5 Ways to Use Your Onboard Credit

You’ve booked a cruise sailing from Sydney or Brisbane on Quantum Class favourites Ovation of the Seas®, Quantum of the Seas® or Anthem of the Seas® or the amped up Voyager of the Seas® and, in the process, you may have earned onboard credits (OBCs). But, as promising as they sound, they are also somewhat shrouded in mystery. Specifically, how do you access these OBCs – and once you’ve laid hands on them, what exactly can you use them for?

You will conveniently find your OBCs in your online account, which can be accessed at sign in, so you can book in the Cruise Planner before you board. Alternatively, you will find them on your Seapass® card, the personal onboard expense account you’ll use for all your onboard expenditures. When you make a purchase or pay for a service on your cruise, the onboard credits are applied. No fuss, no muss.

Now for the fun part: discovering the best ways to spend your bonus money (OR OBCs). Although many dining venues, activities and entertainment are included in your fare, Royal Caribbean® ships also offer exceptional speciality experiences - temptations you can wholeheartedly embrace with your budget-stretching OBCs!

Speciality Dining

Foodies take note: you’re boarding one of the hottest food scenes found at sea! With scrumptious palate-pleasing options around every corner, the greatest difficulty is deciding what you want to eat! Does homemade linguine – perfectly al dente and tossed with garlicky prawns – sound like a ticket to paradise? Then head over to Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, a Tuscan-inspired eatery led by one of Britain’s most famous chefs.

Or are you in an Asian vein, craving melt-in-your-mouth sushi and a bowl of fragrant yaki udon? Look no further than Izumi Japanese Cuisine, where every swoon-worthy taste transports you to the Far East. Classic American steakhouse fare at Chops Grille℠, fantastical whimsy at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, the crown of gastronomy at Chef’s Table – a kaleidoscope of delicious flavours awaits you. And the best part? Your onboard credits can take a big bite out of the tab, or even eat the whole thing up!

BeverageS

Onboard Entertainment and Activities

When you book a cruise on Royal Caribbean, you can rightfully expect it to be packed with every kind of top-notch adventure. From the chart-topping Broadway show, We Will Rock You on Anthem of the Seas®, multimedia production shows and the thrilling ice skating show on Voyager of the Seas® to toe-tapping live music and parties the whole family can get in on. Movie nights, game shows and wow-worthy activities, like the FlowRider® surf simulator and bumper cars at SeaPlex® on Quantum Class ships or The Perfect Storm℠ waterslide duo on Voyager of the Seas® are all included. There’s so much to discover that you could keep your crew busy 24/7 and not run out of things to do!

Fortunately, almost everything is included in your cruise, with a small handful of exceptions. Games at the Royal Caribbean Arcade have an associated fee, as do certain games at SeaPlex. Your OBCs will also come in handy on skydiving simulator, RipCord® by iFLY® and North Star®, the Guinness Book World Record holder for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. With its glass-enclosed capsule rising a staggering 100 metres above sea level, you are afforded 360° views of the surrounding world. These incur a cost when the ship is at sea and are worth every single OBC, in our humble opinion!

Have you ever been curious about what goes on behind-the-scenes on one of the largest cruise ships at sea? Then hop on an All Access Tour where you’ll get a first-hand peek of the Bridge, Engine Control Room and other inner workings.

If you are particularly interested in the epicurean side of things, the Sip Tour Brunch may be your special jam (Okay. No more puns)! Led by the Chef, you’ll roam the galley gleaning its secrets before tucking into a mouth-watering brunch paired with unlimited sparkling wine. Whether you choose to book through the Cruise Planner before you board or wait until you are onboard, cheers to OBCs well spent!

SPA AND Shopping

Shopping and OBCs are an inspired natural pairing, much like tea and biscuits. After all, what could be more satisfying than – quite literally – freely indulging yourself? Onboard Royal Caribbean, shopping is not only duty-free but you’ll discover a superb array of stores offering fine jewellery, Swiss timepieces, designer apparel and other enticements.

While the kiddos are enjoying their dedicated complimentary programs at Adventure Ocean, you may want to plan a few hours of much-deserved me-time, beelining for the spa. An oasis of relaxation and renewal, the spa offers massages, facials and medi-spa treatments, as well as complete hair and nail services. Put your OBCs to work in the name of beauty, and walk out feeling on top of the world.

Quality “me-time” can also be about perfecting skills or picking up new ones at a class: life-defining abilities such as crafting swans out of towels or turning a napkin into the perfect place setting are free. While decorating decadent cupcakes or attending a scrapbooking class may incur a small charge for materials – which your helpful OBCs will be happy to cover!

Shore excursions and More

A significant benefit of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is that young seafarers have their own programmes, led by thoroughly screened and trained staff. Fusing fun and education, the award-winning Adventure Ocean, is designed for 3-11 year-olds. Although included in your fare, fees apply after 10 pm. Since there is also a cost associated with our Royal Babies & Tots programme for 6-36 month olds, your OBCs can be put to excellent use with child-care.

You can even use them for shore excursions. Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life in the South Pacific or lace up your hiking boots and discover the natural beauty of New Zealand. For professional photo packages, internet access and other onboard expenses, your OBCs can also be readily applied.