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Casino as "makeshift" ATM

coldflame

By coldflame,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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coldflame

coldflame

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While I imagine there are ATMs aboard NCL ships, there's also crazy high ATM fees associated with withdrawals. So, is it possible to use the casino as an ATM (on top of fun entertainment?). Say charge $250 to my stateroom account and then play a few slots or black jack and then cash it out? Or does it go directly back to my on board account?

 

The reason I ask, atop being not a fan of ridiculous fees, is that I loathe carrying more than a few bucks in cash with me from home and in some islands the excursions we're doing people are expecting cash.

 

TIA.

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NLH Arizona

NLH Arizona

Posted
Posted (edited)
While I imagine there are ATMs aboard NCL ships, there's also crazy high ATM fees associated with withdrawals. So, is it possible to use the casino as an ATM (on top of fun entertainment?). Say charge $250 to my stateroom account and then play a few slots or black jack and then cash it out? Or does it go directly back to my on board account?

 

The reason I ask, atop being not a fan of ridiculous fees, is that I loathe carrying more than a few bucks in cash with me from home and in some islands the excursions we're doing people are expecting cash.

 

TIA.

You will have to pay a 3% convenience charge if you charge cash to your cabin.

 

I remember when there were no convenience charges on the ship, but unfortunately many used the casino as an ATM and then all of a sudden, there was a fee.

Edited by NLH Arizona
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coldflame

coldflame

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You will have to pay a 3% convenience charge if you charge cash to your cabin.

 

I remember when there were no convenience charges on the ship, but unfortunately many used the casino as an ATM and then all of a sudden, there was a fee.

 

For amounts of < $200 that's still better than the ATM (that depends on your bank of course). But last cruise I made the terrible mistake to withdraw $140 in the Cayman islands. Their fee, plus my banks fee plus foreign transaction fee amounted to well over $10. Using the casino you can get $200 for $6, which is not unreasonable. Thanks for info.

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rvsullivan

rvsullivan

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We've used the ships ATM's several times. Flat $5 fee. Doing the math beforehand will tell you which is best. 3% in the casino or $5 at the ATM.

Our bank does not charge a fee for the ATM, yours may be different. If the bank charges a fee on top of the ATM will make a huge difference.

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coldflame

coldflame

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We've used the ships ATM's several times. Flat $5 fee. Doing the math beforehand will tell you which is best. 3% in the casino or $5 at the ATM.

Our bank does not charge a fee for the ATM, yours may be different. If the bank charges a fee on top of the ATM will make a huge difference.

 

Yup. BofA charges $2.50 plus foreign fees.

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coldflame

coldflame

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We always use the casino as an ATM. I get what I need each day. Play the 3% and get points when i pay my ship charges at the end of the cruise. We feel it's a win win for us. We've been doing this for years.

 

That's along the lines what I'm thinking, too. We get reward points with our travel credit card that can offset some or all of the 3% fee.

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coldflame

coldflame

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Why not just bring cash? If you know you will be withdrawing X amount could you not just bring a few hundred cash with you?

 

6&8

 

I never carry more than $20-40 with me and that's usually just for tips and such. I don't like carrying more than that. Everything I do can be paid with debit or credit. If I lose the cash, I'm SOL, if I lose a debit or credit card, no harm done.

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StolidCruiser

StolidCruiser

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I never carry more than $20-40 with me and that's usually just for tips and such. I don't like carrying more than that. Everything I do can be paid with debit or credit. If I lose the cash, I'm SOL, if I lose a debit or credit card, no harm done.

 

Can you pay for your shore excursions with debit or credit?

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coldflame

coldflame

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I know they are probably not used much anymore, but I think you can still also get Traveler's Checks and cash them at the Casino or front desk. No fees and safer than cash if lost or stolen.

 

Hehe, funny you should mention that. Apparently most banks don't issue them anymore. I thought about that, called both of my banks and both said they don't issue those anymore.

 

But .... but .... do they accept US checks? If so, that's the solution right there. I'll bring my checkbook with me.

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StolidCruiser

StolidCruiser

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Nope. And that's why I want to get the exact cash the day before or so for those shorex we're not doing through Norwegian.

 

Then everything you do can't be paid with debit or credit, now can it?

 

You cannot cash personal checks on board.

 

You'll be faced with paying the cash withdrawal fees for the convenience and "safety" of obtaining your cash on the day you need it.

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NMLady

NMLady

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Posted (edited)
While I imagine there are ATMs aboard NCL ships, there's also crazy high ATM fees associated with withdrawals. So, is it possible to use the casino as an ATM (on top of fun entertainment?). Say charge $250 to my stateroom account and then play a few slots or black jack and then cash it out? Or does it go directly back to my on board account?

 

The reason I ask, atop being not a fan of ridiculous fees, is that I loathe carrying more than a few bucks in cash with me from home and in some islands the excursions we're doing people are expecting cash.

 

TIA.

 

It depends on the amount of cash you want as to whether 3% is cheaper than the ATM fee. For $250 they could be about the same -- $7.50 -- but for higher amounts the ATM aboard ship is actually cheaper. For example if the ATM fee is $7.50 that is cheaper if you want $300 or more. I've found most ATM fees to be around $3.50-$5.50.

Edited by NMLady
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AlFrank

AlFrank

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Yup. BofA charges $2.50 plus foreign fees.

That depends on the type of account you have, currently the bank is restructuring and they allow 1 foreign transaction (not at one of their ATMs) a month. We just used the ATM on the Dawn and the bank reimbursed all fees.

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