Canadian cruisers!!

Just off Oasis yesterday (a fantastic cruise) and we had no problem taking our purchased OBC out from the casino whenever we needed it. Since we had a cash account set up, there was no 3% or 5% fee. We went to Guest Services on Thursday to register our credit card and closed our cash account. Glad we did this rather than wait till Friday when it was like a zoo at Guest Services. :)

[quote name='hancogran']Maybe I'm wrong but if you purchase an excursion and paid for it in Canadian, I'm pretty sure your credit card would be credited back in Canadian funds if you cancel. I agree..there's no savings and a lot of hassle.

We booked our next cruise last week while on board Oasis and put a deposit of $250 Canadian down. If for any reason we had to cancel, I am sure they'd credit back $250 Canadian. I would imagine excursions would be the same.[/QUOTE]

That's my understanding too. You will be credited the same amount back on your credit card.

[quote name='hancogran']Just off Oasis yesterday (a fantastic cruise) and we had no problem taking our purchased OBC out from the casino whenever we needed it. Since we had a cash account set up, there was no 3% or 5% fee. We went to Guest Services on Thursday to register our credit card and closed our cash account. Glad we did this rather than wait till Friday when it was like a zoo at Guest Services. :)[/QUOTE]

Thank you for reporting back that this is still possible. We're thinking of doing this too with the dollar being so bad (and we purchased at the 1.1)...and good to know that it is a good idea to change it back to CC once you are done at the ports (before the last day) Edited February 7, 2016 by LuCruise

We are sailing next week on the AOS, and we have significant OBC on each of our cabins. We have opted for a cash account and will withdraw the funds on a daily basis from the casino until the account is depleted. We will probably add a credit card at that point for incidentals.

[quote name='hancogran']Just off Oasis yesterday (a fantastic cruise) and we had no problem taking our purchased OBC out from the casino whenever we needed it. Since we had a cash account set up, there was no 3% or 5% fee. We went to Guest Services on Thursday to register our credit card and closed our cash account. Glad we did this rather than wait till Friday when it was like a zoo at Guest Services. :)[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before but did you have to do anything to set up the account as a cash account? First time cruiser here.

[quote name='bluemeansgo']I'm sorry if this has been asked before but did you have to do anything to set up the account as a cash account? First time cruiser here.[/quote]
It's easy. You can set up a cash account during your online check-in, at the check-in counter, or at Guest Services once you are onboard.

[quote name='moopetguy']Is this in reply to my inquiry about a USD credit card (prepaid or otherwise)?

I'm talking about much more than a 3% difference. I have USD purchased at 1.10 CAD. Live USD->CAD rates on credit cards are probably around 1.41-1.45. So using a CAD credit card means paying a LOT more.[/QUOTE]


I realize that. Convert your US $ to CAD. Pay for cruise with CAD credit card. You'll take a hit on the spread but probably similar in cost to opening up a US credit card or spending gas on driving down to the States to pick up a prepaid.

How much we talking here. Easier to suggest solutions if we know how much USD you need to use.

The other option you have is pay the deposit in CAD right away and then a bank transfer for the rest. Edited February 7, 2016 by bluemeansgo

[quote name='bluemeansgo']I realize that. Convert your US $ to CAD. Pay for cruise with CAD credit card. You'll take a hit on the spread but probably similar in cost to opening up a US credit card or spending gas on driving down to the States to pick up a prepaid.

How much we talking here. Easier to suggest solutions if we know how much USD you need to use.[/quote]

I mentioned using this USD currency to make a cruise booking, so we're in the neighbourhood of around $2,000-$2,500 USD. My bank's buy rate is around 1.34. So that will get me around $2,680-$3,350 CAD. My bank's sell rate is around 1.425, plus a 2.5% foreign exchange fee on the CAD credit cards I currently have, so about a 1.45 effective rate. Ends up being a difference of around 11% as a result.

So the $2,000-$2,500 USD will cost me about $2,900-$3,625 CAD. A difference of between $220-$275 CAD. That's much more than a USD card's annual fee. That's probably not enough of a difference to hop over the border for (unless one were very close, and/or heading over anyway). But it's enough of a difference that I am asking for suggestions, because I'm sure somebody out there knows something I don't, such as a USD prepaid card that can be purchased in Canada. :)

[quote name='rnr4thatsme']Is the rate that you're able to buy OBC at the same as when you booked your cruise? My TA said I would have to pay the 40 cents on the dollar, but when I booked it last year, the dollar was much stronger....[/QUOTE]

Have not been on this forum for a bit - just saw your question.

No the rate for OBC is different than the rates for gratuities etc. The gratuities rate is determined by the rate at the time you buy the cruise. The OBC rate changed on January 7th to $1.40 CAD per $1.00 USD.

If you have not paid your gratuities up front you should still be able to now at whatever the rate was at the time of booking (Mine was $15.91 CAD per person per day, current rate would be $18.31 CAD per person per day)

If it was a sizeable amount and you have a trading account you can do Norbert's gambit to avoid the double hit. Probably not worth the hassle though.

