buying casino credits

[mysaddlebred000]

We are going on a long cruise and will need us dollars for tips and euros for excursions and misc. I do not use ATM machines - had a bad experience once and don't want to bother. Last cruise we took all the dollars and euros with us. I won't change my mind so please don't try to talk us into using them. I plan to get my euros a few weeks before we leave. I do have a friend that we are meeting half way thru the cruise that said she will exchange money for us at her bank if we need more euros.

 

I just had a thought.

 

I also don't gamble and don't go in the casino - wife is allergic to smoke so maybe that is why we never have tried it.

 

My question:

can we purchase casino credits and then just cash them out when every we need excursion money and then again near the end to use for tips?

Can you take the chips and then come back a few hours later and get cash?

 

If so, is there a limit? $1000 - $2000 - $3000 ?

 

Also, what happens at the end of the cruise if you have credits left? Is it treated like OBC's? Are they refundable

 

thanks for any help.

[Astro Flyer]

We are going on a long cruise and will need us dollars for tips and euros for excursions and misc. I do not use ATM machines - had a bad experience once and don't want to bother. Last cruise we took all the dollars and euros with us. I won't change my mind so please don't try to talk us into using them. I plan to get my euros a few weeks before we leave. I do have a friend that we are meeting half way thru the cruise that said she will exchange money for us at her bank if we need more euros.

 

I just had a thought.

 

I also don't gamble and don't go in the casino - wife is allergic to smoke so maybe that is why we never have tried it.

 

My question:

can we purchase casino credits and then just cash them out when every we need excursion money and then again near the end to use for tips?

Can you take the chips and then come back a few hours later and get cash?

 

If so, is there a limit? $1000 - $2000 - $3000 ?

 

Also, what happens at the end of the cruise if you have credits left? Is it treated like OBC's? Are they refundable

 

thanks for any help.

Whenever we do not want to travel with a lot of cash we purchase casino credit which works great for us.

 

Casino Credit

Available in $25, $50 and $100 increments.

Item #6003 - $25.00

Item #6004 - $50.00

Item #6005 - $100.00

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-gifts-celebrations/gifts-and-services/

 

You can find this on the Princess website under gifts & call them to purchase as many as you desire. Make sure it's the Casino Credit vouchers because I read a post about Princess mistakenly selling OBC & not the Casino Credit vouchers. You simply take the voucher(s) to the casino cage & get USD when desired. If you have any vouchers remaining near the end of your cruise you cash them in & bring the money back home with you.

 

This casino credit was not displayed on our Cruise Personalizer and our TA emailed the confirmation she received from Princess.

 

This has worked well for us and it may also be an option for you.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Astro Flyer

[Colo Cruiser]

You don't even need to buy casino credit. Just go there during the cruise and put some credit on a casino account. The account can be created in about 30 seconds on one of the slot machines.Then cash out when needed. ;)

[TwoCruisers]

Whenever we do not want to travel with a lot of cash we purchase casino credit which works great for us.

 

Casino Credit

Available in $25, $50 and $100 increments.

Item #6003 - $25.00

Item #6004 - $50.00

Item #6005 - $100.00

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-gifts-celebrations/gifts-and-services/

 

You can find this on the Princess website under gifts & call them to purchase as many as you desire. Make sure it's the Casino Credit vouchers because I read a post about Princess mistakenly selling OBC & not the Casino Credit vouchers. You simply take the voucher(s) to the casino cage & get USD when desired. If you have any vouchers remaining near the end of your cruise you cash them in & bring the money back home with you.

 

This casino credit was not displayed on our Cruise Personalizer and our TA emailed the confirmation she received from Princess.

 

This has worked well for us and it may also be an option for you.

 

You don't even need to buy casino credit. Just go there during the cruise and put some credit on a casino account. The account can be created in about 30 seconds on one of the slot machines.Then cash out when needed. ;)

I originally had the same question.

Thank you Astro Flyer and Colo Cruiser for your knowledgeable information. You are very helpful!

[Steelers36]

That's only going to get the OP the shipboard currency and i'm not sure which it is in Europe.

 

I do casino credits all the time when departing PE for Caribbean. Works like a charm and dont have to carry extra cash to the ship. I also gamble a bit at poker and BJ.

