22 First-Class Cruise Perks You Can Get Without Paying First-Class Prices

4. Watch for Flash Sales with Onboard Credit and Free Upgrades

Flash sales aren’t just gimmicks—they’re gold mines for first-class perks at economy prices. Cruise lines often release short-term offers to fill unsold cabins, especially on less popular sailings. These flash deals can include thousands in onboard credit (OBC), which acts like free spending money on the ship. You can use OBC for everything from spa treatments and wine tastings to shore excursions, room service, and boutique shopping. Better still, some sales toss in perks like free drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi access, or even 2-for-1 excursions. To catch these offers, subscribe to cruise newsletters, set fare alerts on travel apps, and follow cruise deal blogs. Booking during a flash sale might mean landing a balcony room with bonus perks for less than the cost of a standard interior cabin booked a month earlier.