How does ncl onboard credit work

The return on investment is relatively low with this method. You've booked and paid for your cruise, but you're still in the window of opportunity for the upgrade fairy to come knocking. If you notice that your cruise fare has dropped, many times the line will make up the difference through an onboard credit offer within the day window.

This form of OBC is money back, rather than money gifted, but it still beats paying a higher cruise fare with nothing in return. If you're an active or retired member of the military, you could be entitled to onboard credit on your next cruise. Although most cruise lines offer discounted fares for servicemen and women, a few offer actual shipboard spending credit.

Amounts can vary by cruise line and country, so be sure to check when you book. Requests to receive this type of OBC must usually be submitted at least a week or two prior to sailing. If you love your cruise company enough to invest money in the brand, most major cruise lines offer a shareholder benefit in the form of onboard credit. Other major cruise line companies offer similar benefits.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Check the fine print to make sure you're eligible sometimes there are minimum share requirements and redeem your benefit by contacting the line at least two weeks prior to your sail date.

Cruise Line Stocks and Perks for Shareholders. It's not the best way to earn credit, but if something goes wrong on your cruise -- ship is stranded, misses port calls, experiences a significant malfunction, or you're just generally not pleased with the service -- one of the ways you may be compensated is through a future credit offer.

The amount will vary depending on the situation. Solving Cruise Problems Onboard. Think of your onboard credit as virtual cash, as there are very few places onboard where you can't spend it although these do vary by cruise line. It's always a safe bet to check the fine print or ask a cruise line representative about any OBC restrictions prior to that shopping spree.

Here are the ways this credit might come in handy. A pricey but significant part of many cruisers' experiences in port is shore excursions. While it might blow your credit out of the water, applying OBC to an excursion offers a free or discounted way to embark on a special shore experience.

Shore Excursion Reviews. Specialty restaurants offer an alternative to the standard main dining room and buffet options included in cruise fares. On most mainstream ships, these alternative eateries come with a price tag -- either a flat cover charge or a la carte fees for each item purchased. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to switch up your routine, onboard credit is a great way to cover or offset the cost.

Many of us don't have the time or money to indulge in a little bit of me-time on a regular basis, but isn't that what a cruise is for? Onboard credit in the spa usually applies to anything on their treatment menu, and that list could be a long one. So wrap yourself in seaweed, paint your nails purple, or get a trim and a hot shave for formal night.

OBC means you don't need deep pockets to pamper yourself. Unless you're cruising with a river or luxury line, alcoholic beverages are rarely found free of charge not counting the Champagne during art auctions, of course. Sure, alcohol packages shave spending off your libations, but if you only need a couple of beers or a couple of premium cocktails, using OBC is a better way to drink for free. And who doesn't love that? Trying that cucumber-gin concoction or settling for an entire flight of rum will require fewer apologies to your wallet if you know that money is just the garnish atop your onboard account.

Sure there are still plenty of complimentary offerings onboard, but it's always what's not included that calls to us. Sometimes frozen yogurt just isn't as sweet as the gourmet gelato. The availability of unique treats at sea -- a Starbucks latte or cupcakes the size of your head -- is fun but fraught with added fees.

The 10 Hidden Costs of Cruising. Basically, OBC can be applied to anything that you can charge to your stateroom account. Some cruise lines even allow onboard credit to be applied to mandatory gratuities. Do be sure to inquire though, as regulations vary by cruise line.

The one notable exception is the medical facilities. You can not use OBC for medical services rendered during your cruise. What are your secrets for scoring cruise onboard credit? Your email address will not be published. Sign up to our newsletter! All these things I have done, except the casino. One trip we were getting so many OBC my wife and I were joking we are making money on the cruise. Took money and bought more Cruise next credits and did a little shopping on ship.

Enjoyed your articles. Hope to be cruising soon. Thanks, Russell for the comment. Sounds like you are a pro at getting OBC on a cruise. Happy cruising! Welcome Aboard! We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation.

Contact Us: editor eatsleepcruise. C Victoria B. Kitts St. Lucia St. Maarten St. View All Cruises. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. She is always looking for the latest and greatest adventures onboard and ashore, enjoys researching top things to do in ports of call, and loves dressing up for formal nights.

Pin This: Save. About Us Welcome Aboard! Still, this is one of the nicest perks -- with real savings -- if you're bringing the kids along, or splitting a cabin four ways with friends. Discover which cruise lines offer free cruises for kids. The free alcoholic beverage package perk is, by dollar amount, the best value you can attain with one of the bonus amenities.

However, if you don't drink the hard stuff, or drink very little, you might not be able to justify the cost of the gratuities and be better served with another perk. Shore excursions are only a cushy perk if full excursions are included, like with Oceania. A credit, like the one sometimes offered by Norwegian, could be measly in comparison to what excursions cost in your ports of call -- meaning that instead of a free tour in every port, you'll more likely just getting a discount.

Room upgrades are a shiny incentive, but only make sense if you are getting the upgraded room at a good price. Make sure to do a little homework and price out what the average cost of the upgraded cabin is on a typical sailing to see the dollar value of your savings. If you still aren't sure if you're getting a deal, the true value of your cabin upgrade might be best discussed with a travel agent who can really price out what makes sense for your needs and where the perk plays into that.

At the end of the day, if you feel you are getting your cruise room at a fair price, by all means book it. While the value of other deals might be higher in terms of dollars and cents, onboard credit has no strings attached.

If you're looking for a pure freebie, with the flexibility to use it however you'd like, this is a surefire pick. Choosing the right perk really comes down to what would make your onboard experience a better one. Likewise, if you prefer independent touring, don't choose a shore excursion perk; if you don't drink much, an alcohol package might be lost on you. The best method is to determine which amenities you would purchase anyway, and then choose the free perks that match your typical onboard spending.

Find a Cruise. Cruise Tips. You may also like Dismiss. Best River Cruises for Single Travelers. How to Save Money on a Carnival Cruise. How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise. How to Book a Suite for Less. Photo: Cruise Critic. Facebook Pinterest Twitter. Perk 1: Beverage Package If you imbibe, purchasing a drinks package on a cruise might seem like a relative no-brainer.

Perk 2: Internet Package With cruisers looking to be more connected than ever before, free internet minutes or unlimited voyage-long internet access is the second most popular perk offered by cruise lines with this kind of promotion. Perk 3: Onboard Credit The perk with the most freedom, onboard credit means you have money to spend onboard just about anywhere you'd like. Perk 4: Free Shore Excursions Cruise lines offer shore excursions to help travelers explore each destination -- but the tours can be pricy and booking several can quickly add up.

Perk 6: Free Specialty Dining Who doesn't love a free meal? Perk 7: Room Upgrade Getting a cruise room upgrade is not offered as a choice on too many value-add promotions with multiple options, but it's a common perk or incentive for many cruise lines and the focus of many cruise campaigns.

The Verdict? Updated February 04, How was this article?