anybody recently cancelled a booking that had a CN applied either as deposit or additional payment?  Since the double up promo appears to again be working for insides, I decided to liberate two CNs that I had used as deposit on a 2025 cruise (I can just rebook it at same price/promos and pay cash for deposit).  I need the two CNs back to share with DD for a cruise later this year.  The agent confirmed that the CNs would just return to my account.  They didn't show up immediately, so I'm curious how long this has taken for others.  I know that credit card refunds take about a week, but am hoping the CNs are "refunded" faster.  Thanks.

 

On 5/18/2023 at 3:27 PM, julig22 said:

Haven't done it recently but it took a couple of days at that time.

 

On 5/18/2023 at 3:38 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Thanks.  I'll report back. 😎

Reporting back.  I cancelled two future bookings with CNs applied on 5/18.  They showed up back in my account today (5/20).  So, in this case, two days.

[Liljo22]

Cruisefirst $250/$500 being offered again for those that missed it last time.  

[603NHCruiser]

On 5/19/2023 at 3:25 PM, dbrown84 said:

actually, I've yet to do it with a CF.  I am on my next booking, which I haven't booked yet (just priced it out).  I have done it with CN in the past.  Yes, the OBC will be the refundable type.  this was before Covid with I did this.  With all the changes lately, I surely hope this is still allowed.  I don't know why it wouldn't, but you never know with NCL and the changes lately.  I'm not surprised that she said no the excursions though, since they can't  be charged to your account before sailing.  You pay for those via CC if it's before boarding.  Other things to consider if it's a no on the OBC are blackjack/slot tournaments, NCL transportation to/from port/airport  Alcohol or soda package, Starbucks package, extra dining.... good luck

Well @dbrown84 I think the days of buying OBC with the remainder of a CN/CF are over. I called in on Wednesday to try and do it and the casino rep I was working with immediately said nope... no way. I told her that I would have to look at things then and would call back later. did the Hang up call again and the 2nd rep also immediately said no, She seemed a lot more knowledgeable and explained that OBC could not be "added to a reservation" in the traditional sense like an upgraded room. it needed to be purchased through a separate amenities screen which required a credit card at the time of purchase so the CN would not be applicable. She went further to say that the terms of the CN specifically state that it is to be used to cover the deposit of a new booking, so while they will often and generally allow a CN to be applied to an existing res. if it is still 120 or more out, that is not technically a requirement of the terms. She put me on hold for a few moments so that she could check in with a supervisor (don't know if she actually did LOL or just put me on hold) and when she came back she said the supervisor confirmed everything she was saying

 

Well. Whomp Whomp... maybe someone else will have more luck. If I recall on a previous cruise I added a VIBE on at the time of booking and it was held on the reservation with just a deposit before final booking, I wonder if the remainder of a CN could be used to cover that? may be worth a try..

[ChiefMateJRK]

15 minutes ago, 603NHCruiser said:

She went further to say that the terms of the CN specifically state that it is to be used to cover the deposit of a new booking, so while they will often and generally allow a CN to be applied to an existing res. if it is still 120 or more out, that is not technically a requirement of the terms.

 

15 minutes ago, 603NHCruiser said:

I wonder if the remainder of a CN could be used to cover that? may be worth a try..

With respect to a CN, you were told a bunch of (accurate) nonsense.  NCL's "make a payment" page clearly provides the option to apply one (or two, if during a DoubleUp promo) CN towards your final payment due on an existing reservation.  I've done just that three times (out of three attempts) this year.  I don't know anything about CFs, as I've never purchased one.

[Ellis1138]

3 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I don't know anything about CFs, as I've never purchased one.

 

I've done 2 CFs. Paid the $250, saw the certificates worth $500 in my account, and used each one as a $500 deposit on cruises that were more than 120 days from when I bought the CF. So, I'm pretty sure a CF is best used as a deposit when you book the cruise.

 

I'm still fairly confused about CNs, except that they are best when there is a double up promo.

[laudergayle]

On 5/19/2023 at 3:42 PM, Zhoen said:

Alas, I am LITERALLY a day late on this... (no surprise there...)  How often do they run these specials?  The cruise I am looking at is over 2 years away, so I feel like I have a little wiggle room...

