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soonergirl15
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Carnival Liberty...just a 5 day.

I am going to pre pay anything I can. As for off the ship all we are going to do in Cozumel is Paradise beach which I have been told I can pay cash and in Progreso we may do the double decker bus tour and look around. Either way it is all cash at those spots.

We will have a certain limit as to what we can spend. Both kids will b getting spending money which is why I was trying to figure out about the hold they put on the card. I think I like the idea of the gift cards since I can put a certain amount on them and buy more if I need to. It said on the carnival site we can use them instead of a card also. So that may be better for us.

Photo's is the only other thing I would want but I will also be taking my own. I haven't found out how much the photo's are yet but the main ones I know I will want is the family formal dining one and one with the seuss characters and my kid's.

The way I look at it is there is so much that the cruise price includes so that is what we are sticking to. My kid's will most likely be at the pool the whole time on the ship because that is their thing anyways.

Now once I am there and see all the extra's that may change but we unfortunately are on a budget which is why I am still in the planning stages and I haven't booked yet.

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Carnival Liberty...just a 5 day.

I am going to pre pay anything I can. As for off the ship all we are going to do in Cozumel is Paradise beach which I have been told I can pay cash and in Progreso we may do the double decker bus tour and look around. Either way it is all cash at those spots.

We will have a certain limit as to what we can spend. Both kids will b getting spending money which is why I was trying to figure out about the hold they put on the card. I think I like the idea of the gift cards since I can put a certain amount on them and buy more if I need to. It said on the carnival site we can use them instead of a card also. So that may be better for us.

Photo's is the only other thing I would want but I will also be taking my own. I haven't found out how much the photo's are yet but the main ones I know I will want is the family formal dining one and one with the seuss characters and my kid's.

The way I look at it is there is so much that the cruise price includes so that is what we are sticking to. My kid's will most likely be at the pool the whole time on the ship because that is their thing anyways.

Now once I am there and see all the extra's that may change but we unfortunately are on a budget which is why I am still in the planning stages and I haven't booked yet.

 

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have a ship in Galveston named Liberty.

 

The Carnival rules are different and clearly state the amount is per person ...

 

SAIL & SIGN ONBOARD ACCOUNT

 

Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program, which allows guests to charge on board purchases and gratuities directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for all money transactions on board as cash will not be an accepted form of payment.

 

Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

 

Guest Services can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise. In addition, guests can view their balance update at a Sail & Sign Kiosk or on their stateroom interactive television (in most ships but excluding Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Sunshine).

 

On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom. In our ongoing green efforts, the following ships will no longer deliver statements to the staterooms: Carnival Glory, Carnival Imagination and Carnival Magic; guests can view their statements at a Sail & Sign Kiosk, at Guest Services or on their stateroom interactive television.

 

The following forms of payment are accepted to open a Sail & Sign account: Cash / Traveler's Checks / Credit Cards / Debit Cards

 

General Information

 

The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card-issuing bank.

Each onboard expense account must have a designated account owner.

The account owner may choose to authorize additional guests from his/her booking and guests in up to two other traveling staterooms. A guest may only be activated on one account.

Every guest must be a member of an account in order to obtain a complete Online Check-In status.

Account owners must be at least 18 years of age at the time of sailing and will be automatically assigned charging privileges to the account.

Minors must have an account, but the account owner has the option not to allow charging privileges to their account.

Cruise Service Gratuities will be charged to the account unless they are prepaid.

The amount charged to the account for service gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship. In addition, a 15% beverage gratuity will be added to all beverage purchases.

If the credit/debit card method of payment is selected, charges incurred by those authorized will be billed to the credit/debit account entered.

Actual credit/debit cards must be present at the time of embarkation.

The cardholder is responsible for amended charges discovered after the authorized guest (s) disembark vessel.

Carnival will not be held responsible for any bank imposed overage or insufficient funds charges on debit/check cashing cards or credit cards.

Any inquiries regarding your Sail & Sign Account after your cruise, please contact Guest Care at 1-800-929-6400.

 

Sail & Sign Refundable Overages

 

Refundable overages on a guest's Sail and Sign account will be refunded back in the same form of payment as was made for the initial deposit on the Sail & Sign account.

 

Credit Card: If the guest uses a credit card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be credited back to the original credit card account.

Debit Card: if the guest uses a bank debit card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be credited back to the original debit card account.

Carnival Gift Card: If the guest uses a Carnival Gift Card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be refunded in the form of a new Carnival Gift Card.

