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Will the collapsing exchange rate effect your cruising this season?

Kiwi Kruzer
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icat2000

icat2000

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It might effect my decision on ships sailing in and out of Australia that I use one that deals in AUD, especially if the AUD continues to drop. Its down to 0.71 today.

 

I cruise mainly for the destination.

 

But, you would have to factor in everything.

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goodycruising

goodycruising

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We are in a lucky position to have booked through to 2017 with several cruises having OBC specials or drink packages when we booked. We also locked in some US$ on a multi currency card months ago. After those are done it will be very interesting to see how the prices compare.

 

I often look at other brands to compare cabin prices and with our loyalty benefits on RCI/Celebrity we are in a good position to be getting a few free drinks each day if we want. We like to book balconies, without them being too small, and the prices on other lines are not cheaper for the cruises we have compared.

 

As far as going overseas further than NZ and Sth Pacific, that is going to be much harder with the dollar dropping. To go Mediterranean or Alaska will be pushed back much further now.

 

I believe the cruise lines will charge as much as they can, and if things start to get tighter for people to sail, then the prices will stay at a rate to fill ships.

 

How much you spend on board would make a difference to many for sure, but we could pretty much sail Aus/NZ/Sth Pac without spending too much on board with RCI/Celebrity. The food is available for free, and we would spend less in the casino for sure. A couple of free drinks (loyalty program) a day is enough, with the ability to bring 2 bottles of wine on board to enjoy on the balcony :)

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bigdavefc

bigdavefc

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We are sailing with Royal Caribbean in December and the falling exchange rate has us very concerned. We booked the cruise over 12 months ago and have been paying it off (so we got a decent price) but the falling dollar means our on board spend will be watched very closely. This will be our second cruise and we are already planning our next ones but they will definitely be on $au cruise lines.

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GUT2407

GUT2407

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We are sailing with Royal Caribbean in December and the falling exchange rate has us very concerned. We booked the cruise over 12 months ago and have been paying it off (so we got a decent price) but the falling dollar means our on board spend will be watched very closely. This will be our second cruise and we are already planning our next ones but they will definitely be on $au cruise lines.

 

Have look at pre purchasing some OBC they were giving an exchange rate of 90c the other week. It can help ease the hit

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GUT2407

GUT2407

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one person on another site said they got $1500 US for $1950 AUD....a loss of $450

 

Even that's a tad over 75c to the $, better than today's 71c but nowhere near as good as the 90 or better on offer a short time ago.

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icat2000

icat2000

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Well I'm paying in U.S. Dollars and not happy about current situation.

 

You could always cancel your cruise. Cut your losses. I don't know when your cruise is but if its before the cancellation period you could get your deposit back.

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bigdavefc

bigdavefc

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Posted (edited)

I spoke to Royal Caribbean today and they said that you can only buy OBC 90 days out from your cruise but the rate is better than the current exchange rate. It's currently just under 77c, so it's a much better option than the 68c you can get from travelex or Australia post today

Edited by bigdavefc
Minor stuff up
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GUT2407

GUT2407

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I have paid for 3 speciality dining dinners already and will have all the OBC to help with drink prices!

 

I Haven't purchased any Excursions yet, do those prices change due to exchange rate? The ones you can book through RC?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The quoted price won't change as it will be in US$ but what you pay may.

 

The excursion may be $100 but as the Aus$ falls that will mean you pay more

 

US$100 @ 80c will be AUS$125 at 50c it will be Aus$200.

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Bitter Bulldog

Bitter Bulldog

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The quoted price won't change as it will be in US$ but what you pay may.

 

 

 

The excursion may be $100 but as the Aus$ falls that will mean you pay more

 

 

 

US$100 @ 80c will be AUS$125 at 50c it will be Aus$200.

 

 

All prices are in Australian on the site. But I'm guessing they will be changing with the exchange rate!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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GUT2407

GUT2407

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All prices are in Australian on the site. But I'm guessing they will be changing with the exchange rate!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Sorry I assumed (yes I know) that you were intending to book the excursions on board, if you are looking at booking online it will be the price when you pay, now the price on the website may fluctuate depending on if the IT people can get around to it.

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goodycruising

goodycruising

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With most of the cruises booked so far in advance I wonder how much the "balance owing" will alter!

 

I don't believe it will alter. Why would you think they wouldn't manage the exchange rate? They sell cruises worldwide and I haven't seen anyone saying their price changed once booked.

 

The price offered for the cruise as it gets closer may alter, as they do any other time.

 

If people book in US$ on a US site, then they need to work out their own exchange plan. Book on the Aussie site then the price is what it is.

 

That is also why we tick prepaid gratuities. Lock them in at the current rate.

Edited by goodycruising
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happysnapper

happysnapper

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I mentioned my concern after reading this in Celebrity booking conditions "We reserve the right to impose on any existing booking or new booking (whether paid in full or not) a supplement for fuel or other matters without prior notice". I am sure this or similar clauses are included in "conditions" in all cruise companies. So this does give them the out to increase fees when they consider it necessary.

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Cruisegroover

Cruisegroover

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We went to the US in 1999 and it was 0.49. :eek:

0.71 or a bit less is great compared to that.

Won't stop me from going. :)

 

Ouch that hurt for sure when I was there then. For me its swings and roundabouts and it won't stop me but can understand why it may others.

Edited by Cruisegroover
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Kiwi Kruzer

Kiwi Kruzer

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I mentioned my concern after reading this in Celebrity booking conditions "We reserve the right to impose on any existing booking or new booking (whether paid in full or not) a supplement for fuel or other matters without prior notice". I am sure this or similar clauses are included in "conditions" in all cruise companies. So this does give them the out to increase fees when they consider it necessary.

 

I have never heard of that condition being applied. It is a hangover from the days when oil prices were soaring and I think it was only to be used if oil went over $80 US a barrel. Todays price was around $40.

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