Did you know that over 90% of cruise passengers who had their trips cancelled or changed were offered a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as compensation? If you’re one of those passengers, you may be wondering what exactly FCC is, how it works, and most importantly, whether accepting it is worth it.
Well, you’re in luck because in this ultimate guide, I’m going to unlock the benefits of FCC and provide you with all the vital information you need to know before making a decision. As someone who loves the freedom of travel, I understand the frustration of having a cruise cancelled or changed.
But before you dismiss FCC as just another form of compensation, it’s important to know that it can actually provide some amazing benefits. From saving you money on your next cruise to giving you more flexibility in choosing your itinerary, FCC can give you the freedom to enjoy your future vacations even more.
So, let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of FCC and how to use it to your advantage.
- FCC is a voucher offered by cruise lines for cancelled or significantly changed cruises that can be used to book another cruise with the same line.
- The amount of FCC varies depending on the cruise line, but most are currently offering 125% FCC for cancelled cruises in 2020.
- Pros of taking FCC include getting a great deal, supporting the cruise lines, and not being able to get a refund if you booked using a gift card or other credit.
- To use FCC, you can call the cruise line or your preferred travel agent, and if your new cruise is more expensive, you will have to pay the difference.
FCC Basics
I already know that Future Cruise Credit (FCC) can be used to book another cruise with the same cruise line.
However, there are some basic things that I need to learn about FCC.
Firstly, calculating FCC varies by cruise line and also depends on the country you live in. For example, most cruise lines are offering 125% FCC for cancelled cruises in 2020, but the amount of FCC can range from 100% to 200% of the booking value as credit. It’s important to check the FCC policy of the cruise line you’re dealing with to know how to calculate it properly.
Secondly, redeeming FCC for upgrades is a great way to make the most out of it. If your new cruise is cheaper than the FCC amount, you can retain the excess credit for another cruise or even upgrade to a better cabin with the excess credit. However, if your new cruise is more expensive, you will have to pay the difference.
The expiry date on cruise credit notes varies, so it’s essential to know the date when you have to use it on a booking by as well as the date you have to cruise by.
Overall, understanding the basics of FCC can help you make informed decisions when it comes to redeeming your cruise credit.
Pros and Cons
While weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using future cruise credit, it’s important to consider whether the terms align with your future travel plans and financial situation.
On the one hand, FCC can provide long term value by offering a higher credit amount than what was originally paid for the cancelled cruise. This means that you could potentially book a more expensive cruise in the future without having to pay as much out of pocket.
However, on the other hand, FCC does not offer financial flexibility. Once you accept FCC, you are locked into using it with the same cruise line and may not be able to get a cash refund. This can be a disadvantage if you need the funds for other things or if you’re not sure if you want to cruise again.
It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before accepting FCC and ensure that it aligns with your future travel plans and financial situation.
Using FCC
When using future cruise credit, it’s important to note that policies may vary depending on the cruise line, so it’s best to check with them directly.
To book your new cruise with FCC, you can either call the cruise line or your preferred travel agent. Once you have booked your cruise, you will need to provide your FCC details to the cruise line, including the amount of credit you have and the expiration date.
If your new cruise costs more than your FCC, you will have to pay the difference. However, if your new cruise is cheaper, you can retain the excess credit for another cruise or upgrade to a better cabin with the excess credit.
It’s important to note that the expiry date on cruise credit notes varies, and there will often be a date when you have to use it on a booking by as well as a date you have to cruise by. Some cruise lines may allow you to extend the expiration date for a fee, but this will also depend on their policies.
To avoid losing your FCC, it’s best to use it as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute. By following the booking process and keeping track of the expiry date, you can make the most out of your FCC and enjoy your next cruise with peace of mind.
Additional Information
Exploring related posts can provide valuable insights on how to make the most out of your future cruise credit. In addition to the information provided in this article, it’s important to look at how FCC can benefit loyal customers and how it impacts the cruise industry as a whole. By taking advantage of FCC, loyal customers can receive discounts and other perks that may not be available to new customers. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and a stronger relationship between the customer and the cruise line.
Furthermore, FCC has had a significant impact on the cruise industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As cruises were cancelled or postponed, cruise lines have had to rely on FCC to keep customers engaged and interested in future cruises. This has led to a greater emphasis on customer service and satisfaction, as well as a renewed focus on safety and health measures. Overall, FCC has become a crucial tool for both customers and cruise lines, and will likely continue to play an important role in the industry for years to come.
| Benefit | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Discounts | FCC can be used to receive discounts on future cruises | Book a 7-day Caribbean cruise with FCC and receive 10% off |
| Perks | Loyal customers may receive additional perks such as onboard credit or priority boarding | Use FCC to book a suite and receive $500 in onboard credit |
| Flexibility | FCC allows for more flexibility in terms of rebooking and using credit | Use excess FCC to upgrade cabin or book a shore excursion |
| Customer Loyalty | FCC can lead to increased customer loyalty and a stronger relationship between the customer and the cruise line | Loyal customers may receive exclusive discounts and offers |
| Industry Impact | FCC has become a crucial tool for both customers and cruise lines, leading to a renewed focus on customer service and safety measures | Cruise lines have had to rely on FCC to keep customers engaged and interested in future cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Can FCC be transferred to someone else?
FCC transferability depends on the cruise line’s policy, and some may allow it with legal implications. It’s best to check with the cruise line or travel agent before transferring FCC to someone else.
Is FCC applicable to all types of cabins and cruises?
Themed cruises and cabin types eligible for FCC depend on the cruise line’s policy. FCC can be used to book any cabin, but upgrades may require additional payment. Always check the fine print.
What happens if the cruise line goes bankrupt before I can use my FCC?
If the cruise line goes bankrupt, FCC holders may not be able to use their credits. However, many cruise lines have bankruptcy protection in place to refund FCC. It’s important to research and understand the FCC refund process before accepting it.
Can I combine FCC with other discounts or promotions?
Coincidentally, combining discounts with FCC is limited. Some cruise lines may allow it, but it depends on their policies. FCC can only be used for certain things, so make sure to read the fine print.
How long does it take for FCC to be issued after a cancelled or changed itinerary?
The processing time for FCC varies by cruise line, but it typically takes a few weeks to a month for the credit to be issued. The claiming process involves contacting the cruise line or travel agent to request the FCC or refund.