Cash Deposits: If the guest uses cash for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages greater than $10 USD will be refunded via check mailed within 7 days after the cruise to the guest's home address on file. Overages less than $10 USD will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (excluding the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend in Australia). This will be communicated on board during the Debarkation Talk and posted in the daily 'Fun Times'. If a guest wishes to have the full overage in cash, they may retrieve it from one of the Sail & Sign Kiosks or the Guest Services Team. The refund checks will be reconciled by our shore side Refund Accounting team and distributed via PNC Bank (JPM Chase Bank for Carnival Spirit Australia guests).

Sail & Sign Accounts Opened with Cash or Traveler's Checks

 

Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account on Carnival.com, My Cruise Manager - Online Check-In or on the first day of the cruise at embarkation.

Guests must deposit cash (U.S currency) or Traveler's Checks at Guest Services on the first day of the cruise. The following minimum cash deposits are recommended:

2 - 4 day cruise: $100 USD per person

5 - 8 day cruise: $200 USD per person

9 days or longer: $350 USD per person

Sail & Sign Accounts Opened with a Credit Card or Debit Card

 

Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account on Carnival.com, My Cruise Manager - Online Check-In or on the first day of the cruise at embarkation.

The guest's credit card or debit card will be swiped at embarkation with an initial hold placed on file as a deposit:

2 - 5 day cruise: $100 USD per credit card or debit card

6 days or longer: $200 USD per credit card or debit card

Throughout the cruise, additional holds will be obtained as needed when the Sail & Sign Account exceeds the amount of deposit Carnival has on file.

If a credit card is presented, this will reduce the amount available on the credit card for other purchases.

If a debit/check-cashing card is presented, the hold will restrict the available cash in the checking account.

Any remaining hold after the end of the cruise will automatically be released by the guest's issuing bank within a time period determined by the bank.

If the guest replaces a credit/debit card previously used, the hold will remain on the account. This will reduce the amount of funds available on the credit/debit card account. The release of this/these hold(s) is entirely up to the issuing bank and can take from 3 to 7 business days after the cruise returns for the funds to be released.

All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration.

 

Acceptable Cards

 

Visa Card and Visa Gift Card

MasterCard and MasterCard Gift Card

An ATM/Debit Cashing Card may be used as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa Card.

The Discover Card and Discover Gift Card

American Express Card only

Diner's Club and Diner's Club Gift Card

JCB Card only

Note: Gift Cards may also be referred to as 'secured' or 'pre-loaded' credit cards or 'Travel Funds Card'.

 

 

 

Unacceptable Cards

 

Gift Cards and Travel Funds Cards issued by: American Express; Optima

Keychain (mini) credit cards

The American Express 'Persona Select'

ATM/Debit Cashing Card other than those registered by MasterCard or Visa Card.

Use of a Credit Card by a Third Party

We accept credit cards belonging to a non-sailing individual. During the online check-in process, an authorization form is provided for guests who will be using a credit card belonging to an individual who is not on the cruise. This form will need to be filled out and printed. At embarkation, the guest will need to present:

 

The completed 'Letter of Authorization for Use of a Credit Card by Third Party/Guest' - the signature on the letter of authorization must match the signature on the back of the credit card.

A legible copy of the non-sailing individual's credit card with signature (both sides - front and back). It is not required for the guest to carry the physical credit card with them onboard.

A legible copy of the non-sailing individual's government issued photo ID with signature (example: Driver's License)

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1138/kw/sail%20and%20sign

Edited by Cuizer2
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Cruiser2, the cash deposit amounts are recommendations only. Each guest must be a member of an account but each account may have multiple guests and there is only one hold per account at check-in (DW and I were on one account on CCL and that's how it worked. On NCL there were 4 of us on one account and that's how it worked there too.)

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Cruiser2, the cash deposit amounts are recommendations only. Each guest must be a member of an account but each account may have multiple guests and there is only one hold per account at check-in (DW and I were on one account on CCL and that's how it worked. On NCL there were 4 of us on one account and that's how it worked there too.)

 

Okay, I believe you, but that is not the impression I got from Carnival's website.

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There is another option that might be worth considering. If you don't want to carry a lot of cash with you for the express purpose of putting it toward your on board account, see about getting travelers' checks from your bank or credit union. If you have any travelers' checks left over at the end of your cruise, just deposit the amount back into your bank account.;)

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Carnival Liberty...just a 5 day.

I am going to pre pay anything I can. As for off the ship all we are going to do in Cozumel is Paradise beach which I have been told I can pay cash and in Progreso we may do the double decker bus tour and look around. Either way it is all cash at those spots.

We will have a certain limit as to what we can spend. Both kids will b getting spending money which is why I was trying to figure out about the hold they put on the card. I think I like the idea of the gift cards since I can put a certain amount on them and buy more if I need to. It said on the carnival site we can use them instead of a card also. So that may be better for us.

