Royal Caribbean Visa Card

[QTMichele]

Okay, now I'm confused! lol Do you or don't you get points for casino money?

[lephysteria]

I thought you do get points. In fact you get double points, and the cash advance from the casino's actually hits the card like you've bought something, not taken cash from an ATM, so your purchases APR rate is lower :)

[isujim]

Jen is right

 

Money you get from the casino just shows up as a regular charge on your seapass card........if you use that card for your shipboard charges.......there is absolutely no reason you won't get points.

[texasnana]

okay i know this has been asked but how many points do i need for a 7 day free cruise??

[QTMichele]

125,000 Points for a "free" cruise. :) Your points will expire 5 years from the month you accumulated them, so be careful. (Example: in May 2002 you earn 5000 points, in June 2002 you earn 2000 points; in May 2007 the 5000 points expire and in June 2007 the 2000 points expire. It's a "use 'em or lose 'em" deal.)

[cruisenfever]

Jen is right

 

Money you get from the casino just shows up as a regular charge on your seapass card........if you use that card for your shipboard charges.......there is absolutely no reason you won't get points.

That's exactly the way it works..........and if you have a credit showing up on your seapass account that will be rolled over to your credit card.........you lose points.

[forpaws]

I was so disappointed when MBNA was bought out by B of A! The ONLY reason I am keeping it open is to earn the cruise points, but I'm seriously considering closing my account. Here's why. In 1999 (yes, I can hold a grudge... lol), I came home from work one afternoon and opened a piece of mail from my mortgage company. It was a foreclosure notice! I have ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS paid my bills ON TIME and have excellent credit. I called the mortgage company, which WAS B of A and asked about the letter. They said I hadn't paid my mortage in MONTHS. I was very pregnant with my first child and quite moody, but am proud to say that I remained pretty calm (until after the call, then I broke down in tears). However, it took MONTHS for me to prove my situation. They were getting my checks (well ahead of the due date) and cashing them, but were not crediting my account. My bank wrote letters upon letters with copies of my cancelled checks to prove our case. All said and done, it took almost 1 year of frequent to periodic contact with B of A to get our account rectified. B of A DID send a letter of apology (I was SHOCKED!), but have never done business with them again.

 

It seems like they are still a too big for their own good company that doesn't know their product and can't train their employees. I know they only recently merged; however, shame on them for not focusing on their CUSTOMER.

 

Sorry for the rant... but Macop brought it up. ;) lol

 

Now that WOULD be frustrating. I don't think I would have remained calm while on the phone. ;)

[forpaws]

Just some questions....sorry no answers.

 

Are these the type of ATM's that take deposits? Would you trust a sizeable deposit of cash to an ATM?

 

NO WAY! But that's just me. :eek:

 

(P.S. You read my mind with this question!) ;)

[forpaws]

I said before you disembark from the ship, at any of the ports you are vbisiting if you need money that bad. Other than that I guess you stuff your shoes with the bills & hope luggage isn't lost.

 

Not picking on Brenda, but this comment is sorta directed to all of us...let's remember that we have a lot of newbie readers, or folks who are not veteran cruisers, who may not read any further than our particular post, or perhaps our post is the last one posted at that moment and they don't come back to read any additional postings. Our newbies may read our speculative ideas and think that's the way the system works. Then they get on the ship and our postings cause them a "boat load" of problems.

 

I interpreted some of the postings to say that I could deposit cash in an ATM prior to leaving the ship - not that I would have done it - but I know there are folks reading here that would have thought they could do it and that it would be okay.

 

Now...having said that...I read further and saw that I couldn't do it, but if there hadn't been follow up posts, I wouldn't have known that. When it comes to these important topics which could actually get someone in trouble or cause them undue hardship/problems, we should be cautious.

 

Again, not picking on anyone, okay? Just a gentle reminder that not all of our CC members know how to interpret our postings. ;)

[CruiseKeeper]

NO WAY! But that's just me. :eek:

 

(P.S. You read my mind with this question!) ;)

 

Welcome forpaws and kudos for your concern. Fortunately :rolleyes: for me, I don’t need to worry about depositing large amounts of cash anywhere including before and after disembarking. For those that do attempt this to gain credit card points, I don’t recommend lying to customs agents or falsifying your documents to say otherwise.

[AFT_LOVER]

and folks read it their way. I stated to deposit large sums of money at a bank or ATM from your bank before departing the ship. No way did I say at the ship's ATM, since it usually doesn't work & at those fees to get money & there is no deposit area in it.

 

But someone taking $14,000 in cash from the casino to get 28,000 points which will be a red flag to IRS folks Money from a casino is winnings, not a loan from them. SO I would not urge folks to do that. We do tips (about $400) and get 800 points.

 

 

Not picking on Brenda, but this comment is sorta directed to all of us...let's remember that we have a lot of newbie readers, or folks who are not veteran cruisers, who may not read any further than our particular post, or perhaps our post is the last one posted at that moment and they don't come back to read any additional postings. Our newbies may read our speculative ideas and think that's the way the system works. Then they get on the ship and our postings cause them a "boat load" of problems.

