Canadian cruisers!!

[Ourusualbeach]

Yup, and we also booked with a MyVegas $300OBC reward. Even if the rates drop, we still can only switch to another resident rate or we will lose the OBC. I don't think we will ever be able to beat $1,877 incl taxes & gratuity with $300 OBC, but you never know!

 

We didn't do that well but $2552 taxes in including gratuities for Christmas was something that I could live with.

 

I started to play the Vegas rewards and then gave up. I didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

[JessyCruises]

I started to play the Vegas rewards and then gave up. I didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

 

My husband and I both play. We have gone to Vegas twice using them and it pretty much paid for all our meals. Last year, when they first partnered with RCL, we got a free Unlimited Beverage package for 1 on the Indy and a $300 OBC on the Freedom. They have changed the rewards now and what rates qualify so it is more difficult to use them. They can still be a good deal if you can make it work for you.

[Magicat]

Small world monctonguy, we are from Shediac.

 

I was stationed in Oromocto, does that count? :D

[Magicat]

Baroner: We have friends joining us from Vegas and Los Angeles so it made more sense and cheaper to have them fly into TO and then drive to Quebec.

 

I'm going to call today to add more OBC to our cruise. Let's see if it still is going strong.

[phabric]

Baroner: We have friends joining us from Vegas and Los Angeles so it made more sense and cheaper to have them fly into TO and then drive to Quebec.

 

I'm going to call today to add more OBC to our cruise. Let's see if it still is going strong.

 

Can you came back to tell us what rate ($1.10) you got. If it is $1.10, I might order some.

[Ourusualbeach]

Can you came back to tell us what rate ($1.10) you got. If it is $1.10, I might order some.

 

It's been $1.10 since January. Posts within the past couple of days (Sept. 7th) that it's still at that rate.

Edited September 9, 2015 by Ourusualbeach

[nbsjcruiser]

So I just rebooked my Nov cruise from USD to CAD, due to a great price drop! On top pf that, I was then able to purchase OBC and take advantage of the 10% exchange rate.

 

So, cpl questions. I did not receive anything from Royal about the OBC purchase. Should I or is this normal?

 

Secondly, will my account now be considered a "cash" account because of the OBC sitting on there?

 

You wont receive an automated confirmation of your OBC. To get that, call them and ask for an email of the Amenity Confirmation. That will show everything you have put down as an OBC.

 

If you don't put a cc down on your account and leave it with cash only like this (which is what we do) then yes, this will be a cash account. Note, when you go to get cash in the casino, sometimes they will tell you there is a fee, 3% or 5% can't remember which. This is not true for a cash account. Tell them your account is a cash account and they will either not charge you for the cash or send you to guest services which will reimburse the fee.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited September 9, 2015 by nbsjcruiser

[monctonguy]

Awesome..so last question about a cash account. DO they still need my CC on file to clear up any additional charges? Or does having a cash account require that I go stand in line at guest services that last day and pay off anything owing? And if there is still $$ left on my cash account(which I am sure there wont be), how do I receive or get that back?

[kgd]

While there appears to be a $500 per day limit for depositing into one's OBC cash account, does anyone know if there is a cash withdrawal limit of $500 per day at the casino?

 

Bill and Denise

[SensFan11]

Just slightly off topic, but a couple folks the last few days were asking about credit cards that don't charge a foreign transaction fee...this website just updated their reviews of these cards today. In particular, you'll want to note that it mentions the Sears Voyage MasterCard will be discontinued soon.

 

http://blog.rewardscanada.ca/2015/09/the-loonie-is-sagging-so-how-can-you.html

[Magicat]

The deal is still going strong. Just purchased $500 USD for $550 CAD. I could even have purchased more than the $500 if I wanted.

[Hoopster95]

Just a heads up and to re-enforce a few posts answering my questions on this thread by various experienced cruisers who have done the cash account before... I'm on Radiance in a couple of days with a huge pre-bought obc. I emailed the concierge, and attached the obc invoice, asking if I can book my excursions & dining the second I step on board. The reason I asked is that I have a couple of very expensive excursions (ie. Helicopter in Kona = over $500us per person x2) and wish to book immediately on board. Here's the reply from the CL:

 

"I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International for your upcoming cruise to Hawaii.

 

I would like to inform you that the Onboard Credit will be posted on your account 24 hours after we set sail. However , please stop by in your Concierge Lounge and I will take care of all your booking for the Tours and our Speciality Restaurants. . we won't have any problem making the charges.

 

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with."

 

While the reply is not 100% clear, this tells me RCL/the CL can likely confirm on board that I do have the cash to book what I want right away even though the obc "doesn't show on my account" until day 2. I'll come back to this thread when I get back in a couple of weeks and let everyone know how it went.

 

Aloha!!! :D

[traceytd]

I'm so excited!!!!

I purchased $1000.00 U.S. OBC today for $1100.00 CAD. So happy I read these posts. I am doing a 7 days on the Adventure of the Seas in January then right on a Carnival ship for second cruise. I will purchase enough OBC for my second cruise on Carnival. Thanks to everyone for all the valuable info...