[JF - retired RRT]

Just keep in mind...you have to go into the casino to get your $$$.

[Pam in CA]

You don't even need to buy casino credit. Just go there during the cruise and put some credit on a casino account. The account can be created in about 30 seconds on one of the slot machines.Then cash out when needed. ;)

I've never been in the casino other than to walk through. Is the amount you put on your casino account charged to your onboard folio? Is this how people who never gamble but have used the casino to take money out eligible for the "casino discount" on cruises I've read so much about?

[smellycruzer]

Whenever we do not want to travel with a lot of cash we purchase casino credit which works great for us.

 

Casino Credit

Available in $25, $50 and $100 increments.

Item #6003 - $25.00

Item #6004 - $50.00

Item #6005 - $100.00

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-gifts-celebrations/gifts-and-services/

 

You can find this on the Princess website under gifts & call them to purchase as many as you desire. Make sure it's the Casino Credit vouchers because I read a post about Princess mistakenly selling OBC & not the Casino Credit vouchers. You simply take the voucher(s) to the casino cage & get USD when desired. If you have any vouchers remaining near the end of your cruise you cash them in & bring the money back home with you.

 

This casino credit was not displayed on our Cruise Personalizer and our TA emailed the confirmation she received from Princess.

 

This has worked well for us and it may also be an option for you.

 

Right this is a great option, not many know about it!

[Colo Cruiser]

I've never been in the casino other than to walk through. Is the amount you put on your casino account charged to your onboard folio? Is this how people who never gamble but have used the casino to take money out eligible for the "casino discount" on cruises I've read so much about?

 

 

Yes on the first question. Have no idea about the casino discount.

[Steelers36]

Have no idea about the casino discount.

 

Here's what I think happens. Your Captains Circle profile includes interests in cruising such as the art auctions, casino, shops, lectures, etc. Also, since the Cruise Card is used in the Casino, Princess can track active usage much the same as land-based casinos have special member cards that you can earn perqs on.

 

So, it seems a bit random that some folks are offered a casino (i.e. gamblers) promotional discount to go on a cruise (Princess assuming they will again visit and play in the casino). I suspect this happens with a combination of expressing high interest in the casino in profile and also a history of play activity.

 

My last few cruises I have mostly played at the poker table, plus competed in the BJ tournament and not really played much at the BJ tables proper. And I don't do 1-armed bandits at all. So I suspect my play is too tame to get noticed as poker table is not the same money earner for the house that gaming tables are. I have been buying quite a lot of casino credits for the past four cruises or so prior to sailing, but I guess that doesn't help.

 

I only heard about casino offers this year, but we already have a real "steal of a deal" on our booking. Maybe next cruise I will just ask Princess if there is an offer I can partake of.

 

Never hurts to ask nicely IMO - they can only say sorry.

 

PS - I have no personal factual knowledge of how these work, but I have just surmised this theory from reading other posts. Maybe someone knows the rest of the story.

Edited July 22, 2015 by steelers36

[cruisehappy001]

I've never been in the casino other than to walk through. Is the amount you put on your casino account charged to your onboard folio? Is this how people who never gamble but have used the casino to take money out eligible for the "casino discount" on cruises I've read so much about?

 

Yes the money that you put on your casino account drawn from a gaming machine is charged to your shipboard folio.

 

The pre-purchased casino credit is in the form of paper vouchers that are put in your room and you just go to the casino cashier to exchange for cash directly, no interaction with gaming machines unless you want to.

 

I do both and have not been offered the casino discount! :(

 

I usually buy some casino vouchers to avoid travelling with a lot of cash, and I charge some gambling in the casino to my account to use up some OBC... just a small amount, but I guess that they never pick me for a casino discount. Has anyone ever called them and asked what the criteria is for casino offers? LOL I want the casino discount, and I read of people getting it and not even gambling supposedly!

 

Happy Cruising!

 

 

Mark

Edited July 22, 2015 by cruisehappy001

[Ethel5]

I've never been in the casino other than to walk through. Is the amount you put on your casino account charged to your onboard folio? Is this how people who never gamble but have used the casino to take money out eligible for the "casino discount" on cruises I've read so much about?

