Canadian cruisers!!

[squadron]

I just called Royal and was able to get $400 US for $440 CAD :D I was anxious calling because with my luck they would change the exchange rate with the dropping dollar.... happy to report that's not the case.

I can't thank everyone enough for this great thread!! You have definitely made my day :)

 

I agree and think it was put in place as a perk for those of us who book in CDN dollars. It probably encourages more bookings and more spending on board. I'm glad that it doesn't extend to those who hope to "double dip "by booking on a US web site for OBC and then hope to also get a good rate on additional OBC.

[Mademoiselle22]

I would call back and try again. It seems to depend on who answers the phone.

when I purchased my first OBC I was told no more than $499, second time I was able to buy $500. not much of a difference I know but it shows that it's a bit of a lottery on who you get!!

 

keep trying, I bet you'll find someone that will help!

 

I called again and still no luck. C & A says that you can longer purchase $500 OBC in USD over the phone and need to fax in your CC and photo ID. Or you can buy a gift certificate online and then convert it to OBC. The rep said that you will get the exchange rate of 10% if you do end up buying OBC through a gift certificate but I'm not sure if I should trust that advice.

 

I was on hold with Gifts & Gear for half an hour (not complaining) and they've said that there's a glitch of something kind (couldn't describe anymore) and have asked me to call back on Monday. I will call back but I'm hoping this is a glitch and not a change in policies.

[davidsmum]

The $500 was an issue for me the first two time, hence the $499. Third time though I was able to purchase $500.

The rep did say if I wanted to purchase more in one go then I would have to fax in ID etc.

I found it easier just to call back!

[Ourusualbeach]

The $500 was an issue for me the first two time, hence the $499. Third time though I was able to purchase $500.

The rep did say if I wanted to purchase more in one go then I would have to fax in ID etc.

I found it easier just to call back!

 

I can't believe (actually I can) the differences between the reps. I have called C&A 4 times now and was able to purchase $500 US each time. Others have posted about getting $1000 or more per transaction.

[Ourusualbeach]

I called again and still no luck. C & A says that you can longer purchase $500 OBC in USD over the phone and need to fax in your CC and photo ID. Or you can buy a gift certificate online and then convert it to OBC. The rep said that you will get the exchange rate of 10% if you do end up buying OBC through a gift certificate but I'm not sure if I should trust that advice.

 

I was on hold with Gifts & Gear for half an hour (not complaining) and they've said that there's a glitch of something kind (couldn't describe anymore) and have asked me to call back on Monday. I will call back but I'm hoping this is a glitch and not a change in policies.

 

Their website and IT group is known to take weekends off.:D

[Mademoiselle22]

The $500 was an issue for me the first two time, hence the $499. Third time though I was able to purchase $500.

The rep did say if I wanted to purchase more in one go then I would have to fax in ID etc.

I found it easier just to call back!

 

Thanks so much for the tip. That gives me hope. I guess I'll just call back a few times tomorrow:).

[Magicat]

I don't call Gifts and Gear, I call the C&A number and talk to someone there. I wonder if that makes a difference or not.

[mjforfunca]

We just did a transatlantic on Brilliance in May and I used the casino to withdraw money that I had purchased as an OBC. I also had a cash account set up (no credit card involved).

 

The first time I withdrew money at the casino, I asked the casino cashier if there was any service charge because even when I purchased the OBC credit, the girl at Gifts and Gear said there would be a 5% charge to withdraw in the casino. This was incorrect information. :rolleyes: Since we had a cash account and it was our own money we were withdrawing, there was no service charge at all. We withdrew money from the casino three or four times during the cruise and never paid any service charge. :D

 

So did you need to let them know your account is cash to avoid the service charges or the cashier would know when s/he prepared the charges? Thanks!

[lyteforce]

I just gave G&G a call and was able to purchase $500USD for $550CAD - a straight 10%. No need for ID and the call was done in no more than 5 minutes.

 

Now if only that email confirmation were to show up... :confused:

[Ourusualbeach]

I just gave G&G a call and was able to purchase $500USD for $550CAD - a straight 10%. No need for ID and the call was done in no more than 5 minutes.

 

Now if only that email confirmation were to show up... :confused:

 

Don't be surprised when the e mail confirmation only shows the amount in CDN$ with no mention of the US$ amount.

 

Here is our confirmation. I have always received the e mail instantly and before I hung up the phone.

 

[curry767]

Are you implying that they will convert to CAD to USD on day of travel at the exchange rate at the day of travel?

[Ourusualbeach]

Are you implying that they will convert to CAD to USD on day of travel at the exchange rate at the day of travel?

 

No. Once you purchase the US$ OBC at the 110% rate it is locked in. Your statement just does not show that.

