Fouremco Posted September 26, 2023 #1 Share Posted September 26, 2023 I've posted this on the RCI board as well, but in the off chance that someone knows a workaround, I'll post it here as well. Our son and our son-in-law both have their birthday next month, and I was thinking about giving them gift certificates that they could use for our family cruise in January. Searching the RCI website, the only page (https://www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com) I could find on buying gift certificates says that they are available for US residents only: I called the Help number, and they confirmed that the recipients of the GC must be a resident of the US, although the purchaser doesn't need to be. I'm not sure that I understand why I can buy a wide assortment of gifts for them, but not gift certificates. Can someone explain the rationale? Or better yet, provide a workaround? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustCruzin77 Posted September 26, 2023 #2 Share Posted September 26, 2023 If they are already booked, I would suggest buying them some OBC instead? Or send a gift to their stateroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted September 26, 2023 Author #3 Share Posted September 26, 2023 2 hours ago, JustCruzin77 said: If they are already booked, I would suggest buying them some OBC instead? Or send a gift to their stateroom. There were no suitable gifts, but your OBC suggestion is sound. Of course, I could always go any buy them some USD. I'm not sure if RCI offers a favourable exchange rate when buying OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted September 26, 2023 #4 Share Posted September 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Fouremco said: There were no suitable gifts, but your OBC suggestion is sound. Of course, I could always go any buy them some USD. I'm not sure if RCI offers a favourable exchange rate when buying OBC. I would give them USD to use on the trip If you are going to be onboard with them give then a card with the promise of USD Then when you board put some USD on their stateroom account probably less hassle than trying to buy gift cards fro the cruise line 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted September 26, 2023 Author #5 Share Posted September 26, 2023 11 minutes ago, LHT28 said: I would give them USD to use on the trip If you are going to be onboard with them give then a card with the promise of USD Then when you board put some USD on their stateroom account probably less hassle than trying to buy gift cards fro the cruise line Tomorrow I'll see what kind of exchange rate I can get buying USD in Ottawa and buying OBC from RCI. But I do like the idea of the card now and the USD applied to their accounts onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango99 Posted September 27, 2023 #6 Share Posted September 27, 2023 7 hours ago, Fouremco said: I've posted this on the RCI board as well, but in the off chance that someone knows a workaround, I'll post it here as well. Our son and our son-in-law both have their birthday next month, and I was thinking about giving them gift certificates that they could use for our family cruise in January. Searching the RCI website, the only page (https://www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com) I could find on buying gift certificates says that they are available for US residents only: I called the Help number, and they confirmed that the recipients of the GC must be a resident of the US, although the purchaser doesn't need to be. I'm not sure that I understand why I can buy a wide assortment of gifts for them, but not gift certificates. Can someone explain the rationale? Or better yet, provide a workaround? I think the issue is that the gift card has to be redeemed before cruising. They cannot be redeemed on board. They may be using a US broker that can’t manage the exchange transactions and bank charges. We’ve had gift cards from family in Canada applied to our on board account on NCL and on CCL. When we we sailed with RC they tried but couldn’t make it happen so we got a nice gift in our Christmas card. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted September 27, 2023 Author #7 Share Posted September 27, 2023 After checking local exchange rates (>1.370) and comparing them with what RCI is charging today (1.300), I decided to buy OBC for the boys. As that is a darn good rate, I decided to treat myself to some as well. 😇 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mexico8 Posted October 1, 2023 #8 Share Posted October 1, 2023 On 9/27/2023 at 2:00 PM, Fouremco said: After checking local exchange rates (>1.370) and comparing them with what RCI is charging today (1.300), I decided to buy OBC for the boys. As that is a darn good rate, I decided to treat myself to some as well. 😇 Can you send me an e-mail please at wendybob8 at gmail.com (your former neighbour) - I have a question to discuss with you. Thanks. Wendy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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