 

The casino offer is based on "coin in" on slots and they track the time spent on machines. So simply using the casino as a bank wouldn't result in a casino discount. I'm not sure how they handle table players.

[cactusrose]

You don't even need to buy casino credit. Just go there during the cruise and put some credit on a casino account. The account can be created in about 30 seconds on one of the slot machines.Then cash out when needed. ;)

 

If you cash out without playing they will lock your account. Better to use Casino Credit.

[caribill]

I've never been in the casino other than to walk through. Is the amount you put on your casino account charged to your onboard folio? Is this how people who never gamble but have used the casino to take money out eligible for the "casino discount" on cruises I've read so much about?

 

As others have pointed out, you can in the casino have $$$ put on your casino account (via the cruise card) that will be billed to your onboard account. There used to be a 3% service charge, but this no longer happens.

 

But you can also put money on your casino account (via the cruise card) if you put cash into a slot machine and then, when finished with that machine, place any remaining $$$ (or winnings) onto your card. In this case, your cabin account is not involved.

 

You can also get cash in the casino by charging it to a credit card. I do not know if there is any Princess fee for this or if it is considered a cash advance or a regular charge by the credit card company.

 

Edited July 22, 2015 by caribill

[caribill]

Here's what I think happens. Your Captains Circle profile includes interests in cruising such as the art auctions, casino, shops, lectures, etc. Also, since the Cruise Card is used in the Casino, Princess can track active usage much the same as land-based casinos have special member cards that you can earn perqs on.

 

So, it seems a bit random that some folks are offered a casino (i.e. gamblers) promotional discount to go on a cruise (Princess assuming they will again visit and play in the casino). I suspect this happens with a combination of expressing high interest in the casino in profile and also a history of play activity.

 

 

On the Royal there was a desk set up for people to express interest in casino VIP cruising.

 

[smslms]

You complete an on line form indicating the amount of casino credits you require ( $100, 500, 1000 etc). The amount is charged to your credit card the same as any regular charge.

 

After boarding you will find cards, usually in $100 denominations, in your cabin, stating that you have casino credits. eg - you order $1000, you will have 10 cards for $100 each.

 

You redeem these for cash at the cash cage in the casino, either all at once, or in increments, as you require them. There is no charge for this service. It is simply a way to avoid carrying a large amount of cash on your person prior to boarding, if that is a concern to you. We sometimes use this system as a way of coming up with cash to cover the cost of shore ex.

[crochetcruise]

Whenever we do not want to travel with a lot of cash we purchase casino credit which works great for us.

 

Casino Credit

Available in $25, $50 and $100 increments.

Item #6003 - $25.00

Item #6004 - $50.00

Item #6005 - $100.00

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-gifts-celebrations/gifts-and-services/

 

You can find this on the Princess website under gifts & call them to purchase as many as you desire. Make sure it's the Casino Credit vouchers because I read a post about Princess mistakenly selling OBC & not the Casino Credit vouchers. You simply take the voucher(s) to the casino cage & get USD when desired. If you have any vouchers remaining near the end of your cruise you cash them in & bring the money back home with you.

 

This casino credit was not displayed on our Cruise Personalizer and our TA emailed the confirmation she received from Princess.

 

This has worked well for us and it may also be an option for you.

 

THANK YOU! I am due to receive On Board Credit for a cancelled cruise and read a hint on here about asking my TA for a printout of her email confirming that. I also intend to gift myself Casino Credit as well as On Board Credit, so have noted to ask her for a printout re the Casino Credit as well, as I understand Princess might not show that in my Personaliser in case a friend is sending a surprise gift to me. I'll also share the information with a former work colleague, he's also on Cruise Critic but I've more time to keep up with the postings, since I retired on Medical Grounds 7 years ago. Best decision I ever made, my Cancer Specialist was delighted with how I improved over the 5 months between resigning and seeing him for my next scheduled check-up! Said I'd done the best thing for ME!

[crochetcruise]

You complete an on line form indicating the amount of casino credits you require ( $100, 500, 1000 etc). The amount is charged to your credit card the same as any regular charge.

 

After boarding you will find cards, usually in $100 denominations, in your cabin, stating that you have casino credits. eg - you order $1000, you will have 10 cards for $100 each.

