Canadians - Current Exchange Rate?

[Canagirl]

I have a complete breakdown - but it's all in CAD. And it is not even close to what I see on NCL or any other site. Hence my concern that I might ultimately be charged in USD (despite having all quotes clearly in CAD). My NCL account is all in CAD and the CC charges so far appear to be in CAD (but I'm going to watch as they finalize).

 

My invoice doesn't mention currency - I'm going to mark it as "CAD" before I send my signed copy back...

 

Thanks for the other thread link - I'll read it now...

 

I think if your NCL account is in Canadian, you are being charged in Canadian. You could check with your TA just to make absolutely certain the price listed on your invoice is what you will be billed in total in CDN$.

 

Does your invoice show a deposit amount and does that match what has been charged to your credit card in CDN$?

[RobTheGob]

I think if your NCL account is in Canadian, you are being charged in Canadian. You could check with your TA just to make absolutely certain the price listed on your invoice is what you will be billed in total in CDN$.

 

Does your invoice show a deposit amount and does that match what has been charged to your credit card in CDN$?

 

It does. But right this moment - it's showing as a "hold". I'd like to see it finalized before I give myself a high-5.

 

After reading the older, longer thread - I was certain I wanted my account to show CAD (even though it now does sound like it was just a fluke that this was much benefit) - so I insisted that all quotes were in CAD. I had little interest in having to convert all quotes from USD every time I got a new one...

 

As I read the other thread you linked - I was cringing at the math errors! Thankfully they were corrected/realized parts ways down. I can *almost* calculate the numbers for my first leg, with a 10% discount, then using a 1.08 exchange rate. But I'm actually still a bit under that... Who knows??

 

Both of our legs are still showing the "everything else" rate at 19% - which is also the rate that my DSC, UBP grat and SDP grat were calculated at. I'll probably buy OBC and SDP for the first leg soon, too...

[Canagirl]

It does. But right this moment - it's showing as a "hold". I'd like to see it finalized before I give myself a high-5.

 

After reading the older, longer thread - I was certain I wanted my account to show CAD (even though it now does sound like it was just a fluke that this was much benefit) - so I insisted that all quotes were in CAD. I had little interest in having to convert all quotes from USD every time I got a new one...

 

As I read the other thread you linked - I was cringing at the math errors! Thankfully they were corrected/realized parts ways down. I can *almost* calculate the numbers for my first leg, with a 10% discount, then using a 1.08 exchange rate. But I'm actually still a bit under that... Who knows??

 

Both of our legs are still showing the "everything else" rate at 19% - which is also the rate that my DSC, UBP grat and SDP grat were calculated at. I'll probably buy OBC and SDP for the first leg soon, too...

 

It sounds like you will be okay with the pricing (and got a good deal).

 

Yes, there was an issue with the 'math' but in large part it is because all the NCL reps said the exchange rate was supposed to be 25% and said it was coming up as 33% in error and couldn't be fixed. Fortunately, after seeing the memo, a couple other posters in that thread figured it out (fortunately, since no one at NCL could).

 

In any event, glad you got a good rate and have a great cruise.

[RobTheGob]

Yes, there was an issue with the 'math' but in large part it is because all the NCL reps said the exchange rate was supposed to be 25% and said it was coming up as 33% in error and couldn't be fixed. Fortunately, after seeing the memo, a couple other posters in that thread figured it out (fortunately, since no one at NCL could).

 

The memo posted in the thread indicated the new CAD value of 0.75 and some (incorrectly) thought that would mean a 25% exchange rate... It sounds like the USD to CAD exchange rate was being correctly calculated in the system at 33% - just some people (it likely started with an NCL rep and then continued here) were thinking that was supposed to mean a exchange rate of 25%.

 

The programming "error" is likely related to the "groups" mentioned in the posted memo. I'm sure that is what affected my rate. My TA mentioned group rates more than once - but called NCL several times to verify the rate.

 

I also think it will be OK - they have accepted payment and I have everything in writing...

 

Thanks!

[Canagirl]

The memo posted in the thread indicated the new CAD value of 0.75 and some (incorrectly) thought that would mean a 25% exchange rate... It sounds like the USD to CAD exchange rate was being correctly calculated in the system at 33% - just some people (it likely started with an NCL rep and then continued here) were thinking that was supposed to mean a exchange rate of 25%.

 

The programming "error" is likely related to the "groups" mentioned in the posted memo. I'm sure that is what affected my rate. My TA mentioned group rates more than once - but called NCL several times to verify the rate.

 

I also think it will be OK - they have accepted payment and I have everything in writing...

 

Thanks!

 

Fortunately, the OP got a copy of the memo. Until that everyone was in the dark as all the NCL reps told us (multiple reps) that the exchange rate was 25%. (A friend of mine called yesterday to book in CDN and they are still saying the exchange rate is 25%). Glad that poster was able to post a copy of the memo because if you ask NCL and get a rep that knows what the rate is, they will say it is 25%.

