What to use OBC for?

[nutzo]

I booked a cruise during the WOW sale last spring which came with a $200 OBC. My understanding is that this is a non-refundable OBC, so if we don’t use it, we loose it.

Since we rarely drink, and don't plan on going to any of the specialty restaurants, I’m trying to decide on the best way to use it.

I could use it for the Excursions we plan to take, however I’d like to book them online before the cruise in case they fill up.

The only other option I’m aware of would be to pay tips. I believe I can wait until a couple days before the end of the cruise, and switch to pre-paid tips. Since it’s a 10 day cruise, and there are 3 of us, that would easily use up the OBC.

[Doug R.]

I booked a cruise during the WOW sale last spring which came with a $200 OBC. My understanding is that this is a non-refundable OBC, so if we don’t use it, we loose it.

 

Since we rarely drink, and don't plan on going to any of the specialty restaurants, I’m trying to decide on the best way to use it.

 

I could use it for the Excursions we plan to take, however I’d like to book them online before the cruise in case they fill up.

 

The only other option I’m aware of would be to pay tips. I believe I can wait until a couple days before the end of the cruise, and switch to pre-paid tips. Since it’s a 10 day cruise, and there are 3 of us, that would easily use up the OBC.

 

It will be used to offset any charges on your onboard account. In addition to drinking and speciality restaurants it can be used for purchases in the onboard shops, non-alcoholic drinks you charge and buying bingo cards. I cannot comment about it being used in the casino as I avoid that place like the plague.

 

I don't drink much and can easily burn through a $200 OBC on a cruise.

[kyriecat]

Assuming you are in a regular cabin and not a suite, tips will come to $292.50 for three people. That would use up your OBC. I assume you have fixed seating and not anytime. If you have anytime, you have to pre-pay your tips and can't use the OBC for it.

 

If you want to use it for the casino, they charge a 3% fee so you only get $97 for each $100 OBC. Some people enjoy the spa or art auctions, soda cards, a t-shirt onboard, jewelry, a photo or two. There are plenty of things to buy onboard.

[Motorman23]

It will be used to offset any charges on your onboard account. In addition to drinking and speciality restaurants it can be used for purchases in the onboard shops, non-alcoholic drinks you charge and buying bingo cards. I cannot comment about it being used in the casino as I avoid that place like the plague.

 

I don't drink much and can easily burn through a $200 OBC on a cruise.

 

It can be used in the casino subject to a 3% surcharge. So if you have any left on the last day take it out of the casino in chips then cash them in minus the 3% surcharge.

 

Mike

[Pomperaugrr]

I'd suggest treating yourself to a nice massage in the spa. If you take advantage of port day specials, you could get a couple of them. :)

 

Eric

[Jasperdo]

I could use it for the Excursions we plan to take, however I’d like to book them online before the cruise in case they fill up.

 

 

I've always used my OBC for shore excursions. My last 3 cruises have been on Princess. I booked the excursions online, and paid for them with my OBC.

 

I'm currently booked on the Mariner. Does RCI do things differently? If I book my excursions online, do you have to pay for them in advance? On Princess, I didn't pay for the excursions when I booked them online. It just reserved them. The price was added to my shipboard account during the cruise.

[nutzo]

Assuming you are in a regular cabin and not a suite, tips will come to $292.50 for three people. That would use up your OBC. I assume you have fixed seating and not anytime. If you have anytime, you have to pre-pay your tips and can't use the OBC for it.

 

If you want to use it for the casino, they charge a 3% fee so you only get $97 for each $100 OBC. Some people enjoy the spa or art auctions, soda cards, a t-shirt onboard, jewelry, a photo or two. There are plenty of things to buy onboard.

 

Yes we have fixed seating. The prepaying of tips was one of the reasons we didn't switch to MTD.

 

Don't gamble much, and would rather not waste the 3%, so that would be my last resort. As for the soda card, we don't drink enough soda (or like the brand of soda they have onboard), so we'll stick to water, lemonade and tea. I'll probably be bringing a 12 pack of Pepsi on board for when my DW needs one.;)

 

From what I've read, I can go down to the desk a couple days before the end of the cruise and switch the tips to prepaid, and it will go on my seapass. That would use up the rest of my OBC and the remainder would go to my credit card. I'd rather charge the tips anyways and get 2% back as opposed to handing out cash.

[kyriecat]

I've always used my OBC for shore excursions. My last 3 cruises have been on Princess. I booked the excursions online, and paid for them with my OBC.

 

I'm currently booked on the Mariner. Does RCI do things differently? If I book my excursions online, do you have to pay for them in advance? On Princess, I didn't pay for the excursions when I booked them online. It just reserved them. The price was added to my shipboard account during the cruise.

Princess does things differently. RC requires a credit card to book your excursions online. The payment is processed as soon as you book. You can only use OBC for excursions booked after you board the ship.

 

I was on HAL a few months ago, which like Princess is part of the Carnival Corp. HAL requires payment for excursions at time of booking like RC does. :confused:

[kyriecat]

Yes we have fixed seating. The prepaying of tips was one of the reasons we didn't switch to MTD.

 

Don't gamble much, and would rather not waste the 3%, so that would be my last resort. As for the soda card, we don't drink enough soda (or like the brand of soda they have onboard), so we'll stick to water, lemonade and tea. I'll probably be bringing a 12 pack of Pepsi on board for when my DW needs one.;)

 

From what I've read, I can go down to the desk a couple days before the end of the cruise and switch the tips to prepaid, and it will go on my seapass. That would use up the rest of my OBC and the remainder would go to my credit card. I'd rather charge the tips anyways and get 2% back as opposed to handing out cash.

