Just Purchased OBC...

[Maybaybie10]

I decided I didn't want to carry cash all the way down to FLA and Traveler's Cheques can be a pain sometimes (I don't have a credit card), so when I heard you can actually purchase on board credit (NOT gift certificates) I thought this was the way to go.

 

I just called RCI and spoke to a very nice representative. I told her wanted to purchase $1000 OBC so it would already be on my seapass when I got down there. She told me I can only puchase $500 over the phone. If I wanted to purchase more than that I would need to copy my debit card and photo ID and fax it to them. I don't have access to a fax machine locally, so I decided to just do the $500. I had heard that you can call back the next day and do another $500 so I asked about this. She said I could do another $500 on my husband's card if I wanted to, but he would need to call. After I was done purchased the $500, she said I was all set and that there would be $500 waiting for me on MY seapass card when I got onboard. I asked if it was $500 for myself and DH since we are in the same room and she said it was just mine and if he wanted to put $$ on his seapass it was a separate transaction. This did kind-of surprise me as I figured we would be considered on the same account as we are married and in the same cabin. I asked her if when I got on board and wanted to "move the money around" I could so so. He drinks alcohol and I don't, so he will need more of the $$ than I will. She said she didn't think so, but she put me on hold to ask. When she came back, she said I would have to go to Guest Services when I got onboard and that yes, they could move the money around between myself, DH, and our DD and DS. Phew! Not that I didn't think I COULD spend $500 onboard by myself- I just didn't want to!

 

Sorry this was so long-winded, but I just wanted to put it out there as an FYI in case anyone was thinking about doing the same thing so they would know how it all works.

 

The rep was very nice and helpful- I hope in the end I did get the right information! She did ask what I 'wanted the card to say". She said there would be a card in our stateroom saying that I had OBC waiting for me- which I do find a bit odd, since I was the one who bought it, but maybe you can actually purchase it for others as a gift and that's the reason for the cards.

 

6 days!!!! Whoohooooooo!

[starlake]

I decided I didn't want to carry cash all the way down to FLA and Traveler's Cheques can be a pain sometimes (I don't have a credit card), so when I heard you can actually purchase on board credit (NOT gift certificates) I thought this was the way to go.

 

I just called RCI and spoke to a very nice representative. I told her wanted to purchase $1000 OBC so it would already be on my seapass when I got down there. She told me I can only puchase $500 over the phone. If I wanted to purchase more than that I would need to copy my debit card and photo ID and fax it to them. I don't have access to a fax machine locally, so I decided to just do the $500. I had heard that you can call back the next day and do another $500 so I asked about this. She said I could do another $500 on my husband's card if I wanted to, but he would need to call. After I was done purchased the $500, she said I was all set and that there would be $500 waiting for me on MY seapass card when I got onboard. I asked if it was $500 for myself and DH since we are in the same room and she said it was just mine and if he wanted to put $$ on his seapass it was a separate transaction. This did kind-of surprise me as I figured we would be considered on the same account as we are married and in the same cabin. I asked her if when I got on board and wanted to "move the money around" I could so so. He drinks alcohol and I don't, so he will need more of the $$ than I will. She said she didn't think so, but she put me on hold to ask. When she came back, she said I would have to go to Guest Services when I got onboard and that yes, they could move the money around between myself, DH, and our DD and DS. Phew! Not that I didn't think I COULD spend $500 onboard by myself- I just didn't want to!

 

Sorry this was so long-winded, but I just wanted to put it out there as an FYI in case anyone was thinking about doing the same thing so they would know how it all works.

 

The rep was very nice and helpful- I hope in the end I did get the right information! She did ask what I 'wanted the card to say". She said there would be a card in our stateroom saying that I had OBC waiting for me- which I do find a bit odd, since I was the one who bought it, but maybe you can actually purchase it for others as a gift and that's the reason for the cards.

 

6 days!!!! Whoohooooooo!

 

This must have changed very recently. I have purchased on board credit numerous times and have always been able to apply whatever amount I want. I called for our B 2B in March and April and put $250 for the first part and $100 for the second, without any problem. This is always over the phone.

I am glad things worked out for you and you were happy.

[jaegs]

I decided I didn't want to carry cash all the way down to FLA and Traveler's Cheques can be a pain sometimes (I don't have a credit card), so when I heard you can actually purchase on board credit (NOT gift certificates) I thought this was the way to go.

 

I just called RCI and spoke to a very nice representative. I told her wanted to purchase $1000 OBC so it would already be on my seapass when I got down there. She told me I can only puchase $500 over the phone. If I wanted to purchase more than that I would need to copy my debit card and photo ID and fax it to them. I don't have access to a fax machine locally, so I decided to just do the $500. I had heard that you can call back the next day and do another $500 so I asked about this. She said I could do another $500 on my husband's card if I wanted to, but he would need to call. After I was done purchased the $500, she said I was all set and that there would be $500 waiting for me on MY seapass card when I got onboard. I asked if it was $500 for myself and DH since we are in the same room and she said it was just mine and if he wanted to put $$ on his seapass it was a separate transaction. This did kind-of surprise me as I figured we would be considered on the same account as we are married and in the same cabin. I asked her if when I got on board and wanted to "move the money around" I could so so. He drinks alcohol and I don't, so he will need more of the $$ than I will. She said she didn't think so, but she put me on hold to ask. When she came back, she said I would have to go to Guest Services when I got onboard and that yes, they could move the money around between myself, DH, and our DD and DS. Phew! Not that I didn't think I COULD spend $500 onboard by myself- I just didn't want to!

