Onboard credit (OBC) is money added to your cruise account that covers eligible purchases like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, drinks, shopping, and photos. It usually can't be used for casino charges, gratuities, cash withdrawals, or your original cruise fare — but the exact rules depend on your cruise line and where the credit came from, so always check the terms attached to your specific OBC.
The catch: not all onboard credit works the same way. Restrictions vary by cruise line, ship, and the source of the credit itself. Knowing where you can use it — and where you can't — is the difference between getting real value from it and losing it at the end of the cruise.
Key Takeaways
- OBC can typically cover shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, drinks, shopping, photos, and other eligible onboard purchases
- Restrictions vary by cruise line and by the type of credit you received
- Most OBC can't be used for casino charges, gratuities, or cash withdrawals
- Eligible purchases are charged to your onboard account, with OBC applied before your final payment
- Check your balance during the cruise so you don't leave credit unused
- Don't spend OBC just because you have it — use it for things you'd buy anyway
| Typically Covered by OBC | Typically NOT Covered |
|---|---|
| Shore excursions | Casino charges or gambling |
| Specialty dining | Certain gratuities or service charges |
| Spa and salon services | The original cruise fare |
| Drinks and beverage packages | Future cruise bookings |
| Onboard shopping | Certain prepaid purchases |
| Cruise photos | Cash withdrawals |
| Other onboard activities (varies) | Independent vendors in port |
Rules vary by cruise line and credit source — always confirm with your specific terms.
What Is Onboard Cruise Credit?
Onboard credit is a monetary credit placed on your cruise account. It can come from a cruise promotion, a travel agency offer, a shareholder benefit, compensation for a service issue, a loyalty program, or another source.
Once onboard, eligible purchases get charged to your stateroom account. Your available OBC is then applied against those charges before any remaining balance hits your payment method on file.
Princess, for example, states that onboard credit can be used for shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, and beverage packages, with eligible purchases added to the stateroom folio and OBC applied before the final payment is charged.
Onboard Credit vs. Future Cruise Credit
These are not the same thing, and mixing them up is a common first-time mistake.
Onboard credit is generally meant for eligible expenses during your current cruise. Future Cruise Credit (FCC) typically applies toward a future booking instead, depending on the cruise line's rules.
If you receive either type, check its specific terms before assuming it works the same way as the other.
Also Read: What Is Future Cruise Credit and How Can I Use It?
What Can You Use Onboard Credit For?
Exact rules depend on your cruise line and the type of OBC you have, but here's what's most commonly eligible.
1. Book Shore Excursions
One of the best uses of OBC if you already planned to explore the ports on your itinerary. Eligible credit typically covers cruise-line excursions — sightseeing tours, snorkeling, cultural experiences, guided city tours. Some lines also let you apply OBC to excursions booked before sailing.
If a specific tour matters to you, don't wait until the last minute — popular excursions sell out. Book it early and apply your OBC elsewhere if needed.
2. Enjoy Specialty Dining
If your fare covers only the main dining room and buffet, OBC is a good way to try specialty restaurants without paying full price out of pocket. Depending on the line, you may be able to apply it to individual meals or dining packages. If you're planning more than one specialty meal, compare the package price against paying per meal before booking.
3. Treat Yourself to a Spa or Salon Service
Massages, facials, manicures, and hair services are common OBC-eligible purchases if you want a bit of extra luxury on your trip. Check for port-day or embarkation-day spa specials — these promotions can stretch your OBC further.
4. Buy Drinks and Beverage Packages
Depending on restrictions, OBC may cover alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, or beverage packages. If you drink regularly, compare package pricing against paying per drink, and confirm whether your specific OBC can apply to a pre-cruise beverage package purchase.
5. Shop Onboard
Ship shops sell souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, beauty products, and destination-themed merchandise. If you already planned to buy something, OBC reduces what comes out of your own pocket — check the daily schedule for onboard sales before you buy.
6. Buy Cruise Photos
Professional photos taken during embarkation, formal nights, dinners, or port calls are a practical way to spend leftover OBC if you find a photo or package you genuinely want.
