$$$ Question

[MsSailaway]

How much does RCL 'hold' on your credit card for on board expenses per day? Princess held $50 a day (I think per person) some time ago.

[newbiecruiser09]

I don't think they hold anything on credit cards but will hold on debit cards. Not sure of the amount.

[The Viking]

I don't think they hold anything on credit cards but will hold on debit cards. Not sure of the amount.

 

They will put a hold on credit cards as well, How would the card company othervise be certain to get paid. Have no idea about the amount as we never check it

[schmeed]

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Post+Cruise&faqId=3479&faqSubjectId=379&faqType=faq

 

Additionally, as part of our SeaPass system, there will be pending authorizations placed on your credit or debit card throughout the cruise in order to verify the availability of funds. These normally fall off within 3-5 business days, however, if they are causing inconvenience, please feel free to contact us via email for assistance in removing these.

[lady_cruiser]

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Post+Cruise&faqId=3479&faqSubjectId=379&faqType=faq

 

Additionally, as part of our SeaPass system, there will be pending authorizations placed on your credit or debit card throughout the cruise in order to verify the availability of funds. These normally fall off within 3-5 business days, however, if they are causing inconvenience, please feel free to contact us via email for assistance in removing these.

I didn't know they held funds on the credit card. Of course I always make sure my credit card has a zero balance before I cruise but this is nice to know if my friends have have this question.

[MsSailaway]

I spoke with a couple of RCCL agents to confirm whether they put holds on credit/debit cards at embarkation and was told both times “no”. They did say that as you make charges during the cruise for your various purchases (e.g. spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, etc), that your card on file will be held for that set amount of the purchase. Once the cruise is over with, and your onboard account is paid, your funds are “released” from that hold.

What do you think?

[schmeed]

I didn't know they held funds on the credit card. Of course I always make sure my credit card has a zero balance before I cruise but this is nice to know if my friends have have this question.

Yes, but holds on a CREDIT card are different than holds on a DEBIT card. A credit card hold is just a pending authorization. It normally doesn't affect available credit. A hold on a DEBIT card actually removes the available funds from the checking account. They do this so that you don't overspend the debit card.

 

I would never use a debit card. First, I try to limit use since it's a direct line to my checking account and second, I don't like the holds.

[Esmerelda]

Honestly, I've done RC 6 times. One I can't recall, 2 were with a credit card, and the last 3 were with cash and debit card. I've never had any holds put on either. I don't really think it was luck since it was 5 times.

 

I'm always floored when people post that they had holds put on their cards on a cruise. My husband and I can't figure this one out.

[#1packerfan]

I use a debit card for all my cruises and have never had any kind of hold placed on my account. I have used 2 different cards from 2 different banks. It may depend on your bank because even for pay at the pump gas I don't get any holds placed.

[5521544]

We always pay with cash and if we spend a little extra then we will pay the remaining with our debit card at the very end of the cruise. When we have paid our final bill with a debit card we have never had a hold just the charge itself.