Another S&S Question

[texas greeneyes]

If I put cash on my S&S card, then run out of cash for off-ship expenses, can I get cash from my S&S account to use onshore? (Balance permitting, of course!)

[jleq]

Your S&S is only valid for shipboard....not shoreside...purchases

[texas greeneyes]

Perhaps you did not understand my question. I did not ask if I could use my S&S card onshore. I asked if my S&S account, if funded by cash, balance permitting, would allow me to withdraw CASH to use while off the ship. Does anyone know? Thanks!

[Here4Beer]

Ok, here's my thoughts....

If you use cash to cover your S&S card there is a minimum deposit, depending on the number of days of cruise. Carnival website states $100 to $350. I know that they announce at the end of the cruise that if "cash" depositers went over their amount they MUST pay up the shortage before they get off, and if they have any balance of their cash deposit left-over they will get a CHECK, not cash, on the last day, to reimburse them for their balance. Also, I think you can get cash in the Casinos from your S&S card, but they add a 3 percent FEE. If I was paying cash I would only give them the minimum at first, because you can always add more later if needed.

[burface]

We made a cash deposit and it was enough to cover tips and I believe $100 or $150 extra for whatever (drinks, pics, etc) for our 5 day cruise. That was the total for my husband, daughter and myself.

The Carnival books/websites states "x" amount of dollars depending upon length of cruise but you don't have to put down anything besides the tip money. You just wouldn't be able to purchase anything.

I know my family well enough to know that we wouldn't be blowing lots of money on the ship. My DH was happy sitting back, having a few beers daily. My 19 y.o. DD didn't stop dancing and having fun long enough to even think of buying anything.

Also, the night before debarkation, you can go to the Purser's desk and cash out. We did this but left a little money on the account in case we wanted anything that evening. We were on the Sensation during Katrina and on the last day, Carnival had put a $150 pp credit on the accounts to help with the expense of going to Galveston instead of NOLA. When we cashed out, they gave us cash for all it with the exception of the $20 we left on the account for any drinks that night. The next morning we got a check for the small balance.

 

Sorry to say though that I don't know if you can withdraw from it during the middle of the week. I would guess probably not so I'd just put a minimal amount down and you can always add to it.

Have a fun trip!

[jleq]

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear. If cash is used as a S&S deposit, it's pretty much unavailable until the end of the cruise. The only exception is your ability to withdraw from your balance at the casino [and pay a 3% fee].