Select Dining and OBC

[Bobed1927]

We will be getting a lot of OBC on a future cruise. We prefer select dining but won't be able to use our OBC for gratuities since gratuities are charged in the cruise price for passengers who choose select dining. I'm wondering if we could choose conventional dining to avoid the advance gratuity payment and then switch to select dining once onboard and then use our OBC for the gratuities.

[ghstudio]

We will be getting a lot of OBC on a future cruise. We prefer select dining but won't be able to use our OBC for gratuities since gratuities are charged in the cruise price for passengers who choose select dining. I'm wondering if we could choose conventional dining to avoid the advance gratuity payment and then switch to select dining once onboard and then use our OBC for the gratuities.

 

This sounds good in theory and it would work if select dining wasn't so popular. The problem with your plan is that if select dining isn't available when you board, you won't be able to switch.

[Cruizer Bill]

It worked for me in April 2010 on the Infinity. I made sure we were on early and we went straight to the Maitre D and were 2nd in line to see her. We had booked traditional (late) seating and asked for Select Dining. We got it that night and were able to use our OBC for gratuities. I sure wish Celebrity would stop this method of charging up front! Also, let us go the t buffet when we want, what's the big deal anyway??

[Lsimon]

You'll read comments from people who will relate that it was no problem for them and others who will say don't do it.

 

The bottom line is that the odds are probably in your favor on most, but not all itineraries. I believe select is in higher demand on itineraries that are more port intensive and/or where port days tend to run later.

 

It all comes down to how lucky do you feel? And, if you can't make the switch at the last minute will it be a big negative for you or not that big of a deal?

 

Personally, If select was important to me I'd get it booked ASAP and spend my OBC elsewhere.

[RMSeadog]

We will be getting a lot of OBC on a future cruise. We prefer select dining but won't be able to use our OBC for gratuities since gratuities are charged in the cruise price for passengers who choose select dining. I'm wondering if we could choose conventional dining to avoid the advance gratuity payment and then switch to select dining once onboard and then use our OBC for the gratuities.

 

I Don't see a problem, book Select, pay your gratuities up front and then go to casino and withdraw the cash at 3% and put it in your pocket. Now your grats have been payed by your OBC and they only cost you the 3%, also from your OBC. I know that lots of people balk at the 3%, I look at it like this: I would trade three dollars for $97 cash of OPM any time, anywhere.

 

You will more than likely spend it anyway, so use it for a tour, Specialty Restaurant, drinks, whatever. ~ Ric

[dkjretired]

You can choose Select Dining within the first 24 hours of boarding the ship. As others have said, you take the chance of it not being available. This is not something that anyone can tell you is available until you get on the ship. It might be available one cruise and not on the next.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/beforeyourcruise/faq/home.do?faqSubjectName=Celebrity+Select+Dining&faqId=3850&pagename=faq_answers

[PS90]

I Don't see a problem, book Select, pay your gratuities up front and then go to casino and withdraw the cash at 3% and put it in your pocket. Now your grats have been payed by your OBC and they only cost you the 3%, also from your OBC. I know that lots of people balk at the 3%, I look at it like this: I would trade three dollars for $97 cash of OPM any time, anywhere.

 

You will more than likely spend it anyway, so use it for a tour, Specialty Restaurant, drinks, whatever. ~ Ric

 

 

Sorry if I'm dumb, but is there a limit to how much OBC you can change to cash? I almost never use all my OBC, and it usually goes to waste. 3% fee is much better than losing it.

[cruisestitch]

No limits have ever been reported by any cruisers. I have changed as high as $200 OBC to cash at the casino. Once upon a time, there was no fee, but now there is a 3% fee, as stated above.

[PS90]

No limits have ever been reported by any cruisers. I have changed as high as $200 OBC to cash at the casino. Once upon a time, there was no fee, but now there is a 3% fee, as stated above.

 

Thanks, cruisestitch. I can't believe I've never heard of this before. I need a smacking-forehead smilie.

[RMSeadog]

Sorry if I'm dumb, but is there a limit to how much OBC you can change to cash? I almost never use all my OBC, and it usually goes to waste. 3% fee is much better than losing it.

 

Just because you have not experienced this doesn't make you dumb.

 

As stated, there is no limit to how much you take out in the casino, however they do want you to gamble that money, but are not real pushy about it.

 

Be aware there are two types of OBC. OBN is non refundable OBC, such as booking on board, stock, or generally any monies that come from the X. OBR is refundable OBC, monies that come from outside X. TA credit, cash you put on your SeaPass etc, will be put back to your charge card. Celebrity will (should) use the OBN OBC first, then go on to the OBR credits. I have had this happen to my account many times.

 

You can see how much of each type OBC you have by checking your bill after the OBC is posted. Just look for the an N or R next to the credit. If not clear to you, ask at the Guest Relations desk and they will be glad to point out which is which. ~ Ric

 

[PS90]

Thanks for the helpful info, Ric. So, if I'm clear - you can withdraw OBN from the casino as cash, and then the OBR can be refunded at the end of the cruise? Or is it the other way around? Thanks again.

[cruisestitch]

N--non refundable. But can be withdrawn in cash

R-- refundable to your credit card.

 

So if you had $150 of OBN and $100 of OBR left, you could take out $150 - 3% and leave the $100 to be refunded. Or have the 3% taken from your OBR.

[PS90]

N--non refundable. But can be withdrawn in cash

R-- refundable to your credit card.

 

So if you had $150 of OBN and $100 of OBR left, you could take out $150 - 3% and leave the $100 to be refunded. Or have the 3% taken from your OBR.

 

Awesome. Thanks so much, Ric and Cruisestitch. See, I learned something new today:)...

[Blue Skies]

so OBN- can be refunded -3%

and OBR- can be refunded?

?????????