Picture this: you scored onboard credit for your Princess cruise, and that’s basically free money to make your voyage even better. Princess onboard credit is a spending allowance applied to your onboard account that you can use on nearly everything you buy during your sailing. That includes specialty dining at Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, relaxing Lotus Spa treatments, unforgettable shore excursions, boutique shopping, beverage upgrades, gratuities, internet packages, and even a little fun at the casino.
In short, your onboard credit on Princess works like a gift card for your entire trip. Whatever you charge to your stateroom account, from a decadent steak dinner to a snorkeling adventure ashore, can be paid for with your credit. Below, we explore all the best ways to spend it so not a single dollar goes to waste.
Ready to turn that credit into memories? Let’s dive in.
What is Princess onboard credit?
Princess onboard credit is a dollar amount added to your shipboard account that you can put toward most onboard purchases and experiences. Think of it as a spending balance waiting for you the moment you step aboard, ready to cover the extras that make a great cruise unforgettable.
Once you’re onboard, you can check your balance anytime on the Princess app or your stateroom TV. That way, you always know exactly how much you have left to play with.
Splurge vs. Practical: How will you spend your onboard credit with Princess Cruises?
Onboard credit on Princess gives you a delightful choice: treat yourself to something indulgent or use it to cover the everyday extras. There’s no wrong answer, and many cruisers do a bit of both.
If you love a good splurge, your credit unlocks luxurious experiences you might otherwise skip. If you’re the practical type, it can quietly knock down your final bill. Here’s how the two approaches compare.
|
Category |
Splurge choice |
Practical choices |
|---|---|---|
|
Dining |
Multi-course meal at Crown Grill |
Casual specialty lunch |
|
Wellness |
Full Lotus Spa massage package |
Single day thermal suite pass |
|
Beverages |
Premium drink package upgrade |
A few specialty coffees or cocktails |
|
Ashore |
Private tour or excursion |
Group sightseeing tour |
|
Shopping |
Fine jewelry or a keepsake watch |
Sunscreen, souvenirs, essentials |
|
Everyday |
Casino fun and photo packages |
Gratuities and internet plans |
Whether you go big or keep it sensible, every dollar stretches your vacation a little further.
Where can I dine with my Princess onboard credit?
One of the most rewarding ways to spend your Princess onboard credit is at the ship’s specialty restaurants. These intimate venues serve up elevated menus, attentive service, and a special-occasion feel that turns any evening into an event.
Two guest favorites lead the pack. Crown Grill is a classic steakhouse where sizzling, perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood take center stage. Sabatini’s delivers an authentic taste of Italy, with handmade pasta, rich sauces, and mouthwatering regional specialties. Both charge a per-person cover, making them an ideal match for your credit.
Here are a few tasty ways to dine using your onboard credit:
- Celebrate a milestone with a romantic dinner at Crown Grill.
- Indulge in an Italian feast at Sabatini’s with the whole family.
- Book a special lunch for a quieter, midday treat.
- Try a chef’s tasting experience where available for a real culinary adventure.
Because dining charges post straight to your onboard account, your credit covers them automatically. It’s the delicious way to make your credit disappear.
Can I visit the spa with my Princess onboard credit?
The Lotus Spa is where your onboard credit on Princess transforms into pure relaxation. After a day of exploring or sunbathing, few things feel better than a treatment designed to melt your stress away.
The spa menu is wonderfully varied, so there’s something for every mood. Popular options include soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, invigorating body scrubs, and access to the tranquil thermal suite. Many cruisers also love the salon services for a fresh look before a special dinner or evening out.
|
Treatment |
Great For |
Vibe |
|---|---|---|
|
Swedish or deep-tissue massage |
Easing tension |
Deeply soothing |
|
Facial |
Refreshing your glow |
Pampering and restorative |
|
Body scrub or wrap |
Full-body renewal |
Luxurious and invigorating |
|
Thermal suite pass |
All-day relaxation |
Calm and rejuvenating |
Treat yourself once or book a package. Either way, your credit makes that spa day feel even more indulgent.
Are shore excursions covered by my Princess onboard credit?
Some of your most treasured cruise memories happen off the ship, and your Princess onboard credit is perfect for funding those adventures. From gentle sightseeing to heart-pounding thrills, there’s an excursion for every kind of traveler.
Picture snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, zip-lining through a lush jungle canopy, wandering ancient ruins, or simply relaxing on a postcard-perfect beach. Booking through Princess means your excursions charge directly to your account, so your credit covers the cost with ease.
Here are just a few adventures worth spending on:
- Snorkeling and beach breaks in the Caribbean or Mexico.
- Glacier and wildlife tours on an Alaska sailing.
- Historic and cultural walks through storied European ports.
- Culinary and wine tastings that showcase local flavors.
Use your credit here and you turn free cruise cash into a bucket-list experience ashore.
Where can I sip and shop with my Princess onboard credit?
Your onboard credit on Princess also shines when it comes to the ship’s boutiques and bars. Whether you crave a keepsake to remember your trip or a refreshing drink in hand, your credit has you covered.
