OBC - Service Charge?

[sparks1093]

Thanks for posting this! I think you're about the third person to return this year who's had this happen. Like che said, this isn't really a new policy for NCL. That fine print has always been there about not being able to use OBC towards the DSC. What is totally new is that they are actually enforcing it. Up until this year, they've never made a distinction between the types of OBC.

 

On the one hand, it's good to know that they've finally gotten around to matching procedure with policy. But they have to know that experienced cruisers aren't expecting this so it does seem a little underhanded of them not to communicate this change appropriately to their guests.

 

NCL's communications have always left something to be desired, I perceive it as their greatest weakness (but I have noted some improvement so maybe they are working on it).

 

All that being said I am glad for the knowledge. I would make sure that enough was spent onboard to eat up all of the OBC (not that I've ever received that much:rolleyes:).

[lb0103]

I really appreciate this information. We are seasoned cruises but have never sailed on NCL. We just booked our first NCL on the Dawn and will receive an OBC. I do not mind not being able to use it for the surcharge as long as I know it ahead of time.

 

On other cruise lines we have been allowed to do so, but that was last year.

 

We normally don't have a lot of on board expenses as we do not lilke the specialty restaurants, but I am sure we find something to spend the money on onboard.

 

Thanks to this board I am sure it will be an enjoyable cruise.

 

Any other charges onboard that the OBC CAN'T be used for?

[mafig]

Just back from the Sky on 1/19, and our unused non-refundable onboard credit from the travel agent was not applied to the $12 a day, and instead went unused. Guest services staff said it is a new NCL policy and wouldn't apply the credit. I don't know what any fine print from the TA said since I negotiated the OBC via the phone and have never run into this issue on any cruise line. We don't always spend a lot on our cruises (different strokes . . .) so a large OBC won't add much to our vacation experience. This will definitely affect the way we compare and book cruises. It is already affecting my thinking regarding an April transatlantic trip on the Epic with a nice $150 OBC.

 

 

Just back from Star. OBC was not applied to service charge either. I had read the beginning of this post before I left so I wasn't surprised. But I am disappointed. The only other cruiseline that I've sailed on that didn't allow the use of OBC towards service charges (or tips) was Costa.

 

I agree that it will definitely affect the way we compare and book cruises also. On "my NCL" my OBC stated "to be used onboard." It didn't say not except service charges. Oh, well. At least we didn't leave any onboard.

 

:(

[nyyhoneybee]

We have a nice OBC for our upcoming cruise so it's good to know. We will probably taken advantage of the specialty dining areas and maybe the spa as well now.

[Annieban50]

We also just returned from the Epic. We lost $66 of non-refundable OBC. The part that upset me was that I used the "Account" feature on the cabin TV to track my expenses. That did not distunguish the types of OBC, just kept a running total that was misleading because of the non-refundable credit limitations. The purser's desk told me the only way I would have known about the unused credit was to get printed info from their desk prior to the final accounting.

 

BTW, we loved the Epic. It did not feel too large (one of my fears) and the entertainment was outstanding.

[autrucheplume]

This is really unfortunate. Of course, they have the right to set their policies however they want, but it's still unfortunate.

 

Does anyone happen to know if OBCs from different sources are used differently? For instance, OBC from NCL as part of your booking, versus OBC that you redeem from the NCL card? Are they both included in this new policy, or can some of them be used to pay the service charge?

[fergusonvt]

Since I had a shore excursion booked in June I was able to book several more without pre-paying for them. Will my OBC be able to be used for these does anyone know?

[Fine and Jim Dandy]

We also just returned from the Epic. We lost $66 of non-refundable OBC. The part that upset me was that I used the "Account" feature on the cabin TV to track my expenses. That did not distunguish the types of OBC, just kept a running total that was misleading because of the non-refundable credit limitations. The purser's desk told me the only way I would have known about the unused credit was to get printed info from their desk prior to the final accounting.

 

BTW, we loved the Epic. It did not feel too large (one of my fears) and the entertainment was outstanding.

 

I just got off the Star today and the accounting was very shady. I tracked my account often getting a printout from the service desk daily. The printout shows refundable and non-refundable OBC, and your current balance. All went according to plan until day 6 when the numbers changed significantly for no apparent reason.

