If you’re cruising with Carnival, you might find yourself with some onboard credit (OBC) to spend. It can feel like free money—and in a way, it is—but to get the most out of it, you’ll want to use it wisely.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about onboard credit: what it is, how it works, and, most importantly, the best ways to spend it. We’ll start with the smartest options that give you the best value for your money and work our way down to the ones you might want to avoid. Let’s make sure you don’t waste a single cent!
What Is Carnival Onboard Credit?
Onboard credit (OBC) is essentially free money that’s added to your Sail & Sign account, which is Carnival’s onboard spending system. Every time you buy something on the ship—whether it’s drinks, excursions, or souvenirs—the cost is charged to your account. At the end of your cruise, your final balance can be settled using cash, a credit card, or, if you have it, onboard credit.
But how do you get onboard credit in the first place? There are several ways Carnival guests can score some extra spending money—some you might not even be aware of!
How to Get Carnival Onboard Credit
- Booking Deals – Carnival often runs promotions that include onboard credit as a perk. Depending on the offer, you could receive anywhere from $25 to $1,000 per stateroom.
- Price Drops – If the price of your cruise drops after you book, you may be eligible to receive the difference as onboard credit.
- Cancelled Cruises – If Carnival cancels your cruise and you rebook for a later date, they may throw in extra OBC on top of your Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
- Compensation – If something goes wrong on your cruise, such as a technical issue with the ship or a major itinerary change, Carnival may offer onboard credit as compensation.
- Carnival Shareholder Benefit – If you own at least 100 shares of Carnival stock (CCL), you can receive onboard credit:
- $50 for cruises 6 days or less
- $100 for cruises 7–13 days
- $250 for cruises 14 days or longer
- Carnival Mastercard – Carnival’s credit card lets you earn Fun Points, which can be redeemed for onboard credit.
- Military Benefit – Active and retired members of the U.S. or Canadian armed forces may receive $50 onboard credit per stateroom when booking certain cruises.
These are some of the easiest ways to get OBC—so if you have any of these perks, you’ll want to make sure you use them wisely!
The Best Ways to Use Your Carnival Onboard Credit
Not all onboard purchases offer the same value for your money—some are great deals, while others can actually cost you more if you use onboard credit. That’s why it’s important to know where your OBC will stretch the furthest.
So, let’s break it down! Here’s a list of ways to spend your Carnival onboard credit, ranked from best value to worst—so you can make sure every dollar counts.
1. Gratuities – The Best Use of Your Onboard Credit
One of the smartest ways to use your Carnival onboard credit is to cover your gratuities—as long as you haven’t prepaid them before boarding. These service tips go directly to the hardworking crew members who keep your cruise running smoothly, and since they’re an expected expense anyway, using OBC to pay them makes perfect sense.
💡 Important Note: If your onboard credit comes from Carnival shareholder benefits, it cannot be used for gratuities.
How Much Are Carnival Gratuities?
Carnival’s automatic gratuities are:
- $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms
- $18 per person, per day for suites
At the end of your cruise, if you have any unused onboard credit, it will automatically be applied to any gratuities you owe.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the total gratuity cost per person based on cruise length:
| Cruise Duration (Nights) | Standard Staterooms | Suites |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Nights | $32.00 | $36.00 |
| 3 Nights | $48.00 | $54.00 |
| 4 Nights | $64.00 | $72.00 |
| 5 Nights | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| 6 Nights | $96.00 | $108.00 |
| 7 Nights | $112.00 | $126.00 |
| 8 Nights | $128.00 | $144.00 |
| 9 Nights | $144.00 | $162.00 |
| 10 Nights | $160.00 | $180.00 |
| 11 Nights | $176.00 | $198.00 |
| 12 Nights | $192.00 | $216.00 |
| 13 Nights | $208.00 | $234.00 |
| 14 Nights | $224.00 | $252.00 |
Since gratuities are a mandatory charge for most guests, using onboard credit to cover them is the best way to get value from your OBC—and it saves you from paying out of pocket later.
2. Specialty Dining
If you want to upgrade your dining experience, using your Carnival onboard credit for specialty restaurants is a fantastic choice. However, there’s a catch—you can only use OBC for reservations made onboard, so it’s best to book as soon as you board to secure your spot. Popular venues can fill up quickly!
