Future Cruise Credit 101

[Jan115]

What is Future Cruise Credit and How Do I Use It?

If you’ve been one of the many who have had their 2020 or 2021 cruise canceled due to Coronavirus, you’ve probably been given the option of a full refund or a non-refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) toward a new future sailing. The amount is usually based on the fare or deposit paid toward the cruise, less any taxes and fees (which would be refunded to the guest). To sweeten the pot and entice cruisers into re-booking their cruise, the cruise lines have recently been offering bonus amounts of FCC, resulting in more value than if the cruise were simply canceled outright. If the amount of the new cruise is less than the amount of the FCC, the difference would be reissued as a new FCC voucher with the same expiration date as originally issued. If the amount of the new cruise is more than the FCC, the guest would pay the difference.

How do I Get My FCC?

Normally, a Future Cruise Credit is delivered to the guest by email in the form of a voucher. During the current COVID-1 pandemic, though, because of the unprecedented volume of cruise cancellations, Future Cruise Credits are generally held by the cruise line in the guest’s name until they are ready to rebook, at which time they would contact the cruise line or their travel agent to apply that credit to a new cruise. The FCC is not transferable and can only be used in the name of the guest on the original booking and goes toward the cruise fare. In most cases, it cannot be used as a deposit toward a new cruise.

When will I receive my FCC?

Guests should expect to receive Future Cruise Credit a week or two; however, with so many cancellations by the cruise line due to COVID-19, it can take several weeks. If the guest is registered with the cruise line or is a repeat guest, the guest on-line portal may list the amount of the future cruise credit in the guest account. To confirm the receipt of your Future Cruise Credit, a call to the cruise line or your travel agent may be required. 

What will an FCC NOT cover?

Future Cruise Credit is meant to be paid toward the cruise fare. Generally, FCC cannot be used to pay future charges such as port taxes and fees, initial deposits, prepaid gratuities, shore excursions or any onboard spending.

Read the Fine Print

Each cruise line has different rules as to how a guest can use Future Cruise Credit, and will assign blackout or an expiration date. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid disappointment or loss of your FCC. When in doubt, contact the cruise line or your travel agent. Be sure to understand what happens to your FCC if you or the cruise line cancels the new re-booked cruise. Keep track of your future cruise credits - don’t rely on the cruise line to do it.

______________________________

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent; Photo Credit (Unsplash Stock)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View full article

[AndiD]

Jan - since our November FCC was from a deposit, can we use it for another deposit?  Do we HAVE to use it for another deposit?

 

[Jan115]

On 9/20/2020 at 2:06 PM, AndiD said:

Jan - since our November FCC was from a deposit, can we use it for another deposit?  Do we HAVE to use it for another deposit?

 

Andi, if you mean can you put it toward an existing cruise booking, I believe the answer is yes in this case.  

[AndiD]

Well - actually I was wondering if it can be used toward the deposit on a new cruise?   But that actually answered the second question - so thank you!

 

Edited September 23, 2020 by AndiD