Preferred Currency on Cruise

tiptoes27

I am going on a cruise in August to Norwegian Fjords. I am just completing the pre holiday information and have been asked to provide a credit or debit card for onboard spending. Princess have asked this question -

"""Preferred Currency for Your Onboard Account
Princess offers you the convenience and benefit of paying your Onboard Account in your home currency. Instead of your bank charging you and performing the conversion at an unknown rate, Princess will convert the [USD] onboard charges for you.

Why is Preferred Currency a benefit for you?

We use a fair market based currency exchange rate, but you will be refunded if our rate results in a higher charge to your card. *Please see detailed terms for refund conditions.
You will know exactly what is charged to your card in your home currency before you leave (it is printed on your final folio).
When you get your card statement from your bank there will be no surprises or other fees and costs for currency conversion as the amount on your final folio will be the same as on your card statement"

I am not sure what to do. Should I be charged in USD or Sterling and let my bank convert for me (its Nationwide). Anyone had experience of this? Any tips gratefully received. Many thanks

travellerboy

Princess conversion rate will leave you out of pocket, ensure you tick the box for payment in US Dollars with your own bank doing the conversion

tiptoes27

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have requested paying I. USD.

PeacefulWaters

tiptoes27 wrote: »

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have requested paying I. USD.

If you haven't done so already take a read of this, with particular attention to Halifax Clarity.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?_ga=1.246879172.1116300417.1393518509

The Fjords are wonderful.

daveyjp

Always in the ship's currency. They aren't doing you a favour by converting for you.

Tip for Fjords. Whilst the living costs in Norway, especially food and drink are very high, Beer £10-16 a pint, small pizza £12, Burger and Fries £11 etc some of the clothing is excellent value for the quality and if you spend over about £30 you can claim the VAT back, less an admin charge. This works out at 15-20% refunded.

If you do buy anything ask for a tax free shopping form, envelope and the receipt. At your last port of call a member of Norway customs should be on the ship to give refunds, otherwise you can post the form. Use one envelope for all receipts as each envelope attracts an admin fee.

Katiehound

I was going to suggest a Halifax Clarity card but then was struck by another thought!!
Fred.Olsen cruises charge you if paying by credit card! whilst a debit card is charge free. Can't believe they are the only cruise line doing that!! I'm thinking there will be a slight rip off whichever way you do it.
Would it be possible to pay in $ cash? which you take with you??

Enjoy the fjords......stunning scenery

PeacefulWaters

Katiehound wrote: »

I was going to suggest a Halifax Clarity card but then was struck by another thought!!
Fred.Olsen cruises charge you if paying by credit card! whilst a debit card is charge free. Can't believe they are the only cruise line doing that!! I'm thinking there will be a slight rip off whichever way you do it.
Would it be possible to pay in $ cash? which you take with you??

Enjoy the fjords......stunning scenery

Even if the card company charge a couple of per cent the exchange rate obtained by a Clarity Card will be more than beneficial compared to getting currency in the UK.

zagfles

daveyjp wrote: »

Always in the ship's currency. They aren't doing you a favour by converting for you.

Tip for Fjords. Whilst the living costs in Norway, especially food and drink are very high, Beer £10-16 a pint, small pizza £12, Burger and Fries £11 etc some of the clothing is excellent value for the quality and if you spend over about £30 you can claim the VAT back, less an admin charge. This works out at 15-20% refunded.

If you do buy anything ask for a tax free shopping form, envelope and the receipt. At your last port of call a member of Norway customs should be on the ship to give refunds, otherwise you can post the form. Use one envelope for all receipts as each envelope attracts an admin fee.

But make sure you don't exceed the UK customs limits otherwise you'll have to pay VAT when you return! http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

Archergirl

Katiehound wrote: »

I was going to suggest a Halifax Clarity card but then was struck by another thought!!
Fred.Olsen cruises charge you if paying by credit card! whilst a debit card is charge free. Can't believe they are the only cruise line doing that!! I'm thinking there will be a slight rip off whichever way you do it.
Would it be possible to pay in $ cash? which you take with you??

Enjoy the fjords......stunning scenery

FO are not the only company to do CC charge Thomson as well.
I can't see why you couldn't pay in cash at the end, you will have to register a card at the start though.