[hancogran]

So did you need to let them know your account is cash to avoid the service charges or the cashier would know when s/he prepared the charges? Thanks!

 

When they swipe your SetSail pass through their machine, I'm sure they know you're set up as a cash account. I just wanted to be sure that there were no service charges for taking my own money out ;). I only mentioned it the first time I withdrew the cash from the casino and after that they just swipe your card, give you a receipt to sign and then give you your cash. :D

[mabelcat]

So if you buy Obc of $500 U.S. They charge u $550 and that is the amount showing as the charge on your credit card? We are heading out on the Oasis of the Seas on August 29th 2015. So am definitely going to do this to save some money!!!!

Thanks for the tips:)

Edited August 10, 2015 by mabelcat

[rinse82]

Rep experience is very inconsistent it seems. When I did this about a month ago, I asked what the limit was and the rep responded that "there was no limit". So I proceeded to purchase $1,000 in OBC with no issue.

[lyteforce]

So if you buy Obc of $500 U.S. They charge u $550 and that is the amount showing as the charge on your credit card? We are heading out on the Oasis of the Seas on August 29th 2015. So am definitely going to do this to save some money!!!!

Thanks for the tips:)

 

That's it in a nutshell. I couldn't believe it myself!

[Russ Lomas]

Thanks so much for the tip. That gives me hope. I guess I'll just call back a few times tomorrow:).

You had me scared that I missed out on being able to purchase some OBC at this great rate when I read your message. I just called in and within 5 minutes had put $500 on both my DW's account and another $500 on my account. I had an email confirmation sent to me immediately as well. Guess you just got unlucky with the agent you talked to. Try again.

 

One more thing...you do have your booking done in Canadian funds correct? If you originally booked in US funds, you cannot get this great rate.

[brfan]

I just gave G&G a call and was able to purchase $500USD for $550CAD - a straight 10%. No need for ID and the call was done in no more than 5 minutes.

 

Now if only that email confirmation were to show up... :confused:

 

If you haven't received your email confirmation, call them back to get it. I had to do that the last time. I'm not sure if they got the email address wrong as you have to give it to them verbally (not sure why can't get it off your reservation).

[mabelcat]

What is the number that we would phone to get the OBC, and if I have multiple people on my reservation can I use different credit cards to charge the amount,

don't want it all on mine:confused:eek:

[hancogran]

What is the number that we would phone to get the OBC, and if I have multiple people on my reservation can I use different credit cards to charge the amount,

don't want it all on mine:confused:eek:

 

Call Royal Caribbean Gifts and Gear (800) 722-5443. Others have said you can Call C & A too but I purchased through Gifts and Gear. I'm not sure about using the different credit cards for different individuals though but you can ask them when you call.

 

Also, I am just assuming your cruise has been booked in Canadian dollars. :confused: That is one of the stipulations to be able to buy the OBC at the reduced rate.

[cegmar]

Don't mean to take this on a slight tangent, but I notice quite a few people talking about having separate accounts for spouses in one cabin. When we have sailed in the past, we have always just used one cabin account because it just seemed to be easier.

 

How individuals set up their affairs is very personal, and I am making no judgement on that in any way, but I was just wondering if there was some sort of advantage to having separate accounts that I may not be seeing or aware of? Or is it just personal preference? Thanks!

[mabelcat]

yep purchased in Canadian Dollars!!! I was taking American cash out, but I think this is the better option

Thanks for the tips

[mabelcat]

My hubby and I have the same account, but want a separate account for my daughter, and boyfriend, and son's girlfriend, and my mom.....

[Pharmtech1984]

Hi,

 

Just booked a cruise on the Oasis for Feb 13/16.. Just trying to understand this thread about purchasing an OBC... So, it seems that it is a much better deal to purchase an OBC than buying from a Canadian Bank... the savings seem substantial... can I take advantage of this , if I booked thru Sell off Vacations and not directly through RCI? Also, if I do purchase the OBC , may I then purchase a beverage package online?? Thanks for your thread!

[JessyCruises]

Hi,

 

Just booked a cruise on the Oasis for Feb 13/16.. Just trying to understand this thread about purchasing an OBC... So, it seems that it is a much better deal to purchase an OBC than buying from a Canadian Bank... the savings seem substantial... can I take advantage of this , if I booked thru Sell off Vacations and not directly through RCI? Also, if I do purchase the OBC , may I then purchase a beverage package online?? Thanks for your thread!

 

Was the cruise fare charged as CAD to your credit card or was it charged in USD? If it was charged in CAD you can buy OBC and get the 10% rate. You just need to call gifts & gear or C&A. If your card was charged in USD and your credit card company did the currency conversion, you would have to pay USD to buy OBC so the deal would not be applicable.