You might have noticed that a number of the deals that we have run here on the Get Cruising website include free onboard credit that you can make use of on your cruise.

Fred Olsen for example has been offering as much as £500 in onboard credit on selected trips - depending on the length of the cruise and the accommodation grade - which serves as a huge incentive for anyone who might be struggling to decide which cruise they choose if they have a number of options.

So what exactly is onboard credit?

Well there is nothing groundbreaking about the idea because it’s pretty much as the name would suggest - credit that is provided for travellers to make use of whilst they are enjoying their cruise holiday.

It’s increasingly being offered by cruise lines as an incentive to try and draw in customers as the travel industry comes back to life after the pandemic and it can be a great way for you to get more for your money from your trip.

How much you can get will depend on the individual cruise line and the nature of the deal, which might mean you get a small amount if you book by a certain date or benefit from a larger amount on a special offer similar to those mentioned above.

It’s also worth checking whether any onboard credit offered is per cabin or per person - as the difference between the two will obviously be quite different.

When the time arrives to go on your cruise, this is when your onboard spend comes into its own, effectively becoming free cash for you to spend - for the most part - as you wish on a range of amenities onboard.

There will be some variation between different cruise lines so double check when you book or before you travel so you know exactly what you can use it for, but the following provides a general guide.

Excursions:

Unless you are travelling with a high-end cruise line that provides guests with free excursions as part of the package, one of the biggest expenditures of a cruise will be on trips when you are docked in port.

Using your onboard credit towards a shore excursion is a great way to get a discount on one of these excursions, or might even cover the whole cost depending on what package you have.

That might mean you are able to save money, or can do an extra excursion that would otherwise have been outside your budget.

Food & Drink:

No matter who you are travelling with, there will be inclusive dining available in the main restaurant on your ship but what you are entitled to beyond that is once again down to the cruise line you are sailing with.

Your ship might have various speciality dining options where you can sample cuisine from around the world or where you can enjoy dishes created by celebrity chefs. Dining in these restaurants however may incur a supplement but you can avoid paying extra money from your own pocket by instead using your onboard credit to cover the costs.

You can also use your onboard credit towards alcoholic drinks, which are not always going to be included in the price of your cruise unless you are travelling with one of a select number of cruise lines.

Whilst you might want to consider a drinks package that gives you a set number of drinks per day, you might find that that doesn’t provide value for money if you are not a big drinker and only plan to have a few beers or the odd cocktail during your trip. In that case, using your onboard credit may make more sense.

It’s the same story when it comes to speciality coffees and hot drinks if you want something beyond a simple americano or a cup of English breakfast tea, as well as some snack items - so you can once again use your onboard spend to reduce the costs incurred.

Shopping:

Each cruise ship will have at least one shop onboard where you can partake in some retail therapy and let’s be honest - shopping is a much more enjoyable experience when you are spending someone else’s money.

Onboard credit can be used against a wide range of purchases from holiday essentials that you might have forgotten, right through to designer clothes and accessories.

Internet access:

If you want to stay connected with home then an internet package is an advisable purchase to avoid racking up an expensive bill on your mobile phone - if you are able to even get a reception in the middle of the ocean.

For the most part, you’ll be able to reduce the cost of your connectivity even further by using your onboard credit towards a package to ensure that you can update your Instagram and make your friends and family jealous of the fact that you’re having a ball.

Activities:

Whilst there will be some activities that come as part of the package on a cruise, there are also plenty of activities and facilities that will require an extra charge.

You can use your onboard credit to reduce the costs of these activities or maybe add something extra to enhance your experience - such as a trip the spa - that you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

As with everything mentioned here, it’s all about getting more for your money.

There will be some exceptions where you can’t use your credit - such as in the casino to buy chips - but again, this will vary from one cruise line to the next.

Should you have any questions about onboard credit for your cruise, then simply get in touch and we'll be happy to help