In 2002 I applied for and got an MBNA -Norwegian Cruise Lines Master card that accumulated Compass Rewards points that could be used for future cruises. Reward certificates were issued in $100 & $500 doniminations. MBNA was taken over several years ago by Bank of America, who continued the program.
In October users of the BOA/NCL Compass rewards credit card were sent a letter stating that the Compass Rewards Program would be replaced with BOA's Worldpoints program effective 1/1/09. They also said that coupons would be issued for all accumulated points by Jan 31st. I had accumulated 2038 points as of December 20th. Each point has a cash value of one dollar.
In early Feb, 09 I received a final notice of points stating I had only 13 points and was given a one catagory upgrade certificate. There was no address to appeal on the letter or certificate and no phone number. I spent probably 10 hours on the phone & getting the run around and was finally told an address to mail an appeal. During my time on the phone I was told my points expired 12/31/08, " (which is dead wrong), that perhaps there may be there are more coupons in the mail, and "we don't have access to that infomation" referring to the points I accumulated and the coupon status.
The points balance from 08 is still availabe when I sign into BOA online and look at my December statement. I did some looking around on blogs for people who cruise and discovered that the ripoff was widespread with similar stories being told by many BOA/NCL customers.
Based on the fact we had to use these coupons witin a short time period I booked a cruise last October (after receiving the letter) for May which I cannot pay for now because I am short $2000 in coupons to pay for it. (two college age kids - $ is tight). NCL said they will look into it for me but I have little faith they will get any further with Bank of America. It sould be noted that initially BOA said that NCL sent out the coupons, not BOA. BOA does and did send out the bad coupons as indicated on a post office box address on the envelope.
Any law firms with Class Action Experience with Federally licensed banks and a good resume are welcome to contact me.
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