Couldn't "pre-load" money on a Cash OnBoard Account

I plan to use a cash based Onboard Expense Account when aboard the Oasis leaving the 19th.

I called Royal Caribbean yesterday to put put some money on it from my checking account, and the associate told me that was not possible "as nothing has been charged to the account yet". Of course I was aware nothing had been charged to my account yet. At least I hope not!!!

She then proceeded to tell me how things work with a cash account once onboard (which I'm pretty sure I already had figured thanks to all of you :) ); and that we would be allowed to charge up to between $250-500 before we would get a message to come down and settle the bill before being allowed to continue running up a bill.

I was pretty sure that I had read on these forums that people have "pre-loaded" money to their account prior to sailing. I was hoping to do this to have as much pre-paid as I can (we don't use credit at all, except for a mortgage).

Do you think the associate was misinformed? Or am I?

I plan to use a cash based Onboard Expense Account when aboard the Oasis leaving the 19th.

 

I called Royal Caribbean yesterday to put put some money on it from my checking account, and the associate told me that was not possible "as nothing has been charged to the account yet". Of course I was aware nothing had been charged to my account yet. At least I hope not!!!

She then proceeded to tell me how things work with a cash account once onboard (which I'm pretty sure I already had figured thanks to all of you :) ); and that we would be allowed to charge up to between $250-500 before we would get a message to come down and settle the bill before being allowed to continue running up a bill.

 

I was pretty sure that I had read on these forums that people have "pre-loaded" money to their account prior to sailing. I was hoping to do this to have as much pre-paid as I can (we don't use credit at all, except for a mortgage).

 

Do you think the associate was misinformed? Or am I?

Call this number: 800-722-5443, and ask to purchase On Board Credit. Perhaps the person on the phone was confused.

Just do as Bob said, you will need a debit or credit card to do that though, and the most you can buy at one time is $500

Ah. Thanks Bob.

I called 866-562-7625. I think that's their reservations main #....

I guess I just asked in the wrong way. I would think the associate could have still got me going in the right direction.......

Ah. Thanks Bob.

 

I called 866-562-7625. I think that's their reservations main #....

 

I guess I just asked in the wrong way. I would think the associate could have still got me going in the right direction.......

That's asking a lot these days.:rolleyes:

Hi.

Just wanted to add that I too am planning to pre-load OBC prior to our cruise in January so I called RCCL to see what my limit would be. They confirmed that I could pre-purchase OBC but only up to $499. Not sure of the significance of the $1 shy of $500 but I was still happy to know I will be able to make the purchase.

I believe the csr gave you the correct info for how a cash account works, no money down, charge up to 500 and then pay off while on the cruise. I have added cash to our onboard account after boarding by using travelers checks.

If you want on board credit (obc) that will apply to your account then you can pre purchase obc as the others have posted

Hi.

 

Just wanted to add that I too am planning to pre-load OBC prior to our cruise in January so I called RCCL to see what my limit would be. They confirmed that I could pre-purchase OBC but only up to $499. Not sure of the significance of the $1 shy of $500 but I was still happy to know I will be able to make the purchase.

Is the total limit of purchased OBC $499, or can we call multiple times and do $499 each time?

 

Do you think the associate was misinformed? Or am I?

Yet another case of a Royal Caribbean CSR that doesnt have a clue.

Is the total limit of purchased OBC $499, or can we call multiple times and do $499 each time?

Hi Bob.

Good question. I didn't think to ask that. I took it as this was the total amount available for pre-purchase until we are on board and then we can add additional monies at that time. I'll need to go back and clarify.

And off topic...thank you so much for all the amazing help you give EVERYONE!! I'm a newbie to CC in terms of posting but I've been reading everything since I booked our trip in early January and you are always the most helpful, patient and informative no matter the question. I so appreciate the input you provided that helped me plan an amazing vacation after a 10 year lapse in crusing. :)

Hi Bob.

 

Good question. I didn't think to ask that. I took it as this was the total amount available for pre-purchase until we are on board and then we can add additional monies at that time. I'll need to go back and clarify.

