CAD Currency - On Board Credit?

[vav]

Count in my two cents also with yours. You make an excellent point.

 

I think people are being a little too paranoid. Don't forget NCL gets 3% off the top of what ever you withdraw. As well I would bet (pardon the pun) that 95% of people taking money from the casino cashier are actually playing casino games and therefore NCL most likely wins again.

 

When you are on board no one knows or cares that you paid for your cruise\OBC in CDN. You are just another guest making a transaction.

 

My 2.6 cents (converted to CDN of course)

[jb456]

Just a quick update. Got off the Getaway on Saturday. Pulled $4,000 out of the casino as cash. Was charged the 3% fee. At the end of my cruise my cash withdrawals and casino 3% fee were all netted against my pre purchased OBC and I owed nothing. Casino confirmed for me that since the purchased OBC was refundable it could be used to apply against casino charges.

 

Note: If you take 1,000 or more at one time it has to be "preauthorized". Not sure what that means so I would take 900 at a time just to avoid that.

 

This worked like a charm for me and others in my group but warning this could change at any time so don't blame me if it doesn't work for you !! :)

 

Vav I hope your still around as I forgot to clarify one thing with you.

 

Was the 3% fee removed from the amount requested or added to the amount?

 

For example - If I asked for $950 would they give me $921.50 or would they give me $950 cash and add $28.50 for the 3% fee?

 

I assume it's $950 and on the account statement probably two entries? one for the cash and one for the 3% fee?

 

Your help is appreciated. Thanks!

[vav]

Vav I hope your still around as I forgot to clarify one thing with you.

 

Was the 3% fee removed from the amount requested or added to the amount?

 

For example - If I asked for $950 would they give me $921.50 or would they give me $950 cash and add $28.50 for the 3% fee?

 

I assume it's $950 and on the account statement probably two entries? one for the cash and one for the 3% fee?

 

Your help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you request $950 you will see "Casino Charge" of $950 and then a separate entry for "Casino Convenience Fee" which is the 3%. They will always give you the amount you request then you sign for the additional fee.

 

Have fun!

[jb456]

If you request $950 you will see "Casino Charge" of $950 and then a separate entry for "Casino Convenience Fee" which is the 3%. They will always give you the amount you request then you sign for the additional fee.

 

Have fun!

 

Really appreciate that you came back to this thread. Thank you very much for all the information. Have a great night!

[Crown Vic]

Have read this thread twice and was going to buy an OBC in Can$, use some of the U$ gained for on board dining, drinks, tours etc.and cash out the balance in U$ at the casino paying the 3% fee. Went onto myNCL to carry out the transaction...but...before completing the transaction, called NCL at 866-234-7350 and asked 1) if not used, is the purchased OBC refundable? Was told it is not refundable. Intake of breath! Then asked if 2) I could cash out the purchased OBC at the casino. After consulting a supervisor, the answer was 'no'. Confused is not the right word for me right now. Folks have said they have actually done what NCL has just told me was not doable. Any additional stories of this working? Would appreciate it so I could set my mind at ease before buying an OBC for our November trip. Many thanks...

[J18]

Have read this thread twice and was going to buy an OBC in Can$, use some of the U$ gained for on board dining, drinks, tours etc.and cash out the balance in U$ at the casino paying the 3% fee. Went onto myNCL to carry out the transaction...but...before completing the transaction, called NCL at 866-234-7350 and asked 1) if not used, is the purchased OBC refundable? Was told it is not refundable. Intake of breath! Then asked if 2) I could cash out the purchased OBC at the casino. After consulting a supervisor, the answer was 'no'. Confused is not the right word for me right now. Folks have said they have actually done what NCL has just told me was not doable. Any additional stories of this working? Would appreciate it so I could set my mind at ease before buying an OBC for our November trip. Many thanks...

 

 

As others have pointed out.. They don't know what they're talking about. I have spoken to other reps that have confirmed that OBC is refundable and can be cashed out.

[Crown Vic]

As others have pointed out.. They don't know what they're talking about. I have spoken to other reps that have confirmed that OBC is refundable and can be cashed out.

 

Thanks J18 or dare I say merci J Dixhuit...

[xcell]

I have cashed out at the casino (cashier and tables ) for a lost of 3% with no issues. I also used the obc to pay for my FCC... you will be fine.

