Ahoy there! Are you planning a Carnival cruise and wondering how to make the most of your onboard credit? Look no further! As a seasoned cruiser, I’ve learned some tricks of the trade when it comes to maximizing your Carnival onboard credit.
In this article, I’ll share 12 pro tips that will help you get the most out of your OBC and make your cruise experience even more enjoyable.
First, let’s talk about what onboard credit is and how you can obtain it. Carnival offers guests onboard credit that can be used for a variety of expenses, such as gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions. You can obtain OBC through booking deals, price drops, or cancelled cruises.
It’s important to note that OBC is non-refundable, non-transferable, and has no cash value, so it’s best to use it wisely. With these 12 pro tips, you’ll learn how to do just that and make the most of your Carnival onboard credit.
So, let’s set sail and dive into these tips!
- Onboard credit can be obtained through booking deals, price drops, cancelled cruises, compensation, being a shareholder, or being a member of the US or Canadian armed forces.
- The best ways to use onboard credit are for gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
- Onboard credit can also be used for purchasing photos, gift cards, souvenirs, and packages like Cheers drinks and premium wifi.
- It’s important to note that onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and has no cash value, and can’t be used for medical expenses, taxes, or port fees.
Uses for Onboard Credit
I can use my Carnival onboard credit for a variety of fun activities on the ship. From gratuities to specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, photos, gift cards, onboard shopping, and even casino play, there are plenty of options for me to choose from. It’s important to note that the credit can’t be used for medical expenses, taxes, or port fees.
One of the best ways to use my onboard credit is to pamper myself with a relaxing spa treatment. From massages and facials to body wraps and acupuncture, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Alternatively, I can use the credit to book an exciting shore excursion. Whether I want to snorkel in crystal clear waters or explore local markets and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone.
No matter how I choose to use my onboard credit, I’m sure to have a great time on my Carnival cruise.
How to Obtain Onboard Credit
Obtaining onboard credit is like finding a hidden treasure chest on a cruise ship. There are several ways to get your hands on OBC, including booking deals, price drops, cancelled cruises, compensation, being a shareholder, or being a member of the US or Canadian armed forces.
As a shareholder, you can receive $50-$250 OBC depending on the length of your cruise. Military members may also be eligible for $50 OBC per stateroom on certain cruises. Additionally, cancelled cruises may result in extra OBC on top of Future Cruise Credit.
Maximizing OBC value is key to getting the most out of your cruise experience. One way to do this is by purchasing items such as gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions with your OBC. Another way is to use OBC to buy photos, gift cards, souvenirs, or even pay for the Cheers drinks package or premium wifi package.
Remember, while OBC cannot be used for medical expenses, taxes, or port fees, it can be used for almost anything else. So, be sure to take advantage of any OBC you have and make the most of your cruise vacation.
Best Uses for Gratuities
One of the key aspects of planning my cruise is deciding the best way to use gratuities. These fees typically cost between $14.50-$16.50 per person, per day, depending on the room type and departure date. While they’re mandatory, there are alternatives to using onboard credit for gratuities.
For instance, I can pre-pay gratuities before my cruise or choose to pay them in cash at the end of the trip. This way, I can use my onboard credit for other activities or purchases.
Another great way to use onboard credit is to maximize spa treatments. The Cloud 9 Spa pass costs $22, and spa treatments range from $34-$699. I can use my onboard credit to indulge in a relaxing massage or rejuvenating facial without having to worry about the extra expense.
By being strategic with my onboard credit, I can truly make the most out of my cruise experience and enjoy all the activities and amenities that Carnival has to offer.
Other Ways to Use Onboard Credit
Using onboard credit for purchasing souvenir items, jewelry, clothes, accessories, and liquor at the onboard shops is a great way to bring home a memento of the cruise. Here are four ways to make the most of your OBC when shopping onboard:
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Set spending limits: While the temptation to splurge on souvenirs may be strong, it’s important to set spending limits and stick to them.
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Look for deals: Keep an eye out for sales or discounts on items you want to purchase. This can help stretch your OBC even further.
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Don’t forget about duty-free: The onboard shops offer duty-free shopping, which can save you money on items like liquor and cigarettes.
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Be aware of OBC expiration: Make sure to use your OBC before it expires, as any remaining credit will not carry over to future cruises.
By following these tips, you can use your OBC to its fullest potential and bring home some great souvenirs from your Carnival cruise.
Can onboard credit be used to pay for alcoholic beverages?
Oh, the joy of using onboard credit for alcoholic beverages! It’s like being handed a cold drink on a hot day. Yes, Carnival allows onboard credit to be used for alcoholic beverages, along with other purchases like gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
Is there a limit to the amount of onboard credit that can be obtained through booking deals or price drops?
I’m not sure if there is a limit to the amount of onboard credit that can be obtained through booking deals or price drops. However, to maximize onboard credit, it’s important to consider booking strategies such as booking during promotions or price drops.
Can onboard credit be used to purchase items from the duty-free shop onboard?
Yes, onboard credit can be used at the duty-free shop onboard for purchases such as souvenirs and liquor. To maximize the credit, consider using it for spa services or other onboard experiences like specialty dining or shore excursions.
Is it possible to transfer onboard credit to another passenger’s account?
Unfortunately, transferring credit to another passenger’s account is not allowed. However, there are many ways to spend your onboard credit, including gratuities, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and more. Just be aware of spending restrictions.
Are there any restrictions on using onboard credit for shore excursions, such as a minimum purchase amount or limited availability of certain excursions?
I was thrilled to discover that there are no restrictions on using my Carnival onboard credit for shore excursions. However, some excursions may have a minimum purchase amount. I can’t wait to explore without worrying about extra expenses!