Maybe a silly question regarding OBB

[readytogotodisney]

The 18 month window that you can use your OBB, is that from the date you board or the date you disembark?

We have cruise booked for Nov 10-14th, and plan on doing an OBB, a dummy one if we need to so we can cruise again in May 2016 (our 10 yr anniversary).

For that May 2016 cruise, would we need to complete the cruise before May 14th? board before the 10th? board before the 14th?

I know it could be splitting hairs, but I'm just thinking of how it'll work out.

TIA!

 

[disneymommy1979]

I would like to know too

 

[disneylove69]

I would think it would be day it was booked and deposit taken.

 

[lanejudy]

Neither. It's the date that you actually make the OBB booking. So in OP's situation cruising this November, it could be the 10th, 11th, 12th or 13th -- whichever day during the cruise that you finalize the OBB (either at the desk or returning the card). It's not likely to be the day your cruise ends because I don't think the Future Cruise desk is open that morning.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[SillyInventor]

That's a good question.
The original OBB form states:"Guests making a booking onboard must sail within 18 months after te date the original booking was made onboard".
It specifies the starting date of the 18-month window on the day you book and deposit you OBB. However it does not specify if by "Sail" they mean Sail away or Sailing completed.
Could be worth a mail or call to the DCL customer service.

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

The 18 month window that you can use your OBB, is that from the date you board or the date you disembark?

We have cruise booked for Nov 10-14th, and plan on doing an OBB, a dummy one if we need to so we can cruise again in May 2016 (our 10 yr anniversary).

For that May 2016 cruise, would we need to complete the cruise before May 14th? board before the 10th? board before the 14th?

I know it could be splitting hairs, but I'm just thinking of how it'll work out.

TIA!

I don't know exactly how they count the months but I can share our experience from June. We were on the Dream on June 19 to 22, 2014 and I wanted to book a xmas cruise leaving on Dec 19, 2015. We went to the sales desk on June 19 and I was told we were outside the 18-month window BUT if we came back the next day we could book it as it would then be in the 18-month window. Hope that helps.

 

[RedSox68]

From past experience, it is from the date you book it and put that deposit. You can change it as many times as you want in that 18-month window, but the expiration date will always be from the original booking date.

 

[tweis]

If you book a cruise say May 19th, then the 18 month window would be November 19th. Would your cruise need to be completed by the 19th or could you simply embark on the 19th? Does your cruise have to be completed by the 18 month deadline or could you be sailing on your deadline?

 

[RedSox68]

If you book a cruise say May 19th, then the 18 month window would be November 19th. Would your cruise need to be completed by the 19th or could you simply embark on the 19th? Does your cruise have to be completed by the 18 month deadline or could you be sailing on your deadline?

This one I am not positive on -- but I always thought it was that it had to be booked to start by that 18-month window date and not completed

 

[tweis]

This one I am not positive on -- but I always thought it was that it had to be booked to start by that 18-month window date and not completed

That's what I'm thinking also but wasn't sure. We just cancelled our OBB so it really isn't anything I have to worry about anytime soon.

 

[readytogotodisney]

Thanks everyone! It sounds like I will want to book the OBB on our last full day to get closer to the date we want to sail in May 2016.

Now I just need clarification on whether the cruise needs to be completed by that date or if I just need to board before that date.
I sent an email to DCL so we'll see what they say.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Scott has a copy of the letter from DCL explaining the 18 month rule when first implemented. It says (bolding mine) "all new onboard bookings must complete travel within 18 months from the date booked in order to maintain the onboard booking benefits."

You can see the whole letter here:
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/2013/11/onboard-booking-offer-policy-revised-use-lose-18-months/

 

[tweis]

Scott has a copy of the letter from DCL explaining the 18 month rule when first implemented. It says (bolding mine) "all new onboard bookings must complete travel within 18 months from the date booked in order to maintain the onboard booking benefits."

You can see the whole letter here:
http://disneycruiselineblog.com/2013/11/onboard-booking-offer-policy-revised-use-lose-18-months/

I completely forgot that I have that exact same email because we had an OBB at the time the new rule was implemented. It clearly states that travel must be completed so I guess that answers my question. Thanks.

 

[lanejudy]

Scott has a copy of the letter from DCL explaining the 18 month rule when first implemented. It says (bolding mine) "all new onboard bookings must complete travel within 18 months from the date booked in order to maintain the onboard booking benefits."

My letter says the same thing -- travel must be completed... so I take that to mean the cruise has ended and you are off the ship by that 18-month deadline.

Enjoy your cruises!

 

[Disneycouple99]

My letter says the same thing -- travel must be completed... so I take that to mean the cruise has ended and you are off the ship by that 18-month deadline.

Enjoy your cruises!

So if you disembark on your 18-month date your are ok?

 

[lanejudy]

So if you disembark on your 18-month date your are ok?

That would be my understanding of the new rule... but I haven't heard of anyone actually pushing that deadline so close. I would check with DCL to make sure a cruise ending on your 18-month window is acceptable for the OBB terms.

Enjoy your cruise!