With specialty dining prices ranging from $6 per person for the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast to $150 per person for The Chef’s Table, this is a great way to treat yourself without spending extra cash.
Carnival Specialty Dining Prices
| Restaurant | Price |
|---|---|
| The Steakhouse | $38 adult / $12 child |
| Ji Ji Asian Kitchen | $15 adult / $5 child |
| Cucina del Capitano | $15 adult / $5 child |
| Bonsai Teppanyaki | $32 per person |
| Rudi’s Seagrill | $38 adult / $12 child |
| The Chef’s Table | $75–$150 per person |
| Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast | $6 per person |
| Culinary Classes | $30 per person |
If you usually stick to the free dining options, this is your chance to experience something special without feeling guilty about the splurge. Whether it’s a juicy steak at The Steakhouse, fresh sushi at Bonsai Teppanyaki, or an exclusive multi-course meal at The Chef’s Table, your onboard credit can make it all the more enjoyable.
3. Spa Access and Treatments
If you never usually splurge on spa treatments, using your Carnival onboard credit could be the perfect excuse to indulge. Whether you fancy a relaxing massage, a facial, or even a Botox treatment, your OBC can help you unwind without feeling guilty about the cost.
Cloud 9 Spa Pass – Affordable Luxury
One of the best-value ways to use onboard credit is by purchasing a Cloud 9 Spa pass, which gives you access to a variety of thermal spa facilities. For $22 per day, you can enjoy:
- Relaxation room
- Thermal suite
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Hot tubs
- Experience showers
- Steam rooms
- Saunas and hammam
You cannot book a Cloud 9 Spa pass before your cruise—it must be purchased onboard.
The more days you book, the cheaper the per-day cost:
| Cruise Duration | Per Guest | Per Couple |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $22 | $44 |
| 2 Days | $30 | $50 |
| 3 Days | $49 | $79 |
| 4 Days | $69 | $109 |
| 5 Days | $89 | $139 |
| 6 Days | $109 | $169 |
| 7 Days | $129 | $199 |
| 8 Days | $149 | $229 |
| 9 Days | $169 | $259 |
| 10 Days | $189 | $289 |
| 11 Days | $209 | $319 |
| 12 Days | $229 | $349 |
| 13 Days | $249 | $379 |
| 14+ Days | $269 | $409 |
(Prices are based on North American sailings and may vary.)
Carnival Spa Treatments
If you prefer treatments over thermal spa access, you can also use your onboard credit for a variety of spa services:
- Massages – $103 to $209
- Acupuncture – $169 to $699
- Facials – $100 to $139
- Hairdressing – $34 to $159
- Manicures and Pedicures – $41 to $111
Carnival often offers discounted spa treatments at certain times, which will be listed in the daily planner. While cruise spa prices can be higher than on land, Carnival’s spa treatments are actually cheaper than those on most other cruise lines—especially if you take advantage of special offers.
If you are looking for relaxation and pampering, spending your onboard credit at the spa is a great way to get value while treating yourself.
4. Shore Excursions
Using your Carnival onboard credit for shore excursions is a great way to make the most of your cruise experience. Whether it’s a scenic tour, an adrenaline-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, excursions allow you to explore beyond the ship.
However, onboard credit can only be used for excursions booked once you’re on the ship at the shore excursions desk. If you book an excursion online before your cruise, you’ll need to pay with a credit card instead.
Carnival offers a wide range of excursions at different price points. Some are budget-friendly, while others are high-end experiences:
- Pirates Treasure & Shipwreck Museum, St. Thomas – $14.99 per adult
- Beach Breaks and Snorkeling – Typically $50 to $150 per person
- ATV and Jeep Tours – $100 to $250 per person
- Luxury Catamaran Sail with Lunch – Around $200 per person
- Helicopter Tour, Iceland – $799.99 per adult
Shore excursions can sell out quickly, so it’s best to visit the excursions desk as soon as you board to secure your preferred activities. If you plan to use your onboard credit for an excursion, check the options in advance so you can make a quick decision once onboard.
This is one of the best ways to use onboard credit, as it allows you to experience something memorable without spending extra cash.
5. Photos
Carnival makes it easy to capture special moments with professional photographers stationed throughout the ship. You’ll find them taking photos when you board, during dinner, and on the deck, often with fun backdrops or iconic settings. There’s no obligation to buy, but if you do want a keepsake, you can use your onboard credit to purchase photos.
