Earn miles or go for the OBC?
 

Hello
This is my first post here. I've been obsessing about the following and going in circles as a result. Along with over-thinking things, I'm terrible at math so that is probably my problem.

All things being equal (same cruise line/itinerary, cost of cruise pp, same category room, same location, etc)... I've even used cruisecompete and all the agencies along with the airline portals all quote the same rate. The only difference is the extras. We're considering a basic outside cabin @ $827 pp.

If I book with United Cruises, it says I will earn 3000 miles which will double if I use my Chase Explorer card. No OBC or any other promos. I don't fly a lot so 6000 miles is a pretty decent score for me. The other airlines portals earn bonus miles but it looks like United's is the most lucrative.

If I choose one of the online cruises agencies through cruisecompete, the best extras I found included $118 OBC/cabin. I guess I would just earn the standard miles/$$$ depending on which credit card I use. I do have a Chase Sapphire so I guess I could get 2x with that card?

This is obviously a stupid question but which would you choose? Thx to anyone who might want to give me their opinion!

many people use 2 cents/mi.....i think its reasonable.....so 6k mi is worth $120 which isn't much help for you.....

the obc will most likely be used/needed on your cruise...

edit to add....if you have hopes of getting an award in the front for a special occasion, take the mi.... they are worth much more in that case, even though you wouldn't buy the ticket.....i have never bought a j or f ticket & we have been in front many many times....my bw likes it, as do i....

To me an OBC of $118 in the hand is worth 6K UA MP miles in the bush. Just MHO and everyone's perspective is different and like you, we also obsess about these decisions. Well, I know I do...

BTW that is a slightly odd number for an OBC which are usually round numbers.

OBC - they nickel and dime you on the less than luxury cruise lines and the OBC's come in handy.

i would also choose the OBC. while having miles for future travel is a nice thing, the OBC will enhance your trip. IMO

instead of "worrying" about any extra costs, you have XXX to splurge with. it is like free money to use for things you wouldn't normally buy. on my last cruise, i used the OBC to get an excursion i wouldn't have paid for out of pocket.

What ship and departure are you looking at? I've not found the CO prices to be great in the past, maybe I could have a quick look at see if I can find a better deal...

On what you wrote alone though- take the OBC.