Photo's is the only other thing I would want but I will also be taking my own. I haven't found out how much the photo's are yet but the main ones I know I will want is the family formal dining one and one with the seuss characters and my kid's.

The way I look at it is there is so much that the cruise price includes so that is what we are sticking to. My kid's will most likely be at the pool the whole time on the ship because that is their thing anyways.

Now once I am there and see all the extra's that may change but we unfortunately are on a budget which is why I am still in the planning stages and I haven't booked yet.

 

I operate pretty much the same way ... cash for everything that I can.

 

" I think I like the idea of the gift cards since I can put a certain amount on them and buy more if I need to." The gift cards cannot be used on the ship the way you are thinking. The value gets applied to your S&S card (just like cash or a credit card) and then you swipe you S&S card for anything that you purchase.

 

Photos will run up to $21.99 each.

 

Make sure you budget for the taxi at Cozumel ... $17 each way to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is $3pp, unless you want to use the inflatables, then it is an additional $17pp.

 

We don't drink more than 1-2 drinks a day, prepay our gratuities, and usually spend around $200 onboard for the two of us, if that helps you at all.

Edited by Schoifmom
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(sorry- did not read the whole thread)

 

You do not need to put down a card. But when you are checking in you can tell them you are opening a cash account.

 

You will be given a sign and sail card which is what you use for spending on the ship-- not your money Not a credit card Not a gift card.

 

You visit guest services anytime within the first 24 hours. (not when you first board as that is when its the most busiest)

and you close your account the last night- expect very long lines.

 

If your account gets low you will get a notice. (I turn my kids cards off for charging)

 

If you decide to use that debit card visit your bank about a week before and have them lift any restrictions off that card until you return.

Not lifting those restrictions you might find that you can access money until the funds are released.

 

 

Most ships do not take the pre paid gift cards unless its tied to a bank.

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Guests must deposit cash (U.S currency) or Traveler's Checks at Guest Services on the first day of the cruise. The following minimum cash deposits are recommended:

2 - 4 day cruise: $100 USD per person

5 - 8 day cruise: $200 USD per person

9 days or longer: $350 USD per person

 

 

Sail & Sign Accounts Opened with a Credit Card or Debit Card

Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account on Carnival.com, My Cruise Manager - Online Check-In or on the first day of the cruise at embarkation.

The guest's credit card or debit card will be swiped at embarkation with an initial hold placed on file as a deposit:

2 - 5 day cruise: $100 USD per credit card or debit card

6 days or longer: $200 USD per credit card or debit card

Throughout the cruise, additional holds will be obtained as needed when the Sail & Sign Account exceeds the amount of deposit Carnival has on file.

If a credit card is presented, this will reduce the amount available on the credit card for other purchases.

If a debit/check-cashing card is presented, the hold will restrict the available cash in the checking account.

Any remaining hold after the end of the cruise will automatically be released by the guest's issuing bank within a time period determined by the bank.

 

as you can see they put a hold on your account whether you use credit card or debit card my credit union once the charge comes thru the hold is immediately released there has never been a double hold on my account for both so it really depends on your bank if in doubt call them

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CCL calls it Cruise Cash and you purchase it through the Fun Shop section of Manage My Cruise on their website. I believe that you can buy it in increments of $25. The only catch is that with CCL it's not refundable so make sure you spend what you buy.

 

 

 

you can go to the kiosk located by guest services and take that money back out

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I operate pretty much the same way ... cash for everything that I can.

 

" I think I like the idea of the gift cards since I can put a certain amount on them and buy more if I need to." The gift cards cannot be used on the ship the way you are thinking. The value gets applied to your S&S card (just like cash or a credit card) and then you swipe you S&S card for anything that you purchase.

 

Photos will run up to $21.99 each.

 

Make sure you budget for the taxi at Cozumel ... $17 each way to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is $3pp, unless you want to use the inflatables, then it is an additional $17pp.

 

We don't drink more than 1-2 drinks a day, prepay our gratuities, and usually spend around $200 onboard for the two of us, if that helps you at all.

 

It is my understanding that the ship will not accept a gift card unless it has the person's name on it.

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Thank you! So my next question is how much cash do I need to put down to keep the hold off my debit card? We don't plan on charging much if anything on the card. The only thing I know we will charge is the Dr Seus breakfast since I can't find anywhere to pay for that in advance and maybe some candy from the candy store. We aren't big drinkers but maybe a few drinks as well. Which the cash will cover. Oh and the arcade if they don't take cash in there.

