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Cruise.co.uk
Q: hi
I am paying my final onboard charges on my new Santander card which has a 0% foreign ex fee.
RCI have given me the option of either paying my bill in the currency of my card then letting RCI convert the currency using their conversion program, or i can let my card issuer which is Santander convert my charges in lieu of participating in RCI conversion program, not sure which one is best to do, also re gratutities do i have to let RCI know prior to boarding that i would like to pay them, by the way of envelopes in my room at end of voyage, we are first time cruisers so not sure what best to do. 		11 answers
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Submitted by: drinkell, grimsby - on 1st Jul 2009
Subject: Royal Caribbean Cruises Independence of the Seas Mediterranean Cruises General
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Answer by dawson, shavington (01 Jul 09 19:41) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
Tick box B - Just back from RCI cruise and my credit card company gave me 1.60 which I thought was really good. As for tips we paid them in cash at the end of the cruise and you do not have to let anyone know. Have a great time. Julie
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Answer by herd, Grimsby. (01 Jul 09 16:42) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
Hi,having done 2 RCI cruises we would deffinatly suggest you leave your bill in dollars.let your credit card Co do it..better exchange rate. Make sure you go to the pursers deck on boarding though.and tell them that is what you want,also tell them at the same time to take the tips off your bill....as you are taking care of them yourself. Happy sailing.........
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Answer by carver, st helier jersey (01 Jul 09 15:53) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
hi, when you board the ship, go to reception desk and say you would like to pay your gratutities at the end of cruise with the envelopes they put in your cabin, never a problem. hope that is of some help.
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Answer by Morton, Cheshire (01 Jul 09 11:13) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
Don't let any retailer anywhere near your foreign currency conversions. You will lose out with the double conversion rates. We were getting $1.6 to the £ on our Amex card last week in NYC which I think was very fair indeed.
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Answer by Bradley, Worcester (01 Jul 09 10:03) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
Definitely pay your bill in dollars. If you let RCI do the conversion not only do you get a very poor exchange rate but you completely miss out on the whole point of having that particular card, with its 0% foreign exchange fee. I suggest you check with them prior to the end of the cruise that they have your instructions recorded correctly. Note that the conversion issue also applies if using the card ashore. In some countries you may find restaurants (in particular) and shops where their machines default to converting to sterling. Same applies if you go and draw out cash at an atm - read what it says on the screen very carefully. Can't help with regard to gratuities (but I believe they are charged to your account). I'm sure others can help you with the tips topic. Have a nice cruise.
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Answer by Blyth, Dundee (01 Jul 09 09:43) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
If you have not already taken the option of prepayment before your cruise then they know you will be paying one way or the other on the ship, so don't worry about it. I agree with Brian let your credit card company do it to get the best rate and no fee for handling this for you....Bill
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Answer by Ingle, Rugby (01 Jul 09 09:18) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 09:10)
Its always best to let your card company do the conversion rather than the ship so pay in dollars...Brian
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Question by drinkell, grimsby (01 Jul 09 10:17) about an ANSWER by Ingle (01 Jul 09 09:18)
my card is a sterling card, so i would pay in sterling then let my card company convert to dollars is that what you mean?
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Answer by Richard, Lee on the Solent (01 Jul 09 10:45) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 10:17)
You will get a far better exchange rate on your Santander card than the one offerred by the cruise line. I would hazard a guess at saving around 5%. Richard
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Answer by Wilba, N (01 Jul 09 10:42) to a QUESTION by drinkell (01 Jul 09 10:17)
Simply tick box 'B' on your online check.....Allow my credit card to do the conversion......Wilba
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