Carnival’s photo prices are relatively reasonable compared to other cruise lines, with options to suit different budgets:
- Small print (basic photo) – $11.99
- Larger prints and specialty edits – Prices vary
- Full photo package – Up to $299.99, including a bundle of prints, a large wall canvas, digital copies, and a calendar
If you want a lasting memento from your cruise, using your onboard credit for professional-quality photos can be a great way to take home a tangible memory without spending extra. Just be sure to check out the photos at the gallery before the cruise ends, as they are not available after you disembark.
6. Gift Cards – A Potential Onboard Credit Hack
Some Carnival cruisers have reported success in using their onboard credit to buy Carnival gift cards at the Cherry On Top candy store. This could be a clever way to extend the value of your OBC and put it toward a future cruise instead of spending it onboard.
Carnival gift cards can be loaded with amounts ranging from $100 to $1,000, and you can purchase up to five per transaction. Since these gift cards never expire, you can save them until you’re ready to use them toward another cruise or even gift them to someone else.
However, the official policy on this is unclear. Some cruisers have been told that onboard credit from a rebooked cancelled cruise cannot be used to buy gift cards, while other types of onboard credit—such as from a price drop refund or shareholder benefit—can. Despite this, no reports suggest passengers being turned away when attempting to buy gift cards at Cherry On Top.
If you’d rather put your onboard credit toward a future cruise, this trick might be worth trying—just be aware that Carnival’s policy on it seems inconsistent.
7. Shopping – Souvenirs, Luxury, and Tax-Free Finds
Every Carnival cruise ship has onboard shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, watches, clothing, accessories, and liquor, and your onboard credit can be used for purchases in any of them. Since items bought at sea are tax-free, you might find some good deals—though prices on certain items can still be higher than on land, as cruise ship shopping often comes with a premium.
That said, if you’re looking for Carnival-branded souvenirs, the ship’s stores are the best place to find them. Using your onboard credit on exclusive Carnival merchandise can be a fun way to take home a reminder of your cruise without dipping into your own money.
Here are some of the more popular Carnival souvenirs and their prices:
- Carnival-themed Monopoly game – $49.95
- Carnival windbreaker jacket – $39.95
- Carnival mug – $14.95
If you have onboard credit to spend and want a keepsake from your trip, the ship’s shops offer a range of options. However, if you’re looking for general luxury goods or electronics, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with what you’d pay at home before making a purchase.
8. Drinks
You can use your Carnival onboard credit to pay for drinks, whether you’re purchasing a Cheers! drinks package or simply charging individual drinks to your onboard account. However, there’s a catch when it comes to buying the drinks package.
To pay for the Cheers! package with onboard credit, you must wait until you’re onboard to purchase it. The problem? The package is cheaper if you buy it in advance before your cruise.
| Buy Online (Before Cruise) | Buy Onboard |
|---|---|
| $82.54 per day | $88.44 per day |
Since Carnival raised prices in December 2024, there’s no longer a discount for cruises over five nights. This means that on a seven-day cruise for two people, you’d pay around $84 more by purchasing the package onboard instead of pre-booking it.
For this reason, using onboard credit for a drinks package is not a great deal—you’ll end up spending more than necessary.
However, if you don’t plan on buying a drinks package and instead prefer to pay for individual drinks, using your onboard credit for those makes more sense. Any remaining OBC at the end of your cruise will automatically be applied to your bar bill, so if you’re going to be ordering drinks anyway, this is a convenient way to use it
9. WiFi
You can use your Carnival onboard credit to purchase WiFi, but only if you wait until you’re onboard to buy it. The problem? Carnival offers a 15% discount if you purchase your WiFi package online before your cruise, making it one of the worst-value ways to use onboard credit.
Here’s how the prices compare:
| WiFi Package | Online Price (Pre-Cruise) | Onboard Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social | $18.70 per day | $22 per day | 15% |
| Value | $22.10 per day | $26 per day | 15% |
| Premium | $23.80 per day | $28 per day | 15% |
| Multi-Device Premium | $75 | Not available onboard | N/A |
For a seven-day cruise, if two people purchase the Premium WiFi package, buying it in advance saves $58.80 compared to paying with onboard credit onboard.
