Some random Gem questions...

... though I'm sure they can be answered by folks who cruise on other ships...

1. What exactly can OBC be used on? We have a drink package and the specialty dining package, so those aren't really options. Thoughts?

2. Can one purchase a case of bottled water onboard? We purchased it in advance last time, so I wasn't sure if this was an option.

3. When we order a drink using our UBP -- do we get a receipt to sign? Neither of us can remember.

3a. If we do get a receipt -- can we put an "additional" gratuity (above and beyond what is factored into the UBP) for the bartender/server? I assume that will go towards our OBC?

4. Do you recommend we purchase the spa passes in advance? It's the Gem, so I wasn't sure how quickly/if they sold out.

Many thanks in advance for all the help!

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OBC depends on whee it comes from -many threads on this

Last September we did not sign for drinks , the prior spring we did. I don’t know why.

We have booked spa passes ahead of time on our last several cruises, paid for it online. I believe there is a small savings advantage for doing it ahead of time.

Have fun!!!

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You can use your OBC for those spa passes.....

You don't sign for drinks anymore, so cash is king when acknowledging waitstaff/barmen ...

Buy a trinket in the shops with your OBC...

Buy a room service meal or two with your OBC....

Buy the water on board with OBC....

You can use your OBC for those spa passes.....

 

You don't sign for drinks anymore, so cash is king when acknowledging waitstaff/barmen ...

 

Buy a trinket in the shops with your OBC...

 

Buy a room service meal or two with your OBC....

 

Buy the water on board with OBC....

Re: spa passes - I worry they will sell out in advance ... unless someone can comment on otherwise...?

Re: drinks - yes, cash was used extensively on our last cruise (we had no OBC). I was simply wondering if an alternate to cash was available via the OBC.

No need for silly trinkets, plenty of alcohol at home, and $140 OBC means LOTS of room service haha.

Re: water - can the case be purchased onboard, or will the bottles have to be purchased individually?

Thanks for the reply! [emoji846]

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They have been sold out prior to cruise on our last two Getaway cruises. They did offer a single day pass on two of the port days. I dont remember how much it was.

You can buy water onboard by the bottle or any of the packages listed (i.e., 6 bottles, 12, 24, etc.). I believe it is the same price as online. Whether or not you can use OBC toward gratuities I think depends upon whether it is refundable or non-refundable credit. I believe you cannot with non-refundable credit but you can pay for the water that way.

Last cruise we used our OBC to buy a cruise next certificate in the past we used it towards an excursion we booked on board. As others said you can order water on the ship. At one of the bar's someone who did not have the UBP was signing the beverage receipt and wanted to leave a $10 tip. I heard the bartender say that he would never see that tip so cash is better. Enjoy your cruise we love the Gem.

You can buy water onboard by the bottle or any of the packages listed (i.e., 6 bottles, 12, 24, etc.). I believe it is the same price as online. Whether or not you can use OBC toward gratuities I think depends upon whether it is refundable or non-refundable credit. I believe you cannot with non-refundable credit but you can pay for the water that way.

Excellent, thank you! I was hoping we could purchase the water in bulk. [emoji16]

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Last cruise we used our OBC to buy a cruise next certificate in the past we used it towards an excursion we booked on board. As others said you can order water on the ship. At one of the bar's someone who did not have the UBP was signing the beverage receipt and wanted to leave a $10 tip. I heard the bartender say that he would never see that tip so cash is better. Enjoy your cruise we love the Gem.

Ooh, the CruiseNext option is definitely one we will have to look into. We sailed on the Gem last May as well, and we loved it. It's one of my preferred ships! Thanks!

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You can use your OBC for port excursions! That what we are doing :) Also maybe order a bottle of wine or something, since I dont think UBP includes bottles! You may also be able to use it towards tips but I'm not positive about that.

We had the UBP on Gem in November and only had to sign in NYC for the local taxes.

For the March 17 Gem 10 day sailing, the spa pass was 199 in advance, $247 on board. A 20% saving.

OBC will not be applied to standard gratuities, but will be to most other charges, including Cruise Next.

OBC used in the casino will have a percentage deducted, making the pay tables and slot returns even worse than they are already.

No receipt to sign when ordering drinks.

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OBC could be used for gratuities, if you haven't prepaid. We purchased the spa package online prior for $139. Was $186 on board and included a scrub in a cup that ours did not.

OBC could be used for gratuities, if you haven't prepaid. We purchased the spa package online prior for $139. Was $186 on board and included a scrub in a cup that ours did not.

OBC cannot be use for gratuities on NCL.

OBC cannot be use for gratuities on NCL.

just ran into this...if it's non-refundable you cannot use for room tips....if refundable you can. I would not relay on replys here but we were on NCL recently - we had non and could not use. our friends had a combination of refundable & non-refundable they could use the refundable towards tips. I bought a purse in gift shop they bought liquor.

lobster on gem