 

Sorry this was so long-winded, but I just wanted to put it out there as an FYI in case anyone was thinking about doing the same thing so they would know how it all works.

 

The rep was very nice and helpful- I hope in the end I did get the right information! She did ask what I 'wanted the card to say". She said there would be a card in our stateroom saying that I had OBC waiting for me- which I do find a bit odd, since I was the one who bought it, but maybe you can actually purchase it for others as a gift and that's the reason for the cards.

 

6 days!!!! Whoohooooooo!

You can cash travelers checks at the purser's desk, or at the casino using only your sea pass for ID.

 

Husband and wife each have a sea pass card, but the billing is all on one account. Just sign the form that allows both to share the account when you get your sea pass at the pier.

 

Yes, others can gift you with monies to your account also.

 

Hope this helps.

[cruisenfever]

Melissa, I thought this link would explain to you why you were only allowed to purchase $500 OBC How do I pay for onboard purchases? If I understand what is outlined in the link, by purchasing OBC prior to boarding you are essentially setting up a cash account. It would be the same rules if you were setting up a cash account at check-in. There is a $500 daily limit on 7 day cruises.

 

And yes, you can purchase OBC as gifts for others.

[LBumb]

i would love to receive an obc as a gift

[liberiben]

If you don't spend it all do you just get the money put back on your card I assume?

[cruisenfever]

If you don't spend it all do you just get the money put back on your card I assume?

If you are using a credit card when checking in, then any "purchased" OBC that is not used would appear on your statement as a credit the following month. This type of OBC is totally refundable.

[matj2000]

Whats the big deal about carrying cash?

[Maybaybie10]

Whats the big deal about carrying cash?

 

It's not a big deal to some, but the money we have saved over the last 14 months for this trip is all that I have for our vacation and if it were to get lost or any other crazy thing that could happen to it, I couldn't replace it. This is our first 'real' family vacation and I want to make it as special for my children as I can, so I am just trying to be careful.

[Maybaybie10]

UPDATE:

 

So I called back to add the additional $500 to my account using my husband's debit card (different number than mine) and the customer rep told me that the over the phone limit per reservation is $500. The previous rep told me it was per credit card. She said this was because people were using fraudulant cards and then getting the cash back at the end of their cruise, so that's why there is a limit per credit card. She told me if I used a different credit card then it wouldn't be a problem. She called and asked the Resolutions department before she gave me this information.

 

The second time I called the rep also called and spoke to the Resolutions department before she gave me her info as well telling me that I cannot use a different credit card number and add more $$. Which seems odd because if someone wanted to call and give someone a gift of OBC, how would they know if that reservation already had the $500 limit reached on it. Would they be denied giving their gift? I'm not quite sure who to believe. Should I call a 3rd time and ask to speak directly to the Resolutions Department myself? I'm not upset, just confused, and I don't mind bringing cash or traveler's cheques- I was just trying to make it easier but if it doesn't happen, it's all good. No biggie in the grand scheme of things..but I sort-of would like to have a 'real' answer. :confused:

[cruisenfever]

UPDATE:

 

So I called back to add the additional $500 to my account using my husband's debit card (different number than mine) and the customer rep told me that the over the phone limit per reservation is $500. The previous rep told me it was per credit card. She said this was because people were using fraudulant cards and then getting the cash back at the end of their cruise, so that's why there is a limit per credit card. She told me if I used a different credit card then it wouldn't be a problem. She called and asked the Resolutions department before she gave me this information.

 

The second time I called the rep also called and spoke to the Resolutions department before she gave me her info as well telling me that I cannot use a different credit card number and add more $$. Which seems odd because if someone wanted to call and give someone a gift of OBC, how would they know if that reservation already had the $500 limit reached on it. Would they be denied giving their gift? I'm not quite sure who to believe. Should I call a 3rd time and ask to speak directly to the Resolutions Department myself? I'm not upset, just confused, and I don't mind bringing cash or traveler's cheques- I was just trying to make it easier but if it doesn't happen, it's all good. No biggie in the grand scheme of things..but I sort-of would like to have a 'real' answer. :confused:

I posted this earlier but you might not have seen it.

Melissa, I thought this link would explain to you why you were only allowed to purchase $500 OBC How do I pay for onboard purchases? If I understand what is outlined in the link, by purchasing OBC prior to boarding you are essentially setting up a cash account. It would be the same rules if you were setting up a cash account at check-in. There is a $500 daily limit on 7 day cruises.

What number did you call?

