Are you planning to go on a cruise? Before you book your cruise, read this to learn my tips and tricks on getting free onboard credit (free money). Also, I’m sharing my cruise budget tracker as a free printable below.
What is Onboard Credit?
If you’re new to cruising, you might not know what onboard credit is. It’s like free money that you can use on things like shore excursions, specialty dining, and beverages while on your cruise. The credit is applied to your onboard account, and as you make purchases, the amount spent is deducted from the credit.
Personally, I always get onboard credits when I cruise. I love using the credit for shore excursions because it feels like I’m getting them for free. In fact, I usually use up all my onboard credit before even stepping foot on the ship by booking my shore excursions online. The credit should show up in your account before you set sail.
It’s important to note that there are two types of onboard credit: refundable and non-refundable. If your credit is non-refundable, you must use it fully during your cruise, or else you’ll lose any remaining balance. On the other hand, if your credit is refundable, the cruise line will reimburse you for any negative balance on your shipboard account, usually within 30 days, and refund the balance to your credit card.
How to get free onboard credit on a cruise.
1. Cruise Promotion
An easy way to get onboard credit on a cruise is to book your cruise when there is a promotion. Look for cruise deals that come with onboard credit. Cruise companies frequently offer free incentives such as free onboard credit, free drink packages, free specialty dining credits, free WiFi, free gratuities, and more.
The amount of onboard credit you receive varies depending on the promotion and the room category you select.
Usually, if you choose a more expensive cabin, you may qualify for a higher value credit. The time of year, itinerary, and length of the cruise can also affect the amount of onboard credit offered. Check out my tips on the best time to book a cruise to get the best deal.
2. Shareholder Benefits
Another way to get free onboard credit is to become a shareholder. Many people don’t know this but some cruise lines give their shareholders free onboard credit. You will usually have to own a minimum number of shares and there is some lead time to request the onboard credit.
For example, Norwegian cruise offers shareholders $50 to $250 onboard credit per stateroom for cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises. You must own a minimum of 100 shares to be eligible for the onboard credit, and you have to make a request 15 days before sailing.
Carnival Cruise gives $50 to $250 onboard credit to shareholders. You also need to own a minimum of 100 shares and request no later than 14 days before the cruise departure date. Carnival cruise shareholder benefits apply to Princess Cruise, Holland America, Seabourn, Cunard, Costa Cruise sailings.
If you are loyal to a cruise line or have a future cruise booked, you should check to see if there are any shareholder benefits. It may be worth buying at least 100 shares for free onboard credit!
3. Work with a Travel Agent
Onboard credit is a very common booking bonus when working with a travel agent. When I book my cruise with my travel agent, I usually ask for onboard credit, and he usually gives me some. It pays to be loyal to your travel agent!
I also found that the onboard credit I get from my travel agent is usually more than the onboard credit the cruise line offers.
4. Future Cruise
Another easy way to get free onboard credit is to book a future cruise on the ship. Visit the future cruises desk on the ship and ask the staff. They’ll have offers to incentivize you to book a future cruise, some of which may include free onboard credit.
5. Refer a Friend
Another way to earn free onboard credit is to refer a friend. Many cruise lines give referral bonuses for new cruises booked by first time cruisers.
It’s typically in the range of $25-$50 in onboard credit per referral. Both you and your friend will get onboard credits. Some cruise lines will give you future cruise credits that can be applied towards a future cruise booking. It’s like getting a discount on a cruise!
6. Price Adjustsments
Another way to get onboard credit is by taking advantage of a price drop. If you notice a price drop in your cruise fare after booking, some cruise lines will make up the difference through onboard credit.
To claim your credit, call your travel agent or the cruise line’s customer service to ask for a credit. It requires extra effort and legwork, but getting free money to spend on the ship is worth it.
7. Cruise Line Credit Card
Cruise Credit Cards are a smart way to get extra onboard credit. Some cruise line credit cards reward you with onboard credit with the points you earned.
Plus, some credit cards have signup bonuses that can be redeemed as onboard credits.
For example, the Carnival World Mastercard has a signup bonus, which can be used as onboard credit, and the points earned through the credit card can also be redeemed for onboard credit.
Do some research and check before signing up since every credit card has its own set of rewards program rules.
8. Complain
Another way to get free onboard credit during your cruise is to complain when something goes wrong. For example, if your ship misses ports of call or if your cabin is defective in any way, you may be compensated with onboard credit. The amount will vary depending on the situation.
My cabin had a leak once, and I got compensated with onboard credit and a cabin upgrade for the inconvenience. Although, I find it a hassle and stressful to line up at guest services and file a complaint.
From my experience, to receive compensation, you will need to escalate the issue to a supervisor. Honestly, I think it’s the worst way to get free onboard credit. I personally don’t like the unnecessary stress while on vacation!
9. Missed Port and Itinerary Changes
Sometimes, cruise lines compensate passengers with free onboard credit for missed ports or a change in itinerary. Typically, you will get compensated if there is a mechanical issue or something that is the cruise line’s fault.
But every now and then, they’ll surprise everyone by offering compensation for missed ports and itinerary changes due to events out of their control, such as weather issues or port strikes. They compensate passengers as a gesture of goodwill.
If you want more cruise advice, you might also like my tips on 21 ways to save money on a cruise, 10 ways to get free drinks and 13 ways to get free things on a cruise.
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I’m also sharing my free cruise packing lists for Caribbean cruises, Alaska cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Mexico cruises, Bermuda cruises and British Isle cruises.
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