Flamin_June Posted December 3, 2017 #1 Share Posted December 3, 2017 We have recently been given a relatively large dollop of OBC (1290 USD). Bearing in mind we already get 4 bags of complementary laundry, and that we often do our own thing in port (there are only two SB excursions on our upcoming trip that we are intersted in), how would you spend it , or how would you recommend we spend it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmazedByCruising Posted December 3, 2017 #2 Share Posted December 3, 2017 We have recently been given a relatively large dollop of OBC (1290 USD). Bearing in mind we already get 4 bags of complementary laundry, and that we often do our own thing in port (there are only two SB excursions on our upcoming trip that we are intersted in), how would you spend it , or how would you recommend we spend it ? Turn it into money in the Casino? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamin_June Posted December 3, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted December 3, 2017 I don't really do gambling ( though Mrs June was a croupier in her younger days) - but I think that is one thing you are not allowed to spend OBC on, unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGal999 Posted December 3, 2017 #4 Share Posted December 3, 2017 OMG ... that's amazing! I guess you're first thing would be to do cruise ship excursions. It's a way to use up the OBC if you can't cash it out. I am guessing you are saying that you can't cash it out with your question? Drinks? Specialty Restaurants? Casino ... some of it? I am not a gambler, but with a large OBC and a MUST use situation ... I'd go to the casino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyRollock Posted December 3, 2017 #5 Share Posted December 3, 2017 OBC can't be used in the casino and we never set foot in the place anyway. We just have zero interest, even if it's "free". Drinks are included in the cruise price, as are speciality restaurants. Seems to me you can spend it on excursions, the shop or the spa. We have a similar amount of OBC and none of the spending options are tempting choices to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxburgh Posted December 3, 2017 #6 Share Posted December 3, 2017 We had a similar situation on our Alaska cruise and used the OBC for tours. On a different cruise where we tend not to take so many tours we would probably use it differently. Depending on your preferences, OBC can also be used in the Spa, in the shops and for buying premium wines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted December 3, 2017 #7 Share Posted December 3, 2017 Mrs Gut would deal with it very efficiently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLSD Posted December 4, 2017 #8 Share Posted December 4, 2017 I think I would do two things (if not planning to go on the ship's excursions). I would buy some premium wines and book appointments for multiple massages in the spa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stabilizer Posted December 4, 2017 #9 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Give some of it to the Crew Welfare Fund! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2SailingNomads Posted December 4, 2017 #10 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Give some of it to the Crew Welfare Fund! Unless it is refundable OBC, you can't do that any more - that policy changed about 4 years ago or so. I would use it for revenue wine or tours myself, and in that exact order. Of course if you are Spa / Salon people you can easily spend part of it there, otherwise the gift shop will be happy to help you part with it. I have a few items from there "purchased" with OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laylam Posted December 4, 2017 #11 Share Posted December 4, 2017 We have recently been given a relatively large dollop of OBC (1290 USD). Bearing in mind we already get 4 bags of complementary laundry, and that we often do our own thing in port (there are only two SB excursions on our upcoming trip that we are intersted in), how would you spend it , or how would you recommend we spend it ? The shop is selling Swarovski Binoculars that would eat up your OBC, if you are interested. Hope you have a great cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincslady Posted December 4, 2017 #12 Share Posted December 4, 2017 A nice dilemma. It is a pity you cannot use some for the crew fund. I personally would certainly buy something nice but normally too pricy to bother with from the shop - a handbag (I got one last time, and am pleased with it), or possibly jewellery. If you and/or your wife like spa treatments, hair or nails doing, then some of those. Otherwise, maybe if you like the TK grill then trying some of the special wines for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isklaar Posted December 4, 2017 #13 Share Posted December 4, 2017 I always have to purchase unlimited internet package so there's a wodge gone already. I'd add couple of bottles of wine from the premium list, maybe an excursion or two and/or spa treatments. Easily spent by me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare rafinmd Posted December 4, 2017 #14 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Internet? Perhaps 200-400 dollars? Also, can it be used for Luggage Forward? Roy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted December 4, 2017 #15 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Have a massage and buy decent wine from the wine list. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chairsin Posted December 4, 2017 #16 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Twice we have had OBC’s in excess of $1500 - including our recent two week Alaska cruise. Since we have free internet and laundry, only use the salon for my nails and rarely take Seabourn Excursions that pretty much leaves premium wine. Somehow we have never had a problem spending it - and that is of course on top of the 25% discount we receive on premium wine. It is sort of like Monopoly money. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyVol1 Posted December 4, 2017 #17 Share Posted December 4, 2017 IF you become close enough friends with others on the cruise they might be willing to transfer charges from their onboard account to yours and then pay you back in cash (maybe at a discount?). Of course, this will impact their Seabourn Club extra day credit based on onboard spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie.1008 Posted December 4, 2017 #18 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Premium wines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalliowner Posted December 4, 2017 #19 Share Posted December 4, 2017 My Wife says the jewelers shop is all you need:hearteyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 4, 2017 #20 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Even if you don't like ships' excursions SB offers private cars in most ports. You could hire one for two half days or one full day in one of your ports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamin_June Posted December 4, 2017 Author #21 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Thanks everyone so far for some useful and interesting suggestions. Plenty to fantasise about in the coming months. It's a very pleasant first world 'problem' to have. The crew fund was one of our early thoughts. Perhaps we will come up with a way. We'll let you know in due course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyQuinn Posted December 4, 2017 #22 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Is any of the OBC coming directly from your TA? If so, you could consider asking if it could be given to you as a fare discount or cash rebate rather than shipboard credit. We were in a similar situation where our TA gave us a rather sizable OBC on another luxury line and we knew we'd have difficulty spending it. We were able to convert it from shipboard credit into a discount off the cruise fare, albeit at a somewhat lesser amount than the offered OBC. Even though it wasn't a dollar for dollar exchange, we always prefer "hard" cash to "soft" OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillCameron Posted December 5, 2017 #23 Share Posted December 5, 2017 I have a similar OBC to spend, just for me, on my Christmas cruise. What a Problem!? If you want to keep in touch with folks and have unlimited wi-fi in your suite that will take care of $400. I will be drinking lots of my favourite (non-inclusive) pink champagne, and if anything is left will treat myself to a shirt (or more likely a bag of sweets) from the shop. Whatever you decide - just enjoy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frickwg Posted December 5, 2017 #24 Share Posted December 5, 2017 Faced with a smaller, but still nice, credit my wife and splurged on one, expensive excursion (a helicopter trip) that we would otherwise have not considered. Just an idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrSHF Posted December 6, 2017 #25 Share Posted December 6, 2017 No longer can use obc for crew fund. But...you can buy perfume, a Polo shirt, etc., for crew as a gift, and they exchange it for something they may like better. Though, in my experience, they seem to like what we choose ( with the help of the salespeople who actually know them and their tastes.) Oh, and of course, a special Sauterne to have with the foie gras ... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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