As I've said, we booked our recent cruise using Costco's travel service. They were the cheapest option (by $50 or so once all on-board credits were factored in) and they were a source we trusted (versus some travel agencies we'd never heard of -- just found on the web.)
A week or so after we got back from the trip, I received this email from Costco:
Dear Costco Traveler:
Thank you for choosing Costco Travel for your recent vacation.
In appreciation of your business, we are pleased to offer you the attached coupon valid toward one free custom photo cover photobook from the Costco Photo Center.
Please print the attached coupon, and follow the instructions to order and redeem.
We wish you great photo memories!
How cool! The coupon gets us a $24.99 photo book/album for free!
I thought this was just Costco being nice and delivering over-the-top customer service. I felt so special!!!! Then I found out that it's actually a promotion they are running (which I somehow missed). The details:
Book a vacation package or a cruise between 1/1/12 and 9/30/12 and receive one free 30-page 11 ¼” x 8 ¾” custom photo cover photobook.
Two to three weeks after you return from your vacation or cruise, you’ll receive an email with a coupon valid for one custom photo cover photobook.
Upon receipt of the email, go to Costco.com, click “Photo” and log on to the Photo Center. If you do not have a login with Costco Photo Center you must create one at this time.
When finished, your custom photo cover photobook will be available for pickup at the U.S. Costco warehouse you’ve selected. Free custom photo cover photobook offer must be redeemed at a U.S. Costco Warehouse and is not applicable for mail back orders.
To redeem this offer, present the coupon at the 1-Hour Photo department. Please note one free custom photo cover photobook per household and travel booking.
Offer valid on vacation packages and cruises purchased from Costco Travel. Not valid with other purchases at Costco Travel including: rental cars, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Best Western hotel-only program, houseboat rentals and gift certificates.
Ok, I feel less special now, it's just a promotion. But I'm still glad to get it. As my Granny used to say, "It's better than a stick in the eye." :-)
We haven't used the offer yet (we have until April 30), but I think it will be a nice keepsake. We get the Costco photo calendars every year for Christmas gifts and people love them, so I think we'll certainly be happy with the photo book. I'll let you know if they are particularly awesome or particularly bad.
Sorry to get of the subject, not sure if you saw my question post on the cruise article page, so I am posting it as well.
Can you expand on what class of cabin specifically you were booked on, so we can shoot for a similar one and benfit from the same additional services and free privelidges that you took advantage of during this cruise, when we book ours ?
Thanks In Advance,
Paul L,
Dallas, TX
Posted by: Paul L | March 06, 2012 at 04:50 AM
Paul --
I did. See my response there.
Posted by: FMF | March 06, 2012 at 07:25 AM