There’s something thrilling about seeing “onboard credit” pop up on your cruise confirmation. It feels like free money — and in many ways, it is. Whether it’s part of a booking promotion, compensation for a missed port, or a loyalty reward, onboard credit (often called OBC) gives you spending power once you’re at sea.

But cruise ships are designed to tempt. Between spa treatments, speciality dining, excursions, and boutique shops, it’s easy to burn through your OBC in the first 48 hours. Worse still, you could let it expire without making the most of it.

This guide will help you navigate the smartest ways to use onboard credit wisely, with a balance of indulgence and practicality. Whether you’ve got £25 or £500, this is your go-to manual for cruise spending that adds value — not clutter — to your voyage.

What is onboard credit?

Understanding cruise onboard credit

Onboard credit (OBC) is a preloaded cruise account balance that you can use toward purchases during your sailing. Think of it like a gift card that works everywhere onboard — but only for the duration of your trip.

Where does it come from?

  • Booking promotions (e.g., “£200 OBC when you book this week”)
  • Loyalty perks from cruise line membership tiers
  • Group bookings through travel agents
  • Shareholder benefits (for investors in cruise brands)
  • Refunds or compensation for itinerary changes or issues

Where onboard credit can be used

Here’s a list of where OBC is typically accepted:

  • Spa and salon services
  • Speciality dining
  • Drinks and beverage packages
  • Shore excursions
  • Onboard shops (duty-free, clothing, essentials)
  • Wi-Fi packages
  • Fitness classes or wellness programmes
  • Gratuities (depends on cruise line)
  • Photo gallery or professional portraits
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Casino (sometimes — check restrictions)

Remember: OBC is non-refundable and usually cannot be withdrawn as cash. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

Using onboard credit strategically

Let’s dive into smart ways to turn credit into value.

1. Use it for pre-booked extras

Some cruise lines allow you to apply OBC before boarding, especially for:

  • Internet packages
  • Beverage upgrades
  • Dining reservations
  • Shore excursions

Check your cruise planner portal before departure. Pre-booking not only secures your slot — it ensures you don’t forget to use your credit.

2. Offset compulsory charges

One of the best uses of OBC is to cover inevitable expenses, like:

  • Daily gratuities
  • Port taxes (in rare cases)
  • Laundry services
  • Airport transfers (if booked onboard)

If your cruise allows it, this approach is a no-brainer — you’re using free credit to cover items you’d be paying for anyway.

In fact, for a wider view of unexpected onboard costs, this article on avoiding hidden fees on cruises breaks down what else might chip away at your wallet.

3. Indulge in experience over items

It’s tempting to grab a designer handbag or branded hoodie in the ship boutique, but OBC offers a golden opportunity to invest in memories, not clutter.

Instead of a trinket you might not use again, consider:

  • A massage or couples spa treatment
  • Wine tasting or cooking class
  • Exclusive excursion upgrade
  • Afternoon tea or chef’s table dinner

These experiences enhance your cruise — and often come with limited availability, so use OBC to book early if you can.

4. Budget your credit daily

Wooden letter blocks spelling BUDGET surrounded by scattered letters on a white surface, emphasizing financial planning.

If you have a set amount (say £150 for a 7-night cruise), divide it into daily allowances. That gives you roughly £21 per day. It helps you pace your spending and avoid a splurge on night one followed by regret on day three.

Track your onboard balance via:

  • The cruise line app
  • Your stateroom TV
  • Guest services desk
  • Printed receipts (some purchases show remaining credit)

Staying aware keeps you from overspending and allows you to adjust plans if needed.

5. Pair OBC with bundle deals

Cruise packages often stack — which means your free OBC can enhance your pre-purchased perks.

Examples:

  • Buy a basic drinks package, then use OBC for top-shelf cocktails à la carte
  • Book a massage and use credit for a thermal suite pass
  • Use it to upgrade your standard Wi-Fi package to premium streaming

This layered approach makes your cruise feel even more all-inclusive — without touching your credit card.

What you usually can’t use OBC for

Some cruise lines impose limits on where OBC can be applied. Always read the terms.

Common exclusions:

  • Casino chips or slot machines (some lines allow partial use)
  • Medical centre charges
  • Crew tips not part of automatic gratuities
  • Cash advances or refunds
  • Private vendor purchases in port

The best way to check? Log into your booking portal or call the cruise line’s customer service before departure.

Instead of spending on souvenirs that might collect dust, consider using your credit to upgrade your dining experience — perhaps at a speciality restaurant during your cruise, where you can enjoy an evening that feels genuinely luxurious.

OBC restrictions: Promotional vs non-refundable vs refundable

Not all onboard credit is created equal.

Promotional or restricted OBC:

  • Can only be used for certain services (e.g., spa, dining)
  • Not refundable if unused
  • Cannot be applied to gratuities on many lines

Non-refundable OBC (NRC):

  • Can be used on most purchases
  • Must be used before disembarkation
  • Cannot be cashed out

Refundable OBC:

  • Rare
  • Usually from overpayments or compensation
  • Credited back to your original payment method if not used

Understanding the type of credit you’ve received will help you use it effectively — and not be caught out on disembarkation day.

How much onboard credit is “a lot”?

Context matters. £50 might cover drinks for a solo cruiser — but barely scratch the surface for a family of four.

General benchmarks:

  • £25–£50: Great for small indulgences (Wi-Fi day pass, cocktails)
  • £75–£150: Covers a shore excursion or speciality dinner
  • £200–£400: Ideal for spa treatments or bundled extras
  • £500+: Can offset tips, excursions, and drinks for an entire trip

Remember, your travel style determines value. A teetotaler with excursion vouchers might use OBC on spa services, while a foodie may splurge on premium dining.

Case study: Two cruisers, same OBC — different outcomes

A person seated at a wooden table, holding a menu and using a phone, wearing a light blue shirt in a cozy cafe setting.

Passenger A:

Receives £150 OBC. Books two massages at £75 each. Total spent = £150. Enjoyed their cruise, relaxed, no out-of-pocket cost.

Passenger B:

Receives £150 OBC. Spends £90 on the first day on cocktails, forgets they booked a paid excursion for £80. Final bill: £20 over limit.

Moral? Strategy wins. Awareness beats impulse.

Don’t forget disembarkation day

OBC expires when your cruise ends — unused credit disappears.

Tips to avoid waste:

  • Use it on the morning of departure (grab a coffee or gift)
  • Set a calendar reminder two days before your cruise ends
  • Ask guest services for your remaining balance
  • Let older kids spend small balances in the arcade or souvenir shop

The goal is to finish your cruise feeling you made the most of every credit — and every moment.

Conclusion: Credit that enhances, not distracts

A woman with long hair stands by a railing, looking at her phone, with a calm ocean and cloudy sky in the background.

Onboard credit is one of cruising’s best perks — but only if used with purpose. Rather than seeing it as a splurge fund, consider it a tool to elevate your cruise. Whether you indulge in a spa day, upgrade your Wi-Fi, or cover gratuities, smart credit use means less post-cruise stress and more freedom onboard.

So next time you’re handed “free money” on your cruise, pause. Plan. Spend wisely. Let your onboard credit work for you — not the other way around.