If you know you’ll need WiFi for the full cruise, buying it before sailing is the better deal. However, if you only need WiFi for a few days rather than the entire cruise, single-day plans can only be purchased onboard, making this a reasonable use of your onboard credit in that case.
10. Casino – A Risky but Possible Onboard Credit Trick
If you enjoy gambling, you can use your Carnival onboard credit in the casino. However, there are a few important details to keep in mind.
- If you withdraw funds from your onboard credit at a table game, you’ll be charged a 3% fee.
- If you load the funds into a slot machine, there is no fee.
Some cruisers have wondered if they can convert onboard credit into cash by loading it into a slot machine, spinning a few times, and cashing out. Officially, this isn’t allowed—only winnings can be withdrawn as cash, while any remaining balance is returned as onboard credit.
That said, in practice, many cruisers have successfully cashed out their balance after playing a few spins. To try this, ensure you transfer your onboard credit to the slot machines rather than table games to avoid the 3% fee.
While this method may work, it’s not guaranteed, and there’s always the risk of losing your onboard credit instead of walking away with cash. If you were planning to gamble anyway, this can be a good use of OBC, but if you’re just trying to convert credit into cash, proceed with caution.
11. Bingo
Playing bingo on a Carnival cruise can be fun, but when it comes to value for money, it’s not the best way to spend your onboard credit. While some people love the excitement of the game, cruise ship bingo is generally quite expensive for what you get.
- Bingo cards start at $10 each, but most people spend more to get multiple cards.
- While there are potential jackpots of up to $5,000, the chances of winning are slim—some big prizes require you to win within a set number of calls, making the odds even smaller.
- Many of the prizes aren’t cash but instead items like jewellery, spa treatments, free bingo cards, or even more onboard credit.
If you genuinely enjoy bingo, using your onboard credit to play can be a fun way to pass the time. However, if you’re looking to get the best possible value from your onboard credit, there are better ways to spend it.
12. Art
For most people, the main draw of cruise ship art auctions is the free sparkling wine, rather than the art itself. Serious collectors and investors typically avoid buying art on a cruise, and for good reason.
So, who actually buys art at these auctions? More often than not, it’s people who get swept up in the excitement, possibly after a few too many glasses of complimentary fizz.
Here’s why you might want to think twice before using your onboard credit at an art auction:
- Many of the pieces can be found cheaper elsewhere if you take the time to do some research.
- You won’t take home the artwork you see on the ship—an identical copy will be shipped to you from a land-based warehouse.
- Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and cruise ship art rarely appreciates in value.
If you genuinely love a piece and don’t mind paying extra, you can use your onboard credit to buy it. Just be aware that it’s probably not a great investment, and you might find a better deal elsewhere.
Things to Know About Carnival’s Onboard Credit
Before you start spending your Carnival onboard credit, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. There Are Some Limitations
Carnival onboard credit can be used for almost anything onboard, but there are a few exceptions. You cannot use it for:
- Medical expenses
- Taxes and port fees
- Anything purchased before boarding the ship
This means you’ll need to wait until you’re onboard to use OBC for things like drink packages, WiFi, and excursions.
2. You Can Check Your Balance
To keep track of your remaining onboard credit, you can:
- Use Carnival’s online portal or mobile app to check your balance.
- Visit the Guest Services desk, where staff can provide details about your OBC.
Since onboard credit isn’t refundable, it’s a good idea to monitor your balance so you don’t leave any of it unused.
3. If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It
Carnival’s terms and conditions make it clear:
“Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and has no cash value. Any unused portion of the onboard credit will be forfeited.”
This means if you don’t spend your onboard credit before the end of your cruise, it disappears. Make sure you use it all before the last night to avoid wasting it.
How to Spend Onboard Credit Wisely
If you have onboard credit, the smartest way to use it is:
- Gratuities – If you haven’t prepaid them, this should be your first priority. Calculate the total gratuities based on your room type, number of guests, and cruise length, then subtract that from your onboard credit balance.
- Treat Yourself – Once gratuities are covered, consider using OBC for:
- Specialty dining
- Spa access and treatments
- Shore excursions
- Professional photos
By prioritising necessary expenses first, you can make sure your onboard credit goes toward things that provide the best value—and, of course, a little extra fun.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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I just did a cruise in December. I used my OBC to pre-purchase the Cheers package. Fourtunealy I did it before they raised the price in December.