We have just returned from Norway on the Iona. This was cruise number 34 with P&O. Since we began cruising again post covid, I noticed last year payment notifications began appearing before and during the cruise in my credit card. I understand this is what they term pre authorisation payments. I have no problems with this until I have returned. on this cruise I decided to buy a watch for a milestone birthday for my husband so my on board bill was higher than usual. I have only a smallish credit limit at my own request as it’s used only for parking app and cruises. This morning my card was declined as I was apparently well over my credit limit. The final bill was taken out overnight and paid off immediately. All the pre authorisation payment were still shown pending according to my credit card company and until cancelled they affected my credit limit. I.e until P&O cancelled them, I effectively still owed that money. On finally getting through I was told the system they used would cancel these in 5-7 working days (if I’m lucky)when their books ‘balanced up’ and it was a credit card issue. NO P&O, it’s your system issue. On garnering that outstanding payment your system should withdraw those pending payments. I now cannot use my card until these have been cancelled. Anyone else had this issue?
