How to use onboard credits for Voyages by Chase Travel℠
Quick insights
- Voyages by Chase Travel sailings offer exclusive perks like onboard credits to enhance your trip.
- These credits work similarly to hotel property credits and can help offset various cruise purchases.
- You can typically use your credits for dining, spa treatments or excursions depending on the cruise line.
Imagine settling into your cruise cabin and realizing your spa treatment is already covered. Planning a cruise often involves budgeting for more than just your room, from specialty dining to shore excursions. However, as an eligible Chase cardmember, if you book a cruise through Voyages by Chase Travel sailing, you might receive onboard credits to help cover these extra costs. Let's look at how these credits can be applied and potentially help you stretch your vacation budget while making your trip more relaxing.
What are onboard credits from Voyages by Chase Travel?
Knowing what these credits are can help you plan your vacation budget. Many travelers might assume cruise perks are limited to room upgrades, but onboard credits offer flexible spending power.
Certain cruises on Chase Travel are designated as Voyages by Chase Travel sailings, which unlock exclusive benefits beyond just the points earning. By booking one of these designated sailings, you'll receive perks like onboard credits, package upgrades and more.
These work similar to hotel property credits. They provide a specific dollar amount you can use to offset eligible purchases during your trip. Exact benefits vary by sailing and cruise line.
How do you get onboard credits with Voyages by Chase Travel?
When you book through Voyages by Chase Travel, the credit is often added to your reservation as part of the booking package. You typically don't need to fill out extra forms or request the credit separately.
Once your booking is confirmed, the cruise line links the credit directly to your cabin or passenger profile. This means your funds are ready to be used by the time you board the ship. We recommend confirming the credit has been applied at the end of your sailing.
When booking a cruise through Chase Travel, you can earn rewards when you pay with an eligible Chase credit card, including Chase Sapphire® credit cards. Depending on your credit card, you may be able to earn accelerated rewards on these bookings, allowing you to enjoy exclusive perks while building your rewards balance.
What can I use onboard credits on?
The onboard credits vary by cruise line, meaning your options will depend on who you sail with. Common ways to use your credits include:
- Specialty dining: You might be able to use your credit for an upgraded meal at a premium restaurant on the ship.
- Spa treatments: Credits can often be applied toward massages or other relaxing services.
- Shore excursions: You may be able to offset the cost of guided tours or activities at your destination.
For example, you might use a statement credit toward eligible dining purchases for a special occasion dinner. Alternatively, you could apply your credit toward an excursion on your trip, such as a snorkeling tour.
How to use onboard credits for Voyages by Chase Travel
Understanding when and where you are able to apply your credits can help you avoid leaving unused funds behind at the end of your trip. Additionally, you don't necessarily have to wait until you're physically on the ship to start using your perks.
While some credits must be used once you're on the ship, others may be applied to prepay for services like excursions or beverage packages through the cruise line’s app.
If you wait until you board, the credit is typically applied to your final folio to offset onboard purchases. You might consider checking with your specific cruise line to find out their redemption process and timeline.
What happens to unused onboard credits?
A common misconception is that leftover credits will simply roll over to your next vacation or be refunded to your card.
Usually, onboard credits are a "use it or lose it" benefit. They typically expire at the end of your sailing and can't be redeemed for cash.
If you have a small balance left on the final night, you might want to use it before disembarking. You might consider checking with your specific cruise line for their exact policies regarding unused credits.
In summary
Whether you use them for a relaxing spa day or an adventurous shore excursion, onboard credits can help elevate your cruise experience. Voyages by Chase Travel sailings can offer cardmember benefits automatically with your booking. Planning ahead understanding how to use onboard credits can be helpful.