 

Assuming that you will have pre-paid the service charges, jaluvma's estimates give a good idea. If you have sufficient balance in your checking a/c to cover expenses with a debit card, you would do better just to bring that cash with you and put it down (bringing additional cash for unexpected spending and reserve). You do not want them to place a hold on your a/c, because it often takes a week, or weeks, for the hold to be released.

 

As a practical matter, you should just get a credit card - it allows the most flexibility - and is virtually essential to being able to function easily in today's world.

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It is my understanding that the ship will not accept a gift card unless it has the person's name on it.

 

This isn't true. I purchased several Carnival Gift cards for my last cruise, and my name was not on them.

 

OP..you also stated that your kids will have spending money for the trip. Be aware that all transactions on the ship (except for casino) are through sign and sail account. (I have never been to arcade, so not sure about cash in there) So If your child wants a soda or something from the Fun Shops they must use the S&S card.

 

If your family drinks a lot of sodas you can bring a 12 pack per person with you, or purchase Bottomless Bubbles. BB can be purchased on line prior to your cruise or once you get on cruise as well.

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another thought we always take cash to use on excursions too. we don't use our credit card or debit card outside the country. if you do check see if your bank charges a special fee for using it outside the country some do. Less chance of your number getting stolen.

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If you are serious about going on a cruise, then now is the time to apply for a credit card or get a prepaid credit card (the kind with your name on it). The potential issues that using a debit card can cause is a good reason not to use it.

 

If you cannot get a credit card, then bring $2,000 in cash or traveler's checks and use that to secure your onboard account.

 

Travelers Check is an awesome idea if you dont have/want a credit card. Nice thing with Travelers check, you can use them at your ports of call or back home. A but safer than cash too. Not sure hiw much they charge but ut should not be too much.

http://www.aetclocator.com/wheretobuy/landing?option=travelerscheques

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  • 1 month later...

I have never had a problem using my debit card on ship. I check my acct daily via my tv in the room and about 2 days later after our return the total is coming out of my checking acct. I personally would not want to spend the time waiting in line at the service desk every day to put money on my acct just to have spending money for drinks or whatever. You can not pay for things with cash like you normally would on vacation while on ship it all goes to your sign and sail card and is settled up at the end

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I have never had a problem using my debit card on ship. I check my acct daily via my tv in the room and about 2 days later after our return the total is coming out of my checking acct. I personally would not want to spend the time waiting in line at the service desk every day to put money on my acct just to have spending money for drinks or whatever. You can not pay for things with cash like you normally would on vacation while on ship it all goes to your sign and sail card and is settled up at the end

Also we take cash to use in all the ports for spending money and leave cc and debit cards in the safe in our cabin and you need cash for any room food deliveries done to tip the person bringing you food to your cabin because I mean they have carried a tray of food to you so please tip them then for their effort. If you have a balcony trust me it's nicer to sit on your own deck and have a light meal for breakfast and a cup of coffee watching the ocean then stand in line with 3000 other people wanting to eat!

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yea my wife and I are using our debit card for the sail and sign card we have never had a problem with the hold and the charge on there at same time as soon as the charge goes thru the hold is released plus we have the money in there so no problem anyway alot of people are worried they will have a hold and a charge at the same time most banks dont do that check with your bank as to their policy

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,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, as soon as the charge goes thru the hold is released plus we have the money in there so no problem anyway alot of people are worried they will have a hold and a charge at the same time most banks dont do that check with your bank as to their policy

 

I'm afraid your generalisation is wrong there, jaluvma.

It normally takes 7 to 14 days after a charge goes through for the hold to be released.

Usually folk don't know when the hold is released, because there's no paper trail - for instance holds never appear on your bank or credit card statements.

It's only when the hold prevents folk from accessing their money / credit limit that the problems arise, for example ......

 

a bank customer has $1,000 in his account. The cruise line places a hold on $450 of those funds. At the end of the cruise his actual spend of $300 is charged by the cruise line. Three days later a $500 mortgage payment is dis-honoured because although there's still $550 in his account only $100 of it is available to spend since $450 is still "held" by the cruise line.

Same happens with holds placed by hotels, car rental agencies & other suppliers that may need to add charges for extra services.

 

I don't doubt your assertion that your credit union releases the hold as soon as the actual spend is charged, but as per all the comments on this thread it's not the norm.

It's only problematic for those who run low bank accounts, or are close to maxing their credit card, or who have significant sums held at the same time - for instance those on a road trip with a rental car and a dozen nights at hotels. In those circumstances we use credit cards, one reason being that the available credit is vastly more than the balance in our checking accounts.

 

JB :)

Edited by John Bull
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