 

Until the memo was posted, we would still have thought we were being charged incorrectly (and when questioned about it, before the memo was posted on CC that shed light on the situation, the NCL reps also said it was an error since it was supposed to be 25% but they couldn't fix it, lol).

Edited November 27, 2015 by Canagirl

[RobTheGob]

Fortunately, the OP got a copy of the memo. Until that everyone was in the dark as all the NCL reps told us (multiple reps) that the exchange rate was 25%. (A friend of mine called yesterday to book in CDN and they are still saying the exchange rate is 25%). Glad that poster was able to post a copy of the memo because if you ask NCL and get a rep that knows what the rate is, they will say it is 25%.

 

Until the memo was posted, we would still have thought we were being charged incorrectly (and when questioned about it, before the memo was posted on CC that shed light on the situation, the NCL reps also said it was an error since it was supposed to be 25% but they couldn't fix it, lol).

 

It's a CRAZY situation. I can't believe there isn't someone at NCL willing to to get this resolved... I guess it's not a big concern for them.

 

But I'm glad it appears to have benefited me. Having said that - if it hadn't benefited me, I likely would have ended up on HAL...

[RobTheGob]

Has anybody following this thread recently cashed out in the casino?

 

It was reported in another thread that the cash from the casino later showed up as a USD charge to their CC and wasn't taken from the pre-purchased OBC! The person disembarked on Dec 19 and had the cash from the casino added to their CC charge.

 

So - I'm hoping others report back on their experiences!

[Sneakie]

This is going to be a bit long as I describe our experience.....but maybe it will help others.

 

We were on the Sky for a 4 night cruise the end of November. We had set up our account as a "cash" account, we didn't give them a credit card. I purchased OBC before leaving. I put extra on there because we were spending another week in Florida and wanted the US cash for the rest of our vacation at our NCL booked rate of 11% as opposed to 35% from the bank/visa.

 

On the last night we went to check our accounts at guest services. We had about $400 left owing to us. We asked to cash out and settle our account. They said they could not do that. Anything over $50 would be paid out via a cheque that was mailed to us.

 

I began to panic a bit because we only had about $20 left in US cash on us!! I said "I was told when I purchased the OBC with NCL that anything left would be paid out to me". Again they said anything over $50 would be a cheque. Then another girl told me if the CFO approved it they could pay me cash but he wasn't there until the morning.

 

So....wanting to have at least $100 cash on hand we headed to the casino to try it there. Went to the desk, explained we would like $100 from our account to play with. It went from young guy at desk to his boss, then to his bosses boss Back and forth it went. FINALLY they agreed they could do that. We got $100 and paid the 3% charge, $103 was charged to our ship account. So I felt better having at least some cash on hand for the next day.

 

The next morning we went back to Guest Services, they spoke to the CFO and within minutes I had the rest of my account paid out in cash. She said I was lucky because they usually do a cheque but maybe because the CFO was from Canada it helped me. I just smiled and said Thanks.

 

Funny thing is....when we got our print out of our account in our room during the last night it came with a letter. If I knew how to attach a file I would do so but I am quoting two of the paragraphs here. "If you deposited cash anytime during your cruise, please visit Guest Services or Onboard Credit Desk prior to 9 AM on the morning of disembarkation to collect any unused cash". "In the event that you do not collect your unused balance prior to disembarkation, this will be reimbursed to you via a NCL check mailed to the address provided upon check in"

 

Doesn't say there is a limit to how much cash they will give you does it? I interpret that you will get the cash back if you go to the desk. So I don't know what the actual rules are but that's how it all went down for us!!

[bfamily4]

Sneakie-thnak you for sharing your experience. Now I am getting nervous about purchasing OBC. We are cruising on the getaway in feb and plan to purchase $2000 obc so we can use some for the cruise and cash out the rest at the casino for our weeklong stay @ disney after the cruise. it seems to me like a hit and miss kind of thing. maybe i'll wait to purchase closer to sail date and just cross my fingers. it still beats paying the current exchange rate since we are locked in @ $1.11.

do you get confirmation in your mail box when you purchase obc online?

[RobTheGob]

do you get confirmation in your mail box when you purchase obc online?

 

It said there would be a confirmation email - but I never received any. The OBC purchase is shown in my NCL account - but the total amount is not shown!

 

So - I'm planning to have things heavily documented...

[bfamily4]

It said there would be a confirmation email - but I never received any. The OBC purchase is shown in my NCL account - but the total amount is not shown!

 

So - I'm planning to have things heavily documented...

 

 

hmmm.maybe i'll buy the obc by calling it in, that way i can request an invoice and make sure i get it before i hang up.

[RobTheGob]

hmmm.maybe i'll buy the obc by calling it in, that way i can request an invoice and make sure i get it before i hang up.

 

That is likely a good plan - just make sure they use the correct (i.e. lower!) exchange rate! I was worried that if I called in - they may try to use the daily rate...

