New to NCL. ? about onboard credit cert.

[missguy]

We have cruised before (Carnival & RCCL) but it is our first time with NCL in May (POA). I have a few questions; I plan to buy onboard credit gift certificates via the bon voyage dept. to be applied on our cruise (since their exchange rate from US Dollars to Canadian Dollars is cheaper than the one on my credit card). Please tell me:

 

How it will be delivered? To my home address (I hope not) or to our stateroom on embarkation day (preferably)?

 

Is there any restrictions on what those certificates can be spent on or can I pay everything with them (gratuities, shore excursions, souvenirs, drinks, etc...)?

 

Will they be applied to our onboard account automatically or do I have to go to the pursers desk and bring the certificates to be applied on the account?

 

Also, we'll be staying in cabin 9525 (inside JJ cat.). If someone has stayed in that type of stateroom, please tell me about it.

 

Waiting for replies. Thanks and have a great day!

 

Missguy

[garycarla]

You can purchase all you want and there probably will be a cert or notice in your cabin. It often is automatically applied to your account though. It is just like cash on your account. It can be used for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

 

Question though - since these are done over the phone, how are you going to pay for it, other than credit card?

[SnootieTootie]

Can't be used towards tips...right? Or is it just the OBC that NCL gives you "free" that can not be used for tips?

Edited April 2, 2009 by SnootieTootie

[missguy]

Garycarla,

 

NCL will charge me in canadian funds (12% exchange rate) on my credit card, which is cheaper than charging my onboard account directly in US funds then transfer to my credit card in the current exchange rate of more or less 22%. Let say I want to buy 1000$ USD in onboard credit certificates , it would cost me 1120$ in canadian funds on my credit card.

 

The other scenario, I have 1000$ USD charge on my onboard account and pay that account with my credit card with an exchange rate of 22% (today's rate), it will cost me about 1270$ in canadian funds.

 

So that is a savings of 150$ right there. That is why I want to buy certificates. And with our poor canadian dollar, I am trying to save as much as I can.

 

Missguy

[garycarla]

Can't be used towards tips...right? Or is it just the OBC that NCL gives you "free" that can not be used for tips?

 

The OBC can be used for tips/service charge. At one time they had a "policy" that said it could not be, but in reality you could because their accounting system could not tell the difference. They finally gave in and said you could use it for anything. Even the casino.

[SnootieTootie]

GaryCarla, so the $250 OBC that we were "given" for this upcoming cruise CAN be used towards tips?

 

Not that I don't believe you, but can anyone else confirm this? I don't want to not use the OBC with the intention of it going toward the tips, and be surpirsed on the last morning of the cruise with an unused OBC, and a bill for the tips.

Edited April 2, 2009 by SnootieTootie

[garycarla]

I am guessing you are new here, as many people have indicated over the past few months they had no problems.

 

Even so, assume you are not planning to spend any money on drinks, meals, tours, photos, gifts that would eat up the $250 anyways?

[SnootieTootie]

I am guessing you are new here, as many people have indicated over the past few months they had no problems.

 

Even so, assume you are not planning to spend any money on drinks, meals, tours, photos, gifts that would eat up the $250 anyways?

 

We have popped in and out over the years. Interest in Cruise Critic usually peaks the couple of weeks prior to a cruise.

 

We are not really drinkers, and with the Lebistro freebie, and the welcome basket wine freebie, that is enough alcohol do do us. We try to plan excursions that are not booked on the ship. It's saved us a lot of money in the past.

 

36 cruises, so we really aren't into the pictures either.

 

Thanks for the info, this is exactly why I visit cruise critic before a cruise, you can always learn something new.

[garycarla]

Cool.... you will be okay.

[Arwenmark]

Garycarla,

 

NCL will charge me in canadian funds (12% exchange rate) on my credit card, which is cheaper than charging my onboard account directly in US funds then transfer to my credit card in the current exchange rate of more or less 22%. Let say I want to buy 1000$ USD in onboard credit certificates , it would cost me 1120$ in canadian funds on my credit card.

 

The other scenario, I have 1000$ USD charge on my onboard account and pay that account with my credit card with an exchange rate of 22% (today's rate), it will cost me about 1270$ in canadian funds.

 

So that is a savings of 150$ right there. That is why I want to buy certificates. And with our poor canadian dollar, I am trying to save as much as I can.

 

Missguy

 

A question, do you have any idea what it would cost you to get US dollar denominated travelers checks? I can get Travelers checks free at my bank here, what ever denomination I need. That might be a way to go as well. you would then sign them over when you check in at the pier.

[Arwenmark]

GaryCarla, so the $250 OBC that we were "given" for this upcoming cruise CAN be used towards tips?

 

Not that I don't believe you, but can anyone else confirm this? I don't want to not use the OBC with the intention of it going toward the tips, and be surpirsed on the last morning of the cruise with an unused OBC, and a bill for the tips.

 

Yup the change was in January I believe and they OBC's from whatever source can be used for anything that goes on your OB account, including tips.

[keant]

Thanks Missguy for posting about this.

 

I leave for a cruise in 2 weeks and didn't know you could pay for OBC in Canadian funds. Current exchange rate is 24% so my credit card would actually charge me 26%. NCL's 12% exchange rate is a signicicant savings right now.

 

I didn't see a benefit to buying OBC until now!

