Canadians - Current Exchange Rate?

[prairiedawn1946]

Just curious if any Canucks have booked directly with NCL lately for 2016 cruises and what their exchange rate is? With the dollar being horrific, I'm just curious as to what NCL is now offering.

 

We booked September 3rd and rate was 1.14

[soccersharon]

We have enough air miles for all three of us to Miami, so that makes cruising cheap(er) for us. If it wasn't for the "free" air fare, cruising wouldn't be any cheaper than going to a 4.5/5 stat AI. Flights to Miami from NS are between $700-$900 depending the time of year.

 

 

I hear you. We switched to a points card, for this very reason.

[rapata]

We booked September 3rd and rate was 1.14

Was this rate for a 2016 cruise? We booked a Panama Canal cruise for Oct 2016 and got 1.19, this was earlier this month. I was told by an NCL agent that it was 1.10 for 2015 cruises and 1.19 for 2016 cruises.

Good exchange rate at NCL. $1.30 at Princess.

[csunshine860]

Was this rate for a 2016 cruise? We booked a Panama Canal cruise for Oct 2016 and got 1.19, this was earlier this month. I was told by an NCL agent that it was 1.10 for 2015 cruises and 1.19 for 2016 cruises.

 

We booked end of July for 2016 cruise from Venice at rate of 1.10.

[Paddy41]

UPDATE

 

Just off the boat. Bought a couple grand OBC in advance online. Went to casino cashier asked for $970 . They would first call downstairs to confirm OBC and then give the cash. You sign a paper showing the amount of cash and 3% fee total $999.10. Did this each day once casino opened.

 

Dont believe they allow you to do multiple transactions one after another for that high of an amount. We just did one transaction each night.

 

When you do your online check in don't give them a credit card, say you are paying your bill with cash. If you have a large OBC and don't use all of it, go to Guest Services the last night and withdraw. You'll receive whatever is left in US cash with no 3% taken off like the casino does. If it turns out that you used all the OBC and still owe then give them a credit card at that time. I did this on a B2B in August. I put the OBC on the first week's cruise, withdrew the amount still left on the last night of the first cruise and used some of the US cash to pay the bill on the 2nd week's cruise.

Maybe someone's already said this but our TA told us that the most we could put on at one time for an OBC was $499US which at that time cost us $550CAD BUT you can do this more than once so we did. Over $499US they need to actually see front and back of the credit card (so we were told anyway).

[burm]

I recently added $1,000 to my OBC. No problem.

 

I am surprised that they would allow you to check in without a credit card. That is their security. Even prepaid hotels insist that you show a credit card on check in. Getting that unused OBC back in US cash without losing 3% would be a sweet deal if it works.

[jb456]

When you do your online check in don't give them a credit card, say you are paying your bill with cash. If you have a large OBC and don't use all of it, go to Guest Services the last night and withdraw. You'll receive whatever is left in US cash with no 3% taken off like the casino does. If it turns out that you used all the OBC and still owe then give them a credit card at that time. I did this on a B2B in August. I put the OBC on the first week's cruise, withdrew the amount still left on the last night of the first cruise and used some of the US cash to pay the bill on the 2nd week's cruise.

Maybe someone's already said this but our TA told us that the most we could put on at one time for an OBC was $499US which at that time cost us $550CAD BUT you can do this more than once so we did. Over $499US they need to actually see front and back of the credit card (so we were told anyway).

 

We bought over 2k in one transaction so your TA is wrong.

 

Did not know about getting refund at gs on last day but we also did not want to take the chance of it being refunded to our card as we wanted the excellent exchange rate so did not mind the 3% being charged. Still out well ahead.

Edited September 26, 2015 by jb456

[Paddy41]

Maybe the policy changed. At the time (beginning of 2015) everyone on the Canadian cruisers thread was finding the same thing...that $499US was the limit at one time.

 

Have a look when you do your check-in. There is a cash option. Well, unless that has changed since our August cruise. I know, because I did it.

[Love.NCL]

Just wanted to let everyone know that NCL just updated the exchange rate. It's 1.25 for new bookings now. I just called to price out a last minute cruise (leaving this weekend) thinking it was 1.11. The agents all got an email this morning saying that effective immediately the CND exchange rate will be 1.25.

[ilovetotravel1977]

It was a matter of time before they, too, had to increase their exchange rates.

[Kingmaker_inc]

It was a matter of time before they, too, had to increase their exchange rates.

 

 

According to my PCC, they change the rate every quarter. We missed the 1.07, but at least got the 1.11 for both our 2015 and 2016 cruises. That is a hell of a saving for us - and the exchange rate applies to purchases of OBCs. Yay!!

[prairiedawn1946]

Was this rate for a 2016 cruise? We booked a Panama Canal cruise for Oct 2016 and got 1.19, this was earlier this month. I was told by an NCL agent that it was 1.10 for 2015 cruises and 1.19 for 2016 cruises.

We booked Jan 2017 cruise from Hong Kong to Sydney and Feb 2017 cruise from Sydney to Auckland.

[rapata]

We booked Jan 2017 cruise from Hong Kong to Sydney and Feb 2017 cruise from Sydney to Auckland.

What rate did you get?

