Why Pre-pay OBC'S?

[secretcastle]

Some of the folks up in Canada have been able to pre purchase USD $ onboard credit as well as coffee cards, drinks, etc.,0and pay in Canadian funds which is quite a saving at the moment with our exchange rate.

:)

[plattwear]

I suppose this is similar to people who purposely have taxes overwithheld from their paychecks and then are really happy to see a refund. Interest fee loans to the government and Princess are great for both entities.

 

I can't understand why anyone would not pay with a credit card with points, take the points, and then pay the credit card balance. The only explanation I can think of is that some people either don't like credit cards or don't have the self discipline to use them.

 

Those are not the only two reasons someone would want to pay their OBC ahead of time. Just the only ones you can think of :-D I prepaid my excursions for myself and my mom with OBC, I personally find it offensive that someone would say I may have done that because I don't have self discipline. That is a huge assumption on your part that is simply not true for me and I am sure many others. To each his own crazy assumption I say.

Edited April 5, 2014 by plattwear

[dmwnc1959]

I'm sure that there are quite a few people out there, who through no fault of their own, don't have credit cards. Or maybe they just don't want them. There are people who don't make six-figure salaries, have huge savings accounts, or piles of cruise line stock that gets them gobs of free OBC. They budget their discretionary income the way they see fit, and plan for, budget, and pay for a cruise different than the way you do.

 

I have a bank issued ATM/debit card with a Visa logo on it that is linked to my bank account, fully protected for all losses through my bank, and I can use it pretty much anywhere you can use a normal credit card, except maybe some car rental places. I also get notices via text msg if anything is charged to my card over a specific limit that I have set (say for instance $20).

 

And pre-purchasing OBC's may be the way some people are being financially responsible. I've done this on my past seven cruises (with RCI, Celebrity, and Princess) and it's worked out just fine. It reminds me that I have that pre-set limit that I've determined I don't want to exceed, and I pre-purchase my drink packages and pre-paid gratuities as well. I may purchase $400 OBC for extra spending like specialty restaurants, souvenirs, or shore excursions. And I also purchase the trip insurance.

 

All this may not make sense to some of you, but it's the way some of us do it. And it doesn't make it wrong, just that it works best for us.

 

:D

[Eagle_and_hawk]

I purchase Casino credit so that I can have cash while on my cruise and get the CC points. I also gamble as well. No fees.

 

That's exactly what we do. We decide how much casino money we want to have and get an OBC for that amount, a few days before we depart. It gives us points on our credit card and we don't have to carry cash or pay the 3% fee they charge in the casino, to get cash charged to your room. Since we never carry a CC balance, it works out very well and no downside as what ever is left, we just cash in at the end of the cruise.

 

We use a credit card for every single purchase we can to maximize the points. Not paid a lick of CC interest since 1989 as never carry a balance, but got a lot of good benefits out of the points for vacations. Might not be for everybody, however it works well for us :-)

Edited April 5, 2014 by Eagle_and_hawk

[tngeebee]

We never pay up front. Most of the time the OBC's are enough to take care of it. And by using the Princess CC we get double points toward getting monies off the next cruise.

[jagoffee]

That's exactly what we do. We decide how much casino money we want to have and get an OBC for that amount, a few days before we depart. It gives us points on our credit card and we don't have to carry cash or pay the 3% fee they charge in the casino, to get cash charged to your room. Since we never carry a CC balance, it works out very well and no downside as what ever is left, we just cash in at the end of the cruise.

 

We use a credit card for every single purchase we can to maximize the points. Not paid a lick of CC interest since 1989 as never carry a balance, but got a lot of good benefits out of the points for vacations. Might not be for everybody, however it works well for us :-)

 

And us. Never pay any interest and love the extra miles.

[Colo Cruiser]

I purchase Casino credit so that I can have cash while on my cruise and get the CC points. I also gamble as well. No fees.

 

 

This is a good idea too.

[Reader0108598]

I'm sure that there are quite a few people out there, who through no fault of their own, don't have credit cards. Or maybe they just don't want them. There are people who don't make six-figure salaries, have huge savings accounts, or piles of cruise line stock that gets them gobs of free OBC. They budget their discretionary income the way they see fit, and plan for, budget, and pay for a cruise different than the way you do.