[JessyCruises]

Awesome..so last question about a cash account. DO they still need my CC on file to clear up any additional charges? Or does having a cash account require that I go stand in line at guest services that last day and pay off anything owing? And if there is still $$ left on my cash account(which I am sure there wont be), how do I receive or get that back?

 

As long as you do not make any charges to your stateroom after you cash out, you do not need to leave a CC. In our case, we actually removed the balance on the second to last night at guest services. We then put our CC on the account as I had upgraded from a Refreshment Package to a select package on Day 3 and they had not yet charged the room. I wanted to have my card on file so when they charged me for the select package, there would be a payment on file. I did not want to get barred from disembarking on the last day and have to wait in the hell of guest services.

 

They never did charge me the difference between the two packages BTW.

[ckrobyn]

My husband and I both play. We have gone to Vegas twice using them and it pretty much paid for all our meals. Last year, when they first partnered with RCL, we got a free Unlimited Beverage package for 1 on the Indy and a $300 OBC on the Freedom. They have changed the rewards now and what rates qualify so it is more difficult to use them. They can still be a good deal if you can make it work for you.

 

I just came back from my first ever trip to Vegas. I tool advantage of the reciprocal relationship between Mlife and RCI and walked into the Mirage as a Platinum Mlife Member (the only higher level is Noir, so pretty good, right?) I Played My Vegas on FB a lot for the 6 months leading up to our trip and basically got most of my buffets for free (I already got a fabulous rate on a 2 bdr suite for being Platinum).

 

I'm now looking at what to do with the rest of my Points on My Vegas and hoped to use them on my next cruise - only to find that all that is really offered is OBC and even that is only available on "new bookings"! Look like we are better off using the rewards in Vegas - way more redemption options.

[phabric]

I am confused -

 

On Princess I ordered OBC. I went to the casino, put my sail card in the machine, transferred $ amount from my account (which had a credit card attached to it) to my casino account, played the slots, and then cashed out the balance with no service charge.

 

If I purchase OBC pre cruise, can I do the same with RC?

[Ourusualbeach]

While there appears to be a $500 per day limit for depositing into one's OBC cash account, does anyone know if there is a cash withdrawal limit of $500 per day at the casino?

 

Bill and Denise

 

There is no $500 limit in purchasing OBC. Some have reported a $500 withdrawal limit but it can vary by ship.

[Ourusualbeach]

I am confused -

 

On Princess I ordered OBC. I went to the casino, put my sail card in the machine, transferred $ amount from my account (which had a credit card attached to it) to my casino account, played the slots, and then cashed out the balance with no service charge.

 

If I purchase OBC pre cruise, can I do the same with RC?

 

No.

 

The Seapass cards cannot be used to play machines in the casino. Does not matter if there is a credit card attached or not. Cash must be withdrawn against your Seapass account at the cashiers cage.

[koolforkatz]

So I just purchased my fourth OBC of $500, bringing us to $2,000 altogether. I was told if I wanted to buy anymore I would have to email the request because it looked like duplications??? She didnt really seem too confident in her answer but you never know. I am sure the OBC is there but wonder what would happen if I tried to purchase more? I also tried doing this thru crown and anchor and thet said no and just transferred me. :rolleyes:

[traceytd]

So I just purchased my fourth OBC of $500, bringing us to $2,000 altogether. I was told if I wanted to buy anymore I would have to email the request because it looked like duplications??? She didnt really seem too confident in her answer but you never know. I am sure the OBC is there but wonder what would happen if I tried to purchase more? I also tried doing this thru crown and anchor and thet said no and just transferred me. :rolleyes:

 

 

I just called today and spoke to someone and she let me buy $1000.00 in one shot. She would of let me buy as much as I wanted she said. It's odd that they don't all do the same thing.

[koolforkatz]

I just called today and spoke to someone and she let me buy $1000.00 in one shot. She would of let me buy as much as I wanted she said. It's odd that they don't all do the same thing.

 

Which number did you call? Crown and Anchor couldn't help, although others have had luck. I believe i was speaking with someone in their call centre.

[Ourusualbeach]

Which number did you call? Crown and Anchor couldn't help, although others have had luck. I believe i was speaking with someone in their call centre.

 

Have called 4 times now over the past 6 months each time to C&A. Each time no problems and have been able to purchase more than $500 in a single transaction. I guess I have been lucky. It varies widely depending on the rep that you get as to what they allow.

[traceytd]

Which number did you call? Crown and Anchor couldn't help, although others have had luck. I believe i was speaking with someone in their call centre.

 

 

(800) 762-0585 I just called the regular number and I spoke to a Michelle, she said she just a regular agent. Her agent number is 28733. Not sure if this will help. Good luck [emoji3]

[phabric]

No.

 

The Seapass cards cannot be used to play machines in the casino. Does not matter if there is a credit card attached or not. Cash must be withdrawn against your Seapass account at the cashiers cage.

 

Is there a charge for this?

 

If there is a charge at the casino cage, how do you get the extra OBC people are buying out of your seapass ?

[Ourusualbeach]

Is there a charge for this?

 

If there is a charge at the casino cage, how do you get the extra OBC people are buying out of your seapass ?

 

If you set up a cash account (no credit card on file) many ships will allow you to withdraw cash at the casino without charging you the 5% fee.

Edited September 10, 2015 by Ourusualbeach