OBC Certificate vs NCL Gift Card

[chrislo]

In the past we have always cruised with Carnival and as a way to budget our spending I would purchase gift cards (a couple each month). This November we will be on the NCL Escape and I see we can order gift cards or OBC Certificates. Is their a benefit to one vs. the other? If not I will just do the OBC so that it goes directly to my on board account.

 

Thank you

[Coastalbreezes]

The gift cards may be used toward on board purchases (bring them to Guest Services) and also for cruise deposits/payment when booking.

 

Tracy

[NMLady]

In the past we have always cruised with Carnival and as a way to budget our spending I would purchase gift cards (a couple each month). This November we will be on the NCL Escape and I see we can order gift cards or OBC Certificates. Is their a benefit to one vs. the other? If not I will just do the OBC so that it goes directly to my on board account.

 

Thank you

 

The gift cards are meant as gifts. The recipient has to either call NCL to get it credited to the account or go to guest services aboard to get it credited. A gift card is easily misplaced. Even though the obc is certificates it actually is directly credited to the account. OBC certificates do not have to be taken to guest services to be credited.

[chrislo]

Thank you, I assumed I could you both for all types of purchases. What I was wondering was if they were both refundable for example if I put a $500 gift card on my account but only spend $400 would I lose the other $100?

[vince_g]

Thank you, I assumed I could you both for all types of purchases. What I was wondering was if they were both refundable for example if I put a $500 gift card on my account but only spend $400 would I lose the other $100?

 

I would go with the OBC certificates, as you won't have to go to guest services, as you would need to with a gift card to have it applied to your OBC. If you do go the gift card route, have them apply the whole thing to your OBC. Purchased OBC is always refundable. A check will be issued about a month after your cruise.

Edited May 31, 2016 by vince_g