NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !

[ricklepickle]

I'm confused by this talk about cashing out OBC in the casino. On our cruise on the Sun end of June/beginning of July, we had a RIDICULOUS amount of OBC on our account (long story, partly promotional and partly "for your inconvenience" OBC, but all in the same category, and it covered 3 rooms). We continually checked it, and it very clearly stated on the record that we could NOT use this OBC in the casino (as well as the DSC).

 

This made sense to us -- it wasn't a cash gift, it was a credit for some things.

 

(It actually became a game to us to use all of it ($1200) - we used it for excursions in the one port we hadn't prebooked with external vendors, we ate in the specialty restaurants once we realized it, etc etc. But none of the adults (3) drink much alcohol, and the teenager didn't drink much soda...We went to the spa. And we spent a lot of time in the on board store trying to find things we actually wanted to buy...and we left $1.73 on the OBC. )

 

But are you saying we could have cashed out at the casino, even though they were fairly explicit that we could not?

 

(I'm not saying we would have; we had a lot of fun "spending" NCL's "money"! I just want to understand that that would actually have been an option, even though we were explictly told no -- we never did actually go to the casino to find out.)

[peg013]

I'm confused by this talk about cashing out OBC in the casino. On our cruise on the Sun end of June/beginning of July, we had a RIDICULOUS amount of OBC on our account (long story, partly promotional and partly "for your inconvenience" OBC, but all in the same category, and it covered 3 rooms). We continually checked it, and it very clearly stated on the record that we could NOT use this OBC in the casino (as well as the DSC).

 

This made sense to us -- it wasn't a cash gift, it was a credit for some things.

 

(It actually became a game to us to use all of it ($1200) - we used it for excursions in the one port we hadn't prebooked with external vendors, we ate in the specialty restaurants once we realized it, etc etc. But none of the adults (3) drink much alcohol, and the teenager didn't drink much soda...We went to the spa. And we spent a lot of time in the on board store trying to find things we actually wanted to buy...and we left $1.73 on the OBC. )

 

But are you saying we could have cashed out at the casino, even though they were fairly explicit that we could not?

 

(I'm not saying we would have; we had a lot of fun "spending" NCL's "money"! I just want to understand that that would actually have been an option, even though we were explictly told no -- we never did actually go to the casino to find out.)

 

One easy way to spend non-refundable OBC is to "spend" multiples of $150 to purchase Freestyle Cruise Rewards worth $250 for the deposit on a future cruise/s. That way NCL willingly pays for your whole next deposit (unless you are in a Specialty Suite and then it still counts as $250 towards your deposit). You can use one per cabin on a future cruise taken within 4 years of the date of purchase.

[ricklepickle]

Peg013, yes, we saw that (although it also meant getting another $100 in OBC for that cruise.). For a variety of reasons I won't go into here, that wasn't a good option for us, although it is a good deal.

 

But really, my question is about casino use...

 

 

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[KeithJenner]

Peg013, yes, we saw that (although it also meant getting another $100 in OBC for that cruise.). For a variety of reasons I won't go into here, that wasn't a good option for us, although it is a good deal.

 

But really, my question is about casino use...

 

 

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You don't have to spend the $100. It is taken off the $250 for the cruise certificate.

 

Not saying it would have been right for you, but just clarifying.

Edited July 27, 2014 by KeithJenner

[rochelle_s]

Peg013, yes, we saw that (although it also meant getting another $100 in OBC for that cruise.). For a variety of reasons I won't go into here, that wasn't a good option for us, although it is a good deal.

 

But really, my question is about casino use...

 

 

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To answer you question simply; Yes it has been done.

 

 

Rochelle

[johnql]

The ability to get cash from your sail and sign card was a courtesy meant for casino players, which of course the house also benefited from. The intent was not to turn the slot machines into ATM's. With people treating the casino like an ATM the cruise line was having to shoulder the costs (fees) with no possible return to them. Hence they instituted the 3% fee.

