Some common questions we get at our agency is how do you get on-board credits, how to get more of it, and more importantly, what can, or can’t you spend it on? To answer these questions, we must first take a look at what is on-board credit? The easiest way to think about on-board credit is that it’s free money with restrictions. Similar to a gift card or store credit to a particular place that you can go and spend on whatever you like. So, with on-board credit it normally comes directly from the cruise line you’re travelling for you to spend on board. So how do you actually get on-board credit?
We have comprised a list of what we believe are the best-known ways to get on-board credits for your next or current cruise. This list contains nine way’s that you can get on-board credits. Two of the most common ways are launch promotions for new itineraries and real-time on-board bookings of your next cruise. You’ll find when new itineraries are launched there are lots of deals and incentives to encourage customers to book. So typically, the cruise line will throw in some on-board credits, which will normally be per person or per cabin. This can mount up to be quite a bit depending on the cruise package that you booked. The on-board booking of another cruise gives you a new opportunity to negotiate for more on-board credits for that particular sailing.
Try these other options, you’re sure to score some on-board credits.
Travel & Cruise Agents
There are several other ways to get on-board credits, the best of which is with a Travel or Cruise Agent. You will often find that Travel or Cruise Agents will throw in other incentives to try and get you to book with them and often are able to offer ‘extra’ on-board credits. When you’re booking with an agent ask them if there are any opportunities for more on-board credits. You never know, they may be able to redirect commissions for more credits towards your cruise if you choose them.
Join Loyalty Programs
A lot of loyalty programs will also offer on-board credit. As you work your way up the different tiers, you’ll find that on-board credit often gets thrown in as one of the benefits. So loyalty to a cruise line is another way of getting on-board credit.
Watch Price Drops
Another way that has proven to be successful at getting on-board credit is by tracking the price of a cruise. So, once you’ve booked a cruise, you’ll want to keep an eagle eye on what the prices are doing for the grade that you’ve booked. If you see the price falling dramatically, the cruise line normally is not gonna tell you but what you can do is either talk to your Agent or if you booked directly with the cruise line you can say to them you noticed a price change in the cabin you booked. It could be $50 or more in price difference and so you’ll want to know if there’s an offer for either an upgrade or more on-board credit. This will play right into the cruise lines way of thinking as they would prefer to offer you one of the two. So it’s really important to continue tracking the price of your cruise because it could lead to a lot of extra credit to spend on board.
Cruise Line Credit Cards
Some of the cruise lines nowadays have their own credit cards. If you’re a member of their credit card service, you can build up points that can be used for on-board credits as well as other things. If you really love a particular cruise line, check to see if the have a credit card program.
You’ll find that a lot of the really big, well-known names in cruising have a credit card. It’s a great way of just doing your everyday spending and building up credits to your next cruise.
Active Military or Veteran
Sometimes, if you’re active-duty military or veteran through different ID programs you’re often able to get on-board credits. Definitely check with the cruise line or agent to find out if there are extra benefits and on-board credits available.
Problems On Your Cruise
If you have a problem on-board is another way of potentially getting more on-board credits. Now of course no-one wants to have a problem on any vacation, tour, or cruise, but problems often inevitably occur. For instance, let’s say you have a problem with your service or cabin and the cruise line is not able to resolve it. Take the opportunity to parlay the misfortune into more on-board credits. The cruise line may be more than happy to compensate you in this way for the problem in order to keep you and other passengers happy.
Are You a Shareholder
If you are a shareholder in a particular cruise company you may be able to apply for extra on-board credit. This option may require a bit of admin and terms are surely to vary cruise line to cruise line. So, if your a shareholder, contact your cruise company, send them your booking and a copy of your shareholding.
Now, once you have on-board credit, what on earth can you spend it on and what are the best things you can spend it on once you’re on board? There are a few things to watch out for about on-board credit when you get it. First, and in most-cases, on-board credit is non-refundable. So, if you don’t spend it on-board, they’re not going to give you cash. So, make sure your tracking you’re spending because if you don’t spend it on-board then you lose it. Next, is that most cruise lines won’t let you spend on-board credits for things that you book in advance. So definitely check with the cruise line or your agent to determine what your options are when you book things in advance of debarkation.
Can use credits for:
Excursions, Gratuities, Spa Treatments, Wifi, Drinks or Drink Package, Retreat Area, Specialty Dining, Shopping in On-board Shops, Souvenir Photos, Treats and Coffee.
Can’t use credits for:
Medical Center, Gambling or Bingo, or booking next cruise. Double check with your agent or cruise company regarding uses, terms, and conditions.