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Just read your email but looks like you already got the answers here. OBC of any type can be used towards anything. The OBC that comes from TAs, booking promos etc are lost if you don't spend it. Use it or lose it! The OBC that you're going to buy with your credit card is a little different. Whatever you don't spend from that is refunded to the CC that was used to buy them. When you board the ship the funds will already be on your account and you will have a slip in your cabin to sign and drop off at reception. Always bring proof of the OBC just to be safe!

[1freestylER]

 

NCL will charge me in canadian funds (12% exchange rate) on my credit card, which is cheaper than charging my onboard account directly in US funds then transfer to my credit card in the current exchange rate of more or less 22%. Let say I want to buy 1000$ USD in onboard credit certificates , it would cost me 1120$ in canadian funds on my credit card.

 

 

T'es pas serieux?!? :eek: I didn't know you could do that with NCL -- pretty cool. Missguy, can you please tell me/explain how I can go about and order the same for my upcoming cruise. Do you call the Canadian office (I think it's located in BC, but not sure at all) or the usual Miami office? Do you call your TA/PCC or contact NCL directly? En tout cas, toute information serait BEAUCOUP APPRECIEE!

[keant]

Just call the main NCL reservations office in Miami and say you want to buy OBC (or other Bon Voyage gifts) and pay in Canadian funds.

[missguy]

I called the number in the Welcome Aboard booklet (Bon Voyage gifts and packages) 1-800-327-7030 and ask the Bon Voyage dept.. They'll be able to help you out. After purchase, they send you a receipt by email. Just bring it with you when you'll cruise, that is your proof of purchase.

 

Missguy

[1freestylER]

I called the number in the Welcome Aboard booklet (Bon Voyage gifts and packages) 1-800-327-7030 and ask the Bon Voyage dept.. They'll be able to help you out. After purchase, they send you a receipt by email. Just bring it with you when you'll cruise, that is your proof of purchase.

 

Missguy

 

Hey Missguy -- I have yet another question for you re: your purchase of OBC and being charged in CDN funds: did you originally BOOK your cruise with the Canadian or American branch of NCL i.e. was your final cruise fare charged in CDN or US dollars? I just got off the phone with (normal) NCL reservations (US) and I equally called the 800.327.7030 number (Canadian branch) and I was told that since my reservation was made and paid with their US branch that I would be unable to purchase OBC and be charged in CDN funds :( Bummer...

 

And so, if you did make your res with the US division of NCL and were STILL able to purchase OBC and be charged in CDN funds, I'd like to know with whom you delt specifically and perhaps get their contacts so that I could do the same! Thanks a lot! [bTW, I see you are from Qc; would that be Qc City or you're somewhere in the province? ok that's it! Good day!]

[missguy]

1freestylER,

 

I booked with my usual TA in Kirkland and cruise fare was charged in canadian funds. I guess she dealt with NCL's canadian branch.

 

And no, I'm not from Quebec city but from Ile Perrot, close to Beaconsfield, Pierrefonds, Pointe-Claire ... West Island area of Montreal.

 

Missguy

[retiredkid]

this is why I love CC....the stuff you learn!! thanks for sharing Missguy

[SA71]

Great info. I will be purchasing OBC before our cruise for sure now as we are Canadian and booked in Cdn dollars.

 

Another question: If i purchase OBC in my name, can it be used to cover expenses incured by my (minor) son who is booked "on paper" in another cabin, although in reality is staying in my cabin?

 

Thanks.

[emcelh]

Great info. I will be purchasing OBC before our cruise for sure now as we are Canadian and booked in Cdn dollars.

 

Another question: If i purchase OBC in my name, can it be used to cover expenses incured by my (minor) son who is booked "on paper" in another cabin, although in reality is staying in my cabin?

 

Thanks.

 

Lots of good information but it's 6 years old.

 

OBC that you purchase can be used for anything. OBC given as a promotion by the cruise line cannot be used for tips. Regarding your son's expenses, the OBC you purchased will be applied against charges incurred by anyone listed on your account. If your son is on that account then, yes.

[Boorin]

When you purchase OBC in cad... Let say I bought $100 and bought something on board for $10. Does the enhance rate reflect at time of purchase? So my balance would be approx $86 instead of $90 or it doesn't? I am confuse to when the rate takes in effect. And how often does NCL update their rate?

[canuck059]

When you purchase OBC in cad... Let say I bought $100 and bought something on board for $10. Does the enhance rate reflect at time of purchase? So my balance would be approx $86 instead of $90 or it doesn't? I am confuse to when the rate takes in effect. And how often does NCL update their rate?

 

If you bought $100 OBC, you would be charged $110 Canadian (or whatever NCL's current exchange is). The OBC is US$. If you bought something on board for $10, your balance would be $90US. In other words, the rate takes effect on the initial purchase of the OBC.

[Mscruisin]

If you bought $100 OBC, you would be charged $110 Canadian (or whatever NCL's current exchange is). The OBC is US$. If you bought something on board for $10, your balance would be $90US. In other words, the rate takes effect on the initial purchase of the OBC.

 

Do you have to purchase the OBC before final payment or can you buy it right up until sailing and still get the good exchange rate. Also if you want to use it in the casino do you charge money to your online account and pay the 3%. Then it is deducted from the OBC in your account. Confused!

[Boorin]

If you bought $100 OBC, you would be charged $110 Canadian (or whatever NCL's current exchange is). The OBC is US$. If you bought something on board for $10, your balance would be $90US. In other words, the rate takes effect on the initial purchase of the OBC.

 

 

 

I paid my cruise in cad... I bought a 25 OBC 3 days ago and on my master card charged 25 cad.... So what you say about use is not true.