Can OBC used to book HIA before boarding?

[expattraveler]

We have OBC. We were going to purchase drink packages and Wi Fi when we boarded; however, HAL is now discounting HIA for our cruise. It is now more advantageous to book HIA via the website prior to booking the beverage package and Wi Fi onboard using OBC.

Question. Can we use our OBC applied to book HIA online, or do we need to “BUY NOW” online with our credit card on file for the discounted HIA price and try to get our OBC credited once onboard?

 

Thank you in advance  for your help and replies!

[CruiserBruce]

No, you currently can't spend OBC to book stuff prior to boarding. There have been rumors, of a change, but nothing confirmed.

 

The book now with credit card, switch over to OBC when on board idea has been discussed here several times. Yes, you can do that for excursions, dining arrangements. If a waitlist is present (like for an excursion) you may not get past the waitlist to rebook.

 

HIA typically includes drink packages and Internet. So unless you are going to upgrade once on board with OBC, it seems silly to me refund for those when on board.

[expattraveler]

CruiserBruce,

 

thank you for the reply and advise!

[rj59]

I tried Celebrity for the first time last summer, and one of their refreshing features was the ability to use OBC to book excursions and packages before the cruise, and they even promoted it. Of course, they were hoping you would spend more that way, and they aggressively try to upsell drinks packages and their barely usable wifi once on board, so they see it as a winning option for them and for passengers.