 

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[Crown Vic]

I have cashed out at the casino (cashier and tables ) for a lost of 3% with no issues. I also used the obc to pay for my FCC... you will be fine.

 

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Thanks xcell. Appreciate your post...

Edited September 19, 2015 by Crown Vic

[xcell]

First post.

 

So let me get this straight...

 

 

I can purchase 10,000$ US worth of OBC at 1.11 rate , $ 11111.11 CDN

 

Once on the ship, Cash out 900$ US at a time (or any amount under 1k to avoid authorization).

 

My 10,000$ OBC US minus 3% becomes 9700$ US CASH

 

I come back to Canada and exchange 9700$ US CASH probably at bank rip off rate @ 1.28 or something

 

My 9700$ x 1.28 becomes 12416$ Canadian.

 

I earn 12416-11111 = 1305$ profit in this currency game.

 

 

Really????

 

 

edit; is there a limit of OBC that 2 adults can purchase?

Yes but who wants to carry that much cash?

 

Joking....

 

Not sure if it has been stated but if you buy the OBC make sure you have proof (copy of you amenity summary and some even had the credit card statement indicating ncl had charged you). It wasn't until day 3 that my $1000 obc showed up 9n my account and I had to go down twice to confirm. Luckily I had proof ..

 

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[Crown Vic]

Yes but who wants to carry that much cash?

 

Joking....

 

Not sure if it has been stated but if you buy the OBC make sure you have proof (copy of you amenity summary and some even had the credit card statement indicating ncl had charged you). It wasn't until day 3 that my $1000 obc showed up 9n my account and I had to go down twice to confirm. Luckily I had proof ..

 

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Xcell, good idea to carry proof of the OBC transaction from NCL as well as the credit card company. Thanks once again...

Edited September 19, 2015 by Crown Vic

[britv]

I was intrigued by the discussion on minimizing my foreign exchange costs on my December cruise on the Escape and called the TA I booked through at Expedia. I asked him to buy $500 per room.

He called me back and said he had good news and bad news.

Bad news - he was told I could only buy the credit in the room that has 2 adults (I have 2 rooms, non connecting, side by side with my kids in the 2nd room). The reason being something related to the casino and minors.

Good news was the exchange rate was par as I booked the cruise 9 months ago. I got a copy of the amenity sheet. It says I have the beverage package for 2, prepaid service charges and a $500 credit (does not note the currency) that will be in cabin day 1 and that my Canadian credit card had been charged $500.

He told me I could add more credit to the adult room if I wanted but I don't see needing it. I have the drink package, prepaid my service charges in Canadian dollars at the old rate plus my kids room came with $250 in credits.

 

My question is this sounds too good to be true but time will tell. If I buy another $500 but do not need it, can I get the cash on board or will the money just be refunded to my credit card. I have read about people cashing out at the casino. I have never played in the casino before. Do I just go to the cage and ask for the cash? I understand there is a 3% fee but if this is all true I am looking at 1.03 vs. what I think will be 1.38 to 1.43 by December.

Any thoughts or comments.

Thanks

 

This thread has been very intriguing, I will be on the Escape in 17 days and wondering about buying OBC instead of changing money at the bank (CDN to US$) before we go. Exchange rates are horrendous right now. If I buy OBC can I exchange it for cash at the casino before our first port stop. I would like to have cash for cruise ports to do our own excursions. Thanks!

[Newbie Cruiser 2010]

This thread has been very intriguing, I will be on the Escape in 17 days and wondering about buying OBC instead of changing money at the bank (CDN to US$) before we go. Exchange rates are horrendous right now. If I buy OBC can I exchange it for cash at the casino before our first port stop. I would like to have cash for cruise ports to do our own excursions. Thanks!

 

 

This is what I am hoping to do since we booked our cruise at $1.11 CDN for $1 US. I am also taking some expensive US money just in case. Plus credit cards of course for emergencies. We are also on the 23 January sailing.

[britv]

I e-mailed our travel agent today and she said "On board credit cannot be cashed out at the Casino". I only really need cash for off ship at port stops.

I'm not convinced the travel agent is right but don't want to be stuck with no cash either..what to do..what to do!!!! :confused:

[RobTheGob]

I e-mailed our travel agent today and she said "On board credit cannot be cashed out at the Casino". I only really need cash for off ship at port stops.