The other option to reduce cost would be applying for a credit card like Amazon visa or chase Marriott visa which don't charge additional currency fees.

You may also find that exchange at your bank is not as good as private exchange places like vbce.

Not related to OBC, but still applicable to us Canucks...

There was an article I read recently which stated that many of the destinations which get a large amount of Canadians have lowered their prices in reaction to the low Canadian dollar (consequence: less Canadians travelling). The article mentioned that Myrtle Beach (a traditional Canadian hot spot) area restaurants and attractions are taking $CAD at par. Additionally, All Inclusives are lowering prices too - in an attempt to get Canadian traffic back up. Eg- you can book a week in a mid-level AI (Grand Principe Bahai) in Punta Cana for $1250 CAD - which includes airfare. My son just booked a stay in May at that price.

Look around - it might pay off.

[quote name='Toddcan']Not related to OBC, but still applicable to us Canucks...

There was an article I read recently which stated that many of the destinations which get a large amount of Canadians have lowered their prices in reaction to the low Canadian dollar (consequence: less Canadians travelling). The article mentioned that Myrtle Beach (a traditional Canadian hot spot) area restaurants and attractions are taking $CAD at par. Additionally, All Inclusives are lowering prices too - in an attempt to get Canadian traffic back up. Eg- you can book a week in a mid-level AI (Grand Principe Bahai) in Punta Cana for $1250 CAD - which includes airfare. My son just booked a stay in May at that price.

Look around - it might pay off.[/QUOTE]

I was looking at the myrtle beach offer but everything I saw ended april. maybe they will extend the offeres, one can hope.
we to are looking at an all inclusive in jamacia. with the flights included its not a bad deal.
thanks for the heads up.

[quote name='Toddcan']Not related to OBC, but still applicable to us Canucks...

There was an article I read recently which stated that many of the destinations which get a large amount of Canadians have lowered their prices in reaction to the low Canadian dollar (consequence: less Canadians travelling). The article mentioned that Myrtle Beach (a traditional Canadian hot spot) area restaurants and attractions are taking $CAD at par. Additionally, All Inclusives are lowering prices too - in an attempt to get Canadian traffic back up. Eg- you can book a week in a mid-level AI (Grand Principe Bahai) in Punta Cana for $1250 CAD - which includes airfare. My son just booked a stay in May at that price.

Look around - it might pay off.[/QUOTE]

That's not a bad price. But if he waits another few weeks he can lie on a beach at home. I don't care for AI at any time but spending money for a warm vacation when it's almost as warm at home doesn't make sense to me. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I doubt the same flight and hotel will be the same price come January 2017. May is my gardening month. I have one more cruise booked for the Mediterranean in May and then it will be a wait and see where the dollar goes for me.

[quote name='T.O.cruisers']That's not a bad price. But if he waits another few weeks he can lie on a beach at home. I don't care for AI at any time but spending money for a warm vacation when it's almost as warm at home doesn't make sense to me. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I doubt the same flight and hotel will be the same price come January 2017. May is my gardening month. I have one more cruise booked for the Mediterranean in May and then it will be a wait and see where the dollar goes for me.[/QUOTE]

I've laid out on Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron beaches in the summer... I much prefer Caribbean beaches - at any time of the year :) In fact, they are not even in the same league. But, that's just me, I suppose ;)

Hoping to get some assistance with this question from the many knowledgeable Canadians on this thread!

I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks which I booked in Canadian dollars. I am looking at another cruise which I want to book but it is much cheaper to book in USD. Can I do a Nextcruise booking on the ship in USD?

When you first book your cruise you can choose whether it is in US or CA dollars. Once you choose then that is your currency - unless you cancel and then it is back to square one and you can again choose the currency for your next cruise.
We go back and forth depending on a number of factors.

[quote name='WeExplore']Can I do a Nextcruise booking on the ship in USD?[/quote]

[quote name='freedom750']When you first book your cruise you can choose whether it is in US or CA dollars. Once you choose then that is your currency - unless you cancel and then it is back to square one and you can again choose the currency for your next cruise.[/quote]

Just to reinforce the idea that once a booking is made in one currency, it cannot be changed -- if you make a booking in CAD on board, you can't have a U.S. travel agent (operating in USD) take it over unless they can also operate in CAD.

So, consider doing one of each (USD and CAD) while on board for flexibility ;)

An update on my computer glitch. So the $550 charge has not appeared on my credit card even though they sent me a $500 OBC Amenity confirmation. I've been busy at work but will call today to see if in fact I got the OBC or if the computer spit it out. I'll report back with what I find as I want to purchase more OBC.

As to booking in CAD or USD: If you are confident that our dollar will stay this low for some time and the deal is good in US then go for it. Just be prepared that you will be paying more or less for the cruise when it's time to pay the piper. Remember they did mention that a $0.62 Canadian dollar was not impossible by the end o f the year.:eek::eek:

[quote name='moopetguy']Just to reinforce the idea that once a booking is made in one currency, it cannot be changed -- if you make a booking in CAD on board, you can't have a U.S. travel agent (operating in USD) take it over unless they can also operate in CAD.

