Does NCL charge to cash US travelers' checks to US dollars?

[Oboedot]

We will be travelling on the Sun in January. I've been reading about the need to use US currency at the various ports. Rather than bring a lot of cash, I'd rather cash travelers' cheques as we go. If we bring US travelers' checks and cash them on board for US dollars, will there be a charge levied by NCL? Thanks for any advice.

[shoreguy]

We will be travelling on the Sun in January. I've been reading about the need to use US currency at the various ports. Rather than bring a lot of cash, I'd rather cash travelers' cheques as we go. If we bring US travelers' checks and cash them on board for US dollars, will there be a charge levied by NCL? Thanks for any advice.

 

No charge - easiest place is the cashier in the casino

[newmexicoNita]

As Shoreguy said, there will be no problems cashing travelers checks. You really won't need a great deal of cash, but some is always a good idea. NMNIta

[JeterCab]

Thanks in advance for help with this question!

 

I know ShoreGuy says in this post there is no charge for cashing travelers’ checks on board. I just need to know is this still the case? This post information is from 2004. Do any recent passengers (from the Jewel) know if they charge to cash travelers' checks on board? If so, how much?

 

This was also helpful but didn’t mention if there is a charge- it came from a different thread.

 

November 27th, 2005, 12:33 AM

electricron

Cool Cruiser Join Date: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,695

 

From NCL's web site:

 

How do I pay for onboard expenses?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to NCL's special onboard credit program. Sign up on the first day of your cruise, by establishing your method of payment with Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover®, travelers checks or cash. If you choose to settle your account with cash, a deposit will be required in advance. You may also use your debit card; however, please be advised that NCL obtains pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.

What about currency?

You may cash travelers checks at the Reception Desk. Currency exchange, at prevailing rates, is available on some cruises. Travelers checks and most major credit cards are accepted in the ports we visit. Proper ID is required when cashing travelers checks. We recommend you carry a small amount of local currency when visiting foreign ports, although credit cards are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants.

 

 

[Retired not Expired]

Still holds---No charge.

[Another ship trip]

No charge. Used them last month on the Spirit and many other ships as well. I have never been charged to cash one ever in my life no matter where I have been. They are guaranteed cash after all. Cruise ships still see alot of them although not as many since ATMs are so common throughout the world and on ships as well!

[shoreguy]

No charge - easiest place is the cashier in the casino

 

No change - same answer still applies.:D

[PosadaGirl519]

I asked my bank the same question (for the Bahamas) they suggested first bringing my Visa and a small amount of cash forgetting about travelers checks. Ask your bank. They know your individual info and can advise you best.

[garycarla]

Between having the larger charges (ship, etc) on the charge card, we stopped bothering with travelers checks many many years ago. We still carry a fair amount of cash just in case, but why bother with the checks? And the ships all have a nice safe in the room so you do not need to carry it around all the time.

 

I think they were a great marketing idea lead by Karl Malden, but not really needed.

[MrLee]

As Shoreguy said, there will be no problems cashing travelers checks. You really won't need a great deal of cash, but some is always a good idea. NMNIta

 

Hmm....Obviously you don't spend as much time as I do in the casino. ;)

[garycarla]

Hmm....Obviously you don't spend as much time as I do in the casino. ;)

 

Ouch!

Chuckle!

and your spouse asks " You spent HOW MUCH!?"

[johnql]

Hmm....Obviously you don't spend as much time as I do in the casino. ;)

Keep in mind that you can sign for chips in the casino. The charge goes on your onboard account as a "normal" charge, not a cash advance, so there is no surcharge. It's an easy and convenient way to obtain cash.

[MrLee]

Keep in mind that you can sign for chips in the casino. The charge goes on your onboard account as a "normal" charge, not a cash advance, so there is no surcharge. It's an easy and convenient way to obtain cash.

 

Oh great! That's all I needed to hear! (Note to self...use charge card with lowest availiable funds.) ;)

[MrLee]

Ouch!

Chuckle!

and your spouse asks " You spent HOW MUCH!?"

 

While I'm sitting at the table, she'll be sitting at the video poker machine. :eek:

[JeterCab]

Thanks to all for the input. Wasn't sure if that was the route I wanted to go. I guess it isn’t worth bringing them. Sure, No charge to cash them but I didn't realize that on the ship they get you on the exchange rate. (I heard it was high on the Jewel a few weeks ago.) We'll use the visa card to pay for everything but we need all cash for the guides we hired. I know we should just hit the ATM's in each port but we didn't want to worry about finding ATM's and possibly inconveniencing those sharing the tour with us. Oh well, guess we’ll be using that safe! It was worth exploring the options though. So Mr. Lee, aka Mr. Gambler, is that Player's Card worth having? Or only if you’re a high roller? Cool tip johnql!

[MrLee]

So Mr. Lee, aka Mr. Gambler, is that Player's Card worth having? Or only if you’re a high roller? Cool tip johnql!

 

I've never sailed NCL before so I can't say for sure. From many other comments that I've seen on this board though, it seems to be worth the minimal effort to sign up.

[johnql]

The Player's Card is worth signing up for if you're going to be gambling anyway, especially since it doesn't cost anything. Your play at the slots and/or tables accrues points that are used to offset charges on your onboard account. You need at least 25 points to qualify for the redemption, but if you don't accrue enough points you can carry them over to your next cruise(s) for a period of 18 months. You get points faster for playing slots than table games.