I'm not convinced the travel agent is right but don't want to be stuck with no cash either..what to do..what to do!!!! :confused:

 

I'd believe first hand reports here before the TA... But - better safe than sorry, so make sure you have a "plan B"!

 

And please report back what you find out after your cruise!

[xcell]

I e-mailed our travel agent today and she said "On board credit cannot be cashed out at the Casino". I only really need cash for off ship at port stops.

I'm not convinced the travel agent is right but don't want to be stuck with no cash either..what to do..what to do!!!! :confused:

Wrong...did it...

 

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[Newbie Cruiser 2010]

I e-mailed our travel agent today and she said "On board credit cannot be cashed out at the Casino". I only really need cash for off ship at port stops.

I'm not convinced the travel agent is right but don't want to be stuck with no cash either..what to do..what to do!!!! :confused:

 

 

My NCL cruise consultant told me I could withdraw the money in the casino. A TA I know who cruises with NCL often told me that NCL told her that you can't. Who do you believe? I will have a back up plan. Credit cards.

[Ontario cruise duo]

I e-mailed our travel agent today and she said "On board credit cannot be cashed out at the Casino". I only really need cash for off ship at port stops.

I'm not convinced the travel agent is right but don't want to be stuck with no cash either..what to do..what to do!!!! :confused:

 

If I were you I would go to my bank tomorrow and apply for a US Visa charge card. They can have it to you quickly if you have them send it directly to your bank for you to pick up. Should be there in 7 days (at least that is what my TD Canada Trust bank) can do for me. That way if you are not able to cash out you could put your charges in port on your CC instead of worrying about not being able to get cash at the casino.

[Ontario cruise duo]

Wrong...did it...

 

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We also did this in early December with no problems but different people have mentioned that NCL has changed their policy since then. Hopefully not, but I am not so sure either.

[RobTheGob]

If I were you I would go to my bank tomorrow and apply for a US Visa charge card.

 

Keeping in mind that having a US currency CC only benefits you if you have US cash to re-pay the charges (perhaps with the OBC cheque that is mailed after the cruise ends?).

 

Otherwise - if you make foreign currency charges that will later be paid with CAD, you can get rewards CC in CAD funds that doesn't have a currency exchange fee (saving about 2.5% in addition to the rewards earned).

[si4444]

I recommend the chase Marriott visa. First year annual fee is waved. Saves you 2.5% in currency exchange fees, and get some free rooms the first year with points.

[xcell]

Costco capital one card also does not have the 2.5% and Amazon as well. ..

 

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[britv]

Thanks for all your replies.

I have the Capitol One Costco CC but didn't know they didn't charge the currency exchange fee. I read everything when I got the card and this wasn't listed so I assumed as it would be a feature to advertise they didn't have that feature. I will call them to make doubly sure, thanks for that info. I do have another cc that doesn't charge the exchange fee so I have options.

The whole reason for the post is wanting to save in the current exchange rates.

Right now we can buy obc paying $222.22 CDN for $200 USD. If we exchange at the bank it will cost us $281.95 CDN for $200 USD. Even with the 3% Casino fee that's a big saving. I just want to make sure we can cash this out so we have cash for off ship on port days.

[Ontario cruise duo]

Keeping in mind that having a US currency CC only benefits you if you have US cash to re-pay the charges (perhaps with the OBC cheque that is mailed after the cruise ends?).

 

Otherwise - if you make foreign currency charges that will later be paid with CAD, you can get rewards CC in CAD funds that doesn't have a currency exchange fee (saving about 2.5% in addition to the rewards earned).

 

Sorry, I didn't add the part about paying off your US charge card with any refund you may get from the cruise line after cruising, provided again, they send you your refund in US $$'s. All is speculative at this point since many have posted that their policy of cashing out at the Casino is not allowed anymore (but not known for sure). Not knowing for sure if you can't cash out I would take a small amount of US money with me, have a US charge card for back up (my TD bank does not charge me an annual fee on my card nor a US foreign exchange premium) and then repay your charge card once you are home with your refund, again assuming they will refund you in US dollars, failing which at that time you will have to "cough up" and buy some US dollars to pay off your charge card. Confusing, but makes sense to me. Just some extra pre-planning involved.:rolleyes:

[britv]

Our travel agent told us that any unused obc will be refunded on our credit card. Are you saying they mail a cheque for unused obc? I thought it was something done automatically?