OBC and Gratuities

[felicit0us]

If I do not prepay gratuities, will my OBC go towards the gratuities once they are applied to my account? I am hoping my OBC will help cover the cost, but the Carnival representative I spoke with seemed unsure.

[shof515]

what kind of OBC is it? Non refundable OBC can not be used for gratuities, refundable OBC can be used for gratuities

[mrpayroll]

We always have shareholder OBC and they always go toward the gratuities. :)

[cruisemom67]

Sometimes TA OBC do not apply for some reason. Last time we just asked at Guest Services once we were on board.

[shof515]

Sometimes TA OBC do not apply for some reason. Last time we just asked at Guest Services once we were on board.

that depends on how the TA gave you the OBC. The TA can purchase it as a gift to you via cruise cash OBC and that should be part of the refundable on board credit. if your booking was part of a group cruise your TA was offering, that is sometimes considered non refundable onboard credit.

[felicit0us]

The OBC that I have was a promotional deal through Carnival when I booked the cruise through Carnival's website.

[shof515]

The OBC that I have was a promotional deal through Carnival when I booked the cruise through Carnival's website.

that is non refundable on board credit which can not be used for gratuities

[felicit0us]

that is non refundable on board credit which can not be used for gratuities

 

Thank you for your fast response!

[Roscoe13]

that is non refundable on board credit which can not be used for gratuities

 

Wait, what? I didn't know this, I've always had OBC just for booking the cruise and I thought it just reduced my S&S final tally. Of which gratuities are a part of.

[shof515]

Wait, what? I didn't know this, I've always had OBC just for booking the cruise and I thought it just reduced my S&S final tally. Of which gratuities are a part of.

 

if you read the fine print (terms & conditions), you will find this about the onboard credit booking promo

Onboard Credit offer is non-transferable and non-refundable. Onboard Credit is provided as a non-refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of $25 per person up to $50 per stateroom. Onboard Credit may not be applied to cruise fare or Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. Cruise rates are in US dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer. Rates may vary by ship, stateroom type and sail date. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. Carnival reserves the right to withdraw and/or change offer at any time without prior notice. Offer is for the cruise fare only and does not include Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses range from $56.90 to $359.73, and are assessed on a per guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary.

[TVLady3]

What about the OBC you get from the Carnival Credit Card? 10,000 points equal $100 OBC. Can you use this to pay for the gratuities?

[Schoifmom]

if you read the fine print (terms & conditions), you will find this about the onboard credit booking promo

 

That fine print has absolutely nothing to do with gratuities.

[Roscoe13]

That fine print has absolutely nothing to do with gratuities.

I will continue to use mine for gratuities then!

[riclop]

Yes you can use it.

[sailor05]

I've always had OBC just for booking the cruise and I thought it just reduced my S&S final tally. Of which gratuities are a part of.

 

That's exactly what it does. Regardless of what's on the bill. I have never had anything not count for this. You will start off with a positive balance and this will be reduced by each and EVERY purchase. Period.

[Lerin]

We've always used OBC for tips.

[Mimi2Say]

New to the cruising world, so excuse me if my question has already been asked. What is the difference between refundable and nonrefundable OBC? I have $100 OBC from a price reduction on my cruise. Will type of credit will that be considered as? Thanks for your assistance!

[Roscoe13]

That's exactly what it does. Regardless of what's on the bill. I have never had anything not count for this. You will start off with a positive balance and this will be reduced by each and EVERY purchase. Period.

 

That has always been my experience too. I was just curious as to what the heck shof515 was talking about?

[picomullet]

We have always had our Grats come out of our obc. We have had obc from a variety of things, booking on a cruise, price reduction, ES with obc, or share holder credit. Didn't matter if it was refundable or not.