Deadline to purchase OBC online

[Ladypeartree]

Hi,

 

What is the deadline to being able to purchase OBC or internet package online before the sail date?

 

Thank you.

[seaskydoll]

I am not sure about internet but, I just read a post where the sister purchased OBC for the cruising sister hours before they set sail. I think NCL is almost always willing to take your money if they can. LOL

[agabbymama]

I wouldn't bother with purchasing OBC before the cruise, just take the cash with you and deposit once you check-in. The check-in folks can't see your OBC as it isn't put into your on-board account until at least the second day.

 

I had purchased $1200 for excursions and DSC for 2 people. Upon arrival at check-in I was told I either still had to provide a credit card to open my on-board account or go to credit desk and deposit $1000 for 2 people. They wouldn't even look at my printed amenities sheet.

 

Upon arrival in our cabin there were vouchers on the bed that stated to sign them and take them to the purser's desk. Then the OBC showed up in our on-board account about noon of the second day.

 

I had $100 non-refundable OBC from NCL, but they used my refundable OBC I had purchased first. So the last night of the cruise I still had NCL's $100 and $200 of my refundable left, but NCL policy is to mail the remainder to your home address, not refund on-board ship.

[vince_g]

I've had my pre-purchased OBC show up sometime the first evening. It depends on when they get around to doing the upload. I purchase my OBC at least a few days before sailing.

Edited January 19, 2016 by vince_g

[C-line]

I wouldn't bother with purchasing OBC before the cruise, just take the cash with you and deposit once you check-in. The check-in folks can't see your OBC as it isn't put into your on-board account until at least the second day.

 

It's sometimes advantageous to purchase OBC before the cruise if you have to factor in an exchange rate. We're Canadian and if the exchange rate we booked the cruise at is better than the exchange rate at the time of sailing we purchase OBC online ahead of time. If we don't do it this way then our credit card gets billed at the higher exchange rate (in effect at the time of sailing) at the end of the cruise.

[Ladypeartree]

Thank you for your responses.

 

As I am Canadian and current exchange rates to purchase USD are around 46% it is advantageous to purchase OBC before the cruise at the rate of 11% which NCL had given me when I booked the cruise.

 

So I will definitely do this precruise to so as to not miss a good opportunity:)

[xcell]

For the USD gamblers - wouldn't purchasing OBC be better than taking out a cash advance in the casino?

 

In any case, OBC is most advantageous for us Canadians who were able to get a fair exchange rate.

 

Two things:

- make sure everything is paid for...my last 1.11 exhange was off by a penny, so it wasn't in the system. luckily I brought a confirmation (and then read it carefully and it looked like it was off by that penny)

 

- bring a confirmation

 

Have fun...

[Saraphine]

I called NCL about this exact question. I sail on Sunday, and had planned to purchase additional OBC on Friday morning. The lady I spoke to said it wouldn't be a problem purchasing it that late, but suggested that I call in and purchase it over the phone rather than online just to be sure. They can also send you the updated amenity invoice at that time.