Refundable OBC vs Non-Refundable OBC

[Ugaaucruisers]

Question: When you have both refundable OBC and non-refundable OBC, whcih is used first by Celebrity? We have a lot of OBC on an upcoming cruise and have both types of OBC. We would like to cash out our refundable OBC and use the non-refundable for things like upgrading drink package and specialty dinners. What is the policy or is it a random usage of OBC by Celebrity? Would hate to use up the refundable and have non-refundable remaining.

Thanks.

[kencr]

Question: When you have both refundable OBC and non-refundable OBC, whcih is used first by Celebrity? We have a lot of OBC on an upcoming cruise and have both types of OBC. We would like to cash out our refundable OBC and use the non-refundable for things like upgrading drink package and specialty dinners. What is the policy or is it a random usage of OBC by Celebrity? Would hate to use up the refundable and have non-refundable remaining.

Thanks.

 

I have heard from cruise critic people nonrefundable is used first.

[jerseygirl3]

They always use non-refundable first. We had a significant amount of OBC for our last cruise, and since we didn't use all the refundable, it was credited back to our cc at the end of the cruise. First time we didn't have a bill at the end!

[Muushka]

I always verify with the front desk that they use the non-refundable first. So far, yes.....But I always check.

[Phxazzcruisers]

Definitely the OBN goes first and then the OBR. If any OBR left at end of the cruise the money is credited back to the charge card. Enjoy

[az_tchr]

DW has always told me there is no such thing as refundable OBC as it can always be spent at the spa!

[rockdoctor]

As of November 2015, Non-refundable is used first, refundable is credited back to your CC.

[OBX-Cruisers]

Definitely the OBN goes first and then the OBR. If any OBR left at end of the cruise the money is credited back to the charge card. Enjoy

 

Your explanation is exactly what I thought. Celebrity certainly tries to confuse this issue as when on our recent cruise on the Equinox we had ONLY OBN credit and the account paperwork they sent to our cabin said that any remaining funds in our account would be credited to our credit card.

I did not believe them and cashed out most of the OBN in the Casino

[Cruise Raider]

Your explanation is exactly what I thought. Celebrity certainly tries to confuse this issue as when on our recent cruise on the Equinox we had ONLY OBN credit and the account paperwork they sent to our cabin said that any remaining funds in our account would be credited to our credit card.

I did not believe them and cashed out most of the OBN in the Casino

 

We thought the same way and used all but about $25 on our refundable credit. When we got home, it had been returned to the credit card which we used for our onboard account. I no longer have any doubt they will take care of it ... but would always check to see what we have as non-refundable and refundable anyway.

 

PS -- not sure you are now able to cash out OBC in the casino. They seem to be putting the kibosh on this. Haven't experienced it myself but read it on these boards. Just a note of caution ... you may or may not be able to still do this.

[Hlitner]

We asked this very question while on the Eclipse last month. Guest Relations told us the non-refundable is used first and that was the case since we received a credit card credit for our remaining OBC. But if this is an issue of concern, simply stop at Guest Relations (we suggest avoiding the first 2 days and the last day) and ask the question.

 

Hank

[wallie5446]

When you go to the cashier at the casino you don't have to give them any instructions. Hand them your sea pass, tell them how much you want, they hand the cash to you, less the 5% service charge. The charge is then applied against your cabin account. If you have any Credits, i.e.: OBC, it washes out the charge.

[MicCanberra]

OBR can be cashed out in the casino for the 5% fee or credited back to the credit card attached to your sea pass account.:D

[Caribbean Chris]

We asked this very question while on the Eclipse last month. Guest Relations told us the non-refundable is used first and that was the case since we received a credit card credit for our remaining OBC. But if this is an issue of concern, simply stop at Guest Relations (we suggest avoiding the first 2 days and the last day) and ask the question.

 

Hank

 

Same experience here, no problems on recent cruises.

 

DH stopped by the last night to be sure and they offered to issue the credit to his card on the spot BEFORE we even left the ship.