 

I interpreted some of the postings to say that I could deposit cash in an ATM prior to leaving the ship - not that I would have done it - but I know there are folks reading here that would have thought they could do it and that it would be okay.

 

Now...having said that...I read further and saw that I couldn't do it, but if there hadn't been follow up posts, I wouldn't have known that. When it comes to these important topics which could actually get someone in trouble or cause them undue hardship/problems, we should be cautious.

 

Again, not picking on anyone, okay? Just a gentle reminder that not all of our CC members know how to interpret our postings. ;)

[Host Karen]

Allow me to note that if you charge your tips to your Sea Pass card, you will also earn double points, as will all the other charges on your card.

 

I personally believe this topic has now been beaten to death, but I would like to make a suggestion to everyone who holds a former MBNA Royal Caribbean or Celebrity card: Check your points carefully. I have been in continuing discussions with BoA about a loss of triple (!) points after cancelling a Celebrity cruise. I have not been able to get an explanation as to why 2700 points were deducted when only 1800 points were initially given, nor have I been able to get 900 points returned, although I'm still working on it. During this early transition period, it might be a good idea to check each statement and make certain you are gaining (or losing) the appropriate number of reward points.

[forpaws]

and folks read it their way. I stated to deposit large sums of money at a bank or ATM from your bank before departing the ship. No way did I say at the ship's ATM, since it usually doesn't work & at those fees to get money & there is no deposit area in it.

 

But someone taking $14,000 in cash from the casino to get 28,000 points which will be a red flag to IRS folks Money from a casino is winnings, not a loan from them. SO I would not urge folks to do that. We do tips (about $400) and get 800 points.

 

I think some of the confusion can start with wording...the original sentence concerning deposits at an ATM was (post #86 - quote): "SO deposit it at an ATM before you disembark." Obviously the statement was understood by several of us to say that one could deposit at the ship's ATM before leaving the ship, as indicated by the discussion that ensued.

 

So while you in fact didn't say to deposit it at the ship's ATM, the "before you disembark" part gave the impression to some of us that it could be done prior to leaving the ship, i.e., the ship's ATM.

 

Again, not picking on ANYONE! Sometimes our thoughts come through faster than our hands can type and the resulting interpretation doesn't come out the way we intended. ;)

[isujim]

Karen

 

You are probably correct that this has been beaten to death.........however.......new questions and or issues keep coming up depending on the post..........

 

Let me add a new wrinkle just based on my experience...........

 

It has been my experience on our last 2 RC cruises.........that the casino really frowns on getting any cash for purposes other than gambling......

 

On our last 15 day cruise, on more than one occassion.......people in front of us at the casino cage were trying to get just $500 and the casino told them to go to the purser's desk........

 

If you frequent the casino (gee who would do that:) ) they know who is in there and who is gambling........especially on longer cruises. Now go and get $100.......never a problem.........

 

but I have seen people turned away on our last 2 cruises from the casino window who wanted larger sums of money........again, I'm not saying it isn't possible and isn't done........but sure have noticed them taking a closer look on our last 2 cruises..........

 

I would just hate for new cruisers to think the casino becomes a personal ATM machine.........you may have no problem at all..........or if our last 2 cruises are any indication........the more you want from the casino window, the more likely they will send you to the purser's office......

 

Just recent experiences.

[cruisenfever]

We also sailed with Jim through the PC and did the cruise prior. Saw the same thing in the casino.........folks who wanted to charge excessive amounts onto their seapass cards were referred to Guest Relations. Even witnessed one of the casino employees become a little rude to one pax when they requested money.

 

And thanks to Host Karen for the great advice to keep checking your points total with each statement. I do this monthly as I match up my receipt copies to my statement just to make sure that everything is adding up correctly.

[lkb125]

We just applied for the RCC Visa card but I am sure that it is MBNA and most of you all are talking about a B A card. We don't want to get the wrong card so please enlighten me. Thanks LOrelle

[forpaws]

Karen

 

You are probably correct that this has been beaten to death.........however.......new questions and or issues keep coming up depending on the post..........

 

Let me add a new wrinkle just based on my experience...........

 

It has been my experience on our last 2 RC cruises.........that the casino really frowns on getting any cash for purposes other than gambling......

 

On our last 15 day cruise, on more than one occassion.......people in front of us at the casino cage were trying to get just $500 and the casino told them to go to the purser's desk........

 

If you frequent the casino (gee who would do that:) ) they know who is in there and who is gambling........especially on longer cruises. Now go and get $100.......never a problem.........

 

but I have seen people turned away on our last 2 cruises from the casino window who wanted larger sums of money........again, I'm not saying it isn't possible and isn't done........but sure have noticed them taking a closer look on our last 2 cruises..........

