Where can I use OBCs?

[TNCruzer56]

New to NCL and our TA gave us about $250. in OBCs on a cruise coming up which we also got the promo beverage and dining packages. I am told that OBCs cannot be applied to gratuities.

Other than a t-shirt, how can we use them? TIA!

[vicocala]

Drinks, shore excursions, shopping in ship's stores, specialty restaurants, Bingo, etc. there is no limit to the ways they find to entice you to spend.

 

If your OBC is refundable (which I think most TA's would be) it can be used for the gratuity/service fee. You may also be entitled to a refund after the cruise if a balance remains (hence the term :rolleyes:).

[shadowmeboy]

I believe you can use them to buy FCC's as well.

[vince_g]

Drinks, shore excursions, shopping in ship's stores, specialty restaurants, Bingo, etc. there is no limit to the ways they find to entice you to spend.

 

If your OBC is refundable (which I think most TA's would be) it can be used for the gratuity/service fee. You may also be entitled to a refund after the cruise if a balance remains (hence the term :rolleyes:).

 

The OBC from my online TA is definitely not refundable, but they tend to be more generous than some other agencies. I'm good with it because it never seems to be a problem using it up. For my upcoming cruise I have $600 non-refundable OBC, so I think it might be time for a new watch or something.

[TNCruzer56]

Drinks, shore excursions, shopping in ship's stores, specialty restaurants, Bingo, etc. there is no limit to the ways they find to entice you to spend.

 

If your OBC is refundable (which I think most TA's would be) it can be used for the gratuity/service fee. You may also be entitled to a refund after the cruise if a balance remains (hence the term :rolleyes:).

Thanks but all shore excursions are booked: non NCL..booze is free, 4 specialty meals are free.

 

The OBC from my online TA is definitely not refundable, but they tend to be more generous than some other agencies. I'm good with it because it never seems to be a problem using it up. For my upcoming cruise I have $600 non-refundable OBC, so I think it might be time for a new watch or something.

Don`t need a watch-thanks

 

Any other ideas?

[jamminlion]

The spa. A hot stone massage is divine. In the duty free shop for liquor?

[casofilia]

Future Cruise Certificate

 

Mike

[Gershep]

Photos or camera, cologne/perfume

[jingle5616]

The casino at the craps table......one roll, no tears!:eek:

[johnql]

Any other ideas?

Any OBC can be used for tips (bar tabs, meals, spa tabs, additional tip for your steward beyond the DSC, tips for the concierge or butler, etc.). If it's non-refundable, it just can't be used for the DSC.

[laurabegorrah]

what ship are you going to be on? On most of the ships, there are a few places that aren't covered under the SDP, or that require an upcharge. Also, with only 4 days of SDP, that would still leave a few days you could eat at a specialty place .

 

I always like to do at least one game of Bingo. :) You can buy a photo package - I always feel like they over charge, but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, it could be an option.

 

Not all drinks are covered on the UBP, so if you happen to want to try a higher end alcoholic beverage option, OBC would cover it.

 

Oh, and if not a spa treatment, you can get a spa pass or a vibe pass. Both of which sell out fast, so if you are thinking about either option get on them fast

Edited February 26, 2016 by laurabegorrah

[KarimaJ]

Which travel agent is this? That's really good.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[cmh9092]

Which travel agent is this? That's really good.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I'd like to know, too!

[Valen9]

The OBC from my online TA is definitely not refundable, but they tend to be more generous than some other agencies. I'm good with it because it never seems to be a problem using it up. For my upcoming cruise I have $600 non-refundable OBC, so I think it might be time for a new watch or something.

 

If you like NCL, try a Future Cruise Credit. Each one costs $250 of your non-refundable OBC, and returns $100 of *refundable* OBC. So it's a great use when you have a lot of OBC.

 

I like to buy rum cakes for friends. If you drink, you might consider buying some booze at the duty-free shop to take home.

[bbryan5]

Don`t need a watch-thanks

 

Find someone that does :p

[IsanTom]

What's the name of your TA?

[vicocala]

TA's can't be discussed on Cruise Critic unfortunately.

[vinotinto]

I'm also new to NCL and have two cabins, with a $275 OBC total. I didn't realize it could not be used for the daily service charge. On DCL, I have used the credit for gratuities.

 

We're sailing on the Spirit, which does not have a lot of bells and whistles (no spa or vibe passes). I don't do the bingo or casino.

 

I have not purchased the meal package yet. I was waiting to see if the Spirit would go to an a la carte system by June or not, to determine if I need to pre-purchase the package or if I could wait until I go on the cruise.

[Sauer-kraut]

I'm also new to NCL and have two cabins, with a $275 OBC total. I didn't realize it could not be used for the daily service charge. On DCL, I have used the credit for gratuities.

 

We're sailing on the Spirit, which does not have a lot of bells and whistles (no spa or vibe passes). I don't do the bingo or casino.

 

I have not purchased the meal package yet. I was waiting to see if the Spirit would go to an a la carte system by June or not, to determine if I need to pre-purchase the package or if I could wait until I go on the cruise.

 

If you wish to tip waiters, bartenders and stewards you CAN use your credit for that, there will be a form you can get from the service desk and envelopes and you can designate to whom it will go, and hand it to them in lieu of a cash tip.

 

In the bars you can ask for a receipt when you are served ... there is a tip line on the receipt and you can put in an amount and it will be debited from your account.

[agabbymama]

Be sure you ask your TA to get an amenities listing from NCL. Then you know for sure if it is refundable or non-refundable.

 

Many times the TA is passing on OBC from NCL in one form or another so it could still be non-refundable.

 

And be aware that sometimes the refundable OBC is used before non-refundable and you still find it on your account the last night of the cruise and it is use it or lose it.

 

I went to the Casino and cashed out my $200 in pre-purchased OBC and paid 3% to get it, but the cashier very nicely reminded me she could not cash out the NCL non-refundable OBC.

 

Enjoy spending it on things you might not normally buy, and have a fun cruise.

[ngrund]

Most cruises will have a beer tasting, martini tasting and a mojito tasting that are fun and not included in the UBP