Onboard Spending Money Guide

From all-inclusive fares to priority embarkation, there are a few extra special aspects of cruise life guaranteed to get any traveller truly excited. Onboard spending money, otherwise known as onboard credit, is one of them. That’s right, you can access free money via your onboard account to help you get the most out of your holiday. Below, we’ve put together a guide designed to help you realise the full potential of this handy little bonus.

Spa treatments

Want to relax and slip into holiday mode as soon as you board your cruise ship? Make your way straight to the onboard spa and book yourself in for a guilt-free spa treatment. Your onboard credit should apply to most, if not all, items on the spa menu, so confirm with the attendant and get ready to looking and feeling your best with a rejuvenating facial, pampering pedicure or soothing hot shave. The options of spa treatments are endless.

Shore excursions

While a shore excursion will be one of the more expensive ways to spend your onboard credit, this is your holiday! So if a certain excursion has caught your eye, now’s the time to forget about cost and treat yourself to a wonderful unforgettable travel experience.

Specialty restaurants

With cruise lines continuously introducing new alternative dining venues on their ships, passengers must decide whether specialty cuisine is worth the additional cost of cover charges. With onboard credit, this worry will become a thing of the past. You’ll be able to choose where you want to dine without paying an extra cent.

Drinks

Unless you’re on an all-inclusive cruise, alcoholic beverages will rarely be free. And while drinks packages can be an attractive option for many passengers, if you only plan to have a glass of wine here and a cocktail there, onboard spending money will be your best friend.

Fitness classes

If staying in shape is a priority for you, onboard spending money can help you achieve your fitness goals. You’ll never have to choose between your health or your wallet with the option of using onboard credit to pay for fitness activities ranging from yoga and Pilates to spin classes and onboard bootcamp sessions. When-else can you experience fitness on the seas?

Photos

Having a professional photo taken by the ship’s onboard photographer is an excellent way to remember your voyage. This may normally be one of those expenses you can live without, but thanks to onboard credit, you’ll be able to treat yourself to a fine souvenir that’ll be with you forever.

Wifi and phone charges

Wifi and phone charges are a common additional expense that many passengers try to avoid. Onboard credit allows you to stay connected with your loved ones back home without feeling guilty about what it’s costing you. Use this opportunity to send a poolside photo or a post a status update, quick!

Restrictions

Onboard spending money, like any other aspect of a cruise, is subject to certain policies. It’s important to remember that it can only be used while on board the cruise ship, meaning your onboard credit will not apply to any purchases made in advance of your cruise, such as a shore excursion, spa treatment or specialty restaurant bookings.

Many cruise lines also specify that onboard spending money is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Lastly, every cruise line’s policy regarding onboard credit is different, ensure to check this information before setting sail.

Are you ready to book your next cruise adventure, contact our My Cruise Holiday Experts or give us a call on 1300 692 784, and one of our friendly cruise consultants can help you book the holiday of a lifetime.