Workflow
How can I use my onboard credit on a cruise?
Your onboard credit is a prepaid amount applied automatically to purchases during your cruise. It covers most shipboard expenses—from spa treatments and specialty dining to shore excursions and bar drinks. Every transaction deducts from your credit first, so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about a bill until the credit runs out.
Where you can spend your onboard credit
- Specialty restaurants and casual eateries
- Bars, lounges, and café beverages (including non-alcoholic drinks)
- Spa services, salon treatments, and fitness classes
- Shore excursions booked onboard
- Duty‑free and boutique shops
- Internet and Wi‑Fi packages
- Gratuities (where permitted by cruise policy)
Some cruise spending may combine ongoing discounts with your shipboard credit, but exclusions often apply to casino chips, cash advances, and future‑cruise deposits. When in doubt, ask our AI assistant or stop by guest services.
How purchases apply your credit
Purchases subtract from your onboard credit automatically. When you hand over your cruise card or use the ship’s app to pay, the point‑of‑sale system checks your balance first and deducts the amount. If the transaction is larger than your remaining credit, the difference is charged to your onboard account and settled at the end of the cruise. Every receipt shows the credit used and the final charge.
You can monitor your cruise spending via the cabin TV, the mobile app, or the guest‑services kiosk.
Track your balance and get instant help with our AI assistant
Our AI assistant is available 24/7 on our website and mobile app. It is built on our official knowledge base, so every answer about onboard credit usage, eligible expenses, and policy details is accurate and pulled directly from our documentation.
- AI‑agents resolve questions instantly, in a natural tone.
- Knowledge‑base grounding means no guessing—only verified cruise policies.
- Custom‑actions let you check your current balance right inside the chat. Just type “What’s my onboard credit balance?” and the assistant retrieves the real‑time number for you.
No need to open a separate app or visit a kiosk. Get help whenever you need it.
Tips for maximizing your shipboard credit
- Use it early – shipboard credit does not roll over after the cruise, so spoil yourself with a specialty dinner or spa treatment in the first few days.
- Stack with discounts – look for daily deals and package offers; applying your credit to already‑discounted purchases stretches its value.
- Check your balance often – let the AI assistant keep you informed so you never overshoot your remaining credit.
- Know the exclusions – some items like casino tokens or medical services are often ineligible; ask the assistant for your line’s exact list.
FAQ
What can I buy with onboard credit?
Onboard credit typically covers specialty dining, bar and lounge drinks, spa and salon services, fitness classes, shore excursions booked onboard, duty‑free shopping, internet packages, and sometimes gratuities. Exclusions generally include casino chips, cash advances, future cruise deposits, and certain medical services. Confirm the exact list with guest services or ask our AI assistant.
How do I check my onboard credit balance?
Check your balance in the cruise line’s mobile app, on your cabin TV, at the guest‑services desk, or by chatting with our AI assistant. Simply ask “What’s my onboard credit balance?” and the assistant’s custom action will show your current total right in the chat.
Can onboard credit be used for excursions?
Yes, shipboard credit can usually be applied to excursions if you book them onboard during the cruise. Excursions reserved in advance online may require a separate payment method—the credit is only applied to purchases made while on the ship. For your specific itinerary rules, consult guest services or ask our AI assistant.
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