7. Cover Other Onboard Extras
Some ships charge for add-ons like specialty classes, thermal suite access, cabanas, or private-destination purchases. Whether OBC applies depends on your cruise line, ship, and credit type — check your onboard account or ask Guest Services before buying if you're not sure. This also applies at private cruise-line destinations, where not every purchase necessarily qualifies for OBC even if the destination itself does.
What Can't You Use Onboard Credit For?
This is where most first-time cruisers get tripped up: there's no single rule that applies across every cruise line or every type of OBC. Some credits carry broader restrictions than others.
Depending on your cruise line and the source of the credit, OBC is commonly not accepted for:
- Casino charges or gambling
- Certain gratuities or service charges
- The original cruise fare
- Future cruise bookings
- Certain prepaid purchases
- Cash withdrawals
- Purchases from independent vendors in port
Carnival Corporation's current shareholder-benefit terms, for example, specifically state that this type of OBC can't be exchanged for cash or used for casino credits or gratuities charged to the onboard account.
Always check the terms attached to your specific credit rather than assuming all OBC follows the same rules.
Can You Use Onboard Credit for Gratuities?
Sometimes — but not always. Whether OBC applies to daily gratuities or service charges depends entirely on the cruise line and the type of credit you received. Some promotional credits specifically exclude gratuities. If covering gratuities with OBC matters to your budget, confirm the policy with your cruise line before sailing.
Also Read: How do Cruise Ship Gratuities Work?
How Do You Check Your Onboard Credit Balance?
Most cruise lines let you track OBC and spending through their app or onboard account system. Some ships also show balances through the stateroom TV, onboard kiosks, or Guest Services. Check yours partway through the cruise — not just on the last day — so you have time to use what's left if needed.
When Should You Use Your Onboard Credit?
You don't need to spend it immediately, but don't leave all your planning for the final day either. A simple approach:
- Check how much OBC you have
- Read the restrictions attached to that specific credit
- Prioritize experiences you already planned to buy
- Reserve limited-availability excursions, dining, or spa appointments early
- Check your account periodically through the cruise
- Confirm your remaining balance before disembarkation
The goal isn't to spend OBC just because it's there — the best use is almost always something you'd have bought anyway.
What Happens If You Don't Use All Your Onboard Credit?
This depends entirely on the type and source of the credit. Some promotional or nonrefundable OBC expires at the end of the cruise if unused. Other types may carry different rules. Don't assume unused credit automatically converts to cash — check your specific terms or ask Guest Services before the cruise ends.
Bottom Line
Treat onboard credit as part of your cruise budget, not free money you're obligated to spend. Use it first for things you already planned — an excursion, a specialty dinner, a spa treatment, a beverage package, photos, or a souvenir. If you still have a balance near the end of the trip, look for something you genuinely want rather than spending just to zero it out.
The short version: check the rules for your specific credit, track your balance through the cruise, and prioritize purchases that add real value — that's how you get the most out of OBC without wasting money to use it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use onboard credit for gratuities?
Sometimes, depending on the cruise line and the source of the credit. Some promotional onboard credits specifically exclude gratuities, so confirm the terms with your cruise line before sailing if this matters to your budget.
Does unused onboard credit roll over or convert to cash?
Not usually. Most promotional or nonrefundable onboard credit expires unused at the end of the cruise rather than converting to cash. Check the terms of your specific credit or ask Guest Services to confirm.
What's the difference between onboard credit and Future Cruise Credit?
Onboard credit covers eligible purchases during your current sailing, while Future Cruise Credit generally applies toward a future cruise booking. They are not interchangeable, so check which type of credit you have before making a purchase.
Can I use onboard credit in the casino?
Generally, no. Many cruise lines exclude casino charges and gambling from onboard credit eligibility, although the rules can vary depending on the cruise line and the source of the credit.
How do I check how much onboard credit I have left?
You can usually check your onboard credit balance through your cruise line's app or onboard account system, your stateroom TV or an onboard kiosk, or by asking Guest Services. Check your balance during the cruise rather than waiting until the last day so you have time to use any remaining eligible credit.
