Canadians - Current Exchange Rate?

[Canagirl]

I have spoken to NCL a few times in the last few days. First time I asked: whats the exchange rate..answer 25%. Sorry but the rate went up recently she said. I was surprised she knew it off the top of her head. Got a price for the cruise...including base fare, port fees and service charge on UBP. Worked out exactly to 25%. Called today, got a price for same as above plus 2nd promo. Was 25%. Called back and got a new total now including daily gratuities. Same thing 25%. I specifically asked: so if I give you my Canadian CC now you will charge me X amount in CDN funds. Answer yes.

 

I know what you mean about mock booking on Canadian sites..they show the price for base fare with a good exchange but then they show the port fees with higher rate. But NCL doesn't do it that way. They give the same rate across the board as long as its prepaid..not onboard. Hope this helps.

 

The thing is that is exactly what they did to me. I got the figures in U.S. from their site and when they converted to CDN and charged me it was 20% on the base fare and 33 - 34% on everything else.

 

I posted a screen shot a few posts back where they use the higher rate for any additional onboard credit, etc if I buy it.

[Josher61]

The thing is that is exactly what they did to me. I got the figures in U.S. from their site and when they converted to CDN and charged me it was 20% on the base fare and 33 - 34% on everything else.

 

I posted a screen shot a few posts back where they use the higher rate for any additional onboard credit, etc if I buy it.

 

As a previous few have said...something doesn't sound right here. It should all be at one rate.

 

I see from your screenshots and the numbers you gave for the cabin that its not. So I would call NCL and ask why. Some glitch somewhere maybe? Here's what I would think/calculate if I was in your shoes. The base fare of 899 adds 224.75 at 25% it adds 179.80 at 20%. So a difference of 44.95. If all your other purchases, port fees, gratuities, service charges, spa etc that you are prepaying...if the difference of all those add up to more than 44.95 then I would call and get it fixed. And that difference would be at today's rate of 25% vs the 34% you appear to be paying on those.

 

That being said, if you booked back in early Oct the rate was likely the 20% not the 25% being charged now, the difference will be even greater. Simply, I would call and get all my "extras" billed at the correct rate (whatever it was at the time you booked). Regardless of 20 or 25 that's what I would be asking for, for everything.

Edited October 31, 2015 by Josher61

[Gatorspuck]

Maybe I did my math wrong . Didn't break the prices into different categories

[mommyto2kids]

We booked in Feb at around 9% all of my dining, shore excursions, spa pass etc.

Have come up at that rate

[canadianeh934]

I booked on their Web sit at the beginning of April for a Jan 16 cruise...unaware of NCL offered a exchange rate at the time at 9%

 

I called last week and I was told that I would have to rebook to get a 25% exchange rate that they were offering...the only thing was that the cruise went up $250 as well as the drink package would now include gratuities. ..so I lost out. I made a final payment on the two cruises with an exchange rate of 31% ouch....

 

I do wonder why they do not give the exchange rate when you are calling NCL from Canadian...also no luck trying to even get a deal on on board credit exchange rate.

Edited October 31, 2015 by canadianeh934

[Canagirl]

As a previous few have said...something doesn't sound right here. It should all be at one rate.

 

I see from your screenshots and the numbers you gave for the cabin that its not. So I would call NCL and ask why. Some glitch somewhere maybe? Here's what I would think/calculate if I was in your shoes. The base fare of 899 adds 224.75 at 25% it adds 179.80 at 20%. So a difference of 44.95. If all your other purchases, port fees, gratuities, service charges, spa etc that you are prepaying...if the difference of all those add up to more than 44.95 then I would call and get it fixed. And that difference would be at today's rate of 25% vs the 34% you appear to be paying on those.

 

That being said, if you booked back in early Oct the rate was likely the 20% not the 25% being charged now, the difference will be even greater. Simply, I would call and get all my "extras" billed at the correct rate (whatever it was at the time you booked). Regardless of 20 or 25 that's what I would be asking for, for everything.

 

You're right. Something seems unusual, but perhaps in the end it is okay, as I calculated the overall exchange rate at 24% (as long as I don't add anything). The screenshot I posted was from my account. I mentioned some of my figures, but in another post, I mentioned a sample booking from another site that charges in Canadian, not my specific booking.

