A future cruise credit (FCC) is a letter, voucher or certificate issued by a cruise line that you can apply for a future trip. During this unexpected time where months worth of cruises were cancelled due to the pandemic, many travelers now have future cruise credits. As an incentive to come back, many cruise lines offered credits of 125% of the cruise fare to guests.
Here are some details on what you should know about future cruise credits.
How do I get a future cruise credit?
If you are working with a travel agent, they will take care of all of the details for you. You don’t even have to worry about losing the credit, as we have electronic access to your future travel credits via an agent portal. If you are working direct with the cruise line, then you will typically receive an email with a redemption code.
How to use future cruise credits
When you are ready to book your next cruise, all you need is the code, and the FCC can be applied to the new reservation. There are however some important things to keep in mind.
- Even if you booked direct with the cruise line in the past, you can re-book using a travel agent. Keep in mind there is no charge for using our expertise and you will often get additional onboard credits or amenities.
- FCC are normally combineable with any current promotions the cruise line or a travel agency may be offering, so you can still take advantage of onboard spending money, free beverage package, complimentary specialty dining, or any other deals. There may be some restrictions, for example a non-refundable fares, so make sure and check the terms or have your agent explain the details.
- FCC typically have expiration dates. Make sure that you are aware of how long the offer is valid for.
- An FCC can only be used towards the base fare of the cruise (the deposit, port charges, taxes, pre-paid gratuities, travel insurance, drink packages, etc. would have to be paid separately)
- An FCC is typically not interchangeable between brands. For example, a Royal Caribbean future cruise credit cannot be used with Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises, even though that are owned by the same company.
- If your next cruise is more expensive, you will have to pay the difference. If your next cruise is cheaper, the policy varies by cruise line. Carnival cruises for example will give you the difference as an onboard credit, up to a maximum of $500. Celebrity Cruises will allow you to book multiple sailings if there is enough money in the credit. What they will do is issue a 2nd future cruise credit, but the expiration date will remain the same. If a cruise line will not give you the difference, then upgrading your cabin will likely be the best option. A travel specialist can help you go through all of these important details.
- Future cruise credits are issued per person, per booking & are non-transferable. FCC cannot be redeemed for cash.
What if the price of my cruise goes down?
When you book with us, you are automatically sign up for free cruise price alerts. It is very possible if you are booking a cruise for 2021 or 2022, that prices will decrease from the time that you booked and applied your future cruise credit. If your price goes down, lower than the value of your cruise credit, then as mentioned above you might get an onboard credit or a future cruise credit, depending the cruise line. In other situations, you may be able to upgrade your cabin at no additional cost to you. In either case, its something that we would research for you to make sure you are choosing the best option.
Related post: Free Cruise Price Alerts
When should I use my future cruise credit?
We are confident cruise lines will take all of the necessary measures to ensure your safety onboard once cruising resumes. Some guests are eager to travel this summer, while others feel more comfortable waiting until next year. It is a personal decision and we are here to help. What we can say with certainty is that there are some great promotions available for close to date and next years travel. You can choose a cruise into the future, and as long as you have not made final payment or are under penalty, you can always change your mind. Many cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas cruises are allowing guests to cancel up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a future travel credit. Other cruise line such as Holland America Cruises and Princess Cruises offer cancel for any reason insurance that protects a large potion of your investment.
Here are some of the promotions available for 2021 cruises:
- Up to 40% off cruise fares
- Free roundtrip air
- Free Beverage Package
- Free WiFi
- Free Specialty Dinner for 2
- Free up to $1,000 shipboard credit
- 50% reduced deposits
- and more!
Please note: Offers vary by cruise line.
Have questions about your future cruise credit? Our travel specialists are available 6 days per week. Just call us at 800-942-3301. Our agents will make sure you are maximizing your FCC to the fullest, while taking advantage of any ongoing promotions, and booking with peace of mind to have flexibility for cancelling in the future should the need arise.
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