On board credit vs. Cruise Cash

[squierjosh]

Hi. I have a handful of Carnival gift cards that I plan to use for our upcoming cruise. I'd rather not bring them all with me to the cruise, but I don't see an option where I can add it to my account ahead of time, unless I use the Cruise Cash program - which is non-refundable and you lose what you don't spend. Sounds like a scam to me.

 

Are there any options for taking care of this ahead of time, or am I just going to have to bring the cards onboard and use a machine to add them to my account?

[serene56]

you can cash out in the casino with cruise cash.  (just follow directions on any slot machines)

[squierjosh]

Just now, serene56 said:

you can cash out in the casino with cruise cash.  (just follow directions on any slot machines)

 

I did that on my last Carnival cruise with the onboard credit. Is this the same process? Carnival's web page makes it clear that if you don't spend the Cruise Cash, you lose it. This makes me a little nervous. 

[serene56]

Just now, squierjosh said:

 

I did that on my last Carnival cruise with the onboard credit. Is this the same process? Carnival's web page makes it clear that if you don't spend the Cruise Cash, you lose it. This makes me a little nervous. 

 

 

cash out in the casino     cruise cash is used for anything onboard.  If you dont cash out carnival will keep it. 

[camijo]

I always start my S&S card with cruise cash.  I usually purchase $100, that way I don't have to add my debit/credit card to my account.  I bring extra cash or gift cards with me to add later if needed.  This is a good way for me to budget my spendings.  I know that I will definitely use the $100.  Last cruise I just cashed out in the casino with what was left on my S&S card.

[callolin]

I do the same thing. what I do is buy carnival cash to use on the ship. 

[squierjosh]

I assume "buying" cruise cash is a 1:1 purchase? That is, there's no fee, so if I buy $100, I pay $100?

[camijo]

12 hours ago, squierjosh said:

I assume "buying" cruise cash is a 1:1 purchase? That is, there's no fee, so if I buy $100, I pay $100?

Yes.  

[sparks1093]

12 hours ago, squierjosh said:

I assume "buying" cruise cash is a 1:1 purchase? That is, there's no fee, so if I buy $100, I pay $100?

Yep but note that there is a $500 limit for each type per cabin (undoubtedly because of the non-refundable nature of the cruise cash).

[Melissalcsw]

That's not a bad idea....I was thinking of getting $200 worth to start off with.

 

We would definitely use it with the steakhouse.

 

Good Idea

[cb at sea]

I can't imagine that bring the cards and applying them on the ship would be too onerous!  Stick 'em in your pocket!  Not a fan of buying something that isn't refundable...or having to jump through hoops to get your money back!

[apatchetear]

We cashed out in the casino on our last cruise (at the advise of guest services on a prior cruise) and the cashier at the casino said our account would be flagged because we were using the slot machines as an ATM. They may be catching on and try to stop this soon. She did let us have the money, but said we couldn't play anymore after that because our account would be flagged and possibly locked, which was fine with us because we don't play to begin with. First I had ever heard of this.

[pacruise804]

My understanding is that you are to play a few spins at the slot machine and not just cash out.  I don't use the casino (or cruise cash) but have read this for both cashing out gift cards or cruise cash.  I think I asked before and some of the slots are very inexpensive, so at most you might risk a couple dollars (but also have a chance of winning a little).

 

If you haven't finished paying for your cruise, or have other related purchases (gratuities, Cheers, excursions, Fun Shops) those could be purchased with your gift cards too.  If you know that you will spend the money on board (drinks, pictures, specialty dining, gift shop) there is nothing wrong with buying Cruise Cash either.  It is non-refundable, but it's also one less thing to forget to bring/risk losing/hassle with).

[camijo]

22 hours ago, apatchetear said:

We cashed out in the casino on our last cruise (at the advise of guest services on a prior cruise) and the cashier at the casino said our account would be flagged because we were using the slot machines as an ATM. They may be catching on and try to stop this soon. She did let us have the money, but said we couldn't play anymore after that because our account would be flagged and possibly locked, which was fine with us because we don't play to begin with. First I had ever heard of this.

 

I haven't heard of that either.  Once I cashed out, I had already used my OBC and cruise cash.  I had already had cash to my S&S card.

[squierjosh]

Couldn't you just get some chips for blackjack, play a few hands, then cash out later. They wouldn't know if you were up or down at the table. 

[Schoifmom]

19 minutes ago, squierjosh said:

Couldn't you just get some chips for blackjack, play a few hands, then cash out later. They wouldn't know if you were up or down at the table. 

 

There is a 3% charge when you get chips using your S&S card.

[NHNEV2003]

On 11/13/2018 at 3:01 PM, cb at sea said:

I can't imagine that bring the cards and applying them on the ship would be too onerous!  Stick 'em in your pocket!  Not a fan of buying something that isn't refundable...or having to jump through hoops to get your money back!

We just brought the cards with us and stopped at Guest Services the 2nd day (no line) and had them applied. Took less than 10 minutes to have them take care of it.

 

Applied the balance to my casino bank the last night, and cashed out at the cage--received cash.

 

Very, very easy process.