gpb11 Posted June 17, 2016 #26 Share Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) We must have passed at the dock, I was off the Noordam not long ago also. My unused refundable (Costco) OBC was refunded a day or two after disembarkcation. Didn't have issues with the minibar; we had our steward empty it out the first day and used the fridge for our own stuff. I never paid attention to the holds; they're irrelevant unless you're bumping against the top of your credit limit. Edited June 17, 2016 by gpb11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted June 17, 2016 #27 Share Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) I have found that even if you load up your onboard account with cash before boarding, HAL will still zap your credit/debit card for the customary $60/$30 per day/per person credit hold. ($30 per day for cruises longer than 25 days). I had enough prepaid OBC on my account on the first day to cover 90% of my anticipated expenses. But HAL still snatched $2500 of my credit card balance and held it for the duration of the cruise, plus about 4 days, then it drops off. It is true that the funds are not actually charged against your card, but they are unavailable for you to use during the cruise. Definitely use a card that has a high available balance, just in case you find that perfect Rolex watch on a shore excursion !! It is a hold on the credit line of your credit card, they aren't charging anything to your credit card and they certainly aren't snatching anything. :rolleyes: Edited June 17, 2016 by Boytjie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted June 17, 2016 #28 Share Posted June 17, 2016 That's a great idea. I always thought that even with a substantial OBC from whatever sources, they still wanted that locked-in guarantee that there will be sufficient funds. I would assume that if you started to seriously deplete your OBC, early on in the cruise (casino, expensive excursions), you would get a call from the front office asking you to restore that balance. That is what happens; if your account runs out of cash or OBC they will not allow you to charge anything with your card until you replenish it or provide a credit card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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