 

I spoke to a service person who was confused and had to get clarification from the 'back room'. After several minutes I was told ONLY 'refundable' OBC could be used to pay the $12 DSC. Since we did not have enough 'refundable' OBC the balances were thrown asunder. Keep in mind we had lots of 'non-refundable' OBC.

 

It appears near the end of the week an actual person reviews your account and adjusts your balances. The computer is unable to do it. The only problem I have with this is you can very easily get burned because NCL adjusts your account near the end of the week. During the week the figures THEY provide to you are incorrect.

 

Lucky for us we caught the last minute hocus pocus by NCL and purchased some future cruise credits at the last moment to exhaust our remaining OBC.

 

The cruise was fantastic but this last minute attempt to short change us really left a bad taste in my mouth regarding NCL.

[che5904]

This is really unfortunate. Of course, they have the right to set their policies however they want, but it's still unfortunate.

 

Does anyone happen to know if OBCs from different sources are used differently? For instance, OBC from NCL as part of your booking, versus OBC that you redeem from the NCL card? Are they both included in this new policy, or can some of them be used to pay the service charge?

 

You'd have to read the fine print on the OBC's it's usually laid out pretty straight forward. "does not include....".

 

From what I'm gathering and I could be wrong since this has just been actually started to be followed. Most OBC you would get from outside sources will not go to pay for gratuities or DSC. Any that you purchase through the bon voyage package would be able to be used for that.

[che5904]

I just got off the Star today and the accounting was very shady. I tracked my account often getting a printout from the service desk daily. The printout shows refundable and non-refundable OBC, and your current balance. All went according to plan until day 6 when the numbers changed significantly for no apparent reason.

 

I spoke to a service person who was confused and had to get clarification from the 'back room'. After several minutes I was told ONLY 'refundable' OBC could be used to pay the $12 DSC. Since we did not have enough 'refundable' OBC the balances were thrown asunder. Keep in mind we had lots of 'non-refundable' OBC.

 

It appears near the end of the week an actual person reviews your account and adjusts your balances. The computer is unable to do it. The only problem I have with this is you can very easily get burned because NCL adjusts your account near the end of the week. During the week the figures THEY provide to you are incorrect.

 

Lucky for us we caught the last minute hocus pocus by NCL and purchased some future cruise credits at the last moment to exhaust our remaining OBC.

 

The cruise was fantastic but this last minute attempt to short change us really left a bad taste in my mouth regarding NCL.

 

Things appear to be pretty screwy with this right now. Remember that these customer service people on board this is all new to as well. Hopefully whatever kinks are in the system will be ironed out soon.

[puddles99]

I see this statement on all of NCL's OBC offers, but I am not sure what the rules are for TA or other types of OBC:

Onboard Credit has no cash value and is not transferable. It may not be used toward onboard service charges.

[nyyhoneybee]

It appears near the end of the week an actual person reviews your account and adjusts your balances. The computer is unable to do it. The only problem I have with this is you can very easily get burned because NCL adjusts your account near the end of the week. During the week the figures THEY provide to you are incorrect.

 

That's really not right and I would fight it. I'm glad this is an issue that is being talked about because it's going to make me watch carefully in August

[spacepotatoes]

This is really unfortunate. Of course, they have the right to set their policies however they want, but it's still unfortunate.

 

Does anyone happen to know if OBCs from different sources are used differently? For instance, OBC from NCL as part of your booking, versus OBC that you redeem from the NCL card? Are they both included in this new policy, or can some of them be used to pay the service charge?

 

The non-refundable kind can't be used for DSCs anymore but other than that, they can all be used towards purchases. The only distinction will be in the order in which those credits are applied against your charges.

[spacepotatoes]

I just got off the Star today and the accounting was very shady. I tracked my account often getting a printout from the service desk daily. The printout shows refundable and non-refundable OBC, and your current balance. All went according to plan until day 6 when the numbers changed significantly for no apparent reason.

 

I spoke to a service person who was confused and had to get clarification from the 'back room'. After several minutes I was told ONLY 'refundable' OBC could be used to pay the $12 DSC. Since we did not have enough 'refundable' OBC the balances were thrown asunder. Keep in mind we had lots of 'non-refundable' OBC.

