NCL Gift cards and the casino

[jenifferf00]

We will likely get gift cards from family before our cruise. We will use them for excursions and tips, but anything above and beyond we would like to use in the casino.

 

Would we just apply the gift cards when we get there? Would we be able to use additional funds in the casino? I've seen something about a 3% convenience fee, is that charged when it's not coming off a cc?

 

Just wondering if maybe family should stick to plain old visa gift cards vs the NCL specific ones. We are not big shoppers, and already have the UBP, so there's not much above excursions and gratuities that we would spend, beyond the casino. So if we can't use it there we might as well be able to use it at home.

[clcjdn]

The 3% fee is present no matter what type of account you have set up. I don't believe the casino systems that charge the fee "know" anything about your account except for pass/fail on authorizations. Depending on your level of gambling, you can ask the host to review your account for any "comps" on the last night. If you have played "enough" they will likely waive those fees. I used quotes here because it is such a gray area, and you really will not find out until it happens. Thanks!

[Nola26]

As mentioned gift card cash in casino incurs a 3% fee.

 

You might be surprised how you can spend money onboard:

 

Future cruise certificate $250

You didn't specify ship, but some have a show with fees

Specialty restaurant meal or treat i.e. Cake Boss treat

Specialty coffee

Gift shop, even for just a t-shirt

Photos

Game room or just bowling at O'Sheehan's

Gelato

[Demonyte]

Just wondering if maybe family should stick to plain old visa gift cards vs the NCL specific ones.

 

Most prepaid and/or gift cards by credit card companies (Visa, Amex, etc) can not be used on cruise ships - usually it's printed right on the card itself.

Edited March 12, 2015 by Demonyte

[rascaldog]

Buy a future cruise credit for $250 and they will give you a voucher for $125 in free play in the casino. You get the best of both worlds, a deposit on future cruise and casino play.

[gtaylor]

Buy a future cruise credit for $250 and they will give you a voucher for $125 in free play in the casino. You get the best of both worlds, a deposit on future cruise and casino play.

 

I think that it is $100, and was told here that there is still a 3% fee charged against that to use in the casino.

 

gary

[clcjdn]

I think that it is $100, and was told here that there is still a 3% fee charged against that to use in the casino.

 

gary

 

The casino has an offer where they take the $100 OBC back and give you $125 in credits. They have to be played once, but you can bank any wins you have once you run through them.

[gtaylor]

Great to know. We've got two cruises coming up soon.

 

Thanks,

 

gary

[kblac708]

I just came back from a cruise. I took money out in the casino and was charged the 3% which is still cheaper for me than an atm fee plus a few from my bank for not using their ATM. I paid off any money I took out using a NCL gift card which I gave them at the end of the cruise. I actually gave them 5 of them. I was fine with the service charge as my OBC was used for that. Hope this helps

[gtaylor]

The casino has an offer where they take the $100 OBC back and give you $125 in credits. They have to be played once, but you can bank any wins you have once you run through them.

 

Another question.

 

Is this $125 'credit' in the form of special chips for the tables?

 

gary

[clcjdn]

I haven't redeemed for the tables, but I would assume so.

[rascaldog]

Yes you can get chips for table games.