 

I have a bank issued ATM/debit card with a Visa logo on it that is linked to my bank account, fully protected for all losses through my bank, and I can use it pretty much anywhere you can use a normal credit card, except maybe some car rental places. I also get notices via text msg if anything is charged to my card over a specific limit that I have set (say for instance $20).

 

And pre-purchasing OBC's may be the way some people are being financially responsible. I've done this on my past seven cruises (with RCI,

 

Celebrity, and Princess) and it's worked out just fine. It reminds me that I have that pre-set limit that I've determined I don't want to exceed, and I pre-purchase my drink packages and pre-paid gratuities as well. I may purchase $400 OBC for extra spending like specialty restaurants, souvenirs, or shore excursions. And I also purchase the trip insurance.

 

All this may not make sense to some of you, but it's the way some of us do it.

 

And it doesn't make it wrong, just that it works best for us.

 

:D[/

 

Where is that like button?? Oh well this will have to do! :D:D:D:D

[Yehootu]

Leftover OBC is refundable either in cash before disembarkation or you'll receive a check a few weeks later. This is a policy change that happened about six months ago.

 

OK, I know I'll be given grief over this one...But, if you receive cash or a check back for unused OBC, I'd think setting up a large OBC using the Princess card for 2x points, getting them.. then paying off said bill. Just thinking outloud, that's all.

Just like getting to Elite status quickly. I am able to cruise now, but have to return to work in a few months. 8 more years till retirement, then I can really have fun.

Tim

[Jetswdo]

We pay our cards in full each month, never carry a balance. I just hate paying for a cruise AFTER my return, up to $800 or so, ok. But psychologically, I prefer charges as deposits for my NEXT cruise, not one that is already taken. But when I figured out how much money that will need to be paid after my Princess cruise, it came to close to $2000 (enclave, sanctuary, excursion, spa treatments, restaurants--On Celebrity, you book your restaurants, spa, etc ahead of time, and so that is prepaid--anyway.. So I do not purchase OBC on Celebrity----

[Colo Cruiser]

We always pay ours off each month too.

[Thrak]

I agree.

 

 

The benefit is only to the cruise line that profits from the use of your money.

 

Mike:)

 

Excellent point but, given the abysmal interest rates these days, the difference for most folks is negligible.

[Thrak]

People have various reasons why they do or don't pre-pay. I figure it's their choice and it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. If it works for them that's good enough for me.

[sailinglisa]

I'm sure that there are quite a few people out there, who through no fault of their own, don't have credit cards. Or maybe they just don't want them. There are people who don't make six-figure salaries, have huge savings accounts, or piles of cruise line stock that gets them gobs of free OBC. They budget their discretionary income the way they see fit, and plan for, budget, and pay for a cruise different than the way you do.

 

I have a bank issued ATM/debit card with a Visa logo on it that is linked to my bank account, fully protected for all losses through my bank, and I can use it pretty much anywhere you can use a normal credit card, except maybe some car rental places. I also get notices via text msg if anything is charged to my card over a specific limit that I have set (say for instance $20).

 

And pre-purchasing OBC's may be the way some people are being financially responsible. I've done this on my past seven cruises (with RCI,

 

Celebrity, and Princess) and it's worked out just fine. It reminds me that I have that pre-set limit that I've determined I don't want to exceed, and I pre-purchase my drink packages and pre-paid gratuities as well. I may purchase $400 OBC for extra spending like specialty restaurants, souvenirs, or shore excursions. And I also purchase the trip insurance.

 

All this may not make sense to some of you, but it's the way some of us do it.

 

And it doesn't make it wrong, just that it works best for us.

 

:D[/

 

Where is that like button?? Oh well this will have to do! :D:D:D:D

 

Triple Like!!! Some of us just really just don't want to bother with credit cards and pay as we go. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!!!! I have pre paid for my next cruise the drink package plus about $100 extra....prepaid my tips..........that way I know what my budget is and can stick to it.

