MSC Poesia Bonus: How to Spend Onboard Credit

I have truly been enjoying my time on MSC Poesia and I will summarize my thoughts tomorrow. Tonight the pressing issue is about my remaining Onboard Credits. Remember MSC has a promotion that gave me a free balcony upgrade with a $250 on board credit. I purchased Premium Internet for 14.90€ per day. Since I am solo tips come out to 10€ per day or 50€. In summary, I need to figure out the best way to use up 125€ credit that is still in my account. The biggest shame for a thrifty cruiser would be to leave onboard credit unused.

Some things to note: the Euro is currently worth less than a US Dollar which is in my favor. MSC allows me to use onboard credit towards my tips (mandatory service charges) which is brilliant. MSC adds these charges on the first day so it is easy to manage your balance.

Here are some ideas on how to use up onboard credits should you find yourself in a similar situation.

1. Buy the Internet package. MSC is half the price of some cruiselines for their Internet which is a great value.

2. Buy an excursion. I feel like the MSC excursions are fairly priced. Unfortunately, I have already been to these ports. I checked into the Behind the Scenes tour but it was only offered on tbe sea day. I was too late.

3. Buy specialty dining. On the MSC Poesia, there is no steakhouse only a sushi festival offering. Since I get one free meal at the specialty dining anyway, I've already booked it. Also, I am perfectly happy with the dining room food anyway.

4. Buy gifts and stuff in the gift shops. There are no last minute sales on MSC since it is always someone's first day and always someone's last day. The prices are reasonable and I am tempted by some of the bargains. However, I brought only a carry on and a personal item. I don't have room for new things even if the beach bag is an awesome deal at $9. OK, I.bought the.beach bag.

5. Gamble my onboard credit away. I have a friend who claims you can gamble away the credits until you've spent all of them and then cash out. Anything left is money in your pocket. I am very intrigued but I want to watch him do it first. He also says you might get flagged as a high roller and invited back for a free cruise. I am not fully convinced. Stay tuned on this one...

6. I could have a spa day. One point of this blog is to have a little bit of luxury without paying a luxury price. I can also get an hour in the thermal spa area free as a benefit from my status match.

7. Buy a photo package. Since I cruising solo and can take all the selfies I want for free, this doesn't work for me.

In summary, I finally.decided to take advantage of the buy a 50 minute massage promotion and get a. 80 minute massage in order to use up my credit. With tips it may cost me 10€. I'll combine this with the free thermal spa pass that I have never tried before. I'll let you know if it was worth it tomorrow.

Did I make the right choice? Would you choose different?  Do you have other suggestions? Feel free to comment below.

Happy Cruising!