OBC and Exchange Rates

[sandancer]

Purchases for bookings are always made in the booking currency.

 

So as your booking is in USD, OBC purchase is also possible, but only in USD. You can't buy it in AUD (at any time) and have them convert it.

 

Absolutely correct. I bought some online when this thread first started. Last week my credit card was charged at 1.54 and not the 1.67 still being offered for GBP. I called and cancelled it. No doubt I will wait even longer for my refund.

 

 

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[Pean]

As others have stated, the $AUD for $USD deal is off, but even when it was on, US bookings could not take advantage of it. I couldn't for one of my bookings but could on several others.

 

Am I missing something. I just had a look and it is still showing $25Aus for 1 quantity of OBC which unless something has changed since I bought my last lot a couple of months ago equals $25US. I dont need anymore so can't check it out properly.

[jveevers]

Am I missing something. I just had a look and it is still showing $25Aus for 1 quantity of OBC which unless something has changed since I bought my last lot a couple of months ago equals $25US. I dont need anymore so can't check it out properly.

Pean. Yes it has always shown that but I think the unknown is how much USD the AUD25 converts to as OBC. I and others and yourself have bought plenty but until it shows up on the cruise I guess we wont be sure of what we actually get in USD OBC, I have learnt never 100% trust what Celebrity tells us. I usually book tours etc prior in AUD but will now do onboard in USD hopefully using dollar for dollar OBC.

[Pean]

Hi Jveevers. I have been buying OBC for cruises over the last 5 or so years and have found what we pay for the OBC differs (have paid between $25 and $29Aus per quantity) but it has always bought $25US OBC. I am pretty sure that in all the other countries as well 1 quantity is for $25US OBC. I would hope that if Celebrity changed the value of the OBC they would make it clear.

Edited February 17, 2015 by Pean

[swigso]

Having read this, I have just checked the UK site and Celebrity are still selling US$25 for £14.90 [=£1=US1.6778] which is the same great rate being used for sometime now. So, we are not getting such a good deal as Australia but we are being offered it for longer. Anyone know the current situation in Canada and Euro Zone?

 

Hi

I booked through a USA travel agent paid for my cruise in Dollars,

Got a great rate no problems OBC Free Grats Classic Drinks Package,

Very happy ,

Tried to be clever , got my son to ring Captains Club and try to buy

OBC via the UK site,

Didn't happen he was charged at today's rate 1.51 not worth it as to draw

The cash from the casino the rate would be 1.46 or do with the 5%

Casino charge so cancelled

However as the dollar has soared I have booked my 2016 cruise with my UK TA

And have loaded my account with OBC at 1.67

Swings Roundabouts cones to to mind

Edited February 17, 2015 by swigso

[MicCanberra]

Hi

I booked through a USA travel agent paid for my cruise in Dollars,

Got a great rate no problems OBC Free Grats Classic Drinks Package,

Very happy ,

Tried to be clever , got my son to ring Captains Club and try to buy

OBC via the UK site,

Didn't happen he was charged at today's rate 1.51 not worth it as to draw

The cash from the casino the rate would be 1.46 or do with the 5%

Casino charge so cancelled

However as the dollar has soared I have booked my 2016 cruise with my UK TA

And have loaded my account with OBC at 1.67

Swings Roundabouts cones to to mind

 

Yes, same with my US booking.:D

[MicCanberra]

Hi Jveevers. I have been buying OBC for cruises over the last 5 or so years and have found what we pay for the OBC differs (have paid between $25 and $29Aus per quantity) but it has always bought $25US OBC. I am pretty sure that in all the other countries as well 1 quantity is for $25US OBC. I would hope that if Celebrity changed the value of the OBC they would make it clear.

 

One unit is $25USD, it just depends on the conversion rate as to how much $AUD it costs to get that $25 OBC. A few weeks ago, the 425 USD OBC cost only $25 AUD, that is what has stopped, not the actual buying of OBC.

[Pean]

One unit is $25USD, it just depends on the conversion rate as to how much $AUD it costs to get that $25 OBC. A few weeks ago, the 425 USD OBC cost only $25 AUD, that is what has stopped, not the actual buying of OBC.