[hubofhockey]

 

 

 

Triple Like!!! Some of us just really just don't want to bother with credit cards and pay as we go. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!!!! I have pre paid for my next cruise the drink package plus about $100 extra....prepaid my tips..........that way I know what my budget is and can stick to it.

 

 

I don't understand the "bother". You provide your credit card information and then your card is billed for charges. You get your folio and pay your card bill over a month after the cruise. We don't spend any more or less than we would without a card and don't have the hassles of a "true up" at the end or worrying about how much we have spent or is left on the card.

 

If you don't have or regularly use credit cards for reasons specific to you, that's another issue. The cruise lines make using cards for on board spending bother free. I do believe that Princess could up its game by making folios available through rooms televisions, but they remain in the Dark Ages on that one.

[Colo Cruiser]

 

 

I don't understand the "bother". You provide your credit card information and then your card is billed for charges. You get your folio and pay your card bill over a month after the cruise. We don't spend any more or less than we would without a card and don't have the hassles of a "true up" at the end or worrying about how much we have spent or is left on the card.

 

If you don't have or regularly use credit cards for reasons specific to you, that's another issue. The cruise lines make using cards for on board spending bother free. I do believe that Princess could up its game by making folios available through rooms televisions, but they remain in the Dark Ages on that one.

 

 

I agree, its more of a bother to pay as you go.

I would rather set it and forget it. :p

[petlover]

 

I do believe that Princess could up its game by making folios available through rooms televisions, but they remain in the Dark Ages on that one.

 

Boy they are in the dark ages, that's the way we always check whether on a cruise or in a hotel.

Edited April 6, 2014 by petlover

[JoAnneNYI]

So...say I do pre pay i.e. buy myself OBC for my account. What happens if you cancel your cruise?

[Jim Avery]

We never do, thats what the cards for. ;)

To each his own.

 

I'm with you. I pre purchase Jack and vodka for the room but that's about it.

Edited April 6, 2014 by Jim Avery

[Tutankhamen]

People who do not have a lot of wiggle room, tend to do things such as paying OBC ahead of cruise. They don't see the benefit of keeping their money in their account and earn perhaps a small return. I hear often enough "its only a few dollars"...."not going to make a difference". They are often the same people that take a loss at other things in life and or spend on things that perhaps they would be better off not spending.

 

People who have more wiggle room in their budget, tend not to purchase OBC ahead of the cruise.They see the benefit of keeping their money in their accountant and earning a small return. I hear them often saying "not going to lose the chance to earn a few bucks in free money"......."those few dollars here and there add up to a lot". They are often the same people that limit any loss at other things in life and or do not spend on things that perhaps they really don't need.

 

You would think it would be other way around, but I find this is the way it is.

Edited April 6, 2014 by Tutankhamen

[Renmar]

I have to admit confusion! :confused:Would somebody please explain the benefits of prepaying OBC's?

 

We bought OBC's with our 88 cent Canadian dollar and received $ 1.00 US for every dollar spend. Good enough reason for us.

 

Theo

[Reader0108598]

My name was wrongly attached to quote by sailinglisa . Just setting the record straight :)

 

Reader

Edited April 8, 2014 by Reader0108598

[Pam in CA]

Boy they are in the dark ages, that's the way we always check whether on a cruise or in a hotel.

One thing I love about the Royal Princess is the ability to check my folio, Patter, events, deck plans, etc. on my smart phone. I rarely turn on my TV on any cruise on any cruise line so being able to check everything on my phone is very convenient. Plus, The Royal and Sapphire (and Regal) have free on-demand movies. This technology is coming to the other Princess ships. I wasn't aware that all other lines also offered these free options. Edited April 8, 2014 by Pam in CA

[Kmkub]

We bought OBC's with our 88 cent Canadian dollar and received $ 1.00 US for every dollar spend. Good enough reason for us.

 

I'm confused, I guess. Are you gambling that exchange rates will be less in your favor when you sail? Not sure how this is a "savings" unless you can predict what the exchange rate will be when you sail.

[swedish weave]

If I purchase $1000 OBC with a credit card that gives me 3 points for each dollar spent, then don't use the OBC on the cruise and Princess refunds me the $1000, am I actually making 3% on this short term investment ??