Have a Future Cruise Credit About to Expire?
Don’t Let That Value Disappear
We help you understand your cruise credits, find eligible sailings, and apply them before they expire — maximizing every dollar of cruise value you are owed.
What Are Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Credits?
Cruise credits come in several forms, and understanding the difference matters for making the most of what you have:
- Future Cruise Credit (FCC): Issued by a cruise line when you cancel a booking or when the cruise line cancels your voyage. Represents a dollar amount applicable toward future sailings, often with an enhanced value (e.g., 110% to 125% of original fare).
- Onboard Credit (OBC): A dollar amount applied to your onboard account during a sailing. Can be used for specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, beverages, and other ship expenses. Does not transfer to future sailings.
- Loyalty Points / Status Credits: Points earned through a cruise line’s loyalty program based on nights sailed, spend, or cabin category. Redeemable for discounts, free upgrades, or priority boarding.
- Promotional Credits: Credits offered as part of a booking promotion — often “free” onboard credit or beverage packages that come bundled with a new booking.
FCC Guides by Cruise Line
Oceania — FCC vs. Refund
Regent — Gratuities Refund Policy
FCC Expiration Policy Guide
How to Use FCC Before It Expires
Cash Refund Instead of FCC
Common FCC Scenarios We Handle
- You cancelled a cruise and received an FCC but are unsure how to use it
- The cruise line cancelled your voyage and issued an FCC instead of a cash refund
- You received multiple FCCs from different cruises and want to combine them on one booking
- Your FCC was issued to one passenger but another passenger in your group wants to use it
- Your FCC is expiring soon and you need help finding an eligible sailing quickly
- The cruise line is not accepting your FCC correctly when you try to apply it
How to Use Your Future Cruise Credit
The process of applying an FCC to a new booking involves several steps that vary by cruise line:
- Step 1 — Retrieve your FCC details: You need the FCC number, dollar value, expiration date, and any applicable restrictions. Some cruise lines store FCC details in your online account; others require a call.
- Step 2 — Find an eligible sailing: Your FCC may only apply to specific ship classes, itineraries, or minimum booking amounts. We check eligibility before you choose a sailing.
- Step 3 — Verify current promotions: Some promotions cannot be combined with FCCs. Others offer better deals than your FCC. We compare both options so you pick the most valuable path.
- Step 4 — Apply the FCC at booking: The FCC code must be properly entered during booking. Errors here can result in the credit not being applied or being forfeited.
- Step 5 — Confirm the credit appeared: We verify the booking confirmation shows the FCC correctly applied to your balance.
When you call us at +1 (205) 709-3160, we handle all of these steps on your behalf.
Onboard Credits: Making the Most of Them
Onboard Credits (OBC) are use-it-or-lose-it during your sailing. Strategies to maximize your OBC include:
- Book specialty dining restaurants in advance and pay with OBC
- Pre-purchase shore excursions through the cruise line using OBC
- Use OBC for spa treatments, which are often available at a discount on sea days
- Apply OBC to pre-paid gratuities if the cruise line allows it
- Check whether your OBC is refundable (promotional OBC typically is not; loyalty OBC sometimes is)
We advise passengers on the best ways to structure their spending to use OBC effectively before it disappears at the end of the voyage. See also: Silversea Onboard Credit Dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out how much FCC I have?
Log into your cruise line account online, or call the cruise line’s guest services number. You can also call Sky Voyage Travel at +1 (205) 709-3160 and we will help you retrieve your FCC balance and terms.
Can I transfer my FCC to another passenger?
FCC transferability varies by cruise line. Some cruise lines allow transfers within immediate family; others restrict FCCs to the original named passenger. We check the specific rules for your cruise line and FCC issuance.
What happens if my FCC expires before I can use it?
In most cases, expired FCCs are forfeited. However, some cruise lines have honored extension requests in special circumstances, particularly for medical or emergency situations. We can help you submit an extension request if this applies to you.
Can I use FCC toward taxes, fees, and port charges?
This depends on the cruise line. Some FCCs apply to total fare including taxes and fees; others apply only to the base cruise fare. We clarify this for your specific FCC before you commit to a new booking.
My FCC was issued during the cruise line’s cancellation — can I get cash instead?
If the cruise line cancelled your voyage, you are generally entitled to request a full cash refund instead of an FCC. The deadline to elect a cash refund versus FCC is time-sensitive and varies by cruise line. Call us immediately at +1 (205) 709-3160 to protect your right to a refund.
Related services: Cruise Cancellations | Cruise Refunds | Flight Travel Credits