Purchasing OnBoard Credit

[Ontario cruise duo]

We are travelling from Ontario, Canada three days before our cruise departs in  San Juan, Puerto Rico and I was wondering rather than travelling with cash in pocket, could I purchase onboard credit prior to leaving and cash some out for private shore excursions, or just to have some extra money for spending while in port.  We have sailed another cruise line (not RCL) and I was able to do this by cashing out some money at the Casino but I had to pay a 3% servicing fee.  Would like to know what others have done in a similar situation.  Thanks!

 

[Clarea]

We would take the cash we need.  If we needed more cash, we would use an ATM in the port, preferably a bank ATM.

[Beav1279]

You could also purchase RC gift cards and use those to pay your account at the end of the cruise... I'm not sure what denominations they come in but you can check.

[Clarea]

2 minutes ago, Beav1279 said:

You could also purchase RC gift cards and use those to pay your account at the end of the cruise... I'm not sure what denominations they come in but you can check.

 

I would double check on this.  Everything I've read about RC gift cards seemed to indicate they could only be used for cruise fare.

[Beav1279]

Just now, Host Clarea said:

 

I would double check on this.  Everything I've read about RC gift cards seemed to indicate they could only be used for cruise fare.

Really? That isn't what I was told.. I will do some more research! Thank you!

[Beav1279]

5 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I would double check on this.  Everything I've read about RC gift cards seemed to indicate they could only be used for cruise fare.

A quick Google search found my answer! Thanks for making me double-check my information!

 

"Gift certificates can be redeemed as a payment towards your cruise vacation or may be used as an onboard credit. Gift certificates must be redeemed prior to your cruise vacation. Gift certificates cannot be redeemed onboard."

 

So if OP doesn't want to travel with cash, they can purchase Gift Cards and have that posted to their account as onboard credit, as long as it's done prior to the trip.

[Clarea]

Just now, Beav1279 said:

A quick Google search found my answer! Thanks for making me double-check my information!

 

"Gift certificates can be redeemed as a payment towards your cruise vacation or may be used as an onboard credit. Gift certificates must be redeemed prior to your cruise vacation. Gift certificates cannot be redeemed onboard."

 

So if OP doesn't want to travel with cash, they can purchase Gift Cards and have that posted to their account as onboard credit, as long as it's done prior to the trip.

 

If someone wants to add OBC to their account, it is much easier to call Royal at 800-722-5443 and just charge it. 

 

 

[uksimonusa]

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

 

If someone wants to add OBC to their account, it is much easier to call Royal at 800-722-5443 and just charge it. 

 

 

And then have a cash account onboard and you can withdraw money from the casino with no charge

 

[Ontario cruise duo]

2 hours ago, uksimonusa said:

And then have a cash account onboard and you can withdraw money from the casino with no charge

 

Have you actually done this yourself and withdrew money at the casino with no charge. If so, may I ask when you last did so.  I want to have money available for our use off the ship without having to carry too much on us personally while starting our trip.  Not sure if banks still use travellers cheques (checks), but I will also look into this as well.

[Hogbay]

We ring royal and buy obc before cruise all the time  . The rate we buy US$ usually very good and no commission fee etc from AU $ . We tick cash account then take it out via slot machines with out 5% fee . TP repo on Radiance Sep/Oct was the last time 🙂

[matj2000]

Why do people do their best to make simple things more difficult?

 

Pre purchased credit, traveler checks, ATM's.

 

Just bring the cash you need and stop complicating everything.

 

Nothing will happen.

 

Do you really think you are going to get rolled, or lose it?

[uksimonusa]

8 hours ago, Ontario cruise duo said:

Have you actually done this yourself and withdrew money at the casino with no charge. If so, may I ask when you last did so.  I want to have money available for our use off the ship without having to carry too much on us personally while starting our trip.  Not sure if banks still use travellers cheques (checks), but I will also look into this as well.

Yes, all the time, the last being July this year, just have to make sure your on board account is set up as a cash account

 

[Ontario cruise duo]

11 hours ago, matj2000 said:

Why do people do their best to make simple things more difficult?

 

Pre purchased credit, traveler checks, ATM's.

 

Just bring the cash you need and stop complicating everything.

 

Nothing will happen.

 

Do you really think you are going to get rolled, or lose it?

Thank you Mr. Texas,

for your response, you've been a wealth of knowledge and very helpful (UGH)!

 

Edited October 24, 2019 by Ontario cruise duo

[Ontario cruise duo]

11 hours ago, uksimonusa said:

Yes, all the time, the last being July this year, just have to make sure your on board account is set up as a cash account

 

I've emailed my PCC and she suggested I call the 1-800 number, the same one that you gave me.  

The gentleman I spoke to said "NO" I could not do this, but I do appreciate your assistance in this matter.  

Sometimes I do wonder if I try calling in a couple of days and get a different person if I will get a different answer, as it seems to be a call centre, who are all learning and do not have the answers at the ready.  Can I put you on a quick hold while I ask someone...?  Sure!🥴

[matj2000]

1 hour ago, Ontario cruise duo said:

Thank you Mr. Texas,

for your response, you've been a wealth of knowledge and very helpful (UGH)!

 

Your Welcome.

 

Always Glad To Help Out...

[uksimonusa]

2 hours ago, Ontario cruise duo said:

I've emailed my PCC and she suggested I call the 1-800 number, the same one that you gave me.  

The gentleman I spoke to said "NO" I could not do this, but I do appreciate your assistance in this matter.  

Sometimes I do wonder if I try calling in a couple of days and get a different person if I will get a different answer, as it seems to be a call centre, who are all learning and do not have the answers at the ready.  Can I put you on a quick hold while I ask someone...?  Sure!🥴

What did he say no too, buying the OBC or getting money from the Casino? A lot of call centre workers have never been on a cruise and if the question is not in their script have no idea of the answer, it may have changed since July, but I doubt it

 

[deepcman]

You can purchase refundable obc but the current exchange rate is around 40%. (Cdn to USD) With any refundable obc you can simply go to guest relations and get cash at no charge.

For refundable obc you have to go to the casino and request cash from your account and they'll charge you 5% if you have a credit on file for account charges or 0% if you have a cash account. 

Been on the Freedom for the past 2 weeks and it's been more than interesting. 2 more weeks to go. At least 5 people got thrown off last week and yesterday they brought on the police from Curacao due drugs on board.

[LilBlackDress]

3 hours ago, Ontario cruise duo said:

I've emailed my PCC and she suggested I call the 1-800 number, the same one that you gave me.  

The gentleman I spoke to said "NO" I could not do this, but I do appreciate your assistance in this matter.  

Sometimes I do wonder if I try calling in a couple of days and get a different person if I will get a different answer, as it seems to be a call centre, who are all learning and do not have the answers at the ready.  Can I put you on a quick hold while I ask someone...?  Sure!🥴

I am not sure what that person was thinking when they answered you... 

You can call back in 5 minutes and most likely will get a different person. 

As others have said, you can do a cash account and not get charged a fee to take money out at the casino... I have been doing it this was for our last 4 or 5 cruises.