Cash For S&S Card?

[Gabby229]

Getting closer to our first cruise!! The biggest question I am thinking about right now is the sail and sign card. I understand that it is your way of charging things on the ship etc. What I am confused about is putting money towards the card and receiving it back (if you put cash on it).

I have no credit cards and don't see myself getting one before this cruise. I want to use cash. I saw that carnival has a required deposit of $100 for 3-5 day cruises and ours is a 5 day cruise. I am going to put more than that on it, but will I have to wait in those dreadful lines that I have read so much about on the last day/night to get those unused funds that were placed on my card? Or will they put a check with my statement? Also, trying to make the check-in process as easy as possible, and I read on carnival's website that I can set up the card account, but my guess is that I can't do that because I am using cash? Thank you in advance. Any information at all about cruising is very appreciated and welcomed

[itsrocky94]

I have been researching and you don't have to wait in the line. You can use the s&s kiosk on the ship to add money. I believe you can use them as well to take out money or you can in the casino. If you don't take out your money and disembark, Carnival will send you a check in the mail.

[loxley]

Do your online checkin. Tell them you will be using cash. They should take your cash when you get to the checkin at the port. If they don't, go to the kiosk at guest services and put the money in there. Takes just a few min.

 

If the line is not too long at guest services, you can also do it at the desk.

[Rudyard]

The kiosk is great. We usually just put down $200 then add more as needed so that there isn't much to worry about getting back at the end of the cruise.

[emmak8]

They shouldn't make it difficult to use cash!!!

[xplnusa]

I always use cash. I just go up to the guest services desk and handle it there once I'm onboard. Has worked out great for me so far.

[TerReuv]

They shouldn't make it difficult to use cash!!!

 

They don't make it difficult. You just cannot add cash to the account ahead of time. You can put cash on at the port when you check in or you can use the Kiosks when you first board. If you wait, GS won't be as busy later.

 

Why do you think they make it difficult?

[jcearth]

As for cashing out, you have a few options. If you do not go to guest services, they will mail you a check (if your balance is very small, I believe that they use it to make a donation to St. Jude's). You can try the kiosks on the last night - however my experience has been that they run out of cash at that time. Lastly, you can go to guest services to get your unused cash. The desk is open 24 hours, and if you go around 4:00 am to 5:00 am there is usually nobody there, or a very short line.

[Gabby229]

Thank you all!! I posted this in the new cruiser thread and someone mentioned that I could buy obc before and put it on when I arrive and whatever I don't use, they'll send me a check. Is this an option? If so, do I just go on carnival's website and go to the fun shop? Thanks again. :)

[jcearth]

Thank you all!! I posted this in the new cruiser thread and someone mentioned that I could buy obc before and put it on when I arrive and whatever I don't use, they'll send me a check. Is this an option? If so, do I just go on carnival's website and go to the fun shop? Thanks again. :)

 

Be very careful!! There are 2 different options in order to do this, each with its own set of consequences. The first way to go is purchasing Cruise Cash. You can do this through the fun shops on the Carnival website. It is convenient, as you do not have to bring loads of cash with you. However, Cruise Cash is a use it or lose it item. They do not refund balances. If you have a balance remaining at the end of the cruise with Cruise Cash, you have to get a little creative in order to get your money back.

 

The second option is to purchase Carnival gift cards. You can search for the site on Carnival to do this - they are also offered at some major retailers that carry gift cards. Additionally, if you are a Verizon Wireless subscriber or a member of AARP, 10% discounted gift cards ($100 card for $90) will pop up on these sites every few weeks - they go rather quickly, so you have to hurry when they are available. Gift cards are 100% refundable onboard and are treated as a cash balance. However, unlike Cruise Cash, you have to bring the cards with you and apply them when you check-in at port or once you are onboard.

[BenjiRodney]

Getting closer to our first cruise!! The biggest question I am thinking about right now is the sail and sign card. I understand that it is your way of charging things on the ship etc. What I am confused about is putting money towards the card and receiving it back (if you put cash on it).

I have no credit cards and don't see myself getting one before this cruise. I want to use cash. I saw that carnival has a required deposit of $100 for 3-5 day cruises and ours is a 5 day cruise. I am going to put more than that on it, but will I have to wait in those dreadful lines that I have read so much about on the last day/night to get those unused funds that were placed on my card? Or will they put a check with my statement? Also, trying to make the check-in process as easy as possible, and I read on carnival's website that I can set up the card account, but my guess is that I can't do that because I am using cash? Thank you in advance. Any information at all about cruising is very appreciated and welcomed

 

Not sure about the port in FLL, but in Miami they will take your cash at Check In so you don't have to go the desk desk right away and have them load it for you or wait to use the kiosk.