What is the advantage to booking onboard?

[rrraydon]

Looking to book another and wondering if I should wait until I get on the Oasis in September?

[renza]

You get on board credit. You are still paying the same as on line. I have done it a few times but if you find a deal now I wouldn’t wait to get on board. I am on Harmony in a week in a half and went ahead and booked wonder for next year already. Well I got $900 off because my son is in a summer intern with Royal do we got s family discount so I can’t count that. To me it’s not anything great what you get onboard. You have 30 days to transfer to your travel agent and get their discounts too. 

Edited July 28, 2022 by renza

[Ourusualbeach]

7 minutes ago, rrraydon said:

Looking to book another and wondering if I should wait until I get on the Oasis in September?

By waiting the price may go up more than the minimal OBC that you will get

[ramja96]

Don't they still have reduced deposit for booking on board?

[rrraydon]

22 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

By waiting the price may go up more than the minimal OBC that you will get

That’s exactly what I’m afraid off. If memory serves, I only get $100 OBC to book onboard. I save way more than that with the sale price.

[rrraydon]

I recently booked 3 cruises with a TA that a friend recommended, she books all of her cruises through him. My price was exactly the same as what’s online. No OBC, no perks whatsoever. I’m wondering why she uses him and am thinking that’s the last time I will. 

[Husky1987]

All depends on what you prioritize.

 

Some like the OBC.

 

Some like having less $$$ tied up in deposits.

 

For quite a few of my cruises, my TA will have refundable group rates same or better than Royal's non-refundable fares. 

 

I've booked onboard once when I spotted a cruise I wanted to take about a week before sailing and wanted to take advantage of the OBC and reduced deposit.  But I wouldn't wait if a cruise is months away.

[neverbeenhere]

Unstated advantage:

 

You can have a nice conversation with a NextCruise staff member and that staff member will care a little about the conversation.  Always good to have someone caring.

[LeeW]

Actually the big advantage is the low deposits.  Especially if you book a Celebrity sailing ($900 for 2).