Cruise-on board charges

trying_to_juggle

Hi, we are going on a cruise with an American cruise line at the end of the week. All on board charges are made to my credit card I then have the option for the cruise line to convert to sterling and charge to my card or let my credit card company make the conversion. Which is best? The other option I have been considering is buying some US Dollars before I go and paying cash to settle my account.

Many thanks

moonrakerz

Either pay cash or let your card company do the conversion - you will get a lousy rate from the cruise line !

Susan1942

I am a frequent Cruiser. I always use a credit card but have my Bank do the conversion. You will get a dreadful deal from the Cruise Company. With Celebrity Cruise there is a place where you have to answer that question. Make sure you tick it or with other Cruise Lines.

Sue

cabbage

If there is still time it might be cheaper to pre pay these

travellerboy

It is always better to have your card do the conversion from US$ back to GBP, the rate will be the Visa or Mastercard rate published daily which you can easliy check on-line.

Also will be better to have a Zero Foreign Transaction-Fee card, like the Santander Zero or better still the Saga Platinum. With these cards you get the best rate and no charges, if you use an ATM for cash you will be charged only 2% which is far cheaper than buying cash or Traveller's cheques from the Post Office or similar before you leave. To buy foreign cash you will pay at least 4% to buy and 4% to sell back if you ordered too much.