[uksimonusa]

We've been doing this for a while now, it was only on our last cruise in March that we were told the limit was $500 to purchase OBC. I just called bck the next 3 nights and bought another $500. On check in we gave a credit card to secure the account and the $166 we had left at the end of the cruise was credited back to this card

[Maybaybie10]

I posted this earlier but you might not have seen it.

 

What number did you call?

 

Thanks Patti, I had inquired about this at a different time and she told me there was a $500 max that you could charge per day on your seapass without having cash already deposited onto the account (when not using a credit card to secure the acct). Several people here on cc have said that RCI doesn't require you to put any cash down to start with (if you don't have a credit card), but that once you reach $500 in 'charges' from the ship then they put a hold on your card until you come and give them some money. I had wanted to start out onboard with $1000 already on my seapass card (in OBC) so that's what started this whole thing. I'd rather have the money already paid rather then charging first and then paying-it just makes me feel better and also I don't have to try and keep track of that $1000 throughout the cruise. I thought I was doing something easy and it's kind-of turned into a confusing mess! Oh well. I can't complain- I sail in 6 days!! :D

 

Oh and I called the number listed under Gifts and Gear.

[LuckiePuris]

Just wondering if anyone who has bought OBC prior to their cruise, has had any troubles once checking in / onboard with the OBC not being there?

 

With my onboard account, can I provide a credit card at check in, but on the last night settle the account in cash or with my eftpos card? If the charges are more than the amount of cash, can I settle the majority in cash and the remainder leave to be charged to the credit card I gave on check in?

 

Thanks!

[jmf123]

Just wondering if anyone who has bought OBC prior to their cruise, has had any troubles once checking in / onboard with the OBC not being there?

 

As a precaution, just ask for a fax or email receipt of your OBC purchase and take it with you on the cruise. It can take a day or two to show on your shipboard account, so don't worry.

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

You still may want to bring some cash for room service tips and tour guides etc.

 

I forgot all about that one year and I felt really bad :(

[liberiben]

I just called and got some OBC applied to our account. Should I be getting an email or will it show up somewhere on our online reservation.

[TCEA]

Each time I have purchased OBC for my upcoming cruise, the representative asks if I want an email confirmation. I plan on printing it out and bringing it with me as a record.

[starlake]

I just called and got some OBC applied to our account. Should I be getting an email or will it show up somewhere on our online reservation.

 

If they didn't ask if you want an email confirmation of that, call back today to the same number, tell them you bought on board credit and you want an email copy of that.

[OleSalt]

If you are charging the OBC to your credit card(s) why not simply pay the whole final statement on your credit card? The idea of carrying $ 1,000 cash unnecessarily boggles my mind. Maybe there is something here I am not seeing but I have never paid cash for my shipboard account.

[Rex008]

If you are charging the OBC to your credit card(s) why not simply pay the whole final statement on your credit card? The idea of carrying $ 1,000 cash unnecessarily boggles my mind. Maybe there is something here I am not seeing but I have never paid cash for my shipboard account.

 

(I don't have a credit card)

:rolleyes:

[gjsmth]

As a precaution, just ask for a fax or email receipt of your OBC purchase and take it with you on the cruise. It can take a day or two to show on your shipboard account, so don't worry.

 

Where does it show on your reservation? I purchased a gift certificate and redeemed it 7 days ago. I call # listed on the gift cert. and it is not showing up in RCCL system. I then asked if they will send me a notification of it being applied and she said I can call and confirm but I will not get a email notification and it will not show up on my reservation. This concerns me for I will have nothing but the gift certificate that is showing already redeemed when I tried to redeem it again at the request of the RCCL rep. Anyone have any experience with these gift certificates?

[CruisinAgain2Soon]

Whats the big deal about carrying cash?

same with not having a CC I guess

[CTShore]

But don't you need a CC to secure your online account?

[jmf123]

But don't you need a CC to secure your online account?

 

From Royal Caribbean's website:

 

Q: How do I pay for onboard purchases?

 

A: All of Royal Caribbean International ships operate on a "cashless" system, meaning your boarding card, (also known as your SeaPass card), will be used as a charge card to make all onboard purchases. Normally to activate this SeaPass account, most guests provide a credit card, (American Express, Optima, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and Diner's Club), to have these purchases charged to at the end of their cruise. Additionally, the SeaPass system may be activated with traveler's checks, debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo, or cash.

 

A running tab of all your purchases will be kept under separate folio numbers for each guest and an itemized statement left in your stateroom the night before disembarkation. If you provided a credit card and there are no discrepancies, the amount will be charged to your account on the morning of disembarkation. If you have used traveler's checks or cash to activate the account, you will need to settle the account at the Guest Relations desk, (to either receive a reimbursement of the unused amount you originally left or to pay the balance of what you have charged over the amount of what you originally left).

 

Please note:

We require guests to place a deposit if they are paying for their SeaPass account with cash. There is a $500 daily limit on cash accounts for 7+ night sailings and $300 for 2/3/4/5 night sailings. Once the daily cash limit is reached, we will call the guest and inform the guest that the limit has been reached.