Celebrity Likely Adding Casino Surcharge For Cash Advances

[lets talk cruising]

The Purser's Desk would just hand me $250 in cash if I had that amount in OBC and wanted to redeem it?

 

I've never thought about doing this - didn't know one could ....

 

No different than you going up there and giving them $250.00 in cash to reduce your bill. Works both ways if you have a credit on your account.

[Karynanne]

I wonder if you can go to the "Bank" onboard, and get a cash advance, by using your Seapass card?

[Andy]

I wonder if you can go to the "Bank" onboard, and get a cash advance, by using your Seapass card?

 

Hi Karynanne !

 

I asked that very question the other day on Constellation, and the answer was no. If they did that now, then everyone would simply go to the bank to avoid the fee.

[babylene]

I guess this means most people will do the automatic tipping. Or else, we will have to bring a lot of cash. I always got my tip money from the casino (no, unfortunately, I didn't win it. I merely charged it to my account!)

[marle7]

I guess this means most people will do the automatic tipping. Or else, we will have to bring a lot of cash. I always got my tip money from the casino (no, unfortunately, I didn't win it. I merely charged it to my account!)

 

I wonder if they will or will people start tipping less or not since they can't get cash from the casino without paying a fee? That could be an unfortunate downturn to this new policy.

 

We spend a fair chunk of money in the casinos on board. I guess we'll be bringing no fee travellers cheques now as well.

[excitedofharpenden]

I guess this means most people will do the automatic tipping. Or else, we will have to bring a lot of cash. I always got my tip money from the casino (no, unfortunately, I didn't win it. I merely charged it to my account!)

babylene, I've used the auto tipping for a while now and it works well for me as the USD isn't my main currency. I've always cashed a bit at the casino to cover me for my aforementioned after-dinner gambling habit;) and incidentals like adding extra tips. I'll still give extra in cash to those deserving, but will just need to plan accordingly and maybe take more dollars with me, either from a bank in the UK or using an ATM in the States if appropriate. I am no longer a fan of travellers cheques, but may look at that again. Having some USD cash left over isn't an issue as I can always make use of them again, but I don't like carrying a lot of cash around, especially doing a long flight from the UK. I really don't feel like giving Celebrity the benefit of another 3%, but when it comes down to it I may very well do it for convenience and change my credit card:rolleyes:

 

Phil

[Drew B]

I agree that this move brings them in line with the other cruise lines, but that is NOT A GOOD THING. Every time you take away something that makes X better than other lines, you take away incentive to sail with them. That is no way to compete...

 

I have always brought my gambling cash on board with me (it helps keep me from spending more than I should in the casino), but for those who counted on this service, it sucks to have it taken away!

[FinelyCruising]

What ever anyone's intended purpose was for in obtaining cash from the casino at no fee, it was a really nice run for a long time. It remains a great convenience for a variety of purposes. I guess though, they got tired of being a free bank.:o

 

We casino guests just need to ask for more comps and cocktails to level it out!!!

[raudacruise]

NCL does not charge the transaction fee and does have a comp program. They are going to be tying the program in with Harrahs Casinos(owned by the same conglomeration).

 

We are going on our first NCL cruise right after Thanksgiving, it will be interesting to compare it after 2 straight cruises on X. I've read enough loved it/hated it about both cruise lines so its worth giving another line a chance.

[babylene]

babylene, I've used the auto tipping for a while now and it works well for me as the USD isn't my main currency. I've always cashed a bit at the casino to cover me for my aforementioned after-dinner gambling habit;) and incidentals like adding extra tips. I'll still give extra in cash to those deserving, but will just need to plan accordingly and maybe take more dollars with me, either from a bank in the UK or using an ATM in the States if appropriate. I am no longer a fan of travellers cheques, but may look at that again. Having some USD cash left over isn't an issue as I can always make use of them again, but I don't like carrying a lot of cash around, especially doing a long flight from the UK. I really don't feel like giving Celebrity the benefit of another 3%, but when it comes down to it I may very well do it for convenience and change my credit card:rolleyes:

 

The US dollar is not our currency either! And our credit card company charges 2 1/2% above the exchange rate. So far, I haven't set up a US charge card, but it is a good idea. I WILL NOT donate 3% to Celebrity. Traveller's cheques are good, but unless you cash them at an American Express affiliate, you will most likely pay a fee. I guess the best bet is to prepay the gratuities. It comes to the same thing...except that in the past, I have always refused to tip the chief housekeeper (or whatever the title). I always thought that that is a very strange practice.

 

We donate so little to the casino (maybe $10 at a time, and not every night), so that won't be too much of a problem.

 

I guess we will all somehow manage!

 

P.S. A box just appeared with the message that my message is too short. Something is wrong! Same again.

[judyfssw]

Yes, for all of the money that I've given to Celebrity in the casino and have never received even a free drink. I can take the casino or leave it. Now, I will leave it. I've never used it for tips or for other reasons just for use in the casino. Sorry Celebrity, no more casino for me.

[Drew B]

NCL does not charge the transaction fee and does have a comp program. They are going to be tying the program in with Harrahs Casinos(owned by the same conglomeration).

 

We are going on our first NCL cruise right after Thanksgiving, it will be interesting to compare it after 2 straight cruises on X. I've read enough loved it/hated it about both cruise lines so its worth giving another line a chance.

 

Oooh! I wonder if those who get comps and/or special offers/discounts at Harrah's properties based on play in their land casinos will get the same for NCL cruises. That would be a pretty good reason to try a new line...

