Refundable OBC vs Non-Refundable OBC

[MicCanberra]

Thanks to all for the great information. So, as I understand it, we can go to guest relations anytime during the cruise and withdraw the refundable OBC? That is great! Is OBC from your TA always refundable?

 

The short answer is you may be able to or maybe not (our experience two weeks ago), it may well depend on the ship as to which policy they are enforcing.

 

As for TA's OBC, it may vary from being refundable and or non-refundable.

[Miaminice]

Not any more, The Solstice two weeks ago would not allow it.:(

 

Another one of the things which seem to be handled differently all the time.

 

There´s another user on Silhouette right now posting he was able to do it...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2299477

 

All this confusion :) :(

Edited January 16, 2016 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

So, as I understand it, we can go to guest relations anytime during the cruise and withdraw the refundable OBC? That is great!

 

You will be able to withdraw refundable OBC. However, not at any time during the cruise.

 

On Reflection I was told a few days before the end of our cruise that I could only withdraw the money on our last evening - but then without a problem. The lady was very nice and polite and I had no problem with that. I just told her my intention was not to cause them any more work on the last evening which is always very busy for them. At that moment the manager walked by whom I knew from previous cruises and said hello... she told the lady it would be alright to do it now.

She explained: Celebrity´s intention simply is that you are inclined to spend it as long as possible - kind of understandable ;)

 

Bottom line, however, is: you can get your refundable OBC. It´s your´s!

Edited January 16, 2016 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

Now, (on the Solstice two weeks ago) if you buy casino credit using your account, you can only cash out the winnings, not credit. Obviously, like many things with Celebrity, this policy may vary from ship to ship.

 

OK! But if I would not cash it out...

My thought is: I have OBN on my account. Then I go to the casino and get credit or tokens. I return the credit or tokens and the amount is credited to my account. It would appear as a balance on my account - but not as OBN any more. A balance would always be credited to my card at the end of the cruise or could be withdrawn at guest relations. Should work, shouldn´t it?

Edited January 16, 2016 by Miaminice

[MicCanberra]

Another one of the things which seem to be handled differently all the time.

 

There´s another user on Silhouette right now posting he was able to do it...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2299477

 

All this confusion :) :(

 

Perhaps it is the nationality as well, as US citizens do not have any incentive to buy more OBC than they need, while Aussies do (depending on the rate X offers).:D

[MicCanberra]

OK! But if I would not cash it out...

My thought is: I have OBN on my account. Then I go to the casino and get credit or tokens. I return the credit or tokens and the amount is credited to my account. It would appear as a balance on my account - but not as OBN any more. A balance would always be credited to my card at the end of the cruise or could be withdrawn at guest relations. Should work, shouldn´t it?

 

It seems that it really may depend on the ship's policy or the staff member at the time, so I don't know if it will work. As mentioned, they have closed that loop hole on the Solstice.

[mickey89]

OBN is used first, if you have a balance at end of cruise and it is equal or less than OBR you can get the money back. Normal practice is they will refund back to the registered Credit Card, but what we have done on Equinox and Eclipse is too change the account to a cash account, then the credit balance was given to us a cash.

On Eclipse a month ago Future Cruise Consultant told me any non-refundable obc can be convert to cash in the casino. As with everything, subject to change........!!