 

Now people know that OBC stands for On Board Credit. It does not stand for On Board Cashback.

 

By definition;

Abuse-

noun

əˈbyo͞os/

1.the improper use of something.

 

People know that OBC given by the cruise line is meant to be spent for on board purchases. So using the 'loophole' to change it into cash could be seen as abuse as it the improper use for which it was intended. You may feel like you are justified because you incur a 3% fee to do so but that does not change the fact of the OBC purpose in the first place.

 

I am certain the cruise line is well aware that people are doing this and are just letting it pass at this point in time. I have no doubt that if this practice escalates in use they will take steps to prohibit it. They could very easily add to the conditions of the OBC : Not to be applied to DSC or for use in the casino. Or make stipulations like the now defunct SlotPlay coupons had, whereby funds drawn on your ship card must be played through once before being able to cash out.

 

Perhaps they have already taken steps to stop this practice. You can no longer pre purchase credits for the casino and SlotPlay coupons for NCL ships are no longer for sale. Perhaps the treating of the casino like an ATM is the reason or part thereof for their removal.

 

Cashing out OBC is not the policy of NCL as you stated. It is a loophole and likely the continued practice and promotion of it will only hasten NCL to close it for good as was suggested by the previous poster.

 

 

Rochelle

Very well put. While cashing out OBC can be done (for now), it clearly goes against "the spirit of the law", i.e., NCL wants you to spend the OBC on shipboard items and not cash it out. Eventually, if NCL decides that cashing out has become abused, they will figure out a way to prohibit it.

[SeaShark]

Wow! There have been a LOT of replies to this thread!

 

 

Everytime I see this thread's title "NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !", the same conversation plays out in my head . . .

 

 

"NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !"

 

"Everybody knows that!"

 

"Well . . . Did you know that there IS an oldest trick in the book?"

 

 

 

 

I think I've been watching too much television! :o:rolleyes:

[rochelle_s]

Wow! There have been a LOT of replies to this thread!

 

 

Everytime I see this thread's title "NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !", the same conversation plays out in my head . . .

 

 

"NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !"

 

"Everybody knows that!"

 

"Well . . . Did you know that there IS an oldest trick in the book?"

 

 

 

 

I think I've been watching too much television! :o:rolleyes:

 

 

Or too many hot thread topics ;)

 

 

Rochelle

[BrPanthers99]

We are on the Breakaway. Just found out, the $150 ship board credit can not be used towards gratuities! When I called down to the front desk, they said ship board credit could not go towards gratuities ! They can not show me this in writing. I will never sail this line again! It's a shame because the Breakaway was a very nice

 

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1. This is very well known.

2. Your not going to spend $150 in a week?

 

 

 

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Edited July 27, 2014 by BrPanthers99

[pokerpro5]

1. This is very well known.

2. Your not going to spend $150 in a week?

 

1. It is not "very well known". It is well known among CC posters, as the typical poster here is MUCH more informed than the average cruiser (who never reads cruise forums and typically knows very little). NCL is very poor at communicating this polcy. Note that "communicating" means more than just listing it somewhere on the website. It means making it extremely clear to every traveler what OBC can and can't be used for, and not requiring them to look it up anywhere.

 

2. I am not going to spend $150 in a week on my upcoming cruise, despite having 3 people. I prepurchased the UDP (so I can't use OBC for that), and I am doing my own activities at the port. I will not be going to the spa, playing in the awful-odds casino, or purchasing any beverages. My only expenditure is likely to be the internet. It is very possible to cruise and not spend $150 onboard, especially if you buy the UDP in advance and aren't a drinker.

[bobg529]

Um, here's a novel thought. Why don't you just pay the freaking tip out of your own pocket? The folks who bust their backs waiting on you all week would probably appreciate it. As to the 150 in unused OBC, buy 150 worth of t shirts in the gift store and donate them to Goodwill. Maybe you can get a tax deduction!