If you want MTD, you might be able to switch once you get onboard (if they have spots open). Your Sea Pass would automatically be charged at that point.

 

If you stick with fixed seating, they will leave a form for tips in your cabin. If you want to put your tips on the Sea Pass, all you have to do is fill out the form. They usually have a box near the Customer Service Desk to drop it in. You don't even have to stand in line. :) The tips will show up on your account second to last evening, in case you want to check it on the TV.

[Garyorient]

Yes we have fixed seating. The prepaying of tips was one of the reasons we didn't switch to MTD.

 

Don't gamble much, and would rather not waste the 3%, so that would be my last resort. As for the soda card, we don't drink enough soda (or like the brand of soda they have onboard), so we'll stick to water, lemonade and tea. I'll probably be bringing a 12 pack of Pepsi on board for when my DW needs one.;)

 

.

 

That actually does not make any sense.

In reality you could change up the OBC and turn it into cash for a 3% charge. Not a bad deal really. If you did spend it in the casino it would be spending money you never had, and consequently any return would still financially put you in front of the game so to speak.

[Doug R.]

Princess does things differently. RC requires a credit card to book your excursions online. The payment is processed as soon as you book. You can only use OBC for excursions booked after you board the ship.

 

I was on HAL a few months ago, which like Princess is part of the Carnival Corp. HAL requires payment for excursions at time of booking like RC does. :confused:

 

HAL and Princess may be corporate sisters but they are totally separate divisions, each with their own policies and procedures.

[nutzo]

If you stick with fixed seating, they will leave a form for tips in your cabin. If you want to put your tips on the Sea Pass, all you have to do is fill out the form. They usually have a box near the Customer Service Desk to drop it in. You don't even have to stand in line. :) The tips will show up on your account second to last evening, in case you want to check it on the TV.

 

Thanks, that's the information I was looking for.

 

As for all the other sugestions: Thanks, but we're not interested in spending money on the spa, art auctions, jewelry, etc. We'd rather spend it on the excursions, both through the ship and private.

 

I know this might shock some of the people here, but our main concern is with the ports, not the ship. :eek: I'm looking at the cruise mainly as a floating hotel, with relaxing transportation to each port and free food.:D

[Jasperdo]

Princess does things differently. RC requires a credit card to book your excursions online. The payment is processed as soon as you book. You can only use OBC for excursions booked after you board the ship.

 

I was on HAL a few months ago, which like Princess is part of the Carnival Corp. HAL requires payment for excursions at time of booking like RC does. :confused:

 

Thanks for the info, kyriecat. I think I'll wait until I board the ship to reserve my shore excursions. That way they'll be on my shipboard account, and I can use my OBC to pay for them.

[Captain Jake]

I'd suggest treating yourself to a nice massage in the spa. If you take advantage of port day specials, you could get a couple of them. :)

 

Eric

excellent choice

:cj

[Captain Jake]

Thanks, that's the information I was looking for.

 

As for all the other sugestions: Thanks, but we're not interested in spending money on the spa, art auctions, jewelry, etc. We'd rather spend it on the excursions, both through the ship and private.

 

I know this might shock some of the people here, but our main concern is with the ports, not the ship. :eek: I'm looking at the cruise mainly as a floating hotel, with relaxing transportation to each port and free food.:D

 

nothing wrong with that

:cj

[cruizintime!]

Related to this area---and I apologize if this has already been addressed, but does anyone know if there is a way to check what your OBC is online? I booked during a WOW sale and was told I would receive a credit, but still don't see it posted anywhere? Is it something that is supposed to just show up once you set up your expense account?

 

Thanks a bunch and Happy Cruising to all! :D

[fridaythe13th]

Related to this area---and I apologize if this has already been addressed, but does anyone know if there is a way to check what your OBC is online? I booked during a WOW sale and was told I would receive a credit, but still don't see it posted anywhere? Is it something that is supposed to just show up once you set up your expense account?

 

Thanks a bunch and Happy Cruising to all! :D

 

When I check my account online my OBC shows up. You have to log in and go to "my cruises". About half way down on the left side click on the link view reservations. Right above VACATION SUMMARY click on the Payment tab. My OBC shows up under Optional Items.

[4merlurker]

When I check my account online my OBC shows up. You have to log in and go to "my cruises". About half way down on the left side click on the link view reservations. Right above VACATION SUMMARY click on the Payment tab. My OBC shows up under Optional Items.

 

 

FYI: If you booked thru a TA you wont have this option.

 

~Connie

[cruizintime!]

When I check my account online my OBC shows up. You have to log in and go to "my cruises". About half way down on the left side click on the link view reservations. Right above VACATION SUMMARY click on the Payment tab. My OBC shows up under Optional Items.

 

 

uh oh, nothing in my optional items and I did book through RCL, so off to the 800# now to see what's happening... Thank you for your help!

[newbiecruiser09]

When I check my account online my OBC shows up. You have to log in and go to "my cruises". About half way down on the left side click on the link view reservations. Right above VACATION SUMMARY click on the Payment tab. My OBC shows up under Optional Items.

 

How long does it take for this to show up? I booked Monday and should have a $50 OBC since we booked this one as a "next cruise". There is no OBC on my account as of now. When should it show up?

[fridaythe13th]

How long does it take for this to show up? I booked Monday and should have a $50 OBC since we booked this one as a "next cruise". There is no OBC on my account as of now. When should it show up?

 

I booked mine as a "next cruise" and it showed up as soon as I checked my account although I don't remember how much time went by before I checked.