First Time Cruiser Credit Question

[DisneyJumper]

How do you get the First Time Cruiser credit??????

 

[AprilN]

This is what I've gleamed from various threads on this board...

Call your travel agent or Disney (whomever you booked your cruise with), and ask for Offer Code REF (otherwise known as the First Time Cruiser credit) to be placed on your booking. It has been confirmed by Disney that this credit code can be used on cruises through Dec 2003, and based on results posted on this board, you can expect a $50 credit for a 7-day cruise, and $25 for a 3/4-day. Disney does not specifically mention the smaller credit for the shorter cruise (which is definitely misleading), but several people have only received $25, so don't expect more.

That should do it! You may need to be persistent - I had to call Costco (my TA) twice, because the first agent was convinced that the credit could not be applied for 2003 - but the second agent got it done! Also, if you used other discounts on your cruise, this credit may not be applicable.

Good luck! I was able to add it to my booking for Feb 2003 - but I have another 277 days until I'll know for sure if I got it!

April

 

[DisneyJumper]

I contacted my travel agent and they said that I would have to know the REF code before they could do it because they had not heard of it.

 

[Michelle]

DisneyJumper, tell your TA that the actual code IS the letters REF.

And as stated, that credit is NOT combineable with any other credit or with any special promotion such as a Florida resident discount.

 

[peg2001]

Dreams Unlimited informed me a few weeks ago that the REF first time cruiser credit was only good through 2002 cruises only. I have a Jan 2003 cruise booked so I would love to get this credit if it is now available for 2003.

Is this announced by Disney anywhere so that I can refer my Dreams Unlimited TA to the announcement?

 

[AprilN]

After the first time I tried to have my TA add the REF credit, I called Disney, and the rep on the phone confirmed that the REF offer code is good for all cruises through Dec 2003. I don't have it in writing, but that's what an official Disney rep told me. And the second time I called my TA (reaching a different person this time!), he was able to contact Disney and add the credit!

I can't help you in your dealings with DU, except to tell them to call Disney. I'm not the only 2003 cruiser to get the credit - so it can be done!

edited to add: I successfully added the REF credit only last week. Maybe it only became available for 2003 cruises very recently?

April

 

[Bride2BeIn2003]

I saw this thread and even though I booked through DU, I called Disney directly ( 1-800-WDW-CRUISE) and spoke to May and she applied the credit for me to our 9-13-2003 honeymoon cruise

 

[peg2001]

Thank you, AprilN. One quick e-mail to Dreams Unlimited and they responded within minutes that my reservation for a 4-day cruise in Jan '03 will now show a $25 credit.

I know that it is not a lot but it is nice to have!!

 

[DisneyJumper]

I called my TA and got my First Time Cruisers Credit. The 4 night cruise only gets $25 though. It's better than nothing. Thanks everyone...........

 

[appink]

I had my travel agent call and they told her it was only for club members????

I just called Disney myself and they said my agent had to call. I am so confused.

$50 is $50. It would be nice to get it



Patti

 

[peg2001]

Patti,

I suggest that you try again. The Disney Club credit and the First Time Cruise credit are 2 different things and you do not have to be in the Disney Club to get the First Time Cruise credit . Tell your travel agent that you would like to use code REF to get the First time Cruise credit, which is $50 for a 7-day cruise and $25 for a 3- or 4-day cruise.

I had to try twice because the first time I asked about it, I was told that it was only good for cruises in 2002. However, now several people (me included!) have been able to have it applied to a cruise in 2003.

Good luck.

 

[professorandmom]

Many thanks to the boards...my TA just called Disney and I got the $50 credit for my 4 day Wonder in 8/2003. Yes, $50...Don't know how she did that, but I did get it in writing just in case there are problems once I get on board - as others have described.

My hours of surfing have been well worth it!!!!
Thanks again!

 

[doulasue]

I have to add my two cents, sorry if I sound mad!! (I am!). We cruised on the 4 night Wonder two weeks ago. Hearing about the first time cruiser credit 2 months prior, I called DCL directly to request it. The assured me that it would be a $50 credit, and it would be waiting for me. I called 2 days before we left to confirm, and was promised a $50 credit would be awaiting my arrival. We arrived, and guess what? NOT THERE. I called guest services immediately and was told that they had no record of it, and would only give me the $25 credit. OK, I am a reasonable person who was happy to be there, so I gently explained what we were promised. They didn't care, $25 was what we got. I was happy for the $25 and dropped it. However, what really has me riled up is that we are all being told different things from everyone, our TA's, DCL direct, guest services, etc.. The amounts differ, the time frame differs, the expiration dates differ, who is eligible differs, codes differ, what is going on??!! Not only that, but none of us was offered this, we all had to ask for it (some of us more than several times, I might add!) It just makes those of us who recv'd only $25 feel like we could have gotten the whole amount if we only contacted the right person at the right time. It is no longer about the lousy $25, it is about good customer service!!!! Thanks for letting me vent. -Sue

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We have 10 first-time cruisers in 3 staterooms on the Magic 2/15/03. 3 staterooms=3, $50 credits, right? I think I'm following this story...

 

[professorandmom]

Am I the only person wondering - where is Disney Customer Service here? Certainly it would be good business practice if they were monitoring these boards. Best focus groups available! Wouldn't this thread prompt some action? Hard to believe that all the concerns and frustrations posted could be ignored! Seems like Disney needs a simple policy clarification to me!

I sure must be missing something.