Using OBC for drink package

[kokopelli-az]

We have an OBC from our travel agent while on the Oosterdam in November. It states it will be "provided on or before the second day of sailing." Two questions:

 

1. Can we use an OBC like this to purchase a drink package prior to sailing?

 

2. If we purchase the drink package after boarding (Day 1) and the OBC has not posted yet, will the cost of the drink package be deducted from the OBC once it's posted?

[CruiserBruce]

As commonly discussed here, OBC can only be used on purchases that occur after you board. If a purchase occurs after you board, OBC can be used against that purchase. The OBC will be on your account the minute you board for the first time.

[kokopelli-az]

As commonly discussed here, OBC can only be used on purchases that occur after you board. If a purchase occurs after you board, OBC can be used against that purchase. The OBC will be on your account the minute you board for the first time.

 

OK, can only use after on board the ship.

 

But, what if the OBC from the travel agent hasn't shown up on our account on Day 1? Is it still OK to buy the drink package on board and then once the OBC gets posted the price of the drink package will be deducted from the OBC? Or do we just buy individual drinks until the OBC gets posted and then purchase the drink package (and get a credit, hopefully, for the drinks we purchased individually)?

[jtl513]

But, what if the OBC from the travel agent hasn't shown up on our account on Day 1? Is it still OK to buy the drink package on board and then once the OBC gets posted the price of the drink package will be deducted from the OBC?

Yes. If the OBC doesn't get posted for several days it wouldn't matter, as long as it's there by the last day. Usually our OBC has shown up on the first day, but on occasion it hasn't been posted until day 2. Edited August 18, 2017 by jtl513

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes, the shipboard credit will eventually catch up and what you purchase on day 1 -- the beverage package -- will be subtracted from that credit. Sometimes it just takes a couple of days for everything to straighten out.

That has happened to us a couple of times. I take copies of all the shipboard credits that we are due. And I check our shipboard account every couple of days.

[RMLincoln]

The drink package costs a bit more when purchased on board, or put the other way, there is about a $5/day/person discount when you purchase it in advance on-line before you board. So consider pre-purchasing it to save you some money.

Estimate how much OBC you will have and what else you will be using it for, such as: gratuity, shore excursions purchased on board, specialty dining purchased on board, casino, spa, bingo, photographs, DVDs, shops items, etc. Because none of these purchases have a discount when purchased on-line prior to boarding (obviously not all of these item could be pre-purchased...) but your drink package does have a discount, it might be better to buy that ahead.

 

If your OBC comes mostly from your TA it will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise if it hasn't been used up. m--

[RocketMan275]

OK, can only use after on board the ship.

 

But, what if the OBC from the travel agent hasn't shown up on our account on Day 1? Is it still OK to buy the drink package on board and then once the OBC gets posted the price of the drink package will be deducted from the OBC? Or do we just buy individual drinks until the OBC gets posted and then purchase the drink package (and get a credit, hopefully, for the drinks we purchased individually)?

 

Nothing really significant happens with your on board account until the last day. At embarkation, you will be asked for either a credit card or a cash deposit to cover your on board expenses. The things you buy on board will be debited from your account just like a check on your checking account. Your obc will be credited to the account on the first or second day. But nothing really happens, it's just a paper exercise until the last day of the cruise. Your debits and credits will be added together and if you've spent more than your credits, your credit card will be charged. Or, you may get a refund.

 

If your TA has given you an on board credit, it is highly likely that it is "refundable" meaning that if you don't use it, you will get a credit to your credit card. If you deposited cash, you will get a check. You need to ask your TA about this and also verify on board if it is "refundable".

 

Suppose you get on the ship and you buy a beverage package, it will be debited from your account. Then when the OBC is added to your account, they will partially or completely cancel each other out.

 

Now, here is where it gets tricky. You can purchase the beverage package before the cruise and it will be charged to your credit card when you make the purchase. It will be cheaper to buy in advance (but not too far in advance to avoid interest charges.) Then, assuming you watch your spending and if the OBC is refundable, you'll get a credit for the OBC which will cancel out the pre-purchase of the beverage package.

 

BTW, I don't recommend buying beverage packages. The cruise line doesn't price them to lose money. You can look at them like an extended warranty on a car. You probably will pay more for the warranty than you will for the repairs but it does give some peace of mind that they won't be stuck with a big repair bill. Just so with beverage packages. You probably won't spend enough on beverages if you purchase them individually but it will serve as a 'warranty' guaranteeing that you won't spend more than the package.

 

Many will tell you that you only have to buy five or six drinks to break even on the package and that is true. But, there will be several days when you're off the ship and it's unlikely you'll drink that much. But suppose, you do drink a lot, then you will have the OBC to cushion any big expense.

 

On last note, you won't get a credit for any beverages purchased before you buy the package.

[CruiserBruce]

 

 

 

BTW, I don't recommend buying beverage packages. The cruise line doesn't price them to lose money.

 

Isn't this true of everything associated with your cruise, and including the cruise? The cruise line is not in this business to lose money. No matter how many drinks you consume on your drink package, the cruise line isn't likely to lose money.

[sail7seas]

We have an OBC from our travel agent while on the Oosterdam in November. It states it will be "provided on or before the second day of sailing." Two questions:

 

1. Can we use an OBC like this to purchase a drink package prior to sailing?

 

2. If we purchase the drink package after boarding (Day 1) and the OBC has not posted yet, will the cost of the drink package be deducted from the OBC once it's posted?

 

They will l not credit any drinks you purchase prior to buying your package. If the package is available for you o to purchase, it is your choice to hold off and wait. There really is no need to wait.. The OBC positng will be done in time for it to matter.

Edited August 19, 2017 by sail7seas

[POA1]

They will indeed back out your day one eligible purchases if you buy the beverage package on day two. This is not speculation. We actually did it.

 

Having said that, I'd never wait to buy the package again. You'll spend some time getting the adjustments made. We were in a Neptune Suite directly across from the Neptune Lounge, which meant the concierge was steps from our door. It was still a pain to get all the adjustments done. They had to be done by the night auditor and it took a few days to get everything sorted.

 

This was back in the early days of the beverage packages, so they may have improved their processes. Still, I'd never wait until day two again.

[POA1]

The second day was the latest you could buy the package. You still paid for the full cruise. It wasn't prorated.

[kokopelli-az]

:cocktail:

The drink package costs a bit more when purchased on board, or put the other way, there is about a $5/day/person discount when you purchase it in advance on-line before you board. So consider pre-purchasing it to save you some money.

--

 

I like this idea. I like the drink package already being reflected on your account from the get-go, not to mention at a discount.

 

PS: It's not cheap to purchase a drink package for a 15 night cruise. :cocktail: