$1000 OBC Limit for Canadians - Anyone had the difference refunded?

[NLH Arizona]

At first the guest service manager said they would issue a check after the cruise. .. I refused and asked that they cancel the credit card transaction which they did ! I was not impressed overall, so we're the 4 other couples with us who had purchased some OBC as well

Was everyone cashing it out to use in the casino? If so, did they explain this to the Guest Services Manager? Also, if so, did anyone speak with the Casino Manager, as possibly the Casino Manager could have intervened and made some allowance for you? Edited March 8, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[Jocecruise]

I can well imagine you were upset, at any point did they give you any reason?

 

 

Rochelle

 

Guest service manager said they were not cashing out money from OBC, that it was a misunderstanding. When I told him I had confirmed this with guest service 1-800 from NCL prior to purchasing the OBC he said it was an error from Miami and he would clear it out with them...

[Frenchsnowhite]

Jocelyne, écris moi en privé je crois comprendre ce qui peut être arrivé!

 

manonbeaucage@videotron.ca

[Jocecruise]

Could you please share with us the reason they told you "No!" in the casino and at guest services. They must have explained to you why they refused to do this. Others have indicated no problem with doing this transaction.

 

Since most of us have purchased OBC and were counting on cashing it out in the casino, this new development is of much interest to us.

 

I will cancel our $1000.00 before our cruise in May if we have to use it strictly for onboard expenses.

 

No answer apart than "we are not cashing out money from OBC acct". When I continued to argue with the manager he told me "Madam, there is no way you are getting money "!!!

I suggest you call there client service line again ! !

[Lady Arwen]

No answer apart than "we are not cashing out money from OBC acct". When I continued to argue with the manager he told me "Madam, there is no way you are getting money "!!!

I suggest you call there client service line again ! !

 

Then why would others on your cruise have no problem cashing out OBC in the casino?

Something is strange here! I don't even know what to think at this point.

 

I'm going to call NCL and see if there's been a change of policy regarding OBC.

[rochelle_s]

I wonder if you had asked for it in casino chips if you would have had less of a problem?

 

If you were being clear that you just wanted cash to spend elsewhere that night have been the issue. I think if they believe you wish to use it to play in the casino there might not have been this problem.

 

I understand that the cruise line does not want to be treated like an ATM machine, especially on funds they are in essence discounting.

 

As an NCL gambler I have never heard of the casino denying anyone the ability to get cash at the casino cage if their shipboard account was able to cover the amount. Also if you request $1000 the casino needs to get approval from accounting. If you request under that amount they do not. So perhaps going twice and asking for $500 each time would have gotten you different results as well.

 

I don't know any of this for certain, I am just guessing, seeing as it appears they did not give you a proper reason as to the why behind their denial. Would be nice to know the answer to that.

 

 

Rochelle

[Jocecruise]

OK gang we kind of figured it out ! My husband went to the cashier in the casino while it was closed (first mistake ) and asked to withdraw money. ..the cashier asked him if it was to play in the casino and DH told the truth (second mistake) that it was to use in port and that No he wouldn't be playing in the casino ! !!

So I guess you guys are OK !!! DH is way too honest and abhorres any kind of gambling ! !!

[Frenchsnowhite]

They say we learn from our mistakes ;);)

 

But I like Rochelle idea of taking gambling chips and then cash them a bit later :D

[M0rrie]

I honestly don't understand the complaining... NCL is not a bank.. If the exchange rate sucks, well... Too bad so sad - you can't expect to use OBC brought via the cruiseline as a way to fund the rest of your trip cheaply... Seriously, how much cash do you think they keep on board anyway? Not to mention, that what folks are trying to do could be perceived as the equivalent of money laundering and technically violates international laws about knowingly moving money across borders. C'mon people... You will complain even more if the money NCL loses through this blatant leveraging of the exchange rate loophole causes your cruise prices to rise.

[Jocecruise]

I honestly don't understand the complaining... NCL is not a bank.. If the exchange rate sucks, well... Too bad so sad - you can't expect to use OBC brought via the cruiseline as a way to fund the rest of your trip cheaply... Seriously, how much cash do you think they keep on board anyway? Not to mention, that what folks are trying to do could be perceived as the equivalent of money laundering and technically violates international laws about knowingly moving money across borders. C'mon people... You will complain even more if the money NCL loses through this blatant leveraging of the exchange rate loophole causes your cruise prices to rise.

 

Woh there !! No need for this kind of comments !!

Edited March 12, 2016 by Jocecruise

[casofilia]

I honestly don't understand the complaining... NCL is not a bank..

 

But NCL WAS offering to act as a bank. People bought OBC in a willing buyer===willing seller banking type financial situation.

 

Then NCL changed the situation, which; I think; everyone was in agreement with as NCL was going to lose money, WITHOUT honouring the earlier WB=WS agreements. That is what caused a great deal of grief.

[rochelle_s]

I honestly don't understand the complaining... NCL is not a bank.. If the exchange rate sucks, well... Too bad so sad - you can't expect to use OBC brought via the cruiseline as a way to fund the rest of your trip cheaply... Seriously, how much cash do you think they keep on board anyway? Not to mention, that what folks are trying to do could be perceived as the equivalent of money laundering and technically violates international laws about knowingly moving money across borders. C'mon people... You will complain even more if the money NCL loses through this blatant leveraging of the exchange rate loophole causes your cruise prices to rise.

 

It would be prudent if you knew of what you speak before posting.

 

There are no international laws being broken and almost zero chance of anything even remotely attributable to money laundering.

 

Laundering money is the taking of illegally obtained funds and making them appear legitimate. Anyone purchasing OBC is most likely doing so through their debit or credit card and I've no doubt that the financial institutions that hold those cards are dealing with 'clean' money.

 

Canadians can legally and freely cross the border into the United States without having to claim any monies underneath the $10,000 per person threshold. I have not heard of anyone purchasing more than this amount per person in OBC. Even if they had been able to before, now with the changes in NCL's rules, no one would be able to do so in the future with the $1000 per cabin limit.

 

It is obvious that you do not like the idea of people purchasing OBC and cashing that out in the casino. But it was a process that was set up and allowed by the cruise lines themselves.

 

As to the trickle down effect of any potential losses, what about the potential losses from any of the other pre cruise purchases at the more favourable rate? If a Canadian pre-pays for their DSC in Canadian funds who makes up the difference? The cruiseline? The crew? What about the purchasing of shore excursions, spa services, dining packages etc.? What about all those losses?

 

The fact is those losses are negligible in comparison to losing Canadian clientele from sailing at all due to our weak dollar. Canadians don't make up a huge portion of the cruising public but they do make up a significant number. Significant enough that NCL makes certain considerations towards them in order to keep them sailing.

 

You don't have to like it, but you will have to accept the situation, as that is the way NCL has set it up. No need to accuse others of criminal activity when none exists. Now if you can show me where someone is buying OBC with the proceeds of crime than we can certainly discuss the matter further.

 

 

Rochelle

Edited March 12, 2016 by rochelle_s

[casofilia]

It would be prudent if you knew of what you speak before posting.

 

There are no international laws being broken and almost zero chance of anything even remotely attributable to money laundering.

 

Laundering money is the taking of illegally obtained funds and making them appear legitimate. Anyone purchasing OBC is most likely doing so through their debit or credit card and I've no doubt that the financial institutions that hold those cards are dealing with 'clean' money.

 

Canadians can legally and freely cross the border into the United States without having to claim any monies underneath the $10,000 per person threshold. I have not heard of anyone purchasing more than this amount per person in OBC. Even if they had been able to before, now with the changes in NCL's rules, no one would be able to do so in the future with the $1000 per cabin limit.

 

It is obvious that you do not like the idea of people purchasing OBC and cashing that out in the casino. But it was a process that was set up and allowed by the cruise lines themselves.

 

As to the trickle down effect of any potential losses, what about the potential losses from any of the other pre cruise purchases at the more favourable rate? If a Canadian pre-pays for their DSC in Canadian funds who makes up the difference? The cruiseline? The crew? What about the purchasing of shore excursions, spa services, dining packages etc.? What about all those losses?

 

The fact is those losses are negligible in comparison to losing Canadian clientele from sailing at all due to our weak dollar. Canadians don't make up a huge portion of the cruising public but they do make up a significant number. Significant enough that NCL makes certain considerations towards them in order to keep them sailing.

 

You don't have to like it, but you will have to accept the situation, as that is the way NCL has set it up. No need to accuse others of criminal activity when none exists. Now if you can show me where someone is buying OBC with the proceeds of crime than we can certainly discuss the matter further.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Right on

 

Mike

[willise]

It would be prudent if you knew of what you speak before posting.

 

There are no international laws being broken and almost zero chance of anything even remotely attributable to money laundering.

 

Laundering money is the taking of illegally obtained funds and making them appear legitimate. Anyone purchasing OBC is most likely doing so through their debit or credit card and I've no doubt that the financial institutions that hold those cards are dealing with 'clean' money.

 

Canadians can legally and freely cross the border into the United States without having to claim any monies underneath the $10,000 per person threshold. I have not heard of anyone purchasing more than this amount per person in OBC. Even if they had been able to before, now with the changes in NCL's rules, no one would be able to do so in the future with the $1000 per cabin limit.

 

It is obvious that you do not like the idea of people purchasing OBC and cashing that out in the casino. But it was a process that was set up and allowed by the cruise lines themselves.

 

As to the trickle down effect of any potential losses, what about the potential losses from any of the other pre cruise purchases at the more favourable rate? If a Canadian pre-pays for their DSC in Canadian funds who makes up the difference? The cruiseline? The crew? What about the purchasing of shore excursions, spa services, dining packages etc.? What about all those losses?

 

The fact is those losses are negligible in comparison to losing Canadian clientele from sailing at all due to our weak dollar. Canadians don't make up a huge portion of the cruising public but they do make up a significant number. Significant enough that NCL makes certain considerations towards them in order to keep them sailing.

 

You don't have to like it, but you will have to accept the situation, as that is the way NCL has set it up. No need to accuse others of criminal activity when none exists. Now if you can show me where someone is buying OBC with the proceeds of crime than we can certainly discuss the matter further.

 

 

Rochelle

 

That pretty well sums it up! Great post.

[NLH Arizona]

But NCL WAS offering to act as a bank. People bought OBC in a willing buyer===willing seller banking type financial situation.

 

Then NCL changed the situation, which; I think; everyone was in agreement with as NCL was going to lose money, WITHOUT honouring the earlier WB=WS agreements. That is what caused a great deal of grief.

I don't see it that NCL was offering to act as a bank, so passengers could either make a profit or to finance items purchased off the ship. I look at it that they were being generous with their Canadian customers offering them an exchange rate to purchase their cruise, services on board the ship prior to their cruise and On Board Credit and people took advantage and purchased OBC that they never intended to use on board the ship. Edited March 12, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[Orleanscruiser]

It would be prudent if you knew of what you speak before posting.

 

There are no international laws being broken and almost zero chance of anything even remotely attributable to money laundering.

 

Laundering money is the taking of illegally obtained funds and making them appear legitimate. Anyone purchasing OBC is most likely doing so through their debit or credit card and I've no doubt that the financial institutions that hold those cards are dealing with 'clean' money.

 

Canadians can legally and freely cross the border into the United States without having to claim any monies underneath the $10,000 per person threshold. I have not heard of anyone purchasing more than this amount per person in OBC. Even if they had been able to before, now with the changes in NCL's rules, no one would be able to do so in the future with the $1000 per cabin limit.

 

It is obvious that you do not like the idea of people purchasing OBC and cashing that out in the casino. But it was a process that was set up and allowed by the cruise lines themselves.

 

As to the trickle down effect of any potential losses, what about the potential losses from any of the other pre cruise purchases at the more favourable rate? If a Canadian pre-pays for their DSC in Canadian funds who makes up the difference? The cruiseline? The crew? What about the purchasing of shore excursions, spa services, dining packages etc.? What about all those losses?

 

The fact is those losses are negligible in comparison to losing Canadian clientele from sailing at all due to our weak dollar. Canadians don't make up a huge portion of the cruising public but they do make up a significant number. Significant enough that NCL makes certain considerations towards them in order to keep them sailing.

 

You don't have to like it, but you will have to accept the situation, as that is the way NCL has set it up. No need to accuse others of criminal activity when none exists. Now if you can show me where someone is buying OBC with the proceeds of crime than we can certainly discuss the matter further.

 

 

Rochelle

 

I agree with Rochelle ,

but correct me if i'm wong

Ncl sells OBC (on board credit) for use on the ship while you cruise

:Quote from josecruise " the cashier asked him if it was to play in the casino and DH told the truth (second mistake) that it was to use in port and that No he wouldn't be playing in the casino "

Does that not constitute fraud maybe I'm wrong

[RobTheGob]

Not to mention, that what folks are trying to do could be perceived as the equivalent of money laundering and technically violates international laws about knowingly moving money across borders.

 

Internet lawyers are the best kind!

[Jocecruise]

I agree with Rochelle ,

but correct me if i'm wong

Ncl sells OBC (on board credit) for use on the ship while you cruise

:Quote from josecruise " the cashier asked him if it was to play in the casino and DH told the truth (second mistake) that it was to use in port and that No he wouldn't be playing in the casino "

Does that not constitute fraud maybe I'm wrong

 

Fraud ???? Fraud ? No. NCL offers OBC at a premium rate, cruisers decide to buy some to use onboard or not !!! That doesn't constitute fraud in any way... nobody does anything criminal here !

NCL probably has funds in bank accounts in many denominations and might be sitting on CDN fund earned while the dollar was at par with the US Dollar not even 2-3 years ago or so. You know that's an exchange gain of 19% if they sell it to me for OBC now??? Who's profiting now ?

Moreover does anyone has ever heard of future rate options??? If they got into such a contract to guarantee they can buy the money at 10-15% and they are selling it to me for 19%, they have gain and I profite from a reduced rate. ...

Anyway I won't comment anymore on this, not worth it to get insulted !!!

[rochelle_s]

I agree with Rochelle ,

but correct me if i'm wong

Ncl sells OBC (on board credit) for use on the ship while you cruise

:Quote from josecruise " the cashier asked him if it was to play in the casino and DH told the truth (second mistake) that it was to use in port and that No he wouldn't be playing in the casino "

Does that not constitute fraud maybe I'm wrong

 

 

To even start to think of the idea of fraud it would have to be expressly stated in the terms and conditions that OBC must be purchased and used exclusively for on board purchases. Which they do not and even then I think it would be doubtful.

 

Personally I book through the casino department so my booking must be done in American funds. I too will be limited to the $1000 cap for purchasing OBC., although mine will be charged to me in US dolars. Once on the ship I can walk up to the casino cashier and withdraw against my on board account as much as my credit card will bear. As a higher level player in the casino program I don't even pay the 3% fee. No one will ever ask me where I plan on spending that money or tell me I can not have it. So why should they say this to someone else?

 

This OBC purchases, that are advantageous to Canadians, is a loophole that has been found and used to the customers advantage. Not everyone will agree with utilizing the loophole but it is certainly not criminal.

 

NCL themselves do not hesitate to take advantage of any loophole they can when it is in their favour. Take all the UBP they give away as promos.

 

They have recently raised the 'cost' of the beverage package to $79 per day and as many expect this was done in order to increase what they could collect in the way of the 18% gratuity and service charge. So everyone taking this promo perk must pay $14.22 per day or $99.54 per week. No doubt there are plenty of people who will drink $79 a day worth of drinks but I think the majority of people with the promo package do not drink at these levels but they have to pay the gratuities for it anyways. This is a loophole that NCL takes advantage of.

Lets say the average cruiser with the promo UBP has a fruity cocktail in the afternoon and a glass of wine or two at dinner so $30 worth of drinks. 18% on that would be a mere $5.40. Those folks are actually paying approximately 48% gratuity on the drinks they are in fact receiving. Does NCL refund these cruisers that extra $8.82 per day that they have over paid in gratuities? No, they take full advantage of that loophole and keep every penny.

 

Plenty of folks will try and rationalize this 'gaming of the system' by NCL by telling you to just look at it as if you are paying $14.22 per day for all the drinks you want. Now that might sound good and make a lot of folks feel better but the fact is those drinks are supposed to be FREE and the 18% you pay is supposed to be the gratuities paid on those drinks.

 

Is what NCL doing criminal?...No. Is it within the parameters of the program as it is set up?....Yes. And the same can be said for the OBC purchases being made by Canadians. Not sure why some folks are so put out by it as if it was their own personal funds we were talking about.

 

Those who were initially upset about the changes to OBC purchases were the people who had already purchased before any limits were put in place and did not receive any notification when things changed. I think NCL could and should have done a better job about this. Now though, most everyone knows what's up. From this thread and through the experience of one family being unable to get cash in their OBC in the casino I think others have learned how to avoid the same thing occurring to them.

 

There are almost always loopholes to be found. And ways to take advantage of them. They are being found and used from both sides every day, and it is all legal. Whether others deem it to be 'right' or 'wrong' is up to them. But for all intents and purposes nothing criminal is happening on either side.

 

 

Rochelle

[casofilia]

To even start to think of the idea of fraud it would have to be expressly stated in the terms and conditions that OBC must be purchased and used exclusively for on board purchases. Which they do not and even then I think it would be doubtful.

 

Personally I book through the casino department so my booking must be done in American funds. I too will be limited to the $1000 cap for purchasing OBC., although mine will be charged to me in US dolars. Once on the ship I can walk up to the casino cashier and withdraw against my on board account as much as my credit card will bear. As a higher level player in the casino program I don't even pay the 3% fee. No one will ever ask me where I plan on spending that money or tell me I can not have it. So why should they say this to someone else?

 

This OBC purchases, that are advantageous to Canadians, is a loophole that has been found and used to the customers advantage. Not everyone will agree with utilizing the loophole but it is certainly not criminal.

 

NCL themselves do not hesitate to take advantage of any loophole they can when it is in their favour. Take all the UBP they give away as promos.

 

They have recently raised the 'cost' of the beverage package to $79 per day and as many expect this was done in order to increase what they could collect in the way of the 18% gratuity and service charge. So everyone taking this promo perk must pay $14.22 per day or $99.54 per week. No doubt there are plenty of people who will drink $79 a day worth of drinks but I think the majority of people with the promo package do not drink at these levels but they have to pay the gratuities for it anyways. This is a loophole that NCL takes advantage of.

Lets say the average cruiser with the promo UBP has a fruity cocktail in the afternoon and a glass of wine or two at dinner so $30 worth of drinks. 18% on that would be a mere $5.40. Those folks are actually paying approximately 48% gratuity on the drinks they are in fact receiving. Does NCL refund these cruisers that extra $8.82 per day that they have over paid in gratuities? No, they take full advantage of that loophole and keep every penny.

 

Plenty of folks will try and rationalize this 'gaming of the system' by NCL by telling you to just look at it as if you are paying $14.22 per day for all the drinks you want. Now that might sound good and make a lot of folks feel better but the fact is those drinks are supposed to be FREE and the 18% you pay is supposed to be the gratuities paid on those drinks.

 

Is what NCL doing criminal?...No. Is it within the parameters of the program as it is set up?....Yes. And the same can be said for the OBC purchases being made by Canadians. Not sure why some folks are so put out by it as if it was their own personal funds we were talking about.

 

Those who were initially upset about the changes to OBC purchases were the people who had already purchased before any limits were put in place and did not receive any notification when things changed. I think NCL could and should have done a better job about this. Now though, most everyone knows what's up. From this thread and through the experience of one family being unable to get cash in their OBC in the casino I think others have learned how to avoid the same thing occurring to them.

 

There are almost always loopholes to be found. And ways to take advantage of them. They are being found and used from both sides every day, and it is all legal. Whether others deem it to be 'right' or 'wrong' is up to them. But for all intents and purposes nothing criminal is happening on either side.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Right On yet again Rochelle

 

Mike

[Crown Vic]

Anyone have any experience of obtaining cash from one's onboard account on the Pride of America which does not have a casino? Thanks...

[goodml]

I honestly don't understand the complaining... NCL is not a bank.. If the exchange rate sucks, well... Too bad so sad - you can't expect to use OBC brought via the cruiseline as a way to fund the rest of your trip cheaply... Seriously, how much cash do you think they keep on board anyway? Not to mention, that what folks are trying to do could be perceived as the equivalent of money laundering and technically violates international laws about knowingly moving money across borders. C'mon people... You will complain even more if the money NCL loses through this blatant leveraging of the exchange rate loophole causes your cruise prices to rise.

 

This is a truly hilarious and completely misinformed post:D

[goodml]

To even start to think of the idea of fraud it would have to be expressly stated in the terms and conditions that OBC must be purchased and used exclusively for on board purchases. Which they do not and even then I think it would be doubtful.

 

Personally I book through the casino department so my booking must be done in American funds. I too will be limited to the $1000 cap for purchasing OBC., although mine will be charged to me in US dolars. Once on the ship I can walk up to the casino cashier and withdraw against my on board account as much as my credit card will bear. As a higher level player in the casino program I don't even pay the 3% fee. No one will ever ask me where I plan on spending that money or tell me I can not have it. So why should they say this to someone else?

 

This OBC purchases, that are advantageous to Canadians, is a loophole that has been found and used to the customers advantage. Not everyone will agree with utilizing the loophole but it is certainly not criminal.

 

NCL themselves do not hesitate to take advantage of any loophole they can when it is in their favour. Take all the UBP they give away as promos.

 

They have recently raised the 'cost' of the beverage package to $79 per day and as many expect this was done in order to increase what they could collect in the way of the 18% gratuity and service charge. So everyone taking this promo perk must pay $14.22 per day or $99.54 per week. No doubt there are plenty of people who will drink $79 a day worth of drinks but I think the majority of people with the promo package do not drink at these levels but they have to pay the gratuities for it anyways. This is a loophole that NCL takes advantage of.

Lets say the average cruiser with the promo UBP has a fruity cocktail in the afternoon and a glass of wine or two at dinner so $30 worth of drinks. 18% on that would be a mere $5.40. Those folks are actually paying approximately 48% gratuity on the drinks they are in fact receiving. Does NCL refund these cruisers that extra $8.82 per day that they have over paid in gratuities? No, they take full advantage of that loophole and keep every penny.

 

Plenty of folks will try and rationalize this 'gaming of the system' by NCL by telling you to just look at it as if you are paying $14.22 per day for all the drinks you want. Now that might sound good and make a lot of folks feel better but the fact is those drinks are supposed to be FREE and the 18% you pay is supposed to be the gratuities paid on those drinks.

 

Is what NCL doing criminal?...No. Is it within the parameters of the program as it is set up?....Yes. And the same can be said for the OBC purchases being made by Canadians. Not sure why some folks are so put out by it as if it was their own personal funds we were talking about.

 

Those who were initially upset about the changes to OBC purchases were the people who had already purchased before any limits were put in place and did not receive any notification when things changed. I think NCL could and should have done a better job about this. Now though, most everyone knows what's up. From this thread and through the experience of one family being unable to get cash in their OBC in the casino I think others have learned how to avoid the same thing occurring to them.

 

There are almost always loopholes to be found. And ways to take advantage of them. They are being found and used from both sides every day, and it is all legal. Whether others deem it to be 'right' or 'wrong' is up to them. But for all intents and purposes nothing criminal is happening on either side.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Spot on. The banker that I am is wondering if you're a banker or a lawyer.:D

[casofilia]

The online exchange rate site I follow has the USD==CAD exchange rate at 1.3213 today. If anyone is contemplating purchasing anything in CAD from NCL get a quote in both USD and CAD and see what rate they are using. It would be really interesting to see what they are doing at the moment.

 

Mike