So, consider doing one of each (USD and CAD) while on board for flexibility ;)[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I have my answer now. I can chose whatever currency I want to make the new booking regardless of what currency I used to pay for the cruise I am on. This is a change from my past experiences which is why I asked my cc friends for help. In the past I was only allowed to book a Nextcruise in the same currency I had used or the cruise I was currently sailing on. Glad to hear RCL has changed their policy...I will save $$!!

[quote name='Toddcan']I've laid out on Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron beaches in the summer... I much prefer Caribbean beaches - at any time of the year :) In fact, they are not even in the same league. But, that's just me, I suppose ;)[/QUOTE]

But does the Caribbean have Arbor dogs like Port Dover? :)

[quote name='Canadian Tyler']But does the Caribbean have Arbor dogs like Port Dover? :)[/QUOTE]

I know Port Dover has palm trees because I've seen them.

The only thong I've seen in Port Dover was being worn by Thong Man... I'll stick to the Caribbean I think! :D

[quote name='Canadian Tyler']Sorry, can't help with the credit card question but I use a US TA and can book in Canadian funds.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='moopetguy']Just to reinforce the idea that once a booking is made in one currency, it cannot be changed -- if you make a booking in CAD on board, you can't have a U.S. travel agent (operating in USD) take it over unless they can also operate in CAD.

So, consider doing one of each (USD and CAD) while on board for flexibility ;)[/QUOTE]

[quote name='WeExplore']Thanks for all of the responses. I think I have my answer now. I can chose whatever currency I want to make the new booking regardless of what currency I used to pay for the cruise I am on. This is a change from my past experiences which is why I asked my cc friends for help. In the past I was only allowed to book a Next cruise in the same currency I had used or the cruise I was currently sailing on. Glad to hear RCL has changed their policy...I will save $$!![/QUOTE]

With onboard next cruise bookings the RC agent will automatically use the current cruise booking currency unless you tell them differently so that wasn't inflexible as you indicated. It's been this way as long as we've been doing these, which is quite a few years. We've typically booked in which ever currency that offers us the best final value considering the OBC and other benefits US TAs offered. ;)
I believe you need to check out Canadian Tyler's signature.
Today I booked our next month's Anthem Western Caribbean in $CAD at an equivalent exchange rate of 1.34 compared to the USD pricing. I did so with a US TA as he suggested which got us a fair amount of USD OBC.
I'm also transferring to this TA the Fall Brilliance TA that we booked directly with RCI last month on Anthem, in CAD at a similar exchange advantage, for more OBC on that cruise. In fact for the latter all I had to do is provide the agent our booking Confirmation #, ship and sail date as she had all the rest of our info from the new booking. She did all the form filing and contact with RCI. I've already had an emails from RCI indicating this request has been made to them and a little later another stating that they are proceeding with it.
That is another thing one should know is that any onboard booking is automatically given to the current cruise booking agency or with RCI if done that way unless you request a different agency or want it direct with RCI.
It is the best of both worlds or should I say currencies, booking in CAD and getting OBC in USD. :D Edited February 10, 2016 by robtulipe

Here's what happened for anyone following: Called up and confirmed that the $500 OBC for $550 was not accepted. No problem, the person helping me sent me the Amenity Confirmation for the original OBC purchased in December. So I decided to purchase another $500 OBC at the 1.41 rate. For some reason the computer would not make this transaction. After 45 minutes on the phone they finally got a acceptance but not a payment confirmation.

We determined that the problem might stem from the fact we already purchased an OBC at one rate and the program has issues dealing with purchase another at another rate. That's the theory anyway. So this morning the payment has still not been put through my cc. So we will see what happens.

Has anyone else had problems purchasing additional OBC? I did it 4 times back in Sept and Oct.

[quote name='Magicat']Here's what happened for anyone following: Called up and confirmed that the $500 OBC for $550 was not accepted. No problem, the person helping me sent me the Amenity Confirmation for the original OBC purchased in December. So I decided to purchase another $500 OBC at the 1.41 rate. For some reason the computer would not make this transaction. After 45 minutes on the phone they finally got a acceptance but not a payment confirmation.

We determined that the problem might stem from the fact we already purchased an OBC at one rate and the program has issues dealing with purchase another at another rate. That's the theory anyway. So this morning the payment has still not been put through my cc. So we will see what happens.

Has anyone else had problems purchasing additional OBC? I did it 4 times back in Sept and Oct.[/QUOTE]

Yes I had the same problem the first time that I did it. The problem is the amount is over $500.00 so they require a faxed copy of the card and picture identification which they should have told you. Hope this helps.

Patti

[quote name='Pass']Yes I had the same problem the first time that I did it. The problem is the amount is over $500.00 so they require a faxed copy of the card and picture identification which they should have told you. Hope this helps.[/quote]

My experience was different...I purchased well over $500 in OBC in one transaction back in December when I called Gifts & Gear. Didn't have to jump through any hoops such as faxing anything for verification. My credit card was charged once for the full amount (in CAD, as quoted).

Another infamous RCI inconsistency :)