Stars for eligible purchases

[Orsino]

For our upcoming cruise we are close to 3 stars but not quite there. We have spent money on shore excursions and a retreat cabana and after that spending I estimate we would need to spend about 460 to get to three stars.
My question is, what are eligible purchases and how does on-board credit factor in? We should have 100 OBC from the shareholder benefit. We also have OBC coming from our travel agent. Would spending the OBC count towards stars or not?
Does the daily gratuity count?
The thing that is going to get us is we upgraded to Have It All, so we won't be spending money on drinks and ended up spending less on shore excursions due to the credit. I might be willing to spend on two spa treatments, but if the 100 OBC doesn't count, then I don't want to overspend and still end up short.

(I probably shouldn't care since I don't think three stars is all that important, but it would be nice)

[richwmn]

all your spending counts including gratuity, it doesn't matter how it is paid for (OBC, cash, credit card). If you have the HIA package, the value of the package will be counted as part of your spending. You will receive you points toward 3 star after the cruise is over, usually a week to 10 days.

Edited March 15, 2022 by richwmn

[zgscl]

I have always found them to be quite generous in the calculation. Virtually everything onboard counts even if paid with OBC or as part of a promotional package. They even roll gratuities in. The one thing I am not positive on is the casino as I have never set foot in one onboard a ship. They even credit the value of the beverage package, etc. from the Have It All promotion. I am almost sure it is the retail value and seems to be in the ballpark of $350 per person. You should get credit for the retail value of the free excursion and wifi. I have always been pleased with HAL's calculation and they always seem to round up. It sounds like with the have it all you may be there already. You can email the mariner society to clarify though and they might be able to give you the exact dollar amount you have so far. Your OBC should go to gratuity mostly unless you had a promo, but if you run out of things to spend your OBC on visit the spa, they will be very helpful in using it up quickly. 

 

Congratulations on almost making 3 star! As soon as my cruise from last week posts I should officially join the ranks of the 4 star mariners and I cannot wait. 

Edited March 16, 2022 by zgscl

[Orsino]

Thank you both. It is helpful to know that we can spend normally.