Question Regarding Using Onboard Credit for Shore Excursions (Prior to Sailing)

[Syd58]

I would like to confirm what I have been told by Seabourn.  Was told that our onboard credit cannot be used to book shore excursions prior to sailing.  That we would need to book the shore excursions, pay with a credit card, and that once board, our credit card would be refunded for the cost of the excursions (even though there would not be an outstanding balance for these excursions once on board).  I asked for documentation and was told they couldn't provide.  Would appreciate confirmation from those where this process has worked.  Also, what is Seabourn's cancellation policy regarding shore excursions? Thanks.

Edited April 19 by Syd58
Added Question

[sfvoyage]

What you were told is correct and applies to everything you need to book in advance (e.g. excursions, spa treatments).  It's a hassle but not a big deal.

 

Once onboard, you go to Guest Services to tell them you want to use your OBC instead.  They normally will then issue a credit to your onboard account instead of a credit directly back to your credit card, but it's the same thing:  the credit is a redeemable one, so you can get it back onto your credit card or you can cash it out at the end of your voyage (or at any time during your voyage upon your request).

 

Cancellation policy for shore excursions is 48 hours, IIRC.  So if you're pre-booking an excursion for the first couple of days of your voyage, be cautious about that.

 

Edited April 19 by sfvoyage

[Syd58]

9 minutes ago, sfvoyage said:

What you were told is correct and applies to everything you need to book in advance (e.g. excursions, spa treatments).  It's a hassle but not a big deal.

 

Once onboard, you go to Guest Services to tell them you want to use your OBC instead.  They normally will then issue a credit to your onboard account instead of a credit directly back to your credit card, but it's the same thing:  the credit is a redeemable one, so you can get it back onto your credit card or you can cash it out at the end of your voyage (or at any time during your voyage upon your request).

 

Cancellation policy for shore excursions is 48 hours, IIRC.  So if you're pre-booking an excursion for the first couple of days of your voyage, be cautious about that.

 

Thanks so much!  So, if I understand correctly any onboard credit remaining can be given back to you in the form of cash or a refund to credit card?

Edited April 19 by Syd58

[sfvoyage]

10 minutes ago, Syd58 said:

Thanks so much!  So, if I understand correctly any onboard credit remaining can be given back to you in the form of cash or a refund to credit card?

Yes, any redeemable OBC can be returned to your credit card or cash at any time during your voyage.  Non-redeemable OBCs are "use it or lose it" during your cruise. 

 

If you pre-book an excursion using your credit card, the reversal of that charge will be a redeemable one.  If you swap that charge and use your non-redeemable OBC instead, and later you cancel that excursion, you will not get cash back because that excursion would have been charged under a non-redeemable OBC, so you'll have to use up the amount some other way.

[Carolfay]

Thanks!  Exactly the question I was about to pose - and you answered it.