 

You redeem these for cash at the cash cage in the casino, either all at once, or in increments, as you require them. There is no charge for this service. It is simply a way to avoid carrying a large amount of cash on your person prior to boarding, if that is a concern to you. We sometimes use this system as a way of coming up with cash to cover the cost of shore ex.

 

THANK YOU! I was trying to think of a safe way of keeping money for taxi fares that I must budget for in cash, safe without actually bringing a separate purse with me. Casino credit seems to solve that problem. I already know my pre-embarkation taxi costs due to travelling for Medical Specialists so have started saving loose change, counting the day before I do my banking, and transferring the "saved amount" into my Cruise Savings Account to cover Souvenir purchases, Specialty dining, Internet, Photography, On Board and Casino credit, keeping a record in a ledger book so I know what's been saved for.

 

A friend on another online forum, just provided me with the up-to-date information for Melbourne taxis from the port to a CBD hotel, and from that hotel out to the airport. I was reasonably close in my estimate, and have just under 15 calendar months to finish saving. I want to get the Gift Services purchases completed a month before I sail, is this too close to sailing date please? I know that the actual cruise must be paid in full I think about 11 weeks before sailing, not sure about Gift Services though.

[mysaddlebred000]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

Don't mention them charging a service charge if you don't gamble. My luck - they would start a new policy on my cruise.

 

Like Pam, I have only walked through the casino. I guess I have never noticed a cashier cage like in Vegas. DO they say anything to you when you take your voucher to them and ask for cash?

[Steelers36]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

Don't mention them charging a service charge if you don't gamble. My luck - they would start a new policy on my cruise.

 

Like Pam, I have only walked through the casino. I guess I have never noticed a cashier cage like in Vegas. DO they say anything to you when you take your voucher to them and ask for cash?

 

They talk to you - they ask for your cruise card. A friendly one might wish you luck. Remember when you are exchanging the printed card for cash, they don't know what you plan to do with the cash. They also have a list at the cage of everyone the ship with those casino cards and they make sure it all balances out.

 

I've been in the habit of buying the casino credits in advance because Princess used to charge 3% SC if you put cash against credit card for casino. As others have mentioned, they did away with the SC. But I still do the credits. I get points on my VISA and don't have to carry the extra cash. Of course if I get lucky I can end up having to carry the excess cash back home. But I will live with that.:D

[STREETKING]

 

 

The only thing they ever said to me was "How would you like your bills":)

[AE_Collector]

What doesn't make sense to me is having bought the credits and taking the vouchers to the casino, they are hoping that you will gamble with the money. Why would they give you cash as though you are cashing out for the last time? Isn't everything in the casino done with your ships card and maybe a casino account? Why would they not be transferring the Casino Credit into that Casino account and making it a little uncomfortable for you to directly take the cash? Awhile back someone mentioned that the person at the casino commented " we aren't an automatic teller machine here".

 

Terry

[mysaddlebred000]

Still unsure.

 

I would think they would give you chips when you cash in the vouchers. But again, I've never done it.

Last time I played the slots - you put coins in ( I think - it has been a long time).

 

I agree with Terry, why would they give you cash and not chips.

 

I think I will pre order some and see how it goes. If i have to take chips, then I will and cash them in later.

[Twirling Coconuts]

We were on the 28 day Hawaii/ South Pacific cruise last Oct. We gifted each other casino credits and it was a great way to get cash. You go to the casino with the voucher and they give you your cash with a good luck and thank you. We did this on a B2B and we got a call the last night of the first cruise and we were told we had to cash the vouchers in. They were not valid on the next cruise. We just put the money in the safe with no problems. Next time we do a B2B we will spread it for both cruises.

[smslms]

There is no reason that the cashier wouldn't give you cash. The slots in the casino accept cash. Alternatively you can use your cruise card and charge funds to your shipboard account. Use your cruise card to set up a pin for the slots. When you want to cash out you give your cruise card to the cashier and they give you cash.

 

The cashiers do know how much you have in casino credits. If you only cash in say half the amount early in the cruise they will remind you that you have additional credits. Other than that they will likely wish you good luck but that's about it for conversation.