 

I appreciate your help with the calculations. I called NCL. The person I spoke with said he wasn't sure of the exchange they are using now. He said if I wanted to add something to my account, he could tell me what it would cost in CDN$ (and no surprise it came out to the 33 - 34%). I just booked with a phone rep. Perhaps if I had booked with a PCC it would be different (or at least easier to get an answer).

 

I took your advice and did the calculations for my booking. I get an overall exchange rate of about 24%. Of course, if I was to buy any additional onboard credit, that percentage would increase as I will be charged the 33-34%.

 

My figures:

 

(US$)

Base fare: $999 x 2 = $1998

Taxes: $177.65 x 2 = $355.30

UBP gratuities = $115.20 x 2 = $230.40

Pre-paid DSC (10 days) = $135 x 2 = $270

Total if booked in US$ = $2,853.70

 

What I was charged in CDN$

Base fare: $1,198.80 X 2 = $2,397.60 (20% exchange)

Taxes: $236.88 x 2 = $473.76 (33 - 34% exchange)

UBP gratuities = $153.60 x 2 = $307.20 (33 - 34% exchange)

Pre-paid DSC = $180 x 2 = $360 (33 - 34% exchange)

Total charged when I booked in CDN$: $3,538.56

 

But, when I calculate the overall exchange rate for the entire amount charged, despite the fact that different percentages were used for different portions of the bill, it came out as 24% overall. I don't plan on buying anything additional to make that percentage go up, so I guess I still saved with a 24% exchange rate.

 

I'm going to enjoy the cruise and be happy in the fact I saved a bit despite the unusual way the calculation was done:)

Edited October 31, 2015 by Canagirl

[Josher61]

Hi Canagirl,

Yes, that's exactly the calculation I meant. So in the end, your extras (after base fare at 20%), your "cost" is 84.33. That's the difference of the extras at 33% vs what they should be at: 20%. I hear you about the headache of it all, what's 85 worth to get it all reworked. And at todays lousy exchange rate 24% seems ok :)

 

I don't have a PCC or whatever they are called, I simply called the NCL main line number and was given my quotes. First gal knew that rate was 25%, second and third people didn't know the rate offhand but when asked for the CDN funds amount it worked out to 25%.

 

It still bothers me that the "system" didn't work properly for you. Their system says (or how they explain it and others have verified) once you book at a rate, all subsequent charges are at that same rate. I still don't get why yours changed and that's not being honoured for you.

 

One last thing I was thinking about, for ourselves anyway, is charging a bunch of OBC to my account before boarding, at 25%, going to the casino to withdraw those funds and paying the 3% charge to do so. But I still would be ahead at 28% rather than going to the bank and buying a few thousand at todays lousy rate. In other words, taking no (or little) US cash with us. Just getting it off the ship at the casino. Plus we are staying in Fla for a few more weeks so whatever US cash leftover would be used. Even if not, for ports, tips, travel etc I could use US cash at a 28% rate instead of 34% the banks want or 36 or 37% credit cards charge. Just another thought for you :)

 

Regardless, I agree, going on a vacation in US funds at 24% is still a better deal than going at 33 or 34% these days! How I hate the return of our lousy dollar. I remember back when, I stood in any store in the US and added 40%-50% to the cost. Then it was soooo wonderful there for awhile when I didn't add anything! Now today, we are adding a whole bunch again. Happy cruising :)

[xcell]

So I booked my Escape Dec cruise and the exchange rate was $1 to $1.11.

 

Today I booked my March 2016 BA cruise and it was $1 to $1.08.

 

The weird thing was the price changed within a hour. It went from $4000 CDN to $4600 CDN and then when I rebooked in (AC vacations) via incognito mode, the price went back down to $4000.

[Josher61]

So I booked my Escape Dec cruise and the exchange rate was $1 to $1.11.

 

Today I booked my March 2016 BA cruise and it was $1 to $1.08.

 

The weird thing was the price changed within a hour. It went from $4000 CDN to $4600 CDN and then when I rebooked in (AC vacations) via incognito mode, the price went back down to $4000.

 

You're saying TODAY the rate was 1.08??

[Josher61]

I booked on their Web sit at the beginning of April for a Jan 16 cruise...unaware of NCL offered a exchange rate at the time at 9%

 

I called last week and I was told that I would have to rebook to get a 25% exchange rate that they were offering...the only thing was that the cruise went up $250 as well as the drink package would now include gratuities. ..so I lost out. I made a final payment on the two cruises with an exchange rate of 31% ouch....

