How to Maximise Onboard Credit and Save Money

You step onboard with an exciting bonus — onboard credit. It feels like free money, and in a way, it is. But without a plan, it disappears quickly on things you might not even need.

Onboard credit can dramatically improve your cruise experience — if you know how to use it strategically. Whether it’s a perk from a booking deal or a loyalty bonus, these funds can help you save money on cruises, upgrade your trip, and avoid out-of-pocket surprises.

Let’s dive into smart onboard credit tips and cruise budgeting strategies that make every credit count.

Understanding the Core: What Is Onboard Credit?

Onboard credit (OBC) is a cruise line perk — a monetary credit applied to your shipboard account, which can be used on a variety of services and expenses during your cruise.

Where Does It Come From?

• Promotions or sales — e.g. “Book now and receive £100 onboard credit”
• Travel agent offers
• Cruise line loyalty programmes
• Compensation from the cruise line (e.g. itinerary change or delay)
• Cruise rebookings or future cruise credits

What Can You Use It For?

• Wi-Fi
• Specialty dining
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions
• Drinks packages
• Gift shops
• Gratuities (on some cruise lines)
• Casino (on select ships)

Each cruise line has specific rules on what OBC can and cannot be used for. Check their policies before planning your budget.

Pro Tip: Use onboard credit to offset gratuities if your cruise line allows it — this reduces your final bill.

Quick Guide: Top Onboard Credit Strategies

1. Check what your credit can be used for before sailing
2. Use credit for things you’d pay for anyway (Wi-Fi, excursions, gratuities)
3. Book popular extras early before they fill up
4. Stack promotions to increase credit (e.g. loyalty + travel agent bonus)
5. Ask about using credit for advance purchases
6. Track your spending via the cruise line app
7. Use the casino or bar last, not first

Important: Unused non-refundable credit usually disappears at the end of the cruise. Don’t wait until the last day to spend it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Onboard Credit Wisely

1. Understand the Rules of Your Credit

Not all credits are the same. Some are “refundable” (credited back as cash or future cruise credit if unused), while others are “non-refundable” (use it or lose it). Some may be restricted by category (e.g. spa only).

2. Check What You Already Get for Free

If your fare includes drink packages or Wi-Fi, don’t waste onboard credit on those services. Instead, focus on extras that enhance your personal experience.

3. Plan Your Spending by Priority

Ask yourself:

• Do you value excursions over spa days?
• Do you plan to work or stream onboard?
• Are you celebrating something that deserves a dining upgrade?

Create a hierarchy of preferences and align credit usage accordingly.

4. Pre-Book Services Where Possible

Some cruise lines allow you to apply onboard credit to pre-purchased services, like speciality dinners or Wi-Fi. Doing this early can help you avoid sold-out services.

5. Use the Cruise Line App to Monitor Your Balance

Most ships have digital apps that allow you to view real-time charges and remaining OBC. Checking daily helps prevent overspending.

6. Avoid Low-Value Splurges

Onboard shops are tempting, but unless you planned for souvenirs, it’s better to spend your credit on experiences. A sunset massage or upgraded shore tour often delivers more value.

Travelling with family or friends? These group cruise coordination tips can help align budgets and make the most of pooled credits.

Best Practices & Additional Insights

Make Your Credit Work for You, Not the Other Way Around

Treat onboard credit as part of your overall cruise budgeting strategy. Instead of using it reactively — “What can I get?” — plan it proactively: “What was I already going to spend on this cruise?”

Seasoned cruisers often use OBC to trial premium services they wouldn’t normally pay for — like spa access or a chef’s table dinner. Some even save it for last-minute excursion upgrades when the weather is favourable.

Think of your onboard credit like bonus currency — the better your strategy, the more value you squeeze from it.

If you’re working within a fixed budget, pair these tips with cruise pricing insights to avoid unexpected expenses altogether.

FAQs

1. Can I cash out my onboard credit?

Generally, no — especially with non-refundable OBC. Refundable credits may be returned to your card if unused, but this varies by cruise line.

2. Does onboard credit roll over to my next cruise?

No. It must be used during the cruise it was issued for, unless it’s part of a future cruise deposit credit.

3. Can I use onboard credit for gratuities?

Sometimes. Some cruise lines allow it automatically, while others require a request at guest services.

4. What happens if I don’t use all my credit?

If it’s non-refundable, you lose it. Use cruise apps or ask guest services to track and plan your balance.

5. Can I combine credits from different sources?

Often, yes. You can stack OBC from promotions, travel agents, and loyalty programmes — but only if permitted by the cruise line.

The Smarter Way to Budget Your Cruise at Sea

Onboard credit can either be a fleeting perk or a smart budget tool — the difference lies in how you use it. Whether you’re offsetting costs, enhancing your holiday, or upgrading key experiences, a little planning goes a long way.

By thinking ahead and aligning credit to your priorities, you’ll walk off the ship with fewer regrets and more memories.

Travelling with family or friends? These group cruise coordination tips can help align budgets and make the most of pooled credits.

So go on — treat your onboard credit like a travel asset, not an afterthought. Your smarter, more affordable cruise starts now.