[KeithJenner]

NCL is very poor at communicating this polcy. Note that "communicating" means more than just listing it somewhere on the website. It means making it extremely clear to every traveler what OBC can and can't be used for, and not requiring them to look it up anywhere.

 

I disagree.

 

At the moment, NCL is offering OBC in the UK with new bookings. On the main NCL website, there is a big splash about it, with a link for "more information". If you click that you get a page that gives details and at the bottom, quite clearly, it has another link "*Terms and Conditions". Click on that and it says lists the sailing dates that apply, specifies what OBC you get for each category of cabin and says "On-board spend has no monetary value, is non-transferable and some on board activities may incur a surcharge. It may not be used toward on board service charges or pre purchased activities."

 

That is about as well communicated as you will find on any company website.

 

I know this is the internet, so of course we are allowed to criticise companies for just doing what any company does, but if we just dwell in the real world for a short while, what else are you reasonably expecting them to do?

 

Anticipating someone coming along saying that this is just because I'm looking at the UK site, I've just checked the US one. There is an OBC offer there, which also has a clear link to the terms and conditions which state:

 

"Onboard credit has no monetary value and is non-transferable. It may not be used toward onboard service charges or prepurchased activities."

 

Really, how much better communicated do people need the terms and conditions that come with offers of free spending money to be? If you just accept the free money without at least looking at the restrictions then you deserve absolutely everything you get.

Edited July 28, 2014 by KeithJenner

[dadof4kids]

Regarding $150 credit, it's the principle! It's credit to do with whatever I want ! And believe me, we've spent way over the 150, and we go over the $12 per day service charge and tip on top of that!

 

 

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Bottom line...stupid is as stupid does and in this case stupid thinks...

[pokerpro5]

I disagree.

 

At the moment, NCL is offering OBC in the UK with new bookings. On the main NCL website, there is a big splash about it, with a link for "more information". If you click that you get a page that gives details and at the bottom, quite clearly, it has another link "*Terms and Conditions". Click on that and it says lists the sailing dates that apply, specifies what OBC you get for each category of cabin and says "On-board spend has no monetary value, is non-transferable and some on board activities may incur a surcharge. It may not be used toward on board service charges or pre purchased activities."

 

That is about as well communicated as you will find on any company website.

 

I know this is the internet, so of course we are allowed to criticise companies for just doing what any company does, but if we just dwell in the real world for a short while, what else are you reasonably expecting them to do?

 

Anticipating someone coming along saying that this is just because I'm looking at the UK site, I've just checked the US one. There is an OBC offer there, which also has a clear link to the terms and conditions which state:

 

"Onboard credit has no monetary value and is non-transferable. It may not be used toward onboard service charges or prepurchased activities."

 

Really, how much better communicated do people need the terms and conditions that come with offers of free spending money to be? If you just accept the free money without at least looking at the restrictions then you deserve absolutely everything you get.

 

There should not be a link for terms and conditions. The responsible cruiser reads the T&C. The average cruiser just says, "Sweet! $150 in on board credit!", and clicks through.

 

It is on a separate page likely to be missed by many for a reason -- because they don't want EVERYONE to know that it has restrictions.

 

I'm not saying that NCL is evil or different than other companies. I'm saying that this is a common problem -- having some kind of promotion with restrictions, the company hiding the restrictions (or making them a bit of an effort to find), and then some customers being pissed off when they run into those restrictions.

 

Here's an example: I recently received an e-mail from a large chain restaurant saying "50% OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY!"

 

So I read it, and I learn that I can get 50% off with a special promotion for this week only. Sounds great, so I'm all ready to visit the place this week. Turns out that it's 50% off the SECOND entree purchased, and only the one of lesser value. So it's 25% at best, and usually less than that. I found this to be quite dishonest, because I had to scan the fine print to see it. At least I didn't waste my time and go to the restaurant believing I was getting a half-price meal and only getting 20% off in reality, but I'm sure others did. That's what I mean by poor communication. The first rule of marketing is to put your best foot forward when presenting offers to the public, but you should also make sure the public understands what they're getting into, or it will cause enough bad will to where the promotion will defeat its own purpose.