FYI the $250 Cruise First offer is back if you haven’t already purchased.  If you book with a PCC buy it first and ask your PCC to apply as your deposit.  

Edited June 2, 2023 by laudergayle

[UKstages]

you can certainly do that, but your PCC can also purchase it with you at the time of booking.

[dbrown84]

2 hours ago, 603NHCruiser said:

Well @dbrown84 I think the days of buying OBC with the remainder of a CN/CF are over. I called in on Wednesday to try and do it and the casino rep I was working with immediately said nope... no way. I told her that I would have to look at things then and would call back later. did the Hang up call again and the 2nd rep also immediately said no, She seemed a lot more knowledgeable and explained that OBC could not be "added to a reservation" in the traditional sense like an upgraded room. it needed to be purchased through a separate amenities screen which required a credit card at the time of purchase so the CN would not be applicable. She went further to say that the terms of the CN specifically state that it is to be used to cover the deposit of a new booking, so while they will often and generally allow a CN to be applied to an existing res. if it is still 120 or more out, that is not technically a requirement of the terms. She put me on hold for a few moments so that she could check in with a supervisor (don't know if she actually did LOL or just put me on hold) and when she came back she said the supervisor confirmed everything she was saying

 

Well. Whomp Whomp... maybe someone else will have more luck. If I recall on a previous cruise I added a VIBE on at the time of booking and it was held on the reservation with just a deposit before final booking, I wonder if the remainder of a CN could be used to cover that? may be worth a try..

well, this sucks. I'm curious what will be allowed to add to a reservation vs having to be paid with a CC thru the amenities screen.  I could take the drink package if nothing else.  I generally don't find much value in it over the drinks they offer in the casino.  I did take the drink package on my last cruise so that I could upgrade to premium +, which was nice.  But just the included free at sea drinks isn't worth it to me unless upgrading.  I could also only use $300 certs 

[dbrown84]

1 minute ago, dbrown84 said:

well, this sucks. I'm curious what will be allowed to add to a reservation vs having to be paid with a CC thru the amenities screen.  I could take the drink package if nothing else.  I generally don't find much value in it over the drinks they offer in the casino.  I did take the drink package on my last cruise so that I could upgrade to premium +, which was nice.  But just the included free at sea drinks isn't worth it to me unless upgrading.  I could also only use $300 certs 

NCL shuttle to/from the port would also work, although I'd have to get from my hotel back to the airport to catch the shuttle on the morning of embarkation.  NCL doesn't pickup from hotels

[MagnoliaBlossom]

I have one of those $500/250 for sale to but on that other site.

 

I have cancelled a reservation that was secured by a CF certificate and rebooked it for a different date and there was no problem..

Edited June 2, 2023 by MagnoliaBlossom

[Zhoen]

Have y'all ever seen CF certs go "double up"?  I am trying to decide whether to buy one or two of the $250 ones... I have plenty of time to buy now and wait to make the reservation if we think they will go double-up in the future.  

[julig22]

18 minutes ago, Zhoen said:

Have y'all ever seen CF certs go "double up"?  I am trying to decide whether to buy one or two of the $250 ones... I have plenty of time to buy now and wait to make the reservation if we think they will go double-up in the future.  

Double up is a cruise-next thing.  Cruise first is fairly new, never seen a double, doesn't mean they won't sometime.  But they do offer different values, so for example $500 for $250.

[jeaniebelle]

On 5/16/2023 at 2:44 PM, Liljo22 said:

NM

 

[PaperSniper4]

All this talk of cruise next and cruise first has my poor mind boggled beyond redemption!😳

 

I could better understand if I ask you for suggestions for OUR particular situation:

We usually cruise from NOLA on NCL once each year. I don't think we've ever skipped more than one year. We always have a balcony cabin, usually a "club balcony" or whatever they call them this week.

 

We have a cruise from NOLA scheduled for March 2024. We have never used either of those certificates because I've been totally ignorant of their existence until now.

 

Please offer a recommendation based on my situation.

  I know I cannot use those certificates for our existing reservation (Mar 2024) for which we've paid our deposit only. (It's not a "new booking" - I booked it a month ago)

When and how could we purchase one of those certificates? The First? The Next? It's a near certainty we'll cruise on NCL again in less than 3 years, most likely spring 2025.

