SEM9999

4 hours ago, cruiser2015 said:

Typically, a TA credit can be used for just about anything, including your daily cabin/dining gratuities. Of course, yours are also covered on this cruise, so it doesn't matter. NCL OBC's would have otherwise not been usable for daily gratuities, but can be used for most everything else you purchase onboard. Credits are never usable in a casino - only purchases of food, beverages, excursions & services (such as in the Spa).

 

I can't imagine paying for additional credits. I'm not even aware that NCL sells them. In any event, why pay for these when you don't know how much you actually will need? You might be able to put an advance credit on your cabin account to use for these items. If so, any unused balance should be returnable. But, again, why go through the possible hassle? Pay end of cruise.

 

Also, note that any unused OBC from your TA or NCL is forfeited.

Good advice. Thanks for being the voice of reason ☺️

5 hours ago, ggTexasGal said:

"Refundable" OBC can be used for everything onboard, so, if your TA gives "non-refundable OBC," then you'll need to pay the things you listed out of your own pocket.

Thank you. This is helpful. 

My family cannot wait to be on the NCL escape in September. We are in the midst of planning, and several questions about onboard credit have come up. I enjoy reading this board so much and trust that some of you expert cruisers can help! So, here we go.

• the travel agent we used is giving us onboard credit and prepaid gratuities for two. Am I correct to assume that those credits will show up upon boarding? While I see them in the travel agent’s confirmation, I do not see them in my NCL account. 

• I believe the travel agent onboard credit cannot be used for daily gratuities or the casino, correct? But they can be used for things like excursions, spa, drinks? Any unused credits also are forfeited at the end of the cruise, yes?

• I am thinking about paying for additional onboard credits myself to cover the additional daily service fees for my family and spa visits. Is that a good idea? Does NCL return any of those credits if they go unused? Back to the card or do I have to wait in line for cash? I prefer to not get a big bill at the end, but perhaps I’m just being silly. It’s all coming from the same place after all.