How to Make the Most of Onboard Credit
Whether it’s $100, $200, $300 or more, Onboard Credit can make a sweet vacation even sweeter. While some credits are designated for certain activities (e.g., shore excursions), others give you the opportunity to spend it in multiple ways. From rejuvenating at the spa while enjoying ocean views to making magical memories during once-in-a-lifetime excursions, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can put Onboard Credit to good use:
Shore Excursions
From fishing and wildlife encounters in Alaska to hot springs in Iceland and horseback riding in Half Moon Cay, you’re sure to find the perfect excursion as you explore destinations and ports of call. Capacity is limited for many activities, so book early using your Onboard Credit. Learn more
Specialty Dining
Led by a team of world-class celebrity chefs, our cruise ship dining satisfies your cravings. From Canaletto’s authentic Italian cuisine to the Pinnacle Grill’s steak and seafood, you’ll experience an amazing culinary adventure. Learn more
Beverages
With a large selection of wine, beer, cocktails, soda, specialty coffee and more, we offer a variety of options to quench your thirst and delight your senses. Learn more
Shopping
If duty-free shopping makes your heart skip a beat, then you may love using Onboard Credit in our signature shops. From attire and handbags to sparkling jewelry, we have a variety of products to choose from. Learn more
Spa
Self-care, anyone? If you enjoy indulging in onboard massages, pedicures, and facials, then you’ll love our Greenhouse Spa & Salon.® Nurture your well-being with some well-deserved pampering at sea. Learn more
Additional Information
- If you receive Onboard Credit, be sure to confirm whether there are any limitations.
Can it be used for any of the products or services mentioned above, or is it designated for a specific product or service (such as shore excursions only)?
- If you don’t use it, you lose it. And it can’t be redeemed for cash.
Don’t miss out if you receive Onboard Credit. Consider spending it on something that brings you joy, such as a shore excursion in Juneau that lets you cuddle with puppies at a sled-dog summer camp or a delicious meal at one of our onboard Specialty Dining venues.
Cruise Credits of $100, $200, $300 are mentionned for HAL.
How are On Board Credits calculated? Does the amount correlate to the cruise length?
Onboard credits are dependent on a variety of factors and why they are received. There is no set amount; those figures are just examples.
Question. Me and my wife will each have 2 Speciality Dining Credits. It shows Pinnacle and Tamarind. Can we just eat twice at Pinnacle and not at Tamarind. Thanks
Hello! You can do two Pinnacle Grill dinners. Enjoy!
How do you use your OBC to book speciality dining?
Hi Jerry, depending on the type of OBC, you might need to wait to book specialty dining using it once you are on board if it already isn’t in your account. If you would like clarification on your OBC, please call reservations: 855-932-1711.
Can the Educator credit or Military credit be used for ship to airport transfer? If so, can you book ahead of cruise or do you have to book onboard?
Hi Denise, thanks for commenting. We don’t have full details on what the credit can be used for, so we kindly ask that you reach out to Reservations for the most accurate information: 1–877–932–4259 or 206-626-7020.
Hi, I see there is an OBC bonus for healthcare workers, id this only US, or is it extended to UK NHS workers (or pensioners).
Hi Steve, at this time it’s only US, but we look forward to expanding the program in the future.
I don’t understand why OBC cannot be used in advance to pre-pay shore excursions like other cruise lines allow.
And why can it not be used in the casino? Especially if you have alot of OBC.
We have on onboard cruise credits for a cruise to Alaska next month and want to know if we use it to pay for onboard Wi-Fi service.
Hello. I see online that there is a healthcare professional $100 onboard credit offer and a teacher $100 onboard credit offer. If I am a healthcare professional and my mom is a teacher are we eligible for both offers or only one? We would be sharing a stateroom. Thanks!
We each have a $100 shore excursion credit, how do we know if it has been applied to one of our shore excursions?
It should appear in your account. If not, please call reservations: 877-932-4259.
I have a $100 military appreciation onboard credit. Are there any limitations on how I use that credit? Can I use that credit to pay gratuities? Please advise me of any limitations to its use at all.
Hello, the Military credit may not be used in the casino, on gratuities or any other specified fees. Thank you for your service.
On our upcoming Alaska Vancouver-Alaska Cruise, just wondering if we can use our Onboard Credit for paying the Crew Appreciation? We have Onboard Credit of US$150 x 2 (two people).
Please advise.
It depends on the type of OBC you have. It should have terms and conditions that will outline what it can and cannot be used for.
We received an OBC for our cruise to Alaska in June. We were encouraged to book Shore Excursions in advance to ensure a reservation. However, the OBC does not appear when we book an excursion. If I pay for the excursion in advance, can the OBC be applied to our account once we are on the cruise and a refund be made to the credit card we used for payment?
