Suite and Onboard Spending Bonus

[qsuzi]

As several of the previous posters said, the source of the OBC does not matter ... all that matters is the total of charges appearing on your bill (except Casino - I'm pretty sure they haven't changed that) or pre-purchased on-line.

 

However - OBC given by HAL or Carnival Corp as a promo is generally non-refundable - "use it or lose it". If you have that type, and don't think you can spend it all, go to a casino slot machine, charge money to your OB account, take a few spins, and then cash out to get the money! :)

 

AlbertaQuilter: OBC from a TA is just like OBC purchased by yourself/family/friends: refundable.

.

 

I've never done the casino cash out but there may be a first time. Thanks again jtl.

[jjb415]

No one has yet mentioned that you also get spending bonus credit for pre-purchased excursions, beverages, specialty restaurant reservations, etc. You even get credit for pre-purchased gifts from family/friends/TA.

 

Thanks, this is the answer that I was looking for. :-)

[taxmantoo]

OBC's have absolutely no effect on cruise credits. It is the amount you actually SPEND on the ship that counts. OBC's simply go towards reducing the amount you have to pay once you are onboard. Example: If you have $500 in OBC and buy a $300 drink package or spa package or excursion, it is the $300 that counts. Whether they refund $200 or not is irrelevant, you still only get $300 in cruise credits.

[POA1]

HOWEVER, if as part of your booking you get a free item (such as Signature Beverage Package), it does not count. I will verify this this week to be sure, but this is my understanding.

 

DaveOKC

 

That's correct, Dave. As much as it would be cool to "drink a Mariner star's worth" on your free Signature Beverage Package, it won't count towards your onboard spending.

[qsuzi]

OBC's have absolutely no effect on cruise credits. It is the amount you actually SPEND on the ship that counts. OBC's simply go towards reducing the amount you have to pay once you are onboard. Example: If you have $500 in OBC and buy a $300 drink package or spa package or excursion, it is the $300 that counts. Whether they refund $200 or not is irrelevant, you still only get $300 in cruise credits.

 

Thank you taxmantoo.

[qsuzi]

That's correct, Dave. As much as it would be cool to "drink a Mariner star's worth" on your free Signature Beverage Package, it won't count towards your onboard spending.

 

Speaking of "drink a Mariner star's worth" can you get a CAN of coke (soda) vs a glass with the Explore 4 SPB package? I think I read on your wonderful SBP thread that it varies by bar tender; some will and some won't.

[sail7seas]

If you book and pay for an eligible category suite, you will get double days. If you book a lower category and get a low cost upsell to a category suite that 'could' have qualified, you will not get double days.

[qsuzi]

If you book and pay for an eligible category suite, you will get double days. If you book a lower category and get a low cost upsell to a category suite that 'could' have qualified, you will not get double days.

Thank you S7S.

[DaveOKC]

Speaking of "drink a Mariner star's worth" can you get a CAN of coke (soda) vs a glass with the Explore 4 SPB package? I think I read on your wonderful SBP thread that it varies by bar tender; some will and some won't.

 

We did not have any problems last week on the Westerdam getting an unopened can of soda. One place we even got it was the "fancy" coffee shop.

 

DaveOKC

[qsuzi]

We did not have any problems last week on the Westerdam getting an unopened can of soda. One place we even got it was the "fancy" coffee shop.

 

DaveOKC

 

Thanks for confirming Vista suites (Veendam) are eligible and also answering the soda question.:)

[Lizzie68]

Speaking of "drink a Mariner star's worth" can you get a CAN of coke (soda) vs a glass with the Explore 4 SPB package? I think I read on your wonderful SBP thread that it varies by bar tender; some will and some won't.

 

Did you have any similar "perk" offers on the other cruise lines you've been on? Just wondering how HAL's offerings compare.

[qsuzi]

Did you have any similar "perk" offers on the other cruise lines you've been on? Just wondering how HAL's offerings compare.

 

We have not purchased soda or drink packages on other cruise lines. We are Diamond on RCL and each night get free drinks and appetizers in the Diamond Lounge during evening hours plus 3 drinks each night to use outside the lounge. We are not big drinkers but drink price can add up so it is a savings but not enough savings for us to purchase a drink package. On Princess, we once purchased the coffee card which is punched for each beverage received and if punches were left you could use it for future sailings. Don't know what the cost and policy is now.

Edited February 8, 2015 by qsuzi

[Lizzie68]

We have not purchased soda or drink packages on other cruise lines. We are Diamond on RCL and each night get free drinks and appetizers in the Diamond Lounge during evening hours plus 3 drinks each night to use outside the lounge. We are not big drinkers but drink price can add up so it is a savings.

 

Yes they certainly can. I must say the loyalty perks on RCI are excellent once you get to Diamond status.

[qsuzi]

Yes they certainly can. I must say the loyalty perks on RCI are excellent once you get to Diamond status.

 

They sure are. Seems to us that overall perks are better on Princess and RCL. Especially the kind we would use. How about you?

[Lizzie68]

They sure are. Seems to us that overall perks are better on Princess and RCL. Especially the kind we would use. How about you?

 

Haven't gotten to any decent level with RCI yet, but many cruise friends have and enjoy the perks.

[POA1]

Speaking of "drink a Mariner star's worth" can you get a CAN of coke (soda) vs a glass with the Explore 4 SPB package? I think I read on your wonderful SBP thread that it varies by bar tender; some will and some won't.

Yes. If you want to take them back to your room to enjoy later, simply ask your server to leave them in unopened. (We did see people order a Coke. Then, when it was brought to them, say, "I didn’t want it opened.")

 

We also grabbed bottles of water to take back to the room. We drink quite a bit of water.

[qsuzi]

Yes. If you want to take them back to your room to enjoy later, simply ask your server to leave them in unopened. (We did see people order a Coke. Then, when it was brought to them, say, "I didn’t want it opened.")

 

We also grabbed bottles of water to take back to the room. We drink quite a bit of water.

Are they as diligent on their 5 minute wait between orders for soda's? Yep I know there is soda in the mini bar but not available for free through the SBP. I could get a can at the same time and he can take 2 back to the cabin since he likes to spend a lot of time on the balcony and wants soda handy. He seldom drinks alcohol but will get speciality coffee and soda. I'm the water hound, wine, and drinks one.:)

Edited February 8, 2015 by qsuzi

[BellBoys]

We usually asked for a can of soda to bring home at the end of the night and had no issues in receiving one from the Seaview or Crow's Nest. We didnt try anywhere else.

[Vict0riann]

Are they as diligent on their 5 minute wait between orders for soda's? Yep I know there is soda in the mini bar but not available for free through the SBP. I could get a can at the same time and he can take 2 back to the cabin since he likes to spend a lot of time on the balcony and wants soda handy. He seldom drinks alcohol but will get speciality coffee and soda. I'm the water hound, wine, and drinks one.:)

 

Not sure about soft drinks, but, although the bar stewards could serve drinks within 5 minutes of each other, they couldn't ring them up. Perhaps the computer kept the times drinks were bought. Once activated individually, though, one person could get 2 drinks with the two cards, I would imagine.

[DaveOKC]

Not sure about soft drinks, but, although the bar stewards could serve drinks within 5 minutes of each other, they couldn't ring them up. Perhaps the computer kept the times drinks were bought. Once activated individually, though, one person could get 2 drinks with the two cards, I would imagine.

 

Last week on the Westerdam I often got two drinks at one time with two cards - no problem at all.