 

My point is that you have to expect that a reasonable percentage of cruisers are not going to read the T&C for the OBC, and that it really would be proper for NCL to make sure everyone is educated as to whether or not the OBC can be used for the DSC prior to boarding. Even a simple notice in the stateroom (they have no problem "junk mailing" the rooms about all kinds of other crap) at the beginning of the cruise would be sufficient.

 

This is actually pretty big, because "on board credit" strongly implies that you can use it for anything "on board", and yet you can't use it for the service charge, which indeed is an on-board charge. I'm not arguing with the policy itself, but just the fact that if a number of people are confused by it, the company itself is at fault for not communicating it. The burden should be on NCL, not the customer for communication of this.

Edited July 28, 2014 by pokerpro5

[pokerpro5]

Um, here's a novel thought. Why don't you just pay the freaking tip out of your own pocket? The folks who bust their backs waiting on you all week would probably appreciate it. As to the 150 in unused OBC, buy 150 worth of t shirts in the gift store and donate them to Goodwill. Maybe you can get a tax deduction!

 

Here's an even more novel thought:

 

The "folks who bust their backs" don't give a crap where the money for their tips come from. They don't give a rats ass if the customer pays himself, or is somehow able to apply his OBC to it, as long as they get the money.

 

NCL will appreciate that you are looking out for them, though. Any other big corporations of which you have an emotional attachment to their bottom line?

[Sizzlechest]

You obviously haven't been around long enough to know that the 3% surcharge is fairly new - maybe 3 years old.......instituted because people were taking out money they had no intention of spending in the casino. :rolleyes:

 

That's exactly what I said. But it has nothing to do with OBC. Reading is fundamental.

Edited July 28, 2014 by Sizzlechest

[pokerpro5]

Also LOL @ anyone who feels bad for NCL when people emlpoy the "casino trick" to spend OBC.

 

If the casino allows OBC to be used for buyins, minus 3%, then this is really no "trick", and is perfectly moral and legal.

 

Amazing how some feel bad for huge corporations when customers follow the rules and regulations to the letter, and find a way to derive maximum benefit.

[bobg529]

Here's an even more novel thought:

 

The "folks who bust their backs" don't give a crap where the money for their tips come from. They don't give a rats ass if the customer pays himself, or is somehow able to apply his OBC to it, as long as they get the money.

 

NCL will appreciate that you are looking out for them, though. Any other big corporations of which you have an emotional attachment to their bottom line?

 

 

I don't have an emotional attachment to NCL or any other big corporation. They provide a product which I enjoy and I pay for it. It's just that I appreciate the service I receive from the crew and want to make sure that they are paid whatever they have coming to them as well. I don't know or claim to know what issues you have going on, but seeing that I obviously touched a nerve I'm sure there are more than a few. I hope you enjoy your next cruise! :)

[rednose83]

Only certain types of OBC can be used for gratuities on Carnival, not all.

 

In theory but in practice, they subtract it all from one pot. One of our cruises we got $240 in non-refundable OBC- it was our only OBC on that particular cruise. Guess what paid our grats?

[sparks1093]

There should not be a link for terms and conditions. The responsible cruiser reads the T&C. The average cruiser just says, "Sweet! $150 in on board credit!", and clicks through.

 

It is on a separate page likely to be missed by many for a reason -- because they don't want EVERYONE to know that it has restrictions.

 

I'm not saying that NCL is evil or different than other companies. I'm saying that this is a common problem -- having some kind of promotion with restrictions, the company hiding the restrictions (or making them a bit of an effort to find), and then some customers being pissed off when they run into those restrictions.

 

Here's an example: I recently received an e-mail from a large chain restaurant saying "50% OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY!"

