Paying cash for onboard account

[lovevacadays]

I typically use my debit card to pay my onboard account. I've never had a problem doing that but have read several posts about Princess putting large holds on debit cards. Since I will be sailing at the beginning of the month and don't want anything to hold up my rent check while I am gone I am thinking of paying with cash. How does this work?

[paul929207]

When you check in, you will be asked to deposit cash with Princess. I think it is $300 per person for a 7 day cruise. If you appear likely to use that up, they will contact you and ask for additional funds.

[maxamuus]

(Sorry dont mean to hyjack your thread) But how large is the holds they place? Was thinking of using my debit card this weekend just so i dont have to move money around to pay the credit card.

[lovevacadays]

I'm not sure how large the holds are as I haven't seemed to have a problem on my last two cruises with my debit card but have read other threads where people had both holds placed and the actual charge taken out of their debt cards which caused issues for them

[CruisinChris]

I have used debit cards almost exclusively over the years on P. and never had an issue. Ever, including as recently as October.

[cb at sea]

If you have a credit card, use it to "hold" your account, then go down on the last night and pay it off with your debit...that will avoid any holds being placed on your checking account. Nothing is actually CHARGED until the last day!