Questions about OBC and getting cash

[MisterFidgetpants]

I was thinking of pre-purchasing some OBC so we can go to the ship without carrying a lot of cash.

 

When I board the ship is there a way for me to get back some or all of the OBC (if we don't use it all) as cash?

Is there a penalty or charge for getting back the cash?

Can we only get it back on the last day?

Will they refund it only to the credit card used to purchase the OBC or can we get cash, or do we have a choice?

 

Thanks in advance for any help on this topic.

[agabbymama]

Answers have varied on this website. My cruise was about 6 years ago, so not exactly current news.

 

I purchased $1200 in OBC as I knew what excursions and specialty dining, photos, etc. that I would be purchasing. I also had $100 OBC from NCL. When we arrived at the pier, the check-in person said they had to way to view my OBC, so they still needed a credit card to set up my on-board account, or I could go to the credit desk and put down $1000 for the two of us. Not a great way to start the cruise.

 

When we got to our cabin, there were vouchers on the bed that said to sign and take to the Purser's Desk, which we did (others have since posted they didn't have to sign the vouchers, the money appeared on the 2nd day anyway). For us, the OBC appeared on the 2nd day of cruising.

 

I watched the account and received a print-out every other day. One shore excursion was cancelled so I had money left over. On the last night of the cruise, I went to the Credit Desk to ask for a refund. I was refused and told it was NCL policy to mail the refund check to the home address on file.

 

I was livid. According to their print-out, I had $200 of My purchased OBC and the $100 NCL OBC. I proceeded to the Casino and cashed out my purchased OBC (at a 3% fee) and then went to the watch shop on-board and purchased a $100 watch. My statement in the morning said I still had 12 cents credit. I never received a check.

 

Others have posted that they received their cash refund on-board, others didn't have to put down a credit card. It seems that there is no hard and fast rule, it may be up to the individual that is handling the situation.

 

I would never purchase OBC again, it serves no purpose, and only created more hassles for me.

[jodieh12]

I purchased OBC because of the exchange rate, it worked in my favour. I was told they'd mail a cheque as I hadn't used it all but I did call them three weeks later to "remind" them, I then got the cheque a few days later.

 

Thanks

 

Jo

[NMLady]

I was thinking of pre-purchasing some OBC so we can go to the ship without carrying a lot of cash.

 

When I board the ship is there a way for me to get back some or all of the OBC (if we don't use it all) as cash?

Is there a penalty or charge for getting back the cash?

Can we only get it back on the last day?

Will they refund it only to the credit card used to purchase the OBC or can we get cash, or do we have a choice?

 

Thanks in advance for any help on this topic.

 

Even though you have cash obc you will not be able to access it as cash unless you pay a 3% cashback fee. OBC is onboard credit so is only used to credit onboard charges. Whatever refundable obc is left at the end of the cruise will be mailed to you as a check, not given in cash to you.

[MisterFidgetpants]

So for discussion sake

 

If I bought $300 of OBC on my Visa card

Then used $100 worth onboard the ship

NCL would send me a check for $200; no other penalties or fees or deductions? That check can take a few weeks to arrive I take it.

 

Has anyone ever purchased OBC and had NCL refuse to refund it after the cruise?

[KaralotStables]

Even though you have cash obc you will not be able to access it as cash unless you pay a 3% cashback fee. OBC is onboard credit so is only used to credit onboard charges. Whatever refundable obc is left at the end of the cruise will be mailed to you as a check, not given in cash to you.

 

Policy may have changed but two years ago on the Epic I placed cash in my onboard account. At the end of the cruise I asked for the remainder of my money back. i was told It would be in a check in two or three weeks. My reply was I put cash in I want cash back. The cashier checked with someone and gave me the balance in cash.

 

 

How do I pay for onboard expenses?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. Sign up when you check in, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card, Diner's Club. You may also use your debit card however please be advised that we obtain pre-authorization, as we do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. Traveler's checks or cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

Using your debit or ATM card

Norwegian does not recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio.

Please be advised that multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.

After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.

To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.

Norwegian will not be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.

 

Cash/Traveler's Checks Procedures You can deposit cash or US Traveler's Checks into your onboard account.

A cash deposit may be placed on your account in the following amounts:

7 day cruises - $300/person

Less than 7 days - $150/person

More than 7 days - $450/person

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you'd like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess. US Traveler's Checks can be cashed onboard and are the same as cash.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed onboard.

 

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#onboard-expenses

 

I plan on again depositing cash into my onboard account and I will expect cash back at the end of the cruise.

Edited May 14, 2015 by KaralotStables
Correct speling

[MisterFidgetpants]

I don't want to put cash down as a deposit on my account. I want to prebuy with a credit card. If I prebuy with the credit card far enough in advance I'll hit a rewards tier and we can stay at a hotel 1 night pre-cruise for free. I don't love the idea of a check back, I'd prefer cash, but as long as there is no deduction or fee I'd take the check.

 

Just wanting to make sure that what I want to do is doable and won't cost me more in the long run.

[garycarla]

People do it. Most have no problems.

 

Personally I see no great reason. You have to ASK to get your money back. We travel with a few thousand in cash and at least 4 credit cards. Two with her, two with me.

[NMLady]

So for discussion sake

 

If I bought $300 of OBC on my Visa card

Then used $100 worth onboard the ship

NCL would send me a check for $200; no other penalties or fees or deductions? That check can take a few weeks to arrive ?

 

Correct.