 

I do wonder why they do not give the exchange rate when you are calling NCL from Canadian...also no luck trying to even get a deal on on board credit exchange rate.

 

That's sucks for sure. I never knew either that they offered this better rate. If it weren't for CC I would be totally ignorant about it all...simply cursing the cost of buying US funds. :mad: Now all of a sudden I feel like 25% is a bargain! Talk about psychology! All summer long (spend most weekends in the US) it kept getting worse and worse each Friday at the bank :( If I wasn't already going to Fla for Christmas as always I doubt I would have even considered a cruise at our terrible rates. Ouch for sure!

I remember last time rates got crazy....other than a few trips to Fla I found myself traveling in our own country. Went out west and down east for some truly wonderful vacations. May have to start thinking about doing that again if our dollar keeps this up!

 

I think sadly NCL just doesn't offer it automatically to Canadians because they don't have to. After all, they are paying to buy down our exchange rate and if they don't have to as often, well, the better off their bottom line is. In this case....ignorance is not bliss :)

[Ontario cruise duo]

I booked our upcoming November 29th cruise back in February and asked for the Canadian rate after reading so much about it on this website. I too got the rate of .11 cents exchange. Needless to say, I prepaid our daily service charges, as well as bought $200.00 on board credit for $222.00. I have since then purchased $1,600.00 more in onboard credit (which I'm sure) I won't be needing as we also have the UBP. I too plan on cashing out at the casino and paying the 3% service charge. Not a bad exchange rate for a total of 14%. I do not plan on leaving home with much US $$$'s as if all goes well, I will be coming home with more US $$$'s that I actually took onboard with me!::D

Edited November 1, 2015 by Ontario cruise duo

[xcell]

You're saying TODAY the rate was 1.08??

 

Yes I booked for my march 2016 cruise for 1.08.

 

I think the exchange rate depends on the cruise time - my August 2015 and, Dec 2015 have been 1.11

 

weird was the sudden jump when I was with my TA, it went up all the way to 1.24 so I told them forget it. Then went back on line and it went down, so just booked it online and will call the TA to add the promos (I just lose out on the two promo choices but no biggie, not a big drinker).

[xcell]

I booked our upcoming November 29th cruise back in February and asked for the Canadian rate after reading so much about it on this website. I too got the rate of .11 cents exchange. Needless to say, I prepaid our daily service charges, as well as bought $200.00 on board credit for $222.00. I have since then purchased $1,600.00 more in onboard credit (which I'm sure) I won't be needing as we also have the UBP. I too plan on cashing out at the casino and paying the 3% service charge. Not a bad exchange rate for a total of 14%. I do not plan on leaving home with much US $$$'s as if all goes well, I will be coming home with more US $$$'s that I actually took onboard with me!::D

 

Make sure you bring a CC receipt and print out to verify you bought the OBC - it took 3 days before mine showed up on the cruise and they also asked for proof...luckily I had a print out from the NCL website. I also heard that to bring a CC bill indicating the NCL took it from you will also help (back up of a back up)

[Josher61]

I still can't believe you booked today at 1.08!! Not saying you didn't lol, just saying that's incredible. I have never heard the rate is attached to cruise date...simply the rate they are offering at the time of booking. And that's been steadily climbing as our dollar steadily drops. I have been calling about a cruise for Dec...rate 25%. Later today we tossed around the thought of not taking one before Christmas and taking one in the late winter instead. I called a few hours ago about pricing for that one.....still 25%. So Im confused :confused: but that's nothing new :) Im going to go to the AC Vac site right now and price one for March and see what it says.

