Onboard Credits

Many of the comments regarding generous onboard credits has gotten us thinking. I realize that we are not allowed to mention travel agents by name on this board and that is not the question. However, we are curious what others have typically been gifted in onboard credits from their TA. We have used the same one for years, always book an upper level suite and all the other stuff through them...yet, have never had so much OBC that it has been a challenge to spend as many others have commented. Not trying to start an argument, just curious.

For a 16 day Panama Canal holiday cruise on the Explorer in a Penthouse Suite, we were given $2500 from our TA. Couldn't spend most of it so cashed out at the end of the cruise.

I've been reading these comments for a while also. I've contacted 8 different agents in 4 consortiums trying to find something better than I have been receiving through AmEx (have a really excellent agent there). So far the best I can do is another $100 and a cocktail party (on cruises with included drinks). I have also asked people for recommendations on previous cruises.

Each consortium offers perks on specific cruises. So you apparently can't stick with one TA to get the best deals. I also found one cruise group that does give rebates but you after you book, you have to send in proof that you cruised when you return, and then after about six weeks you get a check in the mail.

I now have cruises booked with 5 different agents. And yes, I am worried.

For a 16 day Panama Canal holiday cruise on the Explorer in a Penthouse Suite, we were given $2500 from our TA. Couldn't spend most of it so cashed out at the end of the cruise.

Is this in addition to a percentage back on your cruise fare?

Kinkajou - I think that I would go batty if I had more than one TA. I really need them to keep on top of pricing, etc. We always receive a percentage back on our cruise and sometimes OBC's from the TA and sometimes OBC's from the consortium. We were receiving $300 OBC from Amex for booking and paying the fare with the Amex Platinum card but just cancelled it because they were not combinable with the other OBC's that e were getting.

$2,500? Wow! We have basically been getting the AMEX Platinum credit (around $300) and $150 from our TA. Oh, and invites to Virtuoso cocktail parties (which must not cost them anything as the drinks and snacks are free) that we do not attend. OBCs are certainly not the reason that we book...and we spend a lot in the spa, so spending them is never an issue...but, the fluctuation is interesting

21 days on Explorer in Penthouse Suite $600 OBC and $3000 back at end of cruise.

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21 days on Explorer in Penthouse Suite $600 OBC and $3000 back at end of cruise.

 

 

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Would you please elaborate...or you may send am email to Mike@MikeWright.com. That is amazing!

Never received a rebate. Do you do paperwork after you cruise to get this? We only get AmEx platinum benefits. Usually book penthouse or concierge.

21 days on Explorer in Penthouse Suite $600 OBC and $3000 back at end of cruise.

 

 

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I will email you when I get home

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Never received a rebate. Do you do paperwork after you cruise to get this? We only get AmEx platinum benefits. Usually book penthouse or concierge.

Some TA's make you wait until you return from your vacation. We receive our rebate about 2 weeks prior to the cruise (no paperwork to fill out - it is automatic). Some places give higher rebates than others and some have better customers service (that could ultimately save you money). We look forward to receiving our rebate -- and our next one is due in only a couple of weeks.:D

Never received a rebate. Do you do paperwork after you cruise to get this? We only get AmEx platinum benefits. Usually book penthouse or concierge.

No paperwork. The rebate comes from the agency, I have the proof in the emails they send me they told me they have to do it this way as Regent does not let them discount there fares directly.

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No paperwork. The rebate comes from the agency, I have the proof in the emails they send me they told me they have to do it this way as Regent does not let them discount there fares directly.

 

 

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Not exactly true. Regent allows a 5% rebate but some TA's want to give more and they are forbidden to advertise any amount above 5% (or they likely will not be a TA for Regent any longer). Since our TA's book the cruises (unless they are booked onboard), send out invoices, adjustments, updates, etc., there is no need to have proof. What better proof than the fact that our money went to them and they have our invoices (through Regent)? What the TA's are doing is rebating part of their commission which is why the money comes from them.

This was discussed when Regent put a "cap" on advertised rebates a few years ago.

I have a 300 dollar obc if i don't spend it,do i get any back?

I have a 300 dollar obc if i don't spend it,do i get any back?

Nope.

Nope.

Doesn't it depend on how/who paid for the OBC?

I believe if the OBC comes from Regent, use it or loose it. If it comes from Travel Agent, I believe you will be paid in cash any balance. Someone can confirm.

I believe if the OBC comes from Regent, use it or loose it. If it comes from Travel Agent, I believe you will be paid in cash any balance. Someone can confirm.

It is a bit more complicated than that. We do not get cash back from "most" OBC's provided by our TA. Hope that someone else can give the specifics (almost all of the OBC's we've had over the years are use it or lose it so I've become an expert on spending it.:halo:

This is the way it has worked for us in the past: If the OBC is directly from Regent or from the TA, but part of a Regent Deal with the TA, you have to spend it or loose it.

However, if it is paid to Regent for your account directly from the TA, not related to some Regent deal, you will get it back. We have gotten as much as $900 dollars in OBC back in cash during/at the end of a cruise.

It is a bit more complicated than that. We do not get cash back from "most" OBC's provided by our TA. Hope that someone else can give the specifics (almost all of the OBC's we've had over the years are use it or lose it so I've become an expert on spending it.:halo:

As I mentioned several posts back, we had a large OBC provided by our TA. We hardly spent any of it and cashed it out at the reception desk the day before disembarking. OBCs are coded as refundable and nonrefundable (such as the $300 Amex Platinum OBC).

Doesn't it depend on how/who paid for the OBC?

Rick, you're right - there are some OBCs that are paid that can be cashed out...but it's been my experience that most are 'use or lose' types. Between the spa, laundry, wine upgrades, and minor shopping we've never had a problem using our OBCs.

I've also heard of people using OBCs at the casino to buy chips then cashing them out - but I think that depends on the type of OBCs as well. For me, it's just easier to spend 'em. :D

Rick, you're right - there are some OBCs that are paid that can be cashed out...but it's been my experience that most are 'use or lose' types. Between the spa, laundry, wine upgrades, and minor shopping we've never had a problem using our OBCs.

I've also heard of people using OBCs at the casino to buy chips then cashing them out - but I think that depends on the type of OBCs as well. For me, it's just easier to spend 'em. :D

Us too...never had a problem spending the OBC, no matter how much we get. Rick

Thanks to everyone for your advice. After a lot of research, we found out that there are some amazing opportunities for which we had been completely oblivious. My guess is that some of the deals will not be right for everyone (no great surprise). If you are getting stellar service and need a lot of hand holding, you may wish to just stay the course. We like to do a lot of the leg work and have traveled extensively, so very comfortable doing some of the work that many rely on a travel agent to handle. Get references, check reviews, and keep your eyes open. Happy sailing, y’all!

I'm guessing TA OBC's are an USA thing. I certainly haven't been given any other than the $500 that Regent offered. Definitely no rebate after the cruise has ever been mentioned either. :loudcry:

I just spend the OBCs. Laundry, Spa, and a little extra present for myself or some premium wine takes care of it .

I switch agents several years ago . I get better service but less OBC from her as a smaller group. I am jealous of the OBC some get.

On my last Azamara cruise I got 1700 in credit. As it was B2B I asked and was able to buy wine for both cruises on the first cruise, I did not check what I could get back . AZ gives money back I'd not spent from agent . Next cruise I had $400 and took much home. I am sure AZ gave me the cash,.

Doing Regent for weeks this winter..neither my agent or I know what if anything I am getting. She does not give me part of her check back.

I called a number connected with Cystral and got more OBC then I can spend unless in the spa. I will buy wine or two bottles.