Best way to set up onboard expenses when using gift cards and credit?

[frayedend]

I am going to be buying some gift cards to use for my cruise (because of the current 10% deal). I still need to set up my onboard account.

 

Can I set it up online as cash, then when I board give them the gift cards and a credit card to cover any amount over the cash? I don't want to have to go back to add cash or anything but I want to make sure the gift cards get used before my credit card. Thanks

[tammi0916]

I am going to be buying some gift cards to use for my cruise (because of the current 10% deal). I still need to set up my onboard account.

 

Can I set it up online as cash, then when I board give them the gift cards and a credit card to cover any amount over the cash? I don't want to have to go back to add cash or anything but I want to make sure the gift cards get used before my credit card. Thanks

 

 

I have done this in the past, just set up online saying "cash account" as you can not apply gift cards prior to cruise. Go to guest services or use the kiosk and have the gift cards applied. Once your balance is getting low and you want to add your credit card, just go back to guest services and have them add your card to your account.

 

Very easy process!

 

Tam

[Gypsywych]

I put cash account on my paperwork, give shore side check in our credit card, and then go to guest services upon boarding to hand them cash. Then I don't have to stand in line later in the cruise.

[frayedend]

I put cash account on my paperwork, give shore side check in our credit card, and then go to guest services upon boarding to hand them cash. Then I don't have to stand in line later in the cruise.

 

Shore side check in? Is that when we first get to port and get our cards?

 

Actually now that I think of it I'd rather avoid guest services when I first get on the ship. The line is usually very long at that point. I haven't seen or used kiosks before. Perhaps I should just sign up with my credit card and go apply the gift cards some time during the cruise when there are no lines.

[Gypsywych]

That works too! :)

 

I'll be using those gift cards for the first time on our upcoming cruise.

[Bookbug53]

Shore side check in? Is that when we first get to port and get our cards?

 

Actually now that I think of it I'd rather avoid guest services when I first get on the ship. The line is usually very long at that point. I haven't seen or used kiosks before. Perhaps I should just sign up with my credit card and go apply the gift cards some time during the cruise when there are no lines.

 

Set up the account with a credit card for the ease of it online. The kiosks are usually located in the lobby near the guest service desk. They are very easy to use. Go anytime during your cruise and add your gift cards. Anything non-refundable will be used on your account before they bill your credit card. You can also go to guest services at anytime during your cruise and ask for a print out of your account. You can then use cash to pay all or some.

[jakeT]

Credit card is the easiest. If you do not run up your account by not keeping track of what you spend. Credit card is the way to go

[gem114]

I am going to be buying some gift cards to use for my cruise (because of the current 10% deal). I still need to set up my onboard account.

 

Can I set it up online as cash, then when I board give them the gift cards and a credit card to cover any amount over the cash? I don't want to have to go back to add cash or anything but I want to make sure the gift cards get used before my credit card. Thanks

 

Does anyone know if there's a reason to choose Cruise Cash over the gift cards? It seems to make more sense to me to do the gift cards since you get the extra 10%.

[Nuff_Said]

Cruise Cash is non-refundable. What you don't use on this cruise, you lose, although I did hear that you can somehow cash out at the casino your last night onboard.

 

From what I understand, any gift card balance on your S&S card leftover at the end of your cruise, you get that money back as cash/check.

 

Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[gem114]

That makes it sound to me like the gift cards are definitely the better option.

[Nuff_Said]

Sorry, did a little more research and it looks like any amount applied to your S&S card via the gift card gets refunded as another gift card, not cash back.

[stefs111]

I purchased the digital gift card and plan to use it on board for my favorite habit....the casino!! So, how does this work? Do I just put my S and S card in a slot machine and then request money from my S&S account? Will I still incur the 3% Carnival charges if you go to the casino cage and request money from your account? How do I make sure that the bonus gift card gets used first, as the expiration date is Dec 2014?

Sorry for so many questions, I appreciate any responses.

 

Stef