[Andy]

We casino guests just need to ask for more comps and cocktails to level it out!!!

 

Hi Finely !

 

If you want comps and cocktails in a Celebrity Casino, you have about as much chance of that, as winning the lottery :). Celebrity really gives nothing away in the Casino. Good luck !

[raudacruise]

Oooh! I wonder if those who get comps and/or special offers/discounts at Harrah's properties based on play in their land casinos will get the same for NCL cruises. That would be a pretty good reason to try a new line...

 

Two threads on the NCL board about that. First describes what folks got with their new Total Reward cards from Harrahs:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=747437

 

Second is about the current Casino at Sea program NCL has:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=745057

 

That I found to be very confusing. I think this is still a work in progress, hopefully to be resolved when we go on NCL right after Thanksgiving. We are going out of New Orleans and are actually going to stay at Harrahs two nights before (got a good price through Total Rewards).

[FinelyCruising]

Hi Andy -

 

I know, I know. They are cheap!!! That's always been one thing that bugged me about being a captive audience and the lack of at least a drink in the casino for predictably regular play!

 

I could think of a number of ways to root out those who are there for a free drink and those who are there paying/playing, and I do think there needs to be a bit better of a program so I feel really good about being there. It's too much of a contrast from land based casinos.

 

I don't think a drink is an unreasonable idea.

:o

[Drew B]

The dealers/floormen regularly give me coupons for free drinks. Usually averages out to about a drink a day. Not a ton, but still nice...

[marle7]

we've experienced that on Royal Caribbean a couple of times as well. Not only do we play a lot, but we tip well.:D Every now and then the waitress comes by with a drink on the house. Not often, but it's been appreciated. And we're not members of their players club because we've never asked for our play to be tracked. But they know who their regulars are usually.

[Shipyard Cruiser]

[quote name='usha'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=magenta]All the more reason to stay [B][I]out[/I][/B] of the onboard casinos, I'd say.:cool: [/COLOR][/FONT][/quote]

Folks also get cash for things like tips and such, not just to gamble.

I'd say that's ok.

[C 2 C]

I've heard of people going to the casino just for the cash to run up their free points on their credit card without gambling or spending the cash. After loaning them several thousand $ per voyage Celebrity is giving them a free cruise as a reward.
Obviously this abuse was more prevalent otherwise Celebrity would not have ended this practice. We've used the casino for withdrawing our OBC but plan to use the ATM instead. It was nice while it lasted but we always paid our bill in cash not with a credit card.

[mferranti]

[quote name='C 2 C']I've heard of people going to the casino just for the cash to run up their free points on their credit card without gambling or spending the cash. After loaning them several thousand $ per voyage Celebrity is giving them a free cruise as a reward.
Obviously this abuse was more prevalent otherwise Celebrity would not have ended this practice. We've used the casino for withdrawing our OBC but plan to use the ATM instead. It was nice while it lasted but we always paid our bill in cash not with a credit card.[/QUOTE]What's the fee for using the ATM?

[SusieV]

[quote name='Host Andy']Hi Finely !

If you want comps and cocktails in a Celebrity Casino, you have about as much chance of that, as winning the lottery :). Celebrity really gives nothing away in the Casino. Good luck ![/quote]

That's not necessarily true... I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble, but on one of our recent previous cruises, my husband and I got at least one free drink per night on the house. And if they know you're celebrating a special occasion, you seem to get something for that as well.

Of course, we spend just about every evening in the casino after dinner.

So if I am reading this thread correctly, it seems that we can purchase OBC in advance and use this in the casino without incurring a fee? I refuse to give the house an extra 3% edge on my play.

[hylasgirl]

[quote name='Host Andy']Hi Everyone !

I wanted to let you know that it appears Celebrity is adding a 3% surcharge for Cash withdrawals at the Casino. They started to do it on last week's Constellation sailing, charging a 3% fee for any Cash withdrawals at the Casino Cashier and at the Gaming Tables. It was met with great resistance, and many on our Cruise complained about it. Towards the end of the Cruise, we recieved a letter saying the 3% charge had been rescinded, and we did get a credit for it back for the fees to our account. However, they did say that the 3% charge would begin for sailings that depart in April. So, it probably exists once again.

Personally, I think this is a ridiculous move, to pay a fee for the opportunity to lose money in the Casino. Sadly, I am sure many people abused this, by running up charges, and that is likely why all of us will pay for it now. With that said, its clearly more evidence of the nickel and diming that Celebrity is getting agressive with. Not good news at all.[/quote]

I agree... this is just crazy! I know people abuse this practice, but in the end it isn't like we are using the money to run off the ship with it... we ARE using it on board in one way or another. That is just stupid. And the people who actually DO use it in the casino may think twice about getting it... not everyone, NO... but some will. I think they will only be hurting themselves. Bummer:(

[Toothfairy754]

[quote name='chessbriar']The rest of the cruise lines do it, so it was only a matter of time. I'd rather know ahead of time and adjust how I use points from my Visa card. No more building up OBC and cashing out for use on land.[/QUOTE]

I sailed NCL in Jan they did not charge you anything for casino cash.

[Kathie44]

Well, that stinks! :eek: I and several others have been telling newbies about using the casino to get cash without a fee. Guess I'll have to bring more t-checks again.

[ringmaster]

Well, I guess this will limit my play for sure. Since most every expense we plan on spending is put on a credit card, I figured I could get cash as needed to play the casino on board. Now I will take a bit of cash and when that's gone (as my luck seems to run) that will be it.