confused about getting cash in casino, and setting up onboard account

[oceanseagle12]

Hello all! I've been on several other cruises but am preparing for the first on Royal! In the past, I've bought onboard credit using a credit card that allows me to redeem points for travel purchases. I typically use the credit to play slots in the casino and cash out any additional credit I may have this way as well.

 

I've been reading threads trying to understand whether this is permitted, and if there is a fee for doing so. On the other three lines I've sailed, you can put money directly on a slot machine and there was no fee. I've seen conflicting information about a 5% fee on Royal for doing this, and something about a voucher at the casino cashier... Can anyone help me sort this out?

 

In addition, friends traveling with us do not use a credit card. I've advised against using a debit card because of the issues it creates with holds, etc. If they use cash to fund their account, I was thinking they could cash out any excess in the casino as well. But if there is a fee, are there alternatives? Does Royal have machines to manage your onboard accounts or do you just have to wait in line at guest services?

[Clarea]

Royal does not allow you to use your SeaPass (key card) directly in casino machines or tables to play. You must use cash in US dollars to play.

 

You can get cash against your onboard account at the casino, but if your onboard account is secured by a credit or debit card, they will charge you 5% to get the cash. If the onboard account is a cash type account, then there is no 5% fee.

Edited September 1, 2016 by clarea

[oceanseagle12]

Royal does not allow you to use your SeaPass (key card) directly in casino machines or tables to play. You must use cash in US dollars to play.

 

You can get cash against your onboard account at the casino, but if yur onboard account is secured by a credit or debit card, they will charge you 5% to get the cash. If the onboard account is a cash type account, then there is no 5% fee.

 

Thanks clarea! That's the clearest explanation I've seen. One detail question, if you know- If I have purchased obc, does the 5% still apply? I typically will start the cruise with credits but still secure my account with a credit card. Basically it saves me from having to travel with a bunch of cash.

[Clarea]

Thanks clarea! That's the clearest explanation I've seen. One detail question, if you know- If I have purchased obc, does the 5% still apply? I typically will start the cruise with credits but still secure my account with a credit card. Basically it saves me from having to travel with a bunch of cash.

The type of OBC has nothing to do with whether they apply the 5% fee in the casino. That fee is applied based solely on how the onboard account is secured.

 

If you have any remaining refundable OBC on the last day of the cruise, you can cash out that OBC from Guest Services with no fees, no matter how your onboard account is secured. Purchased OBC is refundable.

[Tin can]

I'm wondering now when I change GBP for dollars at the casino desk do they charge a 5% fee in the conversion?

 

I've only ever changed small amounts for the slots so never enquired.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Clarea]

I'm wondering now when I change GBP for dollars at the casino desk do they charge a 5% fee in the conversion?

 

I've only ever changed small amounts for the slots so never enquired.

If you are giving GPB and asking for USD, there's no 5% fee applied. I'm sure there is an unfavorable exchange rate charged, but the 5% fee we are discussing in this thread is applied when you are asking for cash against your onboard account.

[oceanseagle12]

Thank you all- very helpful!