Credit Cards & Cruising!

lisyloo

Hi Molly,

I can see where you're coming from.
Whilst you might consider some aspects of what RC do, to be a "rip off" and certainly hard sell, their business activities are legitimate.

We've had these discussions before with airport lounges, but basically not paying for what you have is essentially theft, so you are starting to move into dodgy areas.
Now I doubt many people are going to notice and certainly not put you in prison, in fact they might even accept it.

But there is a big difference between legitimately saving money and illegitmate activities like like lying at an "all you eat" restaurant or taking food/drinks from an airport lounge.
Just because it's easy to get away with doesn't make it right.

I guess it's up to individual moneysavers to decide for themselves.
But I believe the ethos of this site is legimate money saving.

JohalaReewi

Molly_Mack_1 wrote: »

Thanks all for your responses.

The cruise is taking place in europe - but the currency is in Dollars. Does this mean that Nationwide will charge the 1%?

Another question - would it be better for me to go to a place like Tesco's and exchange say £500 for Euros (to spend off board in the cities that we visit) - or would we get more for our £ if we used our Nationwide card at ATM's abroad?

Have just done a 2 week med cruise with RC so can answer your questions!

Your onboard seapass account is billed in USD so if you use a Nationwide credit card to pay this off, you will pay the 1% fee. Can't remember if they allow NW debit cards but if they do, you won't get the 1% fee (AFAIK). You can also settle using USD.

Your card is billed at the end of the cruise and you don't get much chance to spend real USD on board (tips and the casino are about it) so you wouldn't need any USD in cash.

When you are ashore and need EUR, use the NW debit card at an ATM. Some ATMs (esp in Spain) will ask you if you want them to bill you in GBP. The answer is of course NO. The NW exch rate for EUR should be better than Tesco. Use the NW credit card for purchases where possible. Also make sure the card is billed in EUR and that the retailer doesn't 'convert' it for you.

With the RC soda pass. It can be expensive unless you plan on drinking a lot of soda (cola, etc. not cans). Last time I got one was for my young teenage daughter (many years ago) who was able to buy rounds of drinks with it when she went to the bar with her friends They might have stopped that now.

You can get free soft drinks in the windjammer cafe (non fizzy) and there is lots of free tea and coffee. On our last cruise, there was free champagne if you went to the art auctions. No purchase necessary!

Good advice to keep a check on you seapass account via the TV in your cabin. Do this every day.

Have a good time!

lisyloo

Yes, good advice to make sure that shops don't convert your money for you as well. You should always pay in foreign currency.
The SHOULD tell/ask you, but some staff members may genuinely be unaware of how the hand held devices work.