 

So I read it, and I learn that I can get 50% off with a special promotion for this week only. Sounds great, so I'm all ready to visit the place this week. Turns out that it's 50% off the SECOND entree purchased, and only the one of lesser value. So it's 25% at best, and usually less than that. I found this to be quite dishonest, because I had to scan the fine print to see it. At least I didn't waste my time and go to the restaurant believing I was getting a half-price meal and only getting 20% off in reality, but I'm sure others did. That's what I mean by poor communication. The first rule of marketing is to put your best foot forward when presenting offers to the public, but you should also make sure the public understands what they're getting into, or it will cause enough bad will to where the promotion will defeat its own purpose.

 

My point is that you have to expect that a reasonable percentage of cruisers are not going to read the T&C for the OBC, and that it really would be proper for NCL to make sure everyone is educated as to whether or not the OBC can be used for the DSC prior to boarding. Even a simple notice in the stateroom (they have no problem "junk mailing" the rooms about all kinds of other crap) at the beginning of the cruise would be sufficient.

 

This is actually pretty big, because "on board credit" strongly implies that you can use it for anything "on board", and yet you can't use it for the service charge, which indeed is an on-board charge. I'm not arguing with the policy itself, but just the fact that if a number of people are confused by it, the company itself is at fault for not communicating it. The burden should be on NCL, not the customer for communication of this.

 

And the average person won't read the terms and conditions even it they are on the same page- they have no business savvy and frankly usually end up getting what they deserve. You can only protect people from themselves up to a point, at some point they have to become responsible for themselves and their own actions.

[KeithJenner]

And the average person won't read the terms and conditions even it they are on the same page- they have no business savvy and frankly usually end up getting what they deserve. You can only protect people from themselves up to a point, at some point they have to become responsible for themselves and their own actions.

 

Absolutely. Feel free to not read the T&C's if you don't want to, but don't complain if you miss something that is clearly stated in those T&C's

 

It's odd that checking the T&C's was apparently something that the OP didn't feel the need to do, but they did go to the effort of contacting customer services when on board, despite the fact that it wasn't actually relevant to them.

[julie3fan]

The responsible cruiser reads the T&C. The average cruiser just says, "Sweet! $150 in on board credit!", and clicks through.

 

Soooo, the "average" cruisers aren't responsible? I must be above average, then. :cool:

 

Any web page would have to be incredibly large with incredibly small print to list everything pertinent without clicking a link. Even "average" people are capable enough to click on a link when necessary. That's usually how one got to the page to begin with, I'd guess.

[dalgirl]

I had been sailing a long time with NCL before I found out that the OBC from them could not be used towards gratuities. Since I spend way more than that onboard, it is never an issue.

 

My mother, who does not spend a lot on the ship used her OBC one time to purchase a future cruise credit with the money. So it was a win-win for her. She has also used it to purchase birthday and Christmas gifts - saves her money all around.

 

Word to the wise: do NOT prepay for a lot of stuff before you leave. Just wait until we are on the ship. OBC credit from your independent TA can you used for your tips - another good reason to use them instead of a sales person at NCL - and you can get OBC form BOTH companies.

 

Anyone that cruises, does not read the information regarding their cruise, and then wants to come back and complain is ridiculous.

 

geezzzzz:rolleyes:

[cruzsnooze]

Um, here's a novel thought. Why don't you just pay the freaking tip out of your own pocket? The folks who bust their backs waiting on you all week would probably appreciate it. As to the 150 in unused OBC, buy 150 worth of t shirts in the gift store and donate them to Goodwill. Maybe you can get a tax deduction!

Because it is my own pocket, it's OBC which is mine to spend as I see fit. I have too much OBC to use up so I will follow the policy of NCL when cashing some out in the casino by paying my 3% and walk over to guest services and putting that money in cash on my account. The staff will get paid, so your point is mute. If you care to donate to goodwill go ahead but that's not what I choose to do.

If NCL should change their policy about cashing out the OBC in the casino then of course we will spend the OBC and pay the grats out of our credit card funds, nobody gets stiffed.

[KeithJenner]

it's OBC which is mine to spend as I see fit.

 

 

It really doesn't matter how many times you say that, it still isn't true.