 

I am sorry I am not trying to be argumentative but I can't see why everyone is saying you can no longer buy $25US OBC for $25Aus. What rate is everyone seeing. When I look it still shows as 1 quantity is $25Aus and as 1 quantity has always been worth $25US no matter what you paid for it I assume it is dollar for dollar. I have been doing this for years and have paid up to I think $29.30Aus at one stage for my $25US. I have never been charged a conversion rate, whatever it says on the gift page that 1 quantity will cost is how much has been charged to my card. Maybe it is too early in the mornng and my brain is not working properly but how much is $25US costing now.

Edited February 17, 2015 by Pean

[MicCanberra]

I am sorry I am not trying to be argumentative but I can't see why everyone is saying you can no longer buy $25US OBC for $25Aus. What rate is everyone seeing. When I look it still shows as 1 quantity is $25Aus and as 1 quantity has always been worth $25US no matter what you paid for it I assume it is dollar for dollar. I have been doing this for years and have paid up to I think $29.30Aus at one stage for my $25US. I have never been charged a conversion rate, whatever it says on the gift page that 1 quantity will cost is how much has been charged to my card. Maybe it is too early in the mornng and my brain is not working properly but how much is $25US costing now.

 

I think you have answered your own query, if they are charging $29.30 AUD for $25 USD, then there is a conversion /exchange rate being applied ($0.85 USD for each $1 AUD).

If you can still get the $25 USD for $25 AUD on line then go for it. :D

[Pean]

I think you have answered your own query, if they are charging $29.30 AUD for $25 USD, then there is a conversion /exchange rate being applied ($0.85 USD for each $1 AUD).

If you can still get the $25 USD for $25 AUD on line then go for it. :D

 

When I was charged the $29.30 that was a few years ago and was the rate that it said on the website. What I am saying is I have always been charged whatever the gifts page says and at the moment it is still saying $25Aus. If I needed anymore OBC for trip next month I would order more but already have enough. Have a great day. 🚢

[MicCanberra]

When I was charged the $29.30 that was a few years ago and was the rate that it said on the website. What I am saying is I have always been charged whatever the gifts page says and at the moment it is still saying $25Aus. If I needed anymore OBC for trip next month I would order more but already have enough. Have a great day.

 

That is good news then, however the phone line access for OBC was closed last week (with the good rate anyway).

[Pean]

That is good news then, however the phone line access for OBC was closed last week (with the good rate anyway).

 

That is probably more of the issue, we all know how unreliable it is when you try to book the OBC online.😊 They are probably getting around to changing the price there as well.

[MicCanberra]

That is probably more of the issue, we all know how unreliable it is when you try to book the OBC online. They are probably getting around to changing the price there as well.

 

Yes, I had booked some online and it took four goes before it worked:(, now I just call.:D

[upwarduk]

Just want to report that the rate for passengers who live in UK is still £14.90 per 1 unit of $25.

I've just bought ( at 9am) 6 units and had the email confirming within 5 minutes.

[MicCanberra]

Just want to report that the rate for passengers who live in UK is still £14.90 per 1 unit of $25.

I've just bought ( at 9am) 6 units and had the email confirming within 5 minutes.

 

Excellent for you :D

Unfortunately, the rate for Aussies has dropped to reflect the current exchange.($32 AUD for $25 USD):(

Edited March 5, 2015 by MicCanberra

[MarkusToe]

:Drate within europe is 1,366US / 1 € , still - good deal :D

[jveevers]

I "gifted" myself several lots of OBC for August cruise. This was during Jan and Feb and was at the rate of $25US for $25AUD . Feb 17th the day before I left for overseas I bought 36 x $25 = $900, I printed out the order which showed this together with a Total amount which clearly states price of $900AUD...

Arriving back home last week I checked my Credit card statements, all good for the earlier purchases. AUD equal to USD, no conversion fees as charged in $ AUD....

All good except that final purchase. For $900 they have charged me $1575 . As mentioned above, I had printed the order so I double checked and charge should be $900.. So I called Celebrity, after 20 minutes of being passed around I was told that they could give me no explanation, no details, because I booked through a TA and the TA needed to call them. So got onto the TA and even though sympathetic, they couldnt help because I purchased the OBC direct and not via them.

