Sail & Sign - CC *and* Cash?

[cooncat_mom]

I know I've seen the answer to this someplace, but after searching for awhile I've given up:o Can I do my online check in with a CC, but place cash on the account when I get on board? I'd like to not have to run right to the desk when I get on, but I do prefer cash accounts. I know the other option would be to put OBC on the account (which I've never done), but we sail in a week & a half, so am thinking it's too close to do that. Thanks!

[BamaboyinUT]

You can choose to do a cash S&S account when you check in online. That's what we ended up doing. I didn't make it to the desk to actually give them any cash until the 3rd or 4th day of our cruise but we were still able to get drink and such. Every time I signed the receipt I was just told to go visit the desk regarding my S&S account.

[cooncat_mom]

Oh - that's interesting! I've always gone right to the desk as soon as I boarded to put $$ on because I thought the card wouldn't work. Thanks for the tip!

[tracyanns]

Oh - that's interesting! I've always gone right to the desk as soon as I boarded to put $$ on because I thought the card wouldn't work. Thanks for the tip!

 

It isn't supposed to work unless you have a credit card on the account along with cash. I would not count on that working. I didn't have charging privileges on my daughters account but instead put a funship dollars on her account and they wouldn't take her card for a $5 smoothie until that showed up...

[GTO-Girl]

I know I've seen the answer to this someplace, but after searching for awhile I've given up:o Can I do my online check in with a CC, but place cash on the account when I get on board? I'd like to not have to run right to the desk when I get on, but I do prefer cash accounts. I know the other option would be to put OBC on the account (which I've never done), but we sail in a week & a half, so am thinking it's too close to do that. Thanks!

 

 

We do the online check-in with our credit card. Then on the morning of the last day we go to Guest Services and pay off our account with cash. (we don't wait until the last evening because the crowds are horrible!)

 

So only what little bit we charge on the last day is billed to our card. Works like a charm and we don't have to waste our time standing in long lines.

 

Hope this helps

[cooncat_mom]

Thanks GTO-Girl. That sounds like the best thing to do!

[okgirl]

I do a similar thing ast GTO only I set up my account with a CC, then I start spending time in the Casino. I bring a set amount of cash to spend in the casino and rather than gamble away all my winnings I keep track of the credits that I'm winning and pay 1/2 of them toward my S&S balance.

 

If the Casino isn't being real tight I'm usually able to ALMOST keep up with my charges.

[AdrenalineRush]

It isn't supposed to work unless you have a credit card on the account along with cash. I would not count on that working. I didn't have charging privileges on my daughters account but instead put a funship dollars on her account and they wouldn't take her card for a $5 smoothie until that showed up...

 

The fact that you requested she not have charging was the issue.

 

Carnival doesnt tell you, but the way it works...you can charge up to about $50 before you actually have to put anything down.

 

In Miami, you can actually put cash deposits down during check in.

[rnvattes]

I know I've seen the answer to this someplace, but after searching for awhile I've given up:o Can I do my online check in with a CC, but place cash on the account when I get on board? I'd like to not have to run right to the desk when I get on, but I do prefer cash accounts. I know the other option would be to put OBC on the account (which I've never done), but we sail in a week & a half, so am thinking it's too close to do that. Thanks!

 

Yes, we did exactly that. They use up the cash first, then the CC kicks in. We did it for any overages which basically worked out to one of our tips. :D

[cooncat_mom]

Beautiful! Thanks for the replies! I thought I could do that but every time I've cruised I've done one or the other. I like the idea of having a little time before I have to put cash on the account but not having a cc bill! It's just way too easy for me to put off paying it...ahem....:o