Future Cruise Credits

Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are credits issued by a cruise line to use as payments towards another cruise vacation in the future. These are given to customers as a form of compensation for inconveniences caused by cancelled cruises or service issues on a previous cruise. These are typically awarded to a guest in the form of a certificate with certificate number and a finite expiration date. The amount may vary depending on the cost of the cruise.

You do not have to decide on your future cruise at the time you receive the FCC. Generally you will have a year or more to choose your future cruise and rebook. It is important to know the details of the FCC, such as blackout sailing dates and expiration date. FCCs are usually able to be combined with whatever promotions the cruise line has available at the time you rebook.

Most cruise lines who suspended or cancelled cruise departures as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19) are offering generous Future Cruise Credits that are significantly higher than the amount guests actually paid for their cruise. For this reason, we recommend the Future Cruise Credit, as the amount of the credit may be worth more than what you already paid. The additional FCC amount could benefit you by paying the difference in an upgraded stateroom or longer cruise. Since an FCC means you'll definitely cruise again, some travel companies like CruiseCheap.com offer additional benefits to encourage you to select the Future Cruise Credit so you'll actually book the future cruise you deserve.

However, if you are not able to book or travel within the FCC expiration dates or if you are in immediate need of the funds for an alternate vacation, then select the cruise refund option.

Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Deposits (Next Cruise) are very similar in that they are both valid forms of payment for a future cruise. The difference between the two is that Future Cruise Credits are given by the cruise line AND Future Cruise Deposits are purchased by the customer.

As mentioned previously, Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are given to customers as a form of compensation for inconveniences caused by cancelled cruises or service issues on a previous cruise. Future Cruise Deposits or Next Cruise Certificates are purchased by guests while they are actively sailing on a cruise.

Many cruise lines have onboard cruise advisors who will help the guest find a future cruise and offer incentives like shipboard credits, specialty dining, upgrades or discounts to place a future deposit. Since booking a Future Cruise Deposit onboard offers such a great value, this is a very popular benefit among repeat cruise travelers. At CruiseCheap.com, we highly recommend our guests take advantage of booking a Future Cruise Deposit while onboard their next cruise.

The value of your Future Cruise Credit can vary based on many factors. The cruise line, how much you paid for the original cruise, and possibly even your sailing date or destination can all affect the value of your FCC. During the COVID-19 crisis, some cruise lines are offering a credit for an amount even higher than what you originally paid, and some cruise lines are offering a credit for any penalties you may have incurred.

Redeeming your Future Credit Credit is easy! Just call one of our CruiseCheap.com Travel Advisors, and they will take care of the details for you. If you prefer to book online at CruiseCheap.com, you can enter your certificate number during checkout.

No, Future Cruise Credits are non-transferable. They are only valid for the passengers booked on the original sailing.

Yes, when a Future Cruise Credit is issued there is an expiration date. The expiration date will be listed on your certificate. Many of the coronavirus (Covid-19) FCCs have both a "Book By" expiration date and a "Travel By" expiration date. Generally you will have a year or more to use your Future Cruise Credit. These expiration dates vary by cruise line and certificate.

Yes! You're able to use your Future Cruise Credit at CruiseCheap.com, even if your last cruise was booked directly with the cruise line. You may redeem your FCC with us by calling one of our Travel Advisors, or by entering the certificate number at checkout on our website. If you booked your last cruise with your local travel agent or another online travel agency, you should contact them directly about redeeming your FCC. They probably worked hard to earn your business and plan your dream vacation - they should get the credit for your booking. You're welcome to use CruiseCheap.com to find your cruise and then contact your agent to redeem your certificate.

If you booked your last cruise with your personal travel agent or online travel company, then you should contact them directly about redeeming your Future Cruise Certificate. Your travel agent probably worked very hard to earn your business and plan your dream vacation. They should get the credit for your next booking. You're welcome to find the cruise you like on CruiseCheap.com, but then contact them directly to book it. They will help you redeem your certificate with the cruise line.