The OBC does not go toward pre-booked tours, dining, etc. It is only applied on board and cannot be given as a credit for your pre-booked tours.
Can I use my shareholder OBC to pay the basic Crew Appreciation charge? Can I use it at the casino (slots or tables)?
Hi James, according to the T&C for the shareholder credits, it’s not transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash and, cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities charged to a guest’s onboard account.
how do I apply the onboard credit against the prepaid crew appreciation fees? I’m not seeing how that is applied in the final transaction.
Hi Julie, you cannot apply an onboard credit to prepaid gratuities, as those are prior to the cruise. You need to use the OBC once on board.
Can OBC on your current cruise be used to pay for a future cruise that you book at the Future Cruise Desk while at sea? My guess is NO but one can always hope.
Hi Robert, it cannot because those require a credit card number since they are fully refundable if not utilized within 4 years.
Can you use an OBC (that is not specific to only a shore excursion) towards a cabana rental, thermal suite pass or Club Orange?
If you book Club Orange on board, it can be used. Same for spa and cabana. However, if there might not be a cabana available (most guests pre-book) if you wait to get on board.
I note below that the on-board credits can be used to pay for gratuities. Does this include the daily room service charges that get applied to our account? I phoned the 1-877 line and the person I spoke to advised that the on-board credits can not be applied to the daily room service charges so just looking for some clarification on this.
Thanks.
Hello! It depends on the type of OBC you received, so please review the OBC offer’s T&C to see if there are any restrictions. Our website states: Onboard credit is spending money to use when you’re on our ships. If you receive an onboard credit, you can use it for almost everything onboard, including a pampering massage or other spa service, restaurant meals, shore excursions, coffee and alcoholic beverages, and boutique purchases, like clothing or jewelry. Onboard credits may be used to pay for Crew Appreciation, with exceptions for certain credit types. Onboard credits may not be refundable at the end of your cruise.
We have a cruise in May to Norway and have a onboard credit. can we use it to upgrade our wifi package and for crew appreciation?
Hello! It depends on the type of OBC you received, so please review the OBC offer’s T&C to see if there are any restrictions. Our website states: Onboard credit is spending money to use when you’re on our ships. If you receive an onboard credit, you can use it for almost everything onboard, including a pampering massage or other spa service, restaurant meals, shore excursions, coffee and alcoholic beverages, and boutique purchases, like clothing or jewelry. Onboard credits may be used to pay for Crew Appreciation, with exceptions for certain credit types. Onboard credits may not be refundable at the end of your cruise. And if you upgrade your WiFi on board, you should be able to use it for that.
Hi We are booked on an inside passage cruise in late May/June. Can we use on board credit to pay for:
1. Crew appreciation
2. On board dining – if so if we pre-book specialized dining do we use credit card to prepay & then seek reimbursement on board
Regards
Hello! For crew appreciation, it depends on the type of OBC you received, so please review the OBC offer’s T&C to see if there are any restrictions. Our website states: Onboard credit is spending money to use when you’re on our ships. If you receive an onboard credit, you can use it for almost everything onboard, including a pampering massage or other spa service, restaurant meals, shore excursions, coffee and alcoholic beverages, and boutique purchases, like clothing or jewelry. Onboard credits may be used to pay for Crew Appreciation, with exceptions for certain credit types. Onboard credits may not be refundable at the end of your cruise. Regarding specialty dining, you will need to book on board. We do not offer refunds if you book online and pay with your credit card.
I keep reading different answers to the same question. Can we use an onboard credit to help cover the costs of gratuities??
Hello! It depends on the type of OBC you received, so please review the OBC offer’s T&C to see if there are any restrictions. Our website states: Onboard credit is spending money to use when you’re on our ships. If you receive an onboard credit, you can use it for almost everything onboard, including a pampering massage or other spa service, restaurant meals, shore excursions, coffee and alcoholic beverages, and boutique purchases, like clothing or jewelry. Onboard credits may be used to pay for Crew Appreciation, with exceptions for certain credit types. Onboard credits may not be refundable at the end of your cruise.
We got a 50 dollar on board credit referral from a friend, filled out info submitted it and now wondering if or where it shows up that we actually will receive it for our cruise? Should we call the cruise line and ask?
It should appear in your account.
We each have $100 US onboard credit and we’d like to book a couples massage early to take advantage of the discount. If we pay for it online now, can we use our onboard credit to hte pay for it and therefor give us a refund of what we’ve paid
Hope that makes sense
Hi Suzette, unfortunately no, your spa appointment cannot be refunded if you pre-book. The OBC can be applied to other items on your bill, but not a previously booked treatment.
Can on-board credit be used to pay gratuities?
Yes, it can. If it is not a specific credit, like a designated shore excursion credit.