Called Celebrity Gifts in Miami, same story, cannot deal with me direct.

So they have charged me $1575 for $900 , and I cannot find out why.

Out of frustration, I have asked Amex to charge back, with no way of getting a satisfactory explanation, I have no alternative. Just glad that I printed out the order as otherwise I have no evidence.

[Project_gal]

I "gifted" myself several lots of OBC for August cruise. This was during Jan and Feb and was at the rate of $25US for $25AUD . Feb 17th the day before I left for overseas I bought 36 x $25 = $900, I printed out the order which showed this together with a Total amount which clearly states price of $900AUD...

Arriving back home last week I checked my Credit card statements, all good for the earlier purchases. AUD equal to USD, no conversion fees as charged in $ AUD....

All good except that final purchase. For $900 they have charged me $1575 . As mentioned above, I had printed the order so I double checked and charge should be $900.. So I called Celebrity, after 20 minutes of being passed around I was told that they could give me no explanation, no details, because I booked through a TA and the TA needed to call them. So got onto the TA and even though sympathetic, they couldnt help because I purchased the OBC direct and not via them.

Called Celebrity Gifts in Miami, same story, cannot deal with me direct.

So they have charged me $1575 for $900 , and I cannot find out why.

Out of frustration, I have asked Amex to charge back, with no way of getting a satisfactory explanation, I have no alternative. Just glad that I printed out the order as otherwise I have no evidence.

 

As OBC is purchased through Gifts by Celebrity [originally intended for friends/family buying OBC as a gift] it should have nothing to do with your TA. If I was you, I would contact Celebrity again [probably in writing] and insist that they should deal with you - the consumer who purchased the OBC. My guess is that, because you have returned from your cruise, they are treating it as a post-cruise complaint but I do not think that it is.

Edited March 24, 2015 by Project_gal

[jveevers]

As OBC is purchased through Gifts by Celebrity [originally intended for friends/family buying OBC as a gift] it should have nothing to do with your TA. If I was you, I would contact Celebrity again [probably in writing] and insist that they should deal with you - the consumer who purchased the OBC. My guess is that, because you have returned from your cruise, they are treating it as a post-cruise complaint but I do not think that it is.

Have contacted Celebrity as mentioned, and did point out that hypothetically it could have been a third party who had bought this "gift" for me. Didnt make any difference, they are rock solid on not dealing direct with me. The cruise isnt until August, I was OS on a different trip.

[The_Big_M]

Called Celebrity Gifts in Miami, same story, cannot deal with me direct.

So they have charged me $1575 for $900 , and I cannot find out why.

Out of frustration, I have asked Amex to charge back, with no way of getting a satisfactory explanation, I have no alternative. Just glad that I printed out the order as otherwise I have no evidence.

 

I'd be careful with this - it's not the best way to resolve it.

 

As you are not paying a debt that they believe you owe, you may well find you are not permitted to do future business with them, as you've become a bad debtor.

 

Are you sure you didn't get more given to you onboard? It's remarkable that the amount charged is an even multiple of $25, so they may well have processed it as an extra order.

[jveevers]

I'd be careful with this - it's not the best way to resolve it.

 

As you are not paying a debt that they believe you owe, you may well find you are not permitted to do future business with them, as you've become a bad debtor.

 

Are you sure you didn't get more given to you onboard? It's remarkable that the amount charged is an even multiple of $25, so they may well have processed it as an extra order.

Yes they may well have processed it as an extra order but I have not received an "amenity confirmation" as I usually do, therefore I do not know how much OBC I bought. The order document that I printed when I "purchased the gift" clearly shows 36 x $25 = $900

Celebritys refusal to discuss this with me or even confirm things.

I called them again today, got switched from person to person, final switch was to an automated "survey" which terminated the call after I had completed the survey.

At this point, international phone calls have cost me around $60 wasted.

As the query concerns gifts the Australian number people will not deal with it.

Emails that I sent last week, no reply, but not surprising as I dont think that I have ever had an email back over the years.

Yes requesting charge back may not be the best thing to do but I am on last resort.

[The_Big_M]

Have you tried their social media rep e.g. through facebook?