 

And off topic...thank you so much for all the amazing help you give EVERYONE!! I'm a newbie to CC in terms of posting but I've been reading everything since I booked our trip in early January and you are always the most helpful, patient and informative no matter the question. I so appreciate the input you provided that helped me plan an amazing vacation after a 10 year lapse in crusing. :)

Thank-you for the kind words.:) Many people help here.

Hi all, you can load as much money on your account as you like through Gift and Gear

Sometimes they will tell you $ 499.00 and sometimes it is $ 500.00 depends on person in Guatemala that you get on the other end. I have put in $ 1,500.00 and plan on more ( special rates for Canadians )

Thank-you for the kind words.:) Many people help here.

Yes many people on here have been wonderful with advice, support, etc. and it is all appreciated and valued. You are one of those at the top of that list. :D

I have done this many times in the past and was always able to do $500. Wonder when/why they changed to $499?

(Not that a penny makes a difference once way or the other with my spending; just wonder why they would adjust it that way)

Hi all, you can load as much money on your account as you like through Gift and Gear

Sometimes they will tell you $ 499.00 and sometimes it is $ 500.00 depends on person in Guatemala that you get on the other end. I have put in $ 1,500.00 and plan on more ( special rates for Canadians )

ROTFL!!! How true. I remember one time I called RCCL and I got a representative who was clearly American born. The BEST service to date I've received as she knew the company's policies and how to express such to the client without confusion on either side. Helped put through my price drop and saved me $400 on our trip. :)

Thanks for all the replies!

As per usual, I have probably been overthinking things.

I was mostly wanting the On Board Credit to get our drink packages and Internet. ($798 and $105). We won't be racking up many more charges than that. We already have a prepaid night at Chops, so I'm only anticipating one or two trips to Sabor and/or Johnny's; and possibly a night at the Bistro. Those probable charges along with a few tips that manage to get on a receipt rather than handed in cash shouldn't add up to much over a hundred bucks...

Thanks all.

There is no limit onthe amt you can put on you account in total. They do limit each purchase to 499 or 500. I was told it was the credit cards that wanted this protection, nothing to do with RCI. So, you call back a few times, and buy them one by one,or with luck you get an agent at gifts and gear who will just keep you onthe phone and process another purchase without having to call again. VERY rarely you will hear of someone who bought 1000, or 2000in one purchase!

It is nice to have it all prepaid when you board. If you do not spend it all,they will give you cash the last night or refund to your credit card. You can also withdraw it from the casino people say....to take into a port which uses usd etc.

This is discussed on other threads. Happy sailing!

Edited to add you can use OBC to pay daily gratuities too.

It depends on who answers the phone.

Last week I added $2500 in OBC in one transaction without any issue. I always call C&A instead of Gifts & Gear and have never had the $499 max imposed.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

As per usual, I have probably been overthinking things.

I was mostly wanting the On Board Credit to get our drink packages and Internet. ($798 and $105). We won't be racking up many more charges than that. We already have a prepaid night at Chops, so I'm only anticipating one or two trips to Sabor and/or Johnny's; and possibly a night at the Bistro. Those probable charges along with a few tips that manage to get on a receipt rather than handed in cash shouldn't add up to much over a hundred bucks...

 

Thanks all.

None of my business really, but why don't you purchase the drink packages now before you board? That way you don't have to wait in line and the sticker will already be on your card.

I was able to purchase $1,000 all at once through C & A by buying $500 towards my account and $500 towards my DH's.

I have a dumb question. If I prepay my OBC, will I be able to get the difference not spent back?

What is the purpose of purchasing an on board credit in advance? I have never heard of this.

Is it possible to purchase OBC directly through RCCL if you booked through a travel agent? I'd love to add some to our accounts before we leave.

I have a dumb question. If I prepay my OBC, will I be able to get the difference not spent back?

Yes. Last night at guest services in cash or if you have a credit card associated with your Seapass account it will automatically be refunded.

Is it possible to purchase OBC directly through RCCL if you booked through a travel agent? I'd love to add some to our accounts before we leave.

Yes. Call C&A or Gifts and Gear.