 

Thanks for your experienced guidance!

 

 Doug

 

[Firehunter]

1 hour ago, PaperSniper4 said:

All this talk of cruise next and cruise first has my poor mind boggled beyond redemption!😳

 

I could better understand if I ask you for suggestions for OUR particular situation:

We usually cruise from NOLA on NCL once each year. I don't think we've ever skipped more than one year. We always have a balcony cabin, usually a "club balcony" or whatever they call them this week.

 

We have a cruise from NOLA scheduled for March 2024. We have never used either of those certificates because I've been totally ignorant of their existence until now.

 

Please offer a recommendation based on my situation.

  I know I cannot use those certificates for our existing reservation (Mar 2024) for which we've paid our deposit only. (It's not a "new booking" - I booked it a month ago)

When and how could we purchase one of those certificates? The First? The Next? It's a near certainty we'll cruise on NCL again in less than 3 years, most likely spring 2025.

 

Thanks for your experienced guidance!

 

 Doug

 

 

If you want to buy  Cruisefirst now at the $250 for $500 promo, go to the NCL website and click on the learn more for the front page promotions. Then scroll down to the Cruisefirst promo and click more. There is a link to purchase a Cruisefirst certificate. Make sure you read all the terms.

Edited June 4, 2023 by Firehunter

[carohs]

1 hour ago, PaperSniper4 said:

All this talk of cruise next and cruise first has my poor mind boggled beyond redemption!😳

 

I could better understand if I ask you for suggestions for OUR particular situation:

We usually cruise from NOLA on NCL once each year. I don't think we've ever skipped more than one year. We always have a balcony cabin, usually a "club balcony" or whatever they call them this week.

 

We have a cruise from NOLA scheduled for March 2024. We have never used either of those certificates because I've been totally ignorant of their existence until now.

 

Please offer a recommendation based on my situation.

  I know I cannot use those certificates for our existing reservation (Mar 2024) for which we've paid our deposit only. (It's not a "new booking" - I booked it a month ago)

When and how could we purchase one of those certificates? The First? The Next? It's a near certainty we'll cruise on NCL again in less than 3 years, most likely spring 2025.

 

Thanks for your experienced guidance!

 

 Doug

 

CNC are typically bought on a cruise. They are also transferable so you can also buy some on social media. Since you've already booked Mar 2024, I would buy a couple CNC resale and call your PCC or TA and let them know they're on your account and if you can please have them applied to your current booking. Although not in the terms, CNC have successfully been applied to existing reservations in the past. At best you save $ on your current booking, at worst you save them for 2025. I haven't checked if there's a current double up or not, but since you're some time from final payment it's likely they'll have the promo again before then. Good luck!

[laudergayle]

3 hours ago, PaperSniper4 said:

All this talk of cruise next and cruise first has my poor mind boggled beyond redemption!😳

 

I could better understand if I ask you for suggestions for OUR particular situation:

We usually cruise from NOLA on NCL once each year. I don't think we've ever skipped more than one year. We always have a balcony cabin, usually a "club balcony" or whatever they call them this week.

 

We have a cruise from NOLA scheduled for March 2024. We have never used either of those certificates because I've been totally ignorant of their existence until now.

 

Please offer a recommendation based on my situation.

  I know I cannot use those certificates for our existing reservation (Mar 2024) for which we've paid our deposit only. (It's not a "new booking" - I booked it a month ago)

When and how could we purchase one of those certificates? The First? The Next? It's a near certainty we'll cruise on NCL again in less than 3 years, most likely spring 2025.

 

Thanks for your experienced guidance!

 

 Doug

 

IMO for your circumstances, I would go to NCL.com and buy the CF $250 ($500 value) and it will show up in your account.  Then go to your March 2024 cruise and click Make Payment and scroll down to apply your $500 CF cert that is in your account.  I’ve had success applying the CF to an existing reservation (as have others).  Worst case scenario would be that you have it for your 2025 cruise…but I don’t believe that will be the case.  

Edited June 4, 2023 by laudergayle

[PaperSniper4]

Thanks to everyone who replied, it's helped me figure this thing out!

 

 Doug