 

It appears near the end of the week an actual person reviews your account and adjusts your balances. The computer is unable to do it. The only problem I have with this is you can very easily get burned because NCL adjusts your account near the end of the week. During the week the figures THEY provide to you are incorrect.

 

Lucky for us we caught the last minute hocus pocus by NCL and purchased some future cruise credits at the last moment to exhaust our remaining OBC.

 

The cruise was fantastic but this last minute attempt to short change us really left a bad taste in my mouth regarding NCL.

 

That is definitely an underhanded maneouvre. I seems to me that they can't NOT know that they are misleading people and since they are not communicating any of this to passengers, it comes across as deliberate. I think I lost a little bit of respect for NCL after reading this. :(

[mafig]

I think I lost a little bit of respect for NCL after reading this. :(

 

 

I just come off a cruise with NCL and I feel the same way. Even though I didn't leave any OBC unused, it was only because I had read one thread here just a day or so before I left that led me to be vigilent.

 

Some people say they say they received notice in their staterooms about this policy. We didn't and I read everything.

[djmess]

Those that have been onboard and experienced this new enforcement of the policy. Please help me figure this out.

 

I have $200 non refundable OBC. I buy the future cruise certificate for $250. Here are my questions. Can the nonrefundable OBC help pay this certificate? I know I also get $100OBC for purchasing it. Is this OBC refundable or nonrefundable. in other words, would the $100 from the cruise certificate be able to apply to DSC or does nothing apply to DSC?

 

I leave in just under 3 weeks and want to make sure I apply all my nonrefundable OBC correctly. I'm sure I will spend more, but just want to have my ducks in row.

 

Thanks for clarifying and hoepefully my example was understandable

[peg013]

Those that have been onboard and experienced this new enforcement of the policy. Please help me figure this out.

 

I have $200 non refundable OBC. I buy the future cruise certificate for $250. Here are my questions. Can the nonrefundable OBC help pay this certificate? I know I also get $100OBC for purchasing it. Is this OBC refundable or nonrefundable. in other words, would the $100 from the cruise certificate be able to apply to DSC or does nothing apply to DSC?

 

I leave in just under 3 weeks and want to make sure I apply all my nonrefundable OBC correctly. I'm sure I will spend more, but just want to have my ducks in row.

 

Thanks for clarifying and hoepefully my example was understandable

 

I would also like to know this for sure. Please come back after your cruise and let us know how it worked for you.

[che5904]

Those that have been onboard and experienced this new enforcement of the policy. Please help me figure this out.

 

I have $200 non refundable OBC. I buy the future cruise certificate for $250. Here are my questions. Can the nonrefundable OBC help pay this certificate? I know I also get $100OBC for purchasing it. Is this OBC refundable or nonrefundable. in other words, would the $100 from the cruise certificate be able to apply to DSC or does nothing apply to DSC?

 

I leave in just under 3 weeks and want to make sure I apply all my nonrefundable OBC correctly. I'm sure I will spend more, but just want to have my ducks in row.

 

Thanks for clarifying and hoepefully my example was understandable

 

I would also like to know this for sure. Please come back after your cruise and let us know how it worked for you.

 

yes it should except the $50 ($300 non-refundable OBC - $250 charge = $50). However, with what is being said I can see this being a worry and how this may be screwed up. And provided that is the only OBCs you have. The problem seems to be coming from those that have both refundable and non-refundable. But I am starting to feel very confused.

 

I wish someone would post a couple of their printed accounts from these cruises to see exactly what NCL is doing. Maybe one printed the middle of your cruise and then the last day. I am getting so confused how it could be alright and everything covered by your OBC up until the end.

 

My suggestion to anyone about to go on a cruise with OBC is to go down every day and get a print out of your account. That way if it really isn't done right that you have something of proof to send to corporate when you return.

 

This is just implemented, so if this is not done correctly then there may be a glitch in the program. NCL would not be aware of this glitch unless it is brought to their attention. So far the only ones that know about this is the passengers and the front desk, who by no means are bookkeepers or accountants (I mean the front desk, the passenger might be ;)).

 

To the ones who do think they were screwed because they used their refundable on their expenses and not their non-refundable first. Everything was done correct all week and then the last day was switched, therefore not getting. I would suggest your write to NCL corporate and question this. If you do please come back and let us know what you were told.