 

They can't directly resolve, but can try to see it gets through to the right area.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

Yes they may well have processed it as an extra order but I have not received an "amenity confirmation" as I usually do, therefore I do not know how much OBC I bought. The order document that I printed when I "purchased the gift" clearly shows 36 x $25 = $900

Celebritys refusal to discuss this with me or even confirm things.

I called them again today, got switched from person to person, final switch was to an automated "survey" which terminated the call after I had completed the survey.

At this point, international phone calls have cost me around $60 wasted.

As the query concerns gifts the Australian number people will not deal with it.

Emails that I sent last week, no reply, but not surprising as I dont think that I have ever had an email back over the years.

Yes requesting charge back may not be the best thing to do but I am on last resort.

 

Like you I am having a problem with the purchase of OBC. I purchased a little over $3200 in two online transactions but nothing was credited after a week. Contacted Celebrity UK and I was advised that it was unlikely to happen so I purchased the OBC again over the phone with them. Two weeks after the original online transactions, Celebrity placed the purchase however the total did not relate to the original online transaction and amounted to about $1600. Celebrity UK to their credit have been using their best endeavours have not been able to back out the $1600 so we agreed that I try with my credit card provider. I have had the $1600 of OBC suspended by Amex.

 

It has now been going on for 6 weeks unresolved as all financials are dealt with by Celebrity in Miami not the home country Celebrity and Miami do not seem to talk to Celebrity UK even with the intervention of the head of finance in the UK. So we have Amex UK unable to talk to Celebrity UK and trying to talk to Celebrity in Miami who do not talk to anyone.

 

I do not want the additional OBC as it would total nearly $5000 and there is nothing I would spend it on, as I don't do spa treatments or hairdressers and speciality dining and drinks are already included in the fare. Strongly suggest that when you talk with Amex ensure that you quote your cruise booking reference (in the hope it will help Miami join all the dots) and send copies of all documentation you have from Celebrity. I cannot fault Celebrity UK who have tried to resolve this and we have weekly update calls and a laugh on the lack of progress. Overall this will be our first sailing with Celebrity and has left a very poor impression so I feel and understand your pain.

[Project_gal]

Like you I am having a problem with the purchase of OBC. I purchased a little over $3200 in two online transactions but nothing was credited after a week. Contacted Celebrity UK and I was advised that it was unlikely to happen so I purchased the OBC again over the phone with them. Two weeks after the original online transactions, Celebrity placed the purchase however the total did not relate to the original online transaction and amounted to about $1600. Celebrity UK to their credit have been using their best endeavours have not been able to back out the $1600 so we agreed that I try with my credit card provider. I have had the $1600 of OBC suspended by Amex.

 

It has now been going on for 6 weeks unresolved as all financials are dealt with by Celebrity in Miami not the home country Celebrity and Miami do not seem to talk to Celebrity UK even with the intervention of the head of finance in the UK. So we have Amex UK unable to talk to Celebrity UK and trying to talk to Celebrity in Miami who do not talk to anyone.

 

I do not want the additional OBC as it would total nearly $5000 and there is nothing I would spend it on, as I don't do spa treatments or hairdressers and speciality dining and drinks are already included in the fare. Strongly suggest that when you talk with Amex ensure that you quote your cruise booking reference (in the hope it will help Miami join all the dots) and send copies of all documentation you have from Celebrity. I cannot fault Celebrity UK who have tried to resolve this and we have weekly update calls and a laugh on the lack of progress. Overall this will be our first sailing with Celebrity and has left a very poor impression so I feel and understand your pain.

 

It really is of no help to you but I hope that your tale will help stop people trying to purchase OBC online if my constant warnings do not.

 

Hope you get it all sorted out soon.

[Christine Frances]

It really is of no help to you but I hope that your tale will help stop people trying to purchase OBC online if my constant warnings do not.

 

Hope you get it all sorted out soon.

 

Seems to work well for Canadians booked in CND $'s though. I have purchased multiple units for two of my upcoming cruises with the accurate exchange rate applied. I found that the first time when I booked online that it took awhile to receive the "amenity confirmation" so now I just call and it is done immediately. We are happy campers:)