OBC to Gratuity

[Ep010835]

Someone please refresh my memory. On an upcoming cruise we'll have more non-refundable OBC than we'll be able to use. Can we transfer these OBCs to gratuities? I've not pre-paid grats on this trip. 

[Kenswing]

Yes.  Gratuities will automatically be taken from your OBC balance.   Non refundable OBC is drawn down before refundable. 

[Ep010835]

Good. Thanks. 

Let me modify my question just a bit. Leaving the auto grats in place, we'll still have some non-refundable OBC left in our account at the end of the cruise. Am I able to move a fixed amount at the end of the crise into grats on top of the auto-grats?

 

It won't be a lot but I certainly don't want to let it vanish. 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Ep010835

[satxdiver]

OBC is simply a credit placed on your folio.  You will start the cruise with a positive balance meaning they owe you money (but most OBC is not refundable).  As the days of the cruise goes by negative amounts will be posted to your folio for such items as daily gratuities, bar purchases etc and your balance will move to the negative amount meaning you will owe them money at the end.  If you are lucky enough to have a positive balance at the end of the cruise more power to you even if the amount is not refundable (but you can send it to me!).  

[Ep010835]

13 minutes ago, satxdiver said:

 (but you can send it to me!).  

 

And you'll go to Texas Pride, I know! 😀

 

I modified my question above a bit. 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Ep010835

[JF - retired RRT]

1 hour ago, Ep010835 said:

Good. Thanks. 

Let me modify my question just a bit. Leaving the auto grats in place, we'll still have some non-refundable OBC left in our account at the end of the cruise. Am I able to move a fixed amount at the end of the cruise into grats on top of the auto-grats?

 

It won't be a lot but I certainly don't want to let it vanish. 

You can spend it. Cash it out in the casino. Go to Passenger Services and request to move it to the grats.

If it's refundable, they'll mail you a check.

If it's non-refundable...do one of the above suggestions.

[Ep010835]

Non-refundable so I'll go to pass. ser. and move it to grats. 

 

Thanks all. 

[fishywood]

45 minutes ago, Ep010835 said:

Non-refundable so I'll go to pass. ser. and move it to grats. 

 

Thanks all. 

Its not so much "moving it over to grats" as it is requesting that the DSC for you (and your cabinmate if you wish to spread the calculation over two persons) be increased from $13.50 per day to whatever amount when expressed as a per diem uses up your remaining OBC. The application of your OBC to those daily debits will be pro forma. 

 

I suggest it be stated in this manner because if you try to give a flat amount to the tipping pool you may be rebuffed. Just as I understand that if, on the last night of the cruise, you simply write in on the 'extra tip' line of a chit at a bar or specialty restaurant the flat amount that would otherwise be lost, that non-refundable OBC will not be used to cover it. And while I have never heard of this actually happening my understanding is such a specific safeguard is in place to prevent "gifting" non-refundable OBC to one specific crewmember with the agreement they would then kick some back to you.

[skynight]

Ep010835

If you have any non-refundable OBC remaining at the end of the cruise you can certainly ask passenger services to increase your gratuity in that amount.

Here are some other ideas.

If you frequent a certain bar or lounge you can add additional gratuities to your bar charges. You would have to mention this since there are no longer paper bills.

If you go to a specialty restaurant you can add an additional gratuity.

You can go to the casino slots, play some, you may win or lose, then cash out. If you want you can then provide a cash amount to your cabin steward, waiter or any crew member that provided you with service. When you provide a cash tip and leave the auto tip in place the crew member receiving it is allowed to keep it.

You can spend it in one of the on board shops, maybe purchase a hat, shirt, bottle of spirits, or something else.

Edited April 20, 2019 by skynight

[satxdiver]

11 hours ago, Ep010835 said:

 

And you'll go to Texas Pride, I know! 😀

 

I modified my question above a bit. 

 

Texas Pride BBQ is over 30 miles from our house.  I have been there a few times but there is a lot better BBQ much closer to our house. 

[Ep010835]

30 minutes ago, satxdiver said:

 

Texas Pride BBQ is over 30 miles from our house.  I have been there a few times but there is a lot better BBQ much closer to our house. 

 

Of late, I've grown somewhat partial to the Old Smokehouse on Fredericksburg Rd. 

 

Point me at some others you like, if you would.