[spacepotatoes]

This is just implemented, so if this is not done correctly then there may be a glitch in the program. NCL would not be aware of this glitch unless it is brought to their attention. So far the only ones that know about this is the passengers and the front desk, who by no means are bookkeepers or accountants (I mean the front desk, the passenger might be ;)).

 

To the ones who do think they were screwed because they used their refundable on their expenses and not their non-refundable first. Everything was done correct all week and then the last day was switched, therefore not getting. I would suggest your write to NCL corporate and question this. If you do please come back and let us know what you were told.

 

The thing is that if passengers are contacting the front desk to complain or ask about this, then the front desk staff onboard the ships must be aware that there is confusion and a lack of knowledge among passengers about what is being done. The front desk staff, then, should step up and be proactive about addressing this and preventing further confusion. And maybe also start getting in touch with corporate to alert them to the problem so that corporate can give them whatever permission they need to deal with it in the proper way. It sounds like that's not really happening, at least from the limited number of experiences that have been shared here so far. That's what gets me - they know there's an issue but don't seem to care.

 

I absolutely agree with the suggestion to start sending letters to corportate. Someone needs to make them aware that there's a problem, if their own staff is not.

[che5904]

The thing is that if passengers are contacting the front desk to complain or ask about this, then the front desk staff onboard the ships must be aware that there is confusion and a lack of knowledge among passengers about what is being done. The front desk staff, then, should step up and be proactive about addressing this and preventing further confusion. And maybe also start getting in touch with corporate to alert them to the problem so that corporate can give them whatever permission they need to deal with it in the proper way. It sounds like that's not really happening, at least from the limited number of experiences that have been shared here so far. That's what gets me - they know there's an issue but don't seem to care.

.

 

I agree all of that should be and have been happening. I'd have to say from the outcome it hasn't.

 

LOL you don't want to get me started on what I think of NCL's front desk workers. I absolutely love NCL and cruising with them. But to be kind in how I phrase this. I think NCL certainly could use some improvements in three places, communication with customers, a little more training of their call center (although most call centers are the same) and absolutely at their front desk of their ships.

[fergusonvt]

I plan on checking mine daily. I'm starting out with $300 non refundable which I am planning can't be used to pay the DSC. I am hoping it will cover the shore excursions I booked and didn't have to prepay because I booked one in June before the changes took place.

[willlbur]

At the beginning of the cruise (and throughout) you will see your OBC in the credits column of your folio. On the last night (in our case) a "charge" was posted equal to the unused refundable credit. Of course by then, every place you could spend the credit is closed so you are SOL. Our amount (this time) was relatively trivial, but we have certainly booked other cruises with large OBC's.

 

We would normally just (mentally) deduct them from the cost of the cruise when making comparisons. That changes now.

 

I do get it. We have been on thirtysomething cruises now and are not exactly their dream passenger (not big drinkers, don't like the odds in the casinos, typically book private shore excursions etc.). It may be a good business decision not to entice this type of passenger (i.e me) with an OBC.

 

Just want everyone to be aware and choose their cruises and cruise lines with full knowledge.

[djmess]

Thanks guys for the input.

 

I'm sorta like willlbur in that I don't spend huge amounts onboard.

 

I'm still curious if anyone knows if the Future Cruise Certificates can be bought using the nonrefundable OBC. Has anyone in the last couple weeks been able to decipher their account enough to figure this part out. I did notice mention by a couple posters that they did or would by a Certificate, just trying to clarify.

 

I have points on my NCL mastercard that I'm trying to decide if I want to cash in for OBC, or just wait and use the amount to deduct from a future cruise I may book. I don't want to have even a dollar left over. I work hard for every dollar I earn whether paid in cash or from a little credit card reward program. If NCL makes it difficult, I can always turn the points into WalMart Gift Cards and go grocery shopping. Kinda leaning to this solution

[CrusinCyndi]

What is considered "refundable" and "non-refundable" OBC ?

 

Our TA is giving us $200 OBC.

 

It would be good to know what it can be used for.

 

Thanks

[CrusinCyndi]

What is considered "refundable" and "non-refundable" OBC ?

 

Our TA is giving us $200 OBC.

 

It would be good to know what it can be used for.

 

Thanks

 

Further to my question which I forgot to include....can "refundable" be used for the tipping ?