[sartoken]

We're from Canada as well. When we booked our Norwegian cruise to the Panama Canal (NOV. 19) back in April, and we were not told that we could be billed in Canadian dollars, or anything about the lower currency exchange rate which was available by our NCL representative. We feel as if we have really been unfairly treated, since it looks like we have just overpaid about $1000.00 Canadian based on the 1.11 exchange rate that was being offered to some Canadian customers at that time. Very curious to know who it was that offered these rates to you? We are now being told, that they never existed, and nobody seems to know anything about them. We are very frustrated by all of this and are taken back by the attitude of the NCL representatives we are dealing with now to try and resolve this very expensive mistake on their part. Any information, or advice as to what we should do, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[ilovetotravel1977]

A lot of NCL reps don't know what the exchange rate is. I just figure it out on my own after they quote me in Canadian versus what the mock booking on the NCL website is showing me.

 

Did you book directly with NCL over the phone or with a travel agent?

[Lady Arwen]

We're from Canada as well. When we booked our Norwegian cruise to the Panama Canal (NOV. 19) back in April, and we were not told that we could be billed in Canadian dollars, or anything about the lower currency exchange rate which was available by our NCL representative. We feel as if we have really been unfairly treated, since it looks like we have just overpaid about $1000.00 Canadian based on the 1.11 exchange rate that was being offered to some Canadian customers at that time. Very curious to know who it was that offered these rates to you? We are now being told, that they never existed, and nobody seems to know anything about them. We are very frustrated by all of this and are taken back by the attitude of the NCL representatives we are dealing with now to try and resolve this very expensive mistake on their part. Any information, or advice as to what we should do, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

In January we booked a cruise on Epic to Europe in 2016 and received 1.07% exchange rate, including all obc and any pre-purchased dining and spa. Two weeks ago we had to cancel that cruise and re-booked another on Breakaway for April/16. The agent said that it would be treated as a change of reservation and not a cancellation, therefore keeping our original exchange rate and our drink package (with no extra service charge of 18%). We have since purchased more obc and a dining package, all at 1.07%. When we originally booked this cruise, I asked if it was possible to book in Canadian $ and the agent said of course we can. Every agent I have spoken to regarding these two cruises mentions that we will be receiving everything associated with the cruise at this rate, but not for onboard purchases. Never experienced any issues with booking in Canadian $, however, I did have to ask for it initially. I'm not sure if anything can be done now, since you cruise next month, however, it wouldn't hurt to speak to a supervisor. Hoping you have a wonderful cruise in any case.

[prairiedawn1946]

What rate did you get?

 

Our rate was 1.14

[sartoken]

ilovetotravel1977, yes, we booked directly with NCL representative, Melissa Zegans. Even now, she does not admit to knowing anything about the lower currency exchange rates that are being offered to Canadian customers. It seems that their attitude is "buyer be ware"! The less people who know about it, or find out about it, the better. Norwegian does not seem to treat all of their customers equally. We are not happy, and will not be very happy cruisers if this is not resolved.

[Tangocherie]

My experience with the purchase of a cruise directly with NCL is that you have to ask for the fare in $CAN. The Norwegian reps will usually quote the $US rate unless you specifacally ask for a rate in another currency. The reps have no idea of the exchange rate applicable. They only give you a quote based upon their fare rates.

[rapata]

From reading the various posts in this thread, it appears there is no consistency in what exchange rates are used, it depends on when you book, and perhaps which NCL agent you get.

 

I didn't know about being able to book and lock in a Canadian rate in April when I booked our Gem cruise which leaves this Saturday. The rate when I paid the deposit was not too bad but by the time final payment came I took a big hit.

 

I learned about the Canadian rate through Cruise Critic and wish I had known earlier. When I did find out I called NCL but by then the fares had increased and there would not have been much advantage in cancelling and rebooking in Cdn, plus we would have lost the UBP.

 

Lesson learned! Our next cruise for Panama Canal next October is booked in Cdn at 1.19 but with my luck the rate will rise above that and I will lose out again.

[Tangocherie]

Once you have a confirmed booking, final payment will be the rate you booked minus the deposit made. Any onboard credit purchased for your cruise will also be at the exchange rate you got at time of booking. So if your rate wa $1.19 at booking that is the rate you will pay going on forward.

[burm]

ilovetotravel1977, yes, we booked directly with NCL representative, Melissa Zegans. Even now, she does not admit to knowing anything about the lower currency exchange rates that are being offered to Canadian customers.

 

Considering the large number of Canadian cruisers, that is very hard to believe. Even a new rep would learn very quickly.

[rapata]

Once you have a confirmed booking, final payment will be the rate you booked minus the deposit made. Any onboard credit purchased for your cruise will also be at the exchange rate you got at time of booking. So if your rate wa $1.19 at booking that is the rate you will pay going on forward.

 

Yes, I understand that. What I meant is that the dollar will rise above 1.19 and I will be locked in at a less favourable rate. Its always a gamble!

[Kingmaker_inc]

We feel as if we have really been unfairly treated, since it looks like we have just overpaid about $1000.00 Canadian based on the 1.11 exchange rate that was being offered to some Canadian customers at that time.

 

 

If you use a PCC, you are speaking to an American in the US. They deal with US currency as the basis of all transactions - for anyone from any country. You have to ask for the Canadian rate.

 

You haven't been unfairly treated. You didn't ask for a perk and apparently your PCC didn't know to mention it. Not an error, just an unfortunate circumstance.

[Shawnino]

Considering the large number of Canadian cruisers, that is very hard to believe. Even a new rep would learn very quickly.

 

1) It's not displayed on their screens

2) They probably wouldn't quote it because they might get caught out my an overnight change and a surly customer who demands what the rep said on the phone.