How to manage casino funds??

[CUTTERSAM]

Sailing the Baltics on Brilliance and I spend considerable time in casino. I know it is American dollar based.

 

How would you bring your casino money? Would you do travelers chx, pay your credit card ahead of time the amt you earmark for gambling then get money off sea pass? Are there casino credits you can buy on RCI?

 

I don't want to be traveling with a lot of cash??

 

Thank you ....Sailin'Sam

[LovesCruising]

If you take money off your sea pass you will be charged a fee - believe it is 3% - however - if your a big gambler this fee may be waived as you accumulate points, it has for me and Im not a big gambler but spend maybe $100 per day. I usually bring that much in cash to cover each days fun and it works out well. There is a safe in cabin that we use.

[orville99]

I have purchased casino credits from RCL for my kids in the past. I call the gifts and gear number and request it. RCL doesn't list it as an option, but they will do it if you ask. I don't remember if it shows up in the cabin as chips or a certificate, but it does show up.

[LovesCruising]

I have purchased casino credits from RCL for my kids in the past. I call the gifts and gear number and request it. RCL doesn't list it as an option, but they will do it if you ask. I don't remember if it shows up in the cabin as chips or a certificate, but it does show up.

 

Interesting, is that for table use or can it be used on slots as well?

[cb at sea]

We always bring CASH for gambling.....that way, when it's gone, it's gone! No temptation to "put just a bit more" on your credit card or shipboard account!

 

If you don't want to bring cash, bring traveler's checks and cash them on the ship for use in the casino.

[krzi]

As a former employee at a Land Based Casino in Atlantic City, my recommendation is to bring what you feel you are willing to lose. The best way to budget for the casino is expect to lose, and just be ready to have a great time! If you win then run like the wind and the cruise is on the house, otherwise just have a great time and enjoy your cruise! I do not recommend charging your card.

[orville99]

Interesting, is that for table use or can it be used on slots as well?

 

 

My kids are slot players. Not sure if they do any table games or not.

[cruisnseas]

If you tend to spend quite a bit, you can always wire cash to the ship.

[Cupcrazy]

If you take money off your sea pass you will be charged a fee - believe it is 3% - however - if your a big gambler this fee may be waived as you accumulate points, it has for me and Im not a big gambler but spend maybe $100 per day. I usually bring that much in cash to cover each days fun and it works out well. There is a safe in cabin that we use.

 

 

I was just on a Princess Cruise and they have done away with the 3% charge for using your card at the tables. Hopefully RCI will do away with this charge as well.

For me I take cash and set my self a limit of a couple hundred dollars every time I'm in the casino. Usually 3-4 times per cruise

[krzi]

There is a trick where you never get charged a fee, just withdraw money from slot machine and cash out. take your cash out ticket to the cashier and get chips or cash.

 

I know this works for NCL, Princess, and RCI because I have done this on both. Its a little leg work but the cruise lines do not charge fees on slot withdrawals and it will come on your S&S as casino and you can pay it off as a regular charge on the last day with no fees.

[Coralc]

There is a trick where you never get charged a fee, just withdraw money from slot machine and cash out. take your cash out ticket to the cashier and get chips or cash.

 

I know this works for NCL, Princess, and RCI because I have done this on both. Its a little leg work but the cruise lines do not charge fees on slot withdrawals and it will come on your S&S as casino and you can pay it off as a regular charge on the last day with no fees.

 

I don't think you can tell the Royal Caribbean slot machines to give you money on your card. Generally, you have to take your seapass to the cashier and withdraw it that way with the 3% charge.

 

I get $50 traveler's checks for casino money. One for each day of the cruise. I usually don't go to the casino every day, so I end up with checks left over that I take for the next cruise. It's not a firm limit....but it's a limit. :D:):D

[nolimits]

If your a gambler Casino Royale will let you set up account against bank funds no fee.They will waive 3% if against sea pass (credit card) 5000$ per day.I suggest sea pass method every time you take money you have to sign makes you aware of what your spending.If I take 500 on card and leave casino with 1200 I pay at front desk all my charges for day,then put change in safe next day sign again.This gives them better base to rate your play and are aware your back and playing.Also now your not carrying cash except at end of day

[trev71]

I dont know I always take cash too, I know its nerv racking to carry alot of cash. Espically if your from Canada its different id think trying to get cash down there. We just go to to the bank before we go. its probably worth paying the 3% if it makes you feel safer

[Cupcrazy]

There is a trick where you never get charged a fee, just withdraw money from slot machine and cash out. take your cash out ticket to the cashier and get chips or cash.

 

I know this works for NCL, Princess, and RCI because I have done this on both. Its a little leg work but the cruise lines do not charge fees on slot withdrawals and it will come on your S&S as casino and you can pay it off as a regular charge on the last day with no fees.

 

I used to do that on Carnival & Princess.

[MargaritaPlease]

I just put it on my sea pass which I pay off with my credit card - thus getting cash-back rewards as well!

[cruiseguy1016]

We always bring CASH for gambling.....that way, when it's gone, it's gone! No temptation to "put just a bit more" on your credit card or shipboard account!

.

 

 

I do the same.

[reney313]

I used to do that on Carnival & Princess.

 

I have on Princess as well. I don't recall that option being available on RCI last month. I had to go to the cashier to take cash out against my sea pass card. I remember the first time doing that on Princess last year, I was happily surprised I had the option (although it can be very dangerous! I'm really surprised RCI hasn't had this option installed on the machines yet).

 

Maybe it is available on the newer machines on the new ships?

[krzi]

I have seen this work on grandeur and explorer.

[bobinfl]

If your a gambler Casino Royale will let you set up account against bank funds no fee.They will waive 3% if against sea pass (credit card) 5000$ per day.

 

How do you go about setting this up? I can't find anything on the RCI site about Casino Royale credit lines.

[cruisnseas]

You need to call their Casino department. Be aware though, if you call it a "credit line" they are going to assume you mean you want an actual credit line and not just access to cash from your Sea Pass. You don't have to do any "setup" to use your Sea Pass to spend in the casino.

 

And you cannot join Club Royale (the casino program that waives the 3% fee) until you are onboard. It is invitation only and based on the amount you play onboard the ship during that week.

[cruisegirl1]

I just put it on my sea pass which I pay off with my credit card - thus getting cash-back rewards as well!

 

There is generally a 3% fee to get cash in the casino. Your idea is good if you receive more than 3% in rewards. Otherwise - the fee is greater than the rewards.

 

M

[Cygneagile]

There is a trick where you never get charged a fee, just withdraw money from slot machine and cash out. take your cash out ticket to the cashier and get chips or cash.

 

I know this works for NCL, Princess, and RCI because I have done this on both. Its a little leg work but the cruise lines do not charge fees on slot withdrawals and it will come on your S&S as casino and you can pay it off as a regular charge on the last day with no fees.

 

 

This has been my approach for several years now. We do not get charged a administration fee is you charge the money directly to your cabin card.

I know what my budget is for the duration of the cruise and never over extend myself.

 

In any case I do carry travellers cheques and US funds with me.