How do we put money on cruise account?

[Blouise]

First time cruiser leaving in 10 days on the Carnival Spirit! I want to use cash to put on our onboard account instead of using our debit / credit card. Do I literally just withdraw a bunch of cash before we leave and take it onto the ship with us? And how do we deposit it once onboard? Thanks!

[Essiesmom]

Once on board, go to Guest Services and tell them you want to set up your cash account.  EM

[Schoifmom]

Actually, yes.  Get the cash before boarding.  When you board, you will have an opportunity to deposit the cash to your account at the port.  If you miss it or choose not to, you can deposit the cash to your account at Guest Services (as @Essiesmom said) or there is a kiosk on board where you can deposit the cash.  At the end of the cruise, if you have anything left, you can either cash out at the kiosk or Guest Services, or Carnival will mail you a check.  If there is less than $10 on your account, the amount will be donated to St. Jude's.

 

FWIW, I always use cash and/or gift cards for my account.  I normally will purchase a little bit of Cruise Cash to cover the first day, so I can wait until things settle down a little bit and I don't have to fight crowds to handle my account.

Edited July 10, 2019 by Schoifmom

[Flymia]

Using a credit card is much easier by the way. Unless you are afraid of over spending, there is absolutely no advantages that I know of in using cash. You will just spend more time in lines at the start and end of your cruise. 

[cb at sea]

Yep,,that's what you'll do.  You don't have to "put down" all of the money upon boarding...there is a safe in the cabin for storage. Most cruise lines will allow you to "charge" a certain amount before they require the funds to cover those charges.  They will notify you if and when that happens.

Cash is definitely better than a debit card.

 

If you have a CREDIT card, you can "link" that to your account, and then pay it off in cash on the last evening.  NOTHING is actually charged to your card until the cruise is over.

 

 

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

We definitely prefer the credit card. The one we use is for the cruise and everything on board. Our card offers a large cash back and covers us with included travel insurance. The only cash we carry is for porter tips, additional tipping and small purchases at the ports. Some cruise lines charge 5% if you want to put the money on your card for the slots. If you use cash you will save that 5%. Carnival just puts your casino charges on your room charge. No additional 5%. That is automatic while playing.

[Schoifmom]

Since the OP specifically said they want to use cash, that's how I answered.  I know that your comments regarding the benefits of credit card use for this purpose are well-meaning, but not everyone has that ability.

 

@cb at sea, Carnival doesn't allow any spending without security for the S&S account.  Good internal control, but inconvenient for some people.

[Blouise]

@Schoifmom Thanks so much!

 

We are going with cash as we don't have a credit card and heard they put holds on your debit card which we wanted to avoid 😊

[Schoifmom]

18 hours ago, twodaywonder said:

We definitely prefer the credit card. The one we use is for the cruise and everything on board. Our card offers a large cash back and covers us with included travel insurance. The only cash we carry is for porter tips, additional tipping and small purchases at the ports. Some cruise lines charge 5% if you want to put the money on your card for the slots. If you use cash you will save that 5%. Carnival just puts your casino charges on your room charge. No additional 5%. That is automatic while playing.

 

To clarify, Carnival does not have a surcharge to charge your slot play to your S&S account.  If you buy chips to play at the tables, there is a 3% surcharge.

[Hlitner]

14 hours ago, Blouise said:

@Schoifmom Thanks so much!

 

We are going with cash as we don't have a credit card and heard they put holds on your debit card which we wanted to avoid 😊

You are probably aware that the entire travel industry is based on the use of credit cards and using cash does become somewhat of a hassle.  But on your ship (or any cruise line) there is a main service counter generally called "Guest Services."  This counter operates 24/7 and is staffed by highly trained staff.  I mention 24/7 because the Guest Services desk can have a long line during prime day and evening times.  You will need to deal with them and keep a cash balance on your account.  If your balance falls below a certain level (you can ask them exactly what level they use) they will usually call your cabin and/or send you a note that you need to come to Guest Services and arrange for additional financing.

 

We are aware that many folks do not have a major credit card for various reasons.  But once you decide to travel, it really is important to look at options to obtain a credit card...even if it is a card that you must secure with a balance (a good way to start building or rebuilding a decent credit rating).  Simple travel transactions like renting cars, buying airline tickets, and even checking-in to a hotel can require a valid credit card.    For those of us who travel internationally, a credit card has become more of a necessity then a luxury.  There are some countries (mostly in Northern Europe) that are trying to eliminate the use of cash...even for small transactions like buying a cup of coffee.  You can now find toll roads (in both the USA and Europe) that do not even accept cash...or are completely automatic based on a credit card balance.

 

You ask if you must come aboard with a ton of cash and, in your case, that is exactly what you must do.  Some cruise ships have ATM machines but they can often be out of order and/or they charge ridiculous fees.  Few ships will cash or accept checks and travelers checks have really become obsolete (although some lines will accept them at the Guest Relations desk).  Be very security-minded if carrying lots of cash and even consider wearing a money belt or some other device that is extremely safe.  Once aboard you can lock your cash in your cabin safe.

 

Hank

[clo]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

Hank

Really superb advice and information, Hank.