OBC from NCL & TA - Refundable???

[ptuder]

I called the pre-cruise concierge desk today to get their explanation on how they will handle the OBC as we are getting some from NCL and then some from our TA. Combined we will have much more than anticipated when we booked and more than we've ever spent on a cruise before. I've read on these boards that the TA OBC may be refundable. I understand that the NCL OBC would never be refundable or available to use for the DSC.

 

The NCL rep I spoke with was unsure of how any unused OBC from the TA would be handled so she put me on hold to discuss with her supervisor. She came back and let me know that any unused OBC from the TA would be refundable BUT it would be refunded back to who paid it - meaning refunded back to the TA rather than to us. Therefore we will be sure to have an AWESOME trip and spend every last penny!!! :) Just thought I'd share since I've seen this discussed in the past.

 

I also asked about pre-booking upcharge restaurants and entertainment. They confirmed that they release 25% for pre-booking and 75% for on board booking. I know we'll have the concierge to make reservations for us on board but I wasn't sure about the availability. This is only our 2nd cruise with NCL so not overly experienced with the suite services.

[GORDONCHICK]

We've only had OBCs from NCL and have always used them on DSC. We spend very little on board, though I could spend more if it was there.

[peg013]

I called the pre-cruise concierge desk today to get their explanation on how they will handle the OBC as we are getting some from NCL and then some from our TA. Combined we will have much more than anticipated when we booked and more than we've ever spent on a cruise before. I've read on these boards that the TA OBC may be refundable. I understand that the NCL OBC would never be refundable or available to use for the DSC.

 

The NCL rep I spoke with was unsure of how any unused OBC from the TA would be handled so she put me on hold to discuss with her supervisor. She came back and let me know that any unused OBC from the TA would be refundable BUT it would be refunded back to who paid it - meaning refunded back to the TA rather than to us. Therefore we will be sure to have an AWESOME trip and spend every last penny!!! :) Just thought I'd share since I've seen this discussed in the past.

 

I also asked about pre-booking upcharge restaurants and entertainment. They confirmed that they release 25% for pre-booking and 75% for on board booking. I know we'll have the concierge to make reservations for us on board but I wasn't sure about the availability. This is only our 2nd cruise with NCL so not overly experienced with the suite services.

 

Any refundable OBC that remains at the end of your cruise will be refunded to you, not the TA. You will not know how much of your OBC will be refundable until the second day of your cruise. Get a printout of your account and you will see how much is refundable and how much is non-refundable. Not all of the OBC from my TA was refundable - only $175.00 out of $300.00 was refundable but it was enough to cover the entire DSC. The refundable OBC will only be used for the Daily Service Charge until all non-refundable OBC is used.....then the refundable will be used for all charges until gone. Any refundable OBC left at the end of the cruise will be mailed to your home address three weeks after the end of your cruise. We received a check for $13.00 on the 21st day after our cruise.

 

I highly recommend using $150 of your OBC to buy a Freestyle Cruise Reward. That way the entire $250 deposit is actually free money for your next cruise. We had $950 OBC so we purchased two FCR's with $300 OBC. So we turned $300 of free money into $500 of free money - better odds than the casino!

 

We've only had OBCs from NCL and have always used them on DSC. We spend very little on board, though I could spend more if it was there.

 

Jan 1, 2012 NCL began enforcing it's policy of not allowing non-refundable OBC to be used for the Daily Service Charge. The new software program makes sure that it is not used. In the past they said you couldn't use it but in reality - it was used for anything on your bill.....now it doesn't work anymore. Make sure you spend ALL non-refundable OBC. You will lose the OBC and still owe the DSC at the end of the cruise if you don't.

[Richie2pies]

Can any casino charges be used for non-refundible OBC? If you pay the 3% and get cash, does that come off of non-refundible OBC? What about the tournaments?

[SJ]

Peg013, do you know if the obc from NCL mastercard will be applied towards the DSC? Thank you!

