How to use a $400 credit

[splash0306]

This will be our first cruise. Thanks to all who post as it is enlightening. When we booked we were given a $400 credit. How do we use it? Can I just save it for check out because I'm afraid that things are added to my bill I am not prepared for. (we are getting a beverage package)

Gail

[Clarea]

This will be our first cruise. Thanks to all who post as it is enlightening. When we booked we were given a $400 credit. How do we use it? Can I just save it for check out because I'm afraid that things are added to my bill I am not prepared for. (we are getting a beverage package)

Gail

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

First thing is not to purchase the beverage package until you are on board the ship. That will consume a good chunk (if not all) of the $400. Another thing you can do is not prepay gratuties, so they are charged against your credit.

Edited May 6, 2014 by clarea

[Raenstoirm]

Yes, but I wouldn't. OBC is a use-it-or-lose-it. That said, did you prepay tips already? They will be added. What about excursions? Shopping? Spa? Pictures? All of that eats into your OBC. We have a $600 OBC and lets just say I am not concerned about using it! ;)

I would just keep a basic mental tally of what you are spending if you are trying to stay in a budget.

[GRANNYOFSIX]

This will be our first cruise. Thanks to all who post as it is enlightening. When we booked we were given a $400 credit. How do we use it? Can I just save it for check out because I'm afraid that things are added to my bill I am not prepared for. (we are getting a beverage package)

Gail

 

Another way to use the $400 on board credit is NOT to purchase the dining package (if you plan to do this) on line........purchase the dining package (which in our opinion is a very good deal) when you BOARD the ship. This way they will use part of your on board credit - HAPPY CRUISING:)

[MisterBill99]

Yes, but I wouldn't. OBC is a use-it-or-lose-it.

That's not true, at least not on Celebrity (and I assume RCI is the same). There are two types of OBC, refundable and non-refundable. Typically OBC that the cruise line gives you is non-refundable but from your TA it is refundable. Guest Services should be able to tell you how much of each you have. On Celebrity, it shows up as OBC-N and OBR-R when you check your statement on the TV. If you do not spend all of your refundable OBC, then it goes back on your credit card at the end of the cruise (or you may be able to get cash at Guest Services the last night).

 

You can also take cash out at the casino for a 5% surcharge.

 

And as was previously mentioned you definitely do not want to pre-pay your gratuities if you have OBC since that's the easiest way to get rid of it.

Edited May 6, 2014 by MisterBill99

[scoob2010]

Agree with the other posters, depending on your length of cruise and people in your room, the gratuities will be a big chunk- its about $12 or $14 or so /per person per day depending on whether you are in a regular room or suite.

 

FYI, on our cruise on the Oasis, we were able to check on the TV control how much we were charged daily to see how much we had left.

 

We had about $600 OBC on our Oasis cruise and I looked at it as a cruise with free gratuities.

 

Either way- congrats on all the credit hope you have a good time!

[cb at sea]

It won't be hard to use all $400...honestly! If you lose a bit of it...oh, well...everything else you charged on the ship was paid for...for FREE! It's a win-win situation!

 

Tips will take a big chunk...buy a drink or a specialty coffee....that will take another bite!

 

You can spend it...I KNOW you can!

[33tekfan]

Another way to use the $400 on board credit is NOT to purchase the dining package (if you plan to do this) on line........purchase the dining package (which in our opinion is a very good deal) when you BOARD the ship. This way they will use part of your on board credit - HAPPY CRUISING:)

 

I have never heard of a dining package....what is that?

[Clarea]

I have never heard of a dining package....what is that?

Royal sometimes offers a deal if you dine at multiple specialty restaurants.

[leahlovescruising]

I'd apply it towards gratuities if not paid for already and also some sort of beverage package. Next up would be speciality restaurants...or maybe the spa! SO many options!

[Langley Cruisers]

Can I just save it for check out because I'm afraid that things are added to my bill I am not prepared for...

 

What things are you unprepared for? When you take a cruise, you are given a Sea Pass card, which is your cabin door key and charge account all in one. Every time you make a purchase onboard ship, be it for a an alcoholic drink, specialty coffee, spa services, purchases in the onboard shops, specialty restaurant, photos, and such you will hand over your card, be given a bill and asked to sign it. The only think you do not sign for is the daily service charge/auto gratuity, which is put on each guest's bill per night (unless you have pre-paid your gratuities in your final cruise payment before you leave home). What I'm trying to say is that you should know how much you are spending because, well basically, you're in charge. Right? Additionally, depending on your ship, there should be a running total of your account purchases available to view on the TV in your cabin. You can view this at any time, or stop by Guest Services and have them print your bill out for you at any time.

 

Does that help? :)

.

[ValerieJo]

I agree with the others, wait until you board to buy drink packages, pay for gratuities, reserve specialty dining and book ship excursions. These will surely use your OBC. If by some chance you have any left, donate it to the Make A Wish foundation during the 'Make A Wish fundraising walk' on board.

[kirnerxubixu]

I looked at it as a cruise with free gratuities.

[Biker19]

I'm looking to book a cruise under this week's WOW sale. The cabin I want has $200 OBC from RCI. The cruise has no seats available for traditional seating at dinner (I didn't know this was possible) so I have to pre-pay gratuities. Is there a way once onboard to get a refund for the gratuities and use the OBC instead?

Edited June 1, 2014 by kemenyg

[NorbertsNiece]

I'm looking to book a cruise under this week's WOW sale. The cabin I want has $200 OBC from RCI. The cruise has no seats available for traditional seating at dinner (I didn't know this was possible) so I have to pre-pay gratuities. Is there a way once onboard to get a refund for the gratuities and use the OBC instead?

 

Unfortunately not. My Time Dining requires that gratuities are paid up front.

[Clarea]

I'm looking to book a cruise under this week's WOW sale. The cabin I want has $200 OBC from RCI. The cruise has no seats available for traditional seating at dinner (I didn't know this was possible) so I have to pre-pay gratuities. Is there a way once onboard to get a refund for the gratuities and use the OBC instead?

I don't believe you can get a refund for prepaid gratuities. I would keep trying to get on traditional dining before final payment date, That way you can cancel prepaid gratuities. See if you can get on a waitlist for traditional dining, many times more spaces become available as the cruise draws near.