Do you have a Future Cruise Credit or Future Travel Credit? Now is the time to use them. Many of the cruise and travel credits that were issued in 2020 and 2021 are expiring soon, and we want to make sure that you don’t lose your credits. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Check the expiration date of your credits, as many of them expire at the end of 2021 or in early 2022. Up until now, there has been a general sense of flexibility within the industry and cruise lines have extended the expiration date of travel credits. Not any more. In most cases, all remaining travel credits will not be extended further.
- Pay attention to the applicable sail dates / departure dates that you can apply them to. Some credits have stipulations, such as applying them to sailings departing in 2022. Others can be applied to cruises as far out as 2024, giving you a wealth of options to choose from.
- Many 2022 sailings are selling out and already have limited availability. Don’t miss out on the itinerary you want or the stateroom you want by waiting too long to book.
- Consider giving the gift of cruising this holiday season. It’s a great way to use your credits before they expire and sharing the joy of travel with your loved ones.
How to Use Your Credits
Online Vacation Center is here to help clear up any confusion regarding Future Cruise Credits and Future Travel Credits. Continue reading below for information and FAQs about how to use your credits.
What is A Future Cruise Credit? What is a Future Travel Credit?
A Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is a voucher issued by a Cruise Line to a named individual with a monetary value to be used towards a future cruise. These are non-transferrable and have an expiration date, however, you are free to use them on any cruise offered by the issuing cruise line.
A Future Travel Credit (FTC) is a voucher issued by Online Vacation Center and select Land Tour Lines for the land portion of a vacation with a designated monetary value for any canceled hotels, transfers or tours.
Online Vacation Center allows you to use Future Travel Credits towards ANY vacation offered by OVC. This certificate is more flexible in the fact that it can be applied towards cruising as well as:
- Air or Value Inclusive Packages including Airfare, 4-Star+ Hotels, Transfers & more
- Enrichment Journeys including all of the above plus escorted tours, exclusive shore excursions*, most meals & more
- Land Tours like those found on Globus, Costsaver & More
- Vacation Packages like those found on Apple Vacations
*Exclusive Shore Excursions available on select Enrichment Journeys.
What about my canceled flight?
Airfare credits, if available, are provided separately. Typically, once booked, airfare is non-refundable. However, Online Vacation Center keeps a close relationship with our operators and we are able to negotiate credits under certain circumstances.
What is the value of my FCC/FTC?
The monetary value issued to you in the form of an FCC/FTC is determined based on the base cruise or vacation fare, minus extras like taxes, fees, gratuities and more that may or may not be returned to you as a refund.
Due to a large number of recent cancellations, many cruise lines like Celebrity, Viking, Royal Caribbean and more have offered additional value on a future vacation for some bookings.
Land Tour Lines like Costsaver, Globus, Tauck and others have also offered additional value to FTC holders depending on circumstance.
Offers vary by cruise line and are dependent on when or how your vacation was canceled, so be sure to call a Personal Vacation Manager® to ensure you’re getting the most value possible.
What won’t my FCC/FTC cover?
FCCs are only applicable to the base cruise fare; this means that you can’t use them for taxes, fees, or amenities like shore excursions and drink packages.
An FTC from Online Vacation Center can be applied to most aspects of your vacation cost including cruise fare, lodging, tours and more.
What if my future cruise costs less than my FCC?
Many cruise lines do not allow the balance of your FCC to carry over. However, to check if your cruise line will issue you a new FCC with the remainder of your balance, read the individual terms on your credit for more information—and be aware of the expiration date!
FTCs from Online Vacation Center will need to be fully used or risk losing the balance. Make sure to also review the separate terms and conditions for FTCs issued by land tour lines.
How can I best take advantage of my FCC/FTC?
FCCs can only be used towards the cruise line they were issued from and the same goes for FTCs and their respective brands. However, you are free to use them with Online Vacation Center.
When you book with OVC, our Personal Vacation Managers® will work to make sure you are getting the most value possible. Most FCCs and FTCs are applicable to current promotions on your own, but OVC’s value outweighs even those.
Book with us for exclusive rates with extras and amenities like up to free airfare, bonus onboard credit, Visa gift cards and more. Combine your FCC and FTC toward a 2022 or 2023 Cruise Package or Enrichment Journey with all of the above plus escorted tours, exclusive shore excursions and more.
We’ll handle the stress of planning, all you have to do is sit back and relax. Read what our clients have to say!
If you have more questions and we’re always here to help. Give us a call, email or craft your own message here and a Personal Vacation Manager® will contact you as soon as possible!