The onboard boutiques stock everything from fine jewelry and designer watches to fragrances, logo apparel, and practical essentials you might have forgotten to pack. Meanwhile, the bars and cafes serve up specialty cocktails, fine wines, craft coffees, and more. If you didn’t prepay for a beverage package, your credit can help you upgrade or simply enjoy drinks as you go.
Here’s how the two stack up when spending your onboard credit.
|
Spending option |
What you’ll find |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
Boutique shopping |
Jewelry, watches, fragrances, souvenirs |
Keepsakes and gifts |
|
Everyday essentials |
Sunscreen, medications, apparel |
Forgotten must-haves |
|
Beverage package |
Unlimited drinks, one flat rate |
Frequent sippers |
|
À la carte drinks |
Cocktails, wine, specialty coffee |
Casual, occasional treats |
From a sparkling souvenir to your favorite sunset cocktail, your credit makes it easy to indulge.
Related: Best bars on Princess Cruises
Can I try my luck at the casino with my onboard credit from Princess?
Feeling lucky? The onboard casino is another fun way to put your Princess onboard credit to use. While policies can vary, many guests enjoy stretching their credit toward a little gaming excitement during sea days and evenings.
The Princess casino offers a lively mix of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and the buzzy energy of a night out at sea. It’s a festive way to unwind, chase a jackpot, and soak up the entertainment.
A few quick tips to keep it fun:
- Set a budget before you sit down and stick to it.
- Check the rules on using onboard credit for gaming with guest services.
- Enjoy the atmosphere even if you only play a little.
- Cash out winnings and treat yourself elsewhere onboard.
Whether you play a few hands or just enjoy the buzz, the casino adds a spark of excitement to your voyage.
Food vs. experiences: Where should your onboard credit go on your Princess cruise?
Still deciding between a delicious meal and a memorable outing? This quick comparison helps you weigh flavor against adventure so you can spend your credit in the way that suits you best.
|
Factor |
Food & dining |
Experiences & activities |
|---|---|---|
|
Best for |
Foodies and celebrations |
Adventurers and explorers |
|
Examples |
Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, specialty coffee |
Shore excursions, spa days, casino |
|
Lasting value |
A memorable meal and cozy evening |
Stories and photos to treasure |
|
Ideal moment |
Special-occasion nights aboard |
Port days and relaxing sea days |
|
Budget flexibility |
Set cover charges, easy to plan |
Ranges from budget to splurge |
The truth? You don’t have to choose just one. Blend a decadent dinner with a thrilling excursion and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Smart tips for using your onboard credit
To make the most of every dollar, a little planning goes a long way. Keep these pointers in mind so your credit works as hard as you play.
- Know your type of onboard credit. Refundable credit can be cashed out if unused, while non-refundable credit must be spent onboard. Check which you have early.
- Track your balance regularly on the Princess app or stateroom TV.
- Book popular experiences early, since specialty dining and top excursions fill up fast.
- Prioritize non-refundable credit first so you never leave money on the table.
- Ask guest services any questions about what your credit covers.
With a quick plan in place, you’ll spend confidently and squeeze every bit of value from your credit.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use Princess onboard credit for?
You can use it for almost any onboard purchase, including specialty dining at Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, Lotus Spa treatments, shore excursions, boutique shopping, beverage upgrades, gratuities, internet packages, photos, and casino play. It applies to nearly anything charged to your stateroom account.
How do I check my onboard credit balance on my Princess cruise?
The easiest way is through the Princess app, where your account balance updates in real time. You can also view it on your stateroom TV or stop by the guest services desk anytime for a quick check.
Is Princess onboard credit refundable?
It depends on the source. Refundable credit, often from certain promotions, can be returned to you as cash if you don’t use it. Non-refundable credit, common with many booking offers and loyalty perks, must be spent before your cruise ends. Confirm which type you have so you can plan accordingly.
Can I use onboard credit on Princess for gratuities?
Yes, in most cases your credit can be applied toward crew appreciation and gratuities charged to your account. It’s a practical way to use credit you might not otherwise spend.
Does onboard credit on Princess expire?
Your credit is tied to your specific sailing, so any non-refundable balance must be used before the cruise ends. Refundable credit left over is typically returned to you, but it’s always smart to spend intentionally and avoid surprises.
Can I use onboard credit on Princess in the casino?
Many guests do use their credit toward casino play, though policies can vary. Check with guest services onboard to confirm how OBC applies to gaming on your particular sailing.
Can multiple Princess onboard credits be combined?
Often, yes. If you earned credit from more than one source, such as a booking promotion and a loyalty reward, they typically stack together into one balance. Your total appears on your onboard account for easy tracking.
What happens if I don’t spend all my Princess onboard credit?
If you have refundable credit, the unused portion is usually refunded to your card or given as cash. Non-refundable credit, however, is forfeited if not used, so be sure to spend it before you disembark.
Scoring onboard credit is like unlocking a little bonus vacation fund, and now you know exactly how to make it count. From savoring a steak at Crown Grill and unwinding at the Lotus Spa to chasing adventure ashore, browsing the boutiques, sipping something special, or testing your luck in the casino, your Princess onboard credit opens the door to endless possibilities.
Your dream Princess voyage, made even sweeter, is waiting. Explore Princess itineraries and unlock exclusive deals on Cruises.com today, then set sail knowing your onboard credit is ready to turn into unforgettable memories.