[Josher61]

I booked our upcoming November 29th cruise back in February and asked for the Canadian rate after reading so much about it on this website. I too got the rate of .11 cents exchange. Needless to say, I prepaid our daily service charges, as well as bought $200.00 on board credit for $222.00. I have since then purchased $1,600.00 more in onboard credit (which I'm sure) I won't be needing as we also have the UBP. I too plan on cashing out at the casino and paying the 3% service charge. Not a bad exchange rate for a total of 14%. I do not plan on leaving home with much US $$$'s as if all goes well, I will be coming home with more US $$$'s that I actually took onboard with me!::D

 

If I had your rate I would be putting 10k on OBC and selling it back to our bank when you get home!!! Then you could pay for a good part of the cruise in exchange rate profit! At my rate its just not feasible. But hmmm, I wonder what the daily limit is for withdrawal of funds, lol. I know on Carnival I used to withdraw a lot per day when I gambled. As it is our plan is the same as yours...prebuy 2-3k of OBC and cash out for a rate of 28% and use the cash for the rest of our xmas vacation. Still beats our rate at the bank! Hopefully your plan works and you leave with more....however my experience has been once in the casino getting my cash it becomes a tricky proposition for me! I hope your luck is better!!!!

[Josher61]

Make sure you bring a CC receipt and print out to verify you bought the OBC - it took 3 days before mine showed up on the cruise and they also asked for proof...luckily I had a print out from the NCL website. I also heard that to bring a CC bill indicating the NCL took it from you will also help (back up of a back up)

 

Very good tip! Thank you! Id hate to be standing around for 3 days with no US cash!

[Josher61]

Ok, you're right, this is crazy. I just went to the AC site and checked a cruise for Mar. Its actually cheaper than the NCL site!! CDN vs US. About 200 cheaper!

[Tango99]

Im also in booking process. Heres a dum question. Do they use a lower $USD charged on credit card to match what the quote is? I didn't know They could submit the charges in CAD?

I know that taxes have to be at the US rate so they break even.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Josher61]

No they submit it in CDN. So you also don't pay the credit card "fee" if your bank charges one. At least that's what NCL told me. Also, all fees or extras are billed in CDN, including the port fees/taxes, gratuities if you choose to prepay, service charges, etc.

[Ontario cruise duo]

Make sure you bring a CC receipt and print out to verify you bought the OBC - it took 3 days before mine showed up on the cruise and they also asked for proof...luckily I had a print out from the NCL website. I also heard that to bring a CC bill indicating the NCL took it from you will also help (back up of a back up)

 

You may have already posted this tip and so I've already done just that, plan on bringing a print out of my OBC charges to my Amex card with me. We're not big gamblers, so I will not gamble it away.

 

What is the most anyone has bought via OBC to cash out while they are on their cruise:rolleyes: Just curious and did you encounter any difficulties/daily limits in cashing this out.

[xcell]

I bought $1000 usd...

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[xcell]

The only problem with ac vacation bookings is that I couldn't add the promos so I have to call them today to add whatever is being offered. I think I lost out on the double promo but saved myself $600 so I'm even???

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Lady Arwen]

Im also in booking process. Heres a dum question. Do they use a lower $USD charged on credit card to match what the quote is? I didn't know They could submit the charges in CAD?

I know that taxes have to be at the US rate so they break even.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Sorry, if you already know this, but to get your booking in Canadian $ you must make the reservation on the phone with a rep and request Canadian conversion. If you do it online yourself, it will be in US and they won't change it for you. You'd need to cancel and rebook.

[burm]

What is the most anyone has bought via OBC to cash out while they are on their cruise:rolleyes: Just curious and did you encounter any difficulties/daily limits in cashing this out.

 

I would like to know that, too. We have a few excursions to pay in $US, and it would be nice to know that I could count on cashing out in the casino. I really need to know in advance, as we have to pay the guides in cash.

[Josher61]

A few of us have asked that now. I don't know the answer on NCL. I cruised Carnival and never had an issue with daily limit. The most I have ever taken out in one day was 2k and no one said anything other than sign here and pay the fee :) Seeing as its the casino I doubt if the limit is very low. Enough to meet most of our needs anyway :) I don't plan on gambling much this time..

The only way I could see NCL putting a drastic limit on this is if too many Canadians bought too much in OBC and cashed it all out and never spent a dime of it in the casino :) That being said...most Canadians likely don't know they can do this at a better rate. Americans don't really have any need to do this (no benefit of exchange rate) but a lot buy OBC for their trips anyway. I know US friends of mine buy 3k every trip because they have it be their budget and buy 500 a month in OBC to save their spending money that way. They don't want to carry the cash or use credit cards while away. They get on the ship...go get a few hundred or five hundred at a time, depending on port etc and whatever is left over (if any) they cash out the last night and their bill is covered etc.

 

Next time I call NCL I will ask and see if they have a number, but I doubt it. Its the casino :)