mhetrick

Yes, totally worth it! I sailed on the Triumph out of Galveston in January 2014. I arrived and parked at Park N Cruise across the street a little after 11:00am.

Walked into the terminal, zipped through security and checked in by 11:30am. Ship started boarding at 12 noon and I was in my room by 12:15pm (after the weddings, Casino VIPS, Diamond & platinums boarded). Signs on the door indicated that rooms wouldn't be ready until after 1:30 for everyone but Diamond, Platinum and FTTF people.

I used the Guest Services FTTF line a few times and it was quick...many times at least 5-10 people were in the regular line.

Also, for debarkation I met in the Rome Lounge before 8:00am. We were able to debark at 7:40am. I was off the ship, through customs and in my car by 8AM!

I will buy it every time it's offered!

I got one of these (don't show up until 1pm) and a call on the day before my Carnival Triumph cruise last Saturday. i ignored it and showed up at the Galveston terminal shortly after 11AM. I was FTTF, checked in and was on the ship by 12:15pm. We were able to board starting at 12pm.

If there is a specific reason mentioned, I'd do it...otherwise still get there prior to your original embarkation time.

I am considering doing a cash sign & sail since I do not have a credit card to use, only debit. I read about Cruise Cash and was thinking, if I put money aside for the cruise why can't I use my Debit to buy cruise cash (about 200.00) and then still bring on cash. This way I can slowly buy 25 or 50 in cruise cash as I have it.

What are the pro and cons you have found with it? And why would you get the cruise cash ONLY for bar or ONLY for photo when you get the normal one and still use it for bar or photo? Just wondered if I missed anything.

Hello!

I just got back from a cruise on the Carnival Triumph from Galveston and did purchase $100 in CruiseCash for my account.

You are right, the general CruiseCash can be used for anything (and is the best purchase), but I guess they give gifters the option if they would prefer it spent only in the bar or on photos.

CruiseCash is added to your account once on-board (as long as you pick the 1st day for delivery), however the amount does not show up in your balance. It's a seperate entry on your S&S account that will show if you have an unused balance. It's a little confusing, but Guest Services can clear it up for you like they did for me. Also, your room steward will place receipts for your purchases in the room so you can ensure it was credited.

I'm like you....I didn't want to use credit cards nor have pre-authorized holds on my account. As the previous poster said though, the negative side is you have to use the entire CruiseCash amount...meaning if you have a balance you won't get any back.