Onboard credit (OBC) is one of the most popular cruise perks, but it comes with rules that confuse many travelers. Can you use it for gratuities? Excursions? The casino? Does it expire? Here’s a clear guide to what onboard credit covers on a cruise, and what it doesn’t.
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What Is Onboard Credit?
Onboard credit is a dollar amount applied to your cruise account for spending on eligible purchases during your sailing. It reduces what you owe at the end of the cruise.
Where Onboard Credit Comes From
- Cruise line promotions (wave season, booking incentives)
- Travel agent perks (on some sailings)
- Loyalty program benefits
- Booking a future cruise onboard (some lines)
- Goodwill gestures for service issues or itinerary changes
- Gift purchases by friends or family
What Onboard Credit Usually Covers
| Purchase | Usually Covered? |
|---|---|
| Drinks at bars | Yes |
| Beverage packages | Often (sometimes only when purchased onboard) |
| Specialty dining | Yes |
| Spa treatments | Yes |
| Gratuities / service charges | On many lines |
| Shore excursions | Often (rules vary for prepaid) |
| Wi-Fi packages | Often |
| Photos | Yes |
| Shopping | Yes |
| Room service charges | Yes |
| Casino | Usually no |
| Cash withdrawals | No |
Rules vary by cruise line and by type of credit. Always check your line’s terms.
Prepaid vs Onboard Use
Some onboard credit can be used before you sail on prepaid purchases like excursions or packages through the cruise line’s planner. Other credit can only be used once onboard. If you want to use OBC on a drink package or excursion, check whether you need to wait until you board to purchase it.
Refundable vs Non-Refundable Credit
- Non-refundable OBC: Use it or lose it. Unused amounts disappear at the end of the cruise. This is the most common type.
- Refundable OBC: Unused amounts may be refunded, sometimes as a check or credit to your card. Rules vary.
Who Can Use the Credit?
OBC is usually applied per cabin and can be used by any guest in that cabin. It generally can’t be transferred to another cabin.
Does Onboard Credit Expire?
Yes. OBC is generally valid only for the specific sailing it’s attached to. If you change sailings, OBC from promotions may change too.
How to Make Sure You Get Your Credit
- Get the OBC amount in writing at booking.
- Check your booking in the cruise line app before sailing.
- Verify your account balance on embarkation day.
- Contact Guest Services and your advisor if anything is missing.
Smart Ways to Use OBC
- Apply it to gratuities or other planned costs.
- Treat yourself to a specialty dinner or spa treatment.
- Use leftover non-refundable credit on souvenirs before the last night.
See 9 best ways to use onboard credit.
How to Get More Onboard Credit
- Book during promotions.
- Book through a travel advisor who offers OBC when available. See can a travel agent add onboard credit?
- Book longer cruises or higher categories, which often get more credit.
- Reprice for perks when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use onboard credit in the casino?
Usually not.
Can onboard credit pay for gratuities?
On many lines, yes.
What happens to unused onboard credit?
Non-refundable credit is lost; refundable credit may be returned.
Can I combine onboard credits?
Usually yes. Credits from different sources typically stack.
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Best ways to use onboard credit
- Gratuities, if your line lets OBC cover daily service charges. It’s the easiest guaranteed use.
- Specialty dining, especially pre-booked packages.
- Drink, Wi-Fi, or dining packages purchased onboard or, on some lines, pre-cruise.
- Shore excursions booked through the cruise line.
- Spa treatments, ideally on port days when prices often drop.
- Photos and onboard purchases as a final use before credit expires.
Spend non-refundable credit first and keep an eye on your folio in the app. Unused non-refundable OBC is lost at the end of the cruise, while refundable credit can be paid back.