OBC for Gratuities

[CrankySailor]

hello. Does anyone know if Viking enforces not allowing OBC to be used to offset gratuities? Their materials say this is not allowed (which is NOT the policy of most other main line cruise brands), but wondering if that is enforced (i.e., if there are credits available in the onboard account they will offset gratuity charges).

Thanks.

[Clay Clayton]

Somewhere on this board there is a similar thread which as I recall reported that this policy has changed and you can now use OBC for gratuities. You might want to do a search to confirm that my memory is correct.

[SantaFe1]

I remember the same thing. In fact I think it included a quote from a Viking email. But I would call just to be sure.

[jabrown40]

This was the email I posted that I received at an earlier date from my previous post

Today at 5:28 PM

 

Thank you for reaching out with your question.

 

I am happy to confirm that Shipboard Credit can now be applied toward gratuities aboard our ocean vessels.

 

Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions before departure. We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard Viking Sea in February!

[CrankySailor]

Good news! Thanks all!

[bellemere]

Just off Viking Sky on Dec. 17th. Great ship and cruise. We used OBC for tips. No problem.

[Clay Clayton]

off topic but bellemere, can you tell me where Sky docked in San Juan? Old town or the other dock across the water?

[bellemere]

Our cruise was in and out of Miami.

[Vineyard View]

off topic but bellemere, can you tell me where Sky docked in San Juan? Old town or the other dock across the water?

 

It docks at Old San Juan Pier, Clay Clayton.

[CrankySailor]

Just off Viking Sky on Dec. 17th. Great ship and cruise. We used OBC for tips. No problem.

 

 

Grrrr...called Viking today and they said "no." Guess I will ask on-board on day 1 and then decide if I use the OBC for the drink package or gratuities.

 

Thx.

[Clay Clayton]

It docks at Old San Juan Pier, Clay Clayton.

Thanks....wonder if it makes any difference since we are a departure point and not a port call?

[RJ2002]

This was the email I posted that I received at an earlier date from my previous post

Today at 5:28 PM

 

Thank you for reaching out with your question.

 

I am happy to confirm that Shipboard Credit can now be applied toward gratuities aboard our ocean vessels.

 

Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions before departure. We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard Viking Sea in February!

 

Grrrr...called Viking today and they said "no." Guess I will ask on-board on day 1 and then decide if I use the OBC for the drink package or gratuities.

 

Thx.

 

Seems to be conflicting information coming from Viking's Customer Service on this issue. Hopefully the reports of guests actually onboard being able to have their OBC applied to gratuities are correct.

[philw1776]

I have not found Viking customer service that helpful.

If calling about issues like OBC for gratuities be sure that the person understands you're on ocean or river. Policies may differ.

[PercyP]

We were on the Viking Sea last month and were able to use our OBC for gratuities.

[Vineyard View]

Thanks....wonder if it makes any difference since we are a departure point and not a port call?

 

All the posts that I have read have been at OSJ - including Departure cruises (Amazon & West Indies) - of course that can all change, but hopefully not.