[peg013]

Peg013, do you know if the obc from NCL mastercard will be applied towards the DSC? Thank you!

 

I don't have that CC but I think I have read that it is refundable OBC which would mean you can use it. Check your account the second day to be sure.

 

QUOTE: Richie2pies Can any casino charges be used for non-refundible OBC? If you pay the 3% and get cash, does that come off of non-refundible OBC? What about the tournaments?

I think so but hopefully others that know for sure will chime in on this one.

[GORDONCHICK]

Jan 1, 2012 NCL began enforcing it's policy of not allowing non-refundable OBC to be used for the Daily Service Charge. The new software program makes sure that it is not used. In the past they said you couldn't use it but in reality - it was used for anything on your bill.....now it doesn't work anymore. Make sure you spend ALL non-refundable OBC. You will lose the OBC and still owe the DSC at the end of the cruise if you don't.

 

 

This is good to know. Our last NCL cruise was 2010, but our next is in December.

[Georgiagolfer]

Can any casino charges be used for non-refundible OBC? If you pay the 3% and get cash, does that come off of non-refundible OBC? What about the tournaments?

 

I also would like to know this. I have $450 OBC from NCL and would like to know exactly how/what the OBC can be used for. We have pre paid our DSC.

[my_crib_too]

On our last cruise we also had a large OBC that was a mixture of non-refundable and refundable. Prior to leaving, my wife commented that based on our past cruises, she didn't see how we would spend it all.

 

We found several ways. Leaving the ship we still had a small bill to settle. :D Had a great time too!!!

[shay1]

How do you know what part of your OBC is refundable or non-refundable? We have $100 OBC from HSN promotion and $100 from online TA.

Thanks,

Shay1

[mizLORInj]

Our OBC from our TA: DSC did go against it in April. And I'll let you know if does on this weekend's Gem's cruise as well, but I have no reason to think it won't be the same way.

RE: Refundable OBC & TAs: my experience has been It is refunded to the TA. Some TAs will refund it to you, but they prefer not to and asked us to please use it up next time (it was a very small amount left over).

[Hopes4]

How do you know what part of your OBC is refundable or non-refundable? We have $100 OBC from HSN promotion and $100 from online TA.

Thanks,

Shay1

 

The $100 from HSN is a non refundable credit.

 

OBC from your TA may be either...or a mixture of both. You would have to ask your TA or wait and see how it shows up on your on board account.

[Nalagh]

I called the pre-cruise concierge desk today to get their explanation on how they will handle the OBC as we are getting some from NCL and then some from our TA. Combined we will have much more than anticipated when we booked and more than we've ever spent on a cruise before. I've read on these boards that the TA OBC may be refundable. I understand that the NCL OBC would never be refundable or available to use for the DSC.

 

The NCL rep I spoke with was unsure of how any unused OBC from the TA would be handled so she put me on hold to discuss with her supervisor. She came back and let me know that any unused OBC from the TA would be refundable BUT it would be refunded back to who paid it - meaning refunded back to the TA rather than to us. Therefore we will be sure to have an AWESOME trip and spend every last penny!!! :) Just thought I'd share since I've seen this discussed in the past.

 

I also asked about pre-booking upcharge restaurants and entertainment. They confirmed that they release 25% for pre-booking and 75% for on board booking. I know we'll have the concierge to make reservations for us on board but I wasn't sure about the availability. This is only our 2nd cruise with NCL so not overly experienced with the suite services.

 

If you want to use your OBC for ADR's and you want to be sure to get the time you want, just leave the date and time on the comment section of the pre-concierge form(or just tell them over the phone). We did this on our last trip and concierge had it all ready for us.

 

We also used non-refundable OBC to leave tips for the Butler and Concierge. We just went to guest services and the gave us a certificate to give to them, and it works the same as cash. It can not be used for the DSC, but you can leave all other tips with it including SR's.

 

We have also used non-refundable OBC for the casino. We just gave the key card to the pit boss at the table. We paid 3%, but oh well.