[Hlitner]

We would emphasize that given the quality of the current Celebrity management team and their proven strategy of changing policy with the change in tides...one needs to always check out this kind of thing once aboard. Accordingly, any advice we give regarding X policy/procedures might be true today, not true tomorrow, and true again next week. Or it might be true on one ship and not on another. etc etc etc. What a way to run a company :( In the future we would not be surprised to find automatic "sitting meters" installed on every X deck chair. Or perhaps an extra fee if you want a cushion on a deck lounger. And one wonders when they will have water meters installed in every shower and charge by the liter.

 

Hank

Edited January 14, 2016 by Hlitner

[MicCanberra]

Perhaps it is time to have a break form X and try some other cruise companies. You may find that X still does it better than most, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that.:D

[socreader]

Question: When you have both refundable OBC and non-refundable OBC, whcih is used first by Celebrity? We have a lot of OBC on an upcoming cruise and have both types of OBC. We would like to cash out our refundable OBC and use the non-refundable for things like upgrading drink package and specialty dinners. What is the policy or is it a random usage of OBC by Celebrity? Would hate to use up the refundable and have non-refundable remaining.

Thanks.

 

At the end of the cruise we just go to the Bursar and ask for our OBR in cash without the 5% charge. Or anytime... It is a great way to pay for those private excursions.

[OBX-Cruisers]

RE your comment below: We just did this on the Equinox in January 2016.............asked at the front desk first............remember there is a 5% charge

 

PS -- not sure you are now able to cash out OBC in the casino. They seem to be putting the kibosh on this. Haven't experienced it myself but read it on these boards. Just a note of caution ... you may or may not be able to still do this.

[MicCanberra]

At the end of the cruise we just go to the Bursar and ask for our OBR in cash without the 5% charge. Or anytime... It is a great way to pay for those private excursions.

 

It seems to be changing or different ships are doing it different ways.

Our cruise two weeks ago, could only cash out at the casino with the 5% fee.

[Miaminice]

It seems to be changing or different ships are doing it different ways.

Our cruise two weeks ago, could only cash out at the casino with the 5% fee.

 

You could have withdrawn refundable OBC at Guest Relations without a fee.

 

At the casino there is a 5 % fee but (if not changed) no difference between non-refundable and refundable OBC.

[Miaminice]

Now here´s a thought and question...

 

Let´s say you could not get cash at the casino any more. Could you not just get tokens which would be charged on your account. Non-refundable OBC would be used first. Then you return the tokens (which could also won while playing) and the amount would be credited on you account... transforming OBN into account balance.

 

Any thoughts?

[Ontario Cruiser]

Can we cash out non-refundable obc at the casino?

Ontario Cruiser

[Miaminice]

Can we cash out non-refundable obc at the casino?

Ontario Cruiser

 

You used to be able to do that with a 5% fee. According to our last experience (September) and to some others with more recent cruises you still can. However, there is word Celebrity is about to change that.

[Ugaaucruisers]

Question: When you have both refundable OBC and non-refundable OBC, whcih is used first by Celebrity? We have a lot of OBC on an upcoming cruise and have both types of OBC. We would like to cash out our refundable OBC and use the non-refundable for things like upgrading drink package and specialty dinners. What is the policy or is it a random usage of OBC by Celebrity? Would hate to use up the refundable and have non-refundable remaining.

Thanks.

Thanks to all for the great information. So, as I understand it, we can go to guest relations anytime during the cruise and withdraw the refundable OBC? That is great! Is OBC from your TA always refundable?

[MicCanberra]

You could have withdrawn refundable OBC at Guest Relations without a fee.

 

At the casino there is a 5 % fee but (if not changed) no difference between non-refundable and refundable OBC.

 

Not any more, The Solstice two weeks ago would not allow it.:(

[MicCanberra]

Now here´s a thought and question...

 

Let´s say you could not get cash at the casino any more. Could you not just get tokens which would be charged on your account. Non-refundable OBC would be used first. Then you return the tokens (which could also won while playing) and the amount would be credited on you account... transforming OBN into account balance.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Now, (on the Solstice two weeks ago) if you buy casino credit using your account, you can only cash out the winnings, not credit. Obviously, like many things with Celebrity, this policy may vary from ship to ship.

Edited January 15, 2016 by MicCanberra