onboard account - cash

[tigerxj]

I want to set up our S&S account onboard with a cash deposit. I know I'll have to go to the Guest Services desk and pay the minimum deposit of $200 for our 7 day cruise. Couple of questions.

 

First, we are cruising on the Legend, does anyone remember where the Guest Services desk is? Which deck, forward, midship, aft? etc?

 

Second, is there any benefit to paying with a card? I'd prefer to be notified when we are nearing our limit, so that I can keep track of how much we spend, and it seems like with Cash they'll have a little more impetus for notifying me. Can you elect to be notified before your card is charged for another deposit?

[KenMo]

Guest Services is in the lobby on Deck 2 by the glass elevators.

 

You can look on the interactive TV and keep track of your purchases.

[westcruzer]

I don't know the answer to your question but at any time you can go to guest services to check out your spending. In fact on the newer ships you can check out your S & S account on the TV. The reason I pay with a card is so I don't carry that much more cash and also to get my cash back rewards on my credit card.

[helicopter]

The 200.00 is a "recommended" amount. If you are putting down cash you can put down any amount you like (remember tips will be taken out, unless prepaid). You can always add money if you run low. Using your card they will put a "hold" on a certain amount, and add another "hold" when you near the amount of the initial hold. Cash is very easy to do, it is what I always do:) Unless you have a decent amount of available credit on your cards the "holds" could put you in a bind for a short time if you wanted to use your card.:eek:

[shelkate1]

The 200.00 is a "recommended" amount. If you are putting down cash you can put down any amount you like (remember tips will be taken out, unless prepaid). You can always add money if you run low. Using your card they will put a "hold" on a certain amount, and add another "hold" when you near the amount of the initial hold. Cash is very easy to do, it is what I always do:) Unless you have a decent amount of available credit on your cards the "holds" could put you in a bind for a short time if you wanted to use your card.:eek:

 

We normally use cash, but our trip last October, we had plenty of money on our debit card and made a decision to use it to avoid carrying cash. They hit the card for holds for a good amount 3 seperate times throughout the week. On the last night, they charged the total amount to the card. Then over the next 7 days, the holds that were equal to twice our actual charge or more fell off. It didn't matter because we had it. However, if we had needed access to the money or actual balance, we would have been unable to do so for a week.

So moving forward, for us at least, it will be cash. I can keep better track of spending and it won't affect my cash flow for an additional 7 days.

[marshhawk]

I used to work in security and fraud for a credit card company, and then I went into settlements. I wont even own a debit card because what they authorize is on hold immediately, and it takes 3-5 days to release the money back to the card. That said, this next cruise we are using cash too. Credit cards are looking kind of scant right now. We did prepay our cruise tips, and we don't drink alcohol. We do love our fruit punch though! LOL.

Think about how much you really need to put on the S&S card. If you did not pay your tips in advance, you will be charged 10 bucks per person per day. Seven day cruise thats 70 per person. Have you prepaid your shore excursions? If not, that will also be charged to your card. So average anywhere from 40-150.00 on those. Do you drink? A drink will average 5-9. One way to cut that is to order a bottle from the bon voyage services so that a bottle is delivered to your cabin and you can make your own drinks. Remember a corking fee will be charged to your card if you even ask them to open a bottle of wine that you bring to dinner-around 15.00. And I am going to assume that somewhere at some time on your cruise, you may want to order a picture-that runs about 20-they take them for free, but you do have to pay to walk off with one, In fact 200 (in hind sight) seems low. This next cruise of ours is real low budget. And we got a 25 per person OBC, now lets see, that covers 4 fruit punches. :rolleyes:

[Scythe]

Using your card they will put a "hold" on a certain amount, and add another "hold" when you near the amount of the initial hold. Cash is very easy to do, it is what I always do:) Unless you have a decent amount of available credit on your cards the "holds" could put you in a bind for a short time if you wanted to use your card.:eek:

 

"American Express"

[doneinne]

How about using a prepaid card? Western Union has a good looking.

[Cruise Sampler]

I use Travelers Checks for myself and my girls (same as cash). I do this because of the habit of them freely charging if they have a card.

 

I also have the money for the waiters etc, with me in cash all the time because I want the staff to have access to their money right away.

 

A few days into the cruise they began to charge our accounts for tips. I was miffed about it because the money on my children's cards were for was for their on board enjoyment.

 

All it took was a call from me to have the amounts re-credited to my kids account because 1) tipping is optional (if you speak up) and 2) I explained that I have "tips" for the staff that will be given to each person... personally.

 

Before giving up the cards, remember: The one with the money is the winner.....and that would be YOU!!!

[thekings23]

 

All it took was a call from me to have the amounts re-credited to my kids account because 1) tipping is optional (if you speak up) and 2) I explained that I have "tips" for the staff that will be given to each person... personally.