 

Cherie

[jonbgd]

I had NCL email me the OBC info from the TA and NCL and they were all non refundable

But im sure i will find a few cocktails and dinners to spend the $225-$300

[Hopes4]

Just in case there are people new to NCL or new to a TA booking an NCL cruise for them.....

 

OBC Your TA told you about may or may not show up in your NCL account before your cruise. This is "normal".

 

For example, the AmEX credit shows up on my account but the extra OBC my TA is giving me does not. It wont show up if I request an amenity confirmation. It is on my invoice and will show up by the 2nd day of the cruise. I've used the same company 3 times prior and always got what was promised.

[ptuder]

We also used non-refundable OBC to leave tips for the Butler and Concierge. We just went to guest services and the gave us a certificate to give to them, and it works the same as cash. It can not be used for the DSC, but you can leave all other tips with it including SR's.

 

 

Cherie

 

Thanks so much for this information, I wouldn't have known about getting a certificate for the Butler & Concierge. We will definitely look into that while on board!

 

I hope this isn't a stupid question but what does "SR" stand for?

[Nalagh]

Thanks so much for this information, I wouldn't have known about getting a certificate for the Butler & Concierge. We will definitely look into that while on board!

 

I hope this isn't a stupid question but what does "SR" stand for?

 

Not a stupid question at all, SR is for specialty restaurants. :)

 

Cherie

[Georgiagolfer]

If you want to use your OBC for ADR's and you want to be sure to get the time you want, just leave the date and time on the comment section of the pre-concierge form(or just tell them over the phone). We did this on our last trip and concierge had it all ready for us.

 

We also used non-refundable OBC to leave tips for the Butler and Concierge. We just went to guest services and the gave us a certificate to give to them, and it works the same as cash. It can not be used for the DSC, but you can leave all other tips with it including SR's.

 

We have also used non-refundable OBC for the casino. We just gave the key card to the pit boss at the table. We paid 3%, but oh well.

 

Cherie

 

Thanks for that info, what a great idea.

[Georgiagolfer]

OK all, leave for Jacksonville in about 1 hour for our fall 5 days of fun R & R.:D

[Hopes4]

OK all, leave for Jacksonville in about 1 hour for our fall 5 days of fun R & R.:D

 

Have fun! :)

[flashdog_1]

We'll probably spend all $175, but I just emailed my TA to find out if it's refundable or non-refundable as far as using it for the service charge goes. We pre-paid 5 restaurants yesterday, so that means a trip to the spa or lots of drinks if we can't use it for the daily service charge.

[nina_930]

Just in case there are people new to NCL or new to a TA booking an NCL cruise for them.....

 

OBC Your TA told you about may or may not show up in your NCL account before your cruise. This is "normal".

 

For example, the AmEX credit shows up on my account but the extra OBC my TA is giving me does not. It wont show up if I request an amenity confirmation. It is on my invoice and will show up by the 2nd day of the cruise. I've used the same company 3 times prior and always got what was promised.

 

 

Thanks for this info. I was wondering about it since I transfered my reservation from NCL to a TA so only the original NCL OBC shows up, but not the TA OBC. You saved me a phone call. :)

[petesweet]

Maybe some folks on your rollcall would be willing to "buy" some of your OBC by having you book shore excursions for them. Worth a try.

Kathy

[petesweet]

I know! I know! I know! Go to the art auction and get a magnificent bargain!:D

Kathy

[snoozycruisee]

We also used non-refundable OBC to leave tips for the Butler and Concierge. We just went to guest services and the gave us a certificate to give to them, and it works the same as cash. It can not be used for the DSC, but you can leave all other tips with it including SR's.

 

Would this also work for a Cabin Steward, Waiter, Assistant Waiter, etc ? We usually give a bit "extra" in cash direct (but) if we can utilize our non-refundable OBC for a "bonus/extra" certificate, that would be awesome.