How to Gift On-Board Cruise Credit (The Easiest “Bon Voyage” Gift)
Your friends or family members are about to go on their big multi-generational cruise. You want to give them a thoughtful “Bon Voyage” gift, but they're already booked and you don't want to just hand them cash. So you're wondering how to gift on-board cruise credit—something they can actually use on the ship, like a round of drinks, a spa treatment, or a specialty dinner.
The answer is On-Board Credit (OBC). Here’s a breakdown of what it is and the easiest ways to give it.
The Solution: 3 Ways to Gift On-Board Credit
First, what is On-Board Credit? Think of it as “ship money” or a digital gift card that's applied directly to the passenger's stateroom account. They can use this credit for almost any “extra” purchase on the ship, including:
- Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees
- Spa treatments
- Specialty dining restaurants
- Photos from the ship's photographer
- Casino credits
- Gift shop purchases
It is the most flexible and desired gift a cruiser can receive. Here are the three main ways to give it.
Method 1: Call the Cruise Line Directly (The DIY Method)
This is the most traditional method. You can call the cruise line's customer service number (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC) and ask to purchase On-Board Credit as a gift for a passenger.
- Pros: The credit is applied directly to the booking by a cruise line employee.
- Cons: You must have the passenger's full name, sail date, and reservation number. Asking for this information can ruin the surprise. You also will likely have to wait on hold to speak to an agent.
Method 2: Use the Cruise Line's Online “Gift Portal”
Most major cruise lines have an online “Gifts & Gear” or “Surprise & Delight” portal where you can order items to be sent to a passenger's stateroom. This often includes champagne, cabin decorations, or gift certificates.
- Pros: You can do it online at any time. You can often buy a specific thing (like “One bottle of champagne”) instead of just a dollar amount.
- Cons: Just like Method 1, you still need the booking number, sail date, and passenger names. These portals can also be clunky and hard to navigate. Be careful what you buy, as not all items are a good value. As we covered in our guide on cruise-approved power strips, some third-party items are banned and won't make it to the cabin.
Method 3: Contact Their Travel Advisor (The “Family C.E.O.” Method)
This is, without question, the simplest and most elegant solution. If your family member or friend booked their cruise with a Travel Advisor (like me!), you can simply contact them.
This is the “white-glove” service that as a Group Cruise Specialist, I provide for my clients' friends and family all the time.
- Pros:
- No Booking Number Needed: The advisor already has all the reservation details.
- No Hold Times: A single, simple email or phone call is all it takes.
- Full Service: The advisor will process the payment, ensure the credit is applied correctly, and can even arrange for a notification card to be placed in their stateroom.
- Expert Advice: I can tell you if a $100 OBC or a pre-paid “Specialty Dining for Two” package is a better value on their specific ship.
- Cons: This only works if they used a Travel Advisor (which is why every “Family C.E.O.” should!).
If you are the “Family C.E.O.” planning the trip, this is the best way to consolidate gift-giving. Instead of 10 relatives asking you for the booking number, you can simply give them my contact information and I will handle all the gift contributions seamlessly.
How to Gift On-Board Cruise Credit
Gifting on-board cruise credits is the perfect way to say “Bon Voyage” and enhance your loved one's vacation. While you can do it yourself by calling the cruise line, the most stress-free and efficient method is to work directly with their Travel Advisor.
While OBC is a fantastic stand-alone present, it's just one piece of the gifting puzzle. For a complete list of ideas for every age group, from pre-trip excitement to on-board essentials, be sure to read our Ultimate ‘Family C.E.O.'s' Guide to Multi-Generational Cruise Gifts.