 

I just checked my online "booked items" and all it says is: "$100 On-Board Credit Certificate: Confirmed". Despite us having MANY of them purchased...

[Shawnino]

I just checked my online "booked items" and all it says is: "$100 On-Board Credit Certificate: Confirmed". Despite us having MANY of them purchased...

 

That's how it appeared for our multiple certificates on our NCL acct on our two cruises.

[mexico8]

It said there would be a confirmation email - but I never received any. The OBC purchase is shown in my NCL account - but the total amount is not shown!

 

So - I'm planning to have things heavily documented...

 

When I purchased OBC before our cruise a couple of months ago, the amounts showed up in Amenities. I printed the sheet and brought it with me but I didn't need to show it to them on the ship because the OBC was recorded on our account.

 

Wendy

[burm]

That's how it appeared for our multiple certificates on our NCL acct on our two cruises.

 

They have sent me individual confirmations every time I purchase, but they never show a total. On the most recent listing of my payments, they did show them all, but individually. Any time I have spoken with my cruise consultant, he confirms that all is correct. Their system is confusing.

[Sneakie]

Sneakie-thnak you for sharing your experience. Now I am getting nervous about purchasing OBC. We are cruising on the getaway in feb and plan to purchase $2000 obc so we can use some for the cruise and cash out the rest at the casino for our weeklong stay @ disney after the cruise. it seems to me like a hit and miss kind of thing. maybe i'll wait to purchase closer to sail date and just cross my fingers. it still beats paying the current exchange rate since we are locked in @ $1.11.

do you get confirmation in your mail box when you purchase obc online?

 

I actually called mine in, just in case. I did get a confirmation email from them. I can't remember if I requested the email or they offered. Regardless they did send one.

[cjcruises]

I just bought OBC for our March cruise on EPIC. Will I be able to cash it out and exchange it for euros onboard?

[casofilia]

I just bought OBC for our March cruise on EPIC. Will I be able to cash it out and exchange it for euros onboard?

 

Simple answer no. They will only give you USD50 at the end of the cruise in cash. The rest will be paid as a cheque to your home address. You could get it in cash at a 3% cost through the casino but payout would be in USD.

 

Mike

[Belci]

Hi, just to clarify if anyone knows this answer.

 

I booked back in April for march 2016 Getaway through a TA. I paid a deposit in CAN dollars and just paid off my balance last week in CAN dollars. I do not know what I paid in exchange back in April, but, I do know it was a lot cheaper than it is now and I was lucky that my balance owing was in CAN and not US because I would of got killed at the current exchange rate.

 

Now, is where I'm confused. I just logged on to NCL and did all my pre online check in with paasport etc... I noticed that I can pre buy any dinners or pre pay my gratuities. It states all dollars are in CAN.?? Is this because I originally booked in CAN? Because, the prices seem the same as the current US cost. The gratuities say it's 12.95 per day. that is CAN dollars. If I wait until the cruise and pay this on board, I will get killed on the exchange rate. Also, the dinner Ilum. show is like 32 CAN for banquet seating.

 

I'm pretty sure these are the current prices in US. If so, I would be very wise to pay these now at these current CAN prices. ??

 

Is this correct?? anyone know how this works?

 

thanks so much!!

[casofilia]

The exchange rate for purchasing before you board is locked in at the NCL USD/CAD rate used to put down your deposit. On board it is at the day to day rate.

 

Book what you can and pay for it now.

 

Mike

[xcell]

Just pay everything (tips, excursions, meal plan, etc...) ahead of time so you are not killed on the exchange. Buy some OBC for misc (you can use this to buy future cruise credits as well) and cash out at casino at a cost of 3% but you will still be ahead.

 

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

[Belci]

thats great, thanks for the information.

 

just one question, for that pre paid OBC, can you use that for the casino during the cruise?

 

thanks

[Shawnino]

thats great, thanks for the information.

 

just one question, for that pre paid OBC, can you use that for the casino during the cruise?

 

thanks

 

Many people have been able to -- minus a 3% "convenience fee".

A couple people on here have reported finding unwilling cashiers, but I think that's the exception to the rule.

Just in case it needs to be said, playing in any unregulated casino, including one on any cruise ship, is asking to take horribly the worst of the proposition...

[casofilia]

just one question, for that pre paid OBC, can you use that for the casino during the cruise?

 

I don't gamble myself but I believe you can use your room card in the casino as you do elsewhere on the ship and the charges just go on your account. If you take cash out from your account in the casino you will be charged 3% convenience fee.

 

Mike

[Meekomist]

On Breakaway - just to confirm, you still can get cash from casino w/ 3% fee. No issues so far.

 

I did have issue with some purchased OBC posting, so ensure you have amenity confirmation. If you have proof you will have no issue getting it posted to your account.

 

I had pre-purchased $1600. To use for excursions & spending money in ports.