 

I would just hate for new cruisers to think the casino becomes a personal ATM machine.........you may have no problem at all..........or if our last 2 cruises are any indication........the more you want from the casino window, the more likely they will send you to the purser's office......

 

Just recent experiences.

 

Good info Jim - and thanks for posting it. Just as many of us have speculated, it appears that RCI is catching on to the "no-fee" cash withdrawal many of us have utilized in the casino.

 

It's good to know that the policy may be not as liberal as it has been in the past so we're not caught off guard. You could be left in a bind otherwise.

[forpaws]

We just applied for the RCC Visa card but I am sure that it is MBNA and most of you all are talking about a B A card. We don't want to get the wrong card so please enlighten me. Thanks LOrelle

 

Someone please help Lorelle before the thread gets locked? :confused:

[Host Karen]

Someone please help Lorelle before the thread gets locked? :confused:

 

Just to clarify, I said the subject was beaten to death, but I never indicated I was planning to close the thread. Wouldn't want to leave myself open to misinterpretation. :)

 

lkb125, in answer to your question, I'm not certain if it was the entire bank or just the credit card division, but Bank of America now owns the MBNA credit cards. Therefore, the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity credit cards referred on the CruiseCritic boards are no longer administrated by MBNA, but the program is supposed to continue on unaltered. We'll see if that holds true. If you apply through the Royal Caribbean site, you need not worry about which bank you're applying to, unless you hold a grudge (as did a previous poster) against Bank of America. (I have my own issues with one or two credit card companies, so I can relate.)

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

[kjaysmommie]

Someone please help Lorelle before the thread gets locked? :confused:

 

Okay, I have been reading this thread for days now and I am pretty certain in my learnings that Bank of America bought out MBNA.

 

I hope now that i have steered Lorelle in the right direction..

[crazy 4 cruising]

Okay, now I'm confused! lol Do you or don't you get points for casino money?

 

I did on the Voyager in December 06.

[cruisenfever]

As I stated before and folks read it their way. I stated to deposit large sums of money at a bank or ATM from your bank before departing the ship. No way did I say at the ship's ATM, since it usually doesn't work & at those fees to get money & there is no deposit area in it.

 

I think some of the confusion can start with wording...the original sentence concerning deposits at an ATM was (post #86 - quote): "SO deposit it at an ATM before you disembark." Obviously the statement was understood by several of us to say that one could deposit at the ship's ATM before leaving the ship, as indicated by the discussion that ensued.

 

So while you in fact didn't say to deposit it at the ship's ATM, the "before you disembark" part gave the impression to some of us that it could be done prior to leaving the ship, i.e., the ship's ATM.

 

Let me see if I can interpert this.......well, after reading it several times I come up with the same conclusion that forpaws did.

 

How can one deposit large sums of money at a bank or ATM from one's bank before departing the ship.:confused: If one hasn't left the ship, how can deposits be made. :confused: Sorry, but I am a very intelligent person with a very analytical mind............but this somehow is not registering with me. Seems like it would be pretty hard to do on a sea day!!:eek:

[lkb125]

Just to clarify, I said the subject was beaten to death, but I never indicated I was planning to close the thread. Wouldn't want to leave myself open to misinterpretation. :)

 

lkb125, in answer to your question, I'm not certain if it was the entire bank or just the credit card division, but Bank of America now owns the MBNA credit cards. Therefore, the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity credit cards referred on the CruiseCritic boards are no longer administrated by MBNA, but the program is supposed to continue on unaltered. We'll see if that holds true. If you apply through the Royal Caribbean site, you need not worry about which bank you're applying to, unless you hold a grudge (as did a previous poster) against Bank of America. (I have my own issues with one or two credit card companies, so I can relate.)

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

That answers my question. RCC still has MCMB information available on the ships. Lorelle

[forpaws]

Just to clarify, I said the subject was beaten to death, but I never indicated I was planning to close the thread. Wouldn't want to leave myself open to misinterpretation. :)

 

lkb125, in answer to your question, I'm not certain if it was the entire bank or just the credit card division, but Bank of America now owns the MBNA credit cards. Therefore, the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity credit cards referred on the CruiseCritic boards are no longer administrated by MBNA, but the program is supposed to continue on unaltered. We'll see if that holds true. If you apply through the Royal Caribbean site, you need not worry about which bank you're applying to, unless you hold a grudge (as did a previous poster) against Bank of America. (I have my own issues with one or two credit card companies, so I can relate.)

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

 

Thanks Karen.

 

BTW, the reason I said that about the thread getting locked is because I have seen a number of threads locked when it was determined that the topic has been beaten to death. :eek:

[In the Pink]

Karen

On our last 15 day cruise, on more than one occassion.......people in front of us at the casino cage were trying to get just $500 and the casino told them to go to the purser's desk........

 

And so I can't help but wonder..... what difference does it make to me whether I get my cash from the casino or from the purser's desk as long as either way it is charged to my seapass card, and ultimately to my RCCL Visa?