 

 

 

A lot of hard working staff suffer because of this. Tipping the $10 pp per day shouldn't be optional as this is the great majority of the staffs income. The lido servers and other server assistants get a portion of that $10 per day, when you remove that it impacts all of them.

[travelntreats]

Wow.... how did this thread morph into a thread about tipping !!!

[Avril]

First, we are cruising on the Legend, does anyone remember where the Guest Services desk is? Which deck, forward, midship, aft? etc?

 

Second, is there any benefit to paying with a card? I'd prefer to be notified when we are nearing our limit, so that I can keep track of how much we spend, and it seems like with Cash they'll have a little more impetus for notifying me. Can you elect to be notified before your card is charged for another deposit?

 

It's on Deck 2 Mid-Ship in the atrium where the glass elevators are!! :D

Sure is!!!! :D You don't have to go down to the Purser's Desk (Guest Services) on Debarkation morning to finalize and settle your account, it's all done automaticly and you will get a print out of your statement delivered to your cabin while you sleep the final night of the cruise (they slip it under your cabin door). :D Very easy, safe, secure and convenient!! :D I won't ever use anything other than a credit card. I'm not sure if they can notify you but I'm sure you can ask at the desk if they'll call yo0u or something.

[flgatormom29]

We normally use cash, but our trip last October, we had plenty of money on our debit card and made a decision to use it to avoid carrying cash. They hit the card for holds for a good amount 3 seperate times throughout the week. On the last night, they charged the total amount to the card. Then over the next 7 days, the holds that were equal to twice our actual charge or more fell off. It didn't matter because we had it. However, if we had needed access to the money or actual balance, we would have been unable to do so for a week.

So moving forward, for us at least, it will be cash. I can keep better track of spending and it won't affect my cash flow for an additional 7 days.

 

I don't remember a hold, I'm sure it was there, just don't remember. Typically, how much $ is the hold for?

[shelkate1]

I don't remember a hold, I'm sure it was there, just don't remember. Typically, how much $ is the hold for?

 

Our total sign and sail was $697(unusually high for us). We had a trip to the Steak House, one to the Chef's Table, a bit of jewlery. There were 3 separate holds for $300-$350. So there was around $900 held, then they charged the $697. So for a few days, there was a $1600 hit on our card.

Again, because at this time inparticular there was an excess in our account, but if you didn't plan for that, it could be a real problem.

[flgatormom29]

Wow! Thanks for telling me.... I will plan on that. Or do cash. I've never done a cash account. I'm already budgeting more than I plan on spending, but that makes me nervous!

[travelntreats]

A debit card is not the type of funding I would be using or suggest using for any charges on a cruise ship or any vacation travel being the case. Too many issues can arise when using a debit card, i.e. "holds" potential "over draft charges" due to "holds" that could cause problems when really needing the card ! Either set up with cash or c.card.....

[shof515]

carnival removed the debit holds from my cards within 2 days. Then again, it yours bank that can also affect how long the hold stays on

[okwriter]

I did cash on my first cruise, and it was quite easy.

I would, however, suggest that you take some sort of credit card if possible. You never know when you might need it for something unexpected.

Enjoy your cruise on the Legend! Wish I was going on her again... :)

[Cuizer2]

Guest Services is in the lobby on Deck 2 by the glass elevators.

 

You can look on the interactive TV and keep track of your purchases.

 

Usually I just answer the question without looking at the other answers. In this case I'm glad I saw your answer, because my answer would be the same as yours.

[Neotericisis]

Our total sign and sail was $697(unusually high for us). We had a trip to the Steak House, one to the Chef's Table, a bit of jewlery. There were 3 separate holds for $300-$350. So there was around $900 held, then they charged the $697. So for a few days, there was a $1600 hit on our card.

Again, because at this time inparticular there was an excess in our account, but if you didn't plan for that, it could be a real problem.

 

 

I just copied and pasted this to my husband. He is in charge of the sign and sail bill, excursions, hotel, other fees incurred etc. since I paid for the cruise and flights (I actually think when its all said and done I got the better deal lol). He is deciding whether he wants to use a credit, debit, or cash. Thank God we have the ability to use all of these options, but even if we had a million dollars (which we don't lol), he hates holds on his accounts. We'll see what he does- it doesn't matter to me as long as I get my DOD :D This was very helpful- thanks so much!

[girlscruise2011]

I used cash both times I sailed and plan on using it again in October when I sail on the Destiny. Its very simple and what you don't spend, they give you a check before you leave that you can cash at the desk if you want. A hint I got from someone was to call Carnival a few days before you leave for your cruise and put about $100-$200 on your card over the phone with a credit card. This opens your card so your all set when you register so you don't have to wait in the cash line. Then when you get onboard you can add more to the card as you need. I always travel with travelers checks so I don't have much cash on me and cash them at the desk for the casino. Works for me.