If using a Visa Debit Card vs. Credit card

[Laplayaperson]

How much is the authorization for a 6 day cruise? 

[mz-s]

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1138/kw/credit card authorization form/session/L3RpbWUvMTY1NDAzNDUwOS9zaWQvZlU1eVdMRHFEYUE2Ymp3NTlDR0p4R1VvQVVzdXRRN29DYWRYaWFVb2RPVzVZaTJsZHk4RzJpZzVidyU3RWZSWmxkSTRCVyU3RXZrMHZIZlJ2S3pzMmIlN0VkTWtzd05wMXptZ2Q5MnVhTU1pcWo2cXcyRjdrNHY1c0NjVUpRJTIxJTIx

 

$100

[Laplayaperson]

@mz-s THank you!!  

[klfrodo]

mz-s has provided a great link, but just know that the information that Carnival is providing could be a little misleading.

 

Here's how it works in real life (using the 6 day cruise example of $100)

 

Let's just say you have $1000 in the bank that has the debit card issued to it.

 

Board the ship and a $100 hold is placed onto your account.

(Your bank now has $900 available for you to have access to)

Day 2 You buy a few drinks and an excursion. Total cost is $125.00. (Carnival now hits your account for another $100 Hold)

(Your bank now has $800 available for you to have access to)

Day 3 - Gratuities hit your account, a drink or 2, and a specialized dining. Total costs $175.00

(Carnival hits your bank for another $100 hold.) (Your bank now has $700 available for you to have access to.)

Day 5 comes around and total charges on your account for Day 4 and Day 5 were $100.

(You guessed it, Carnival receives another hold for $100) Now you only have $600 available to you in your account)

 

Final morning - Carnival bills your bank for your total charges of $400. Your bank balance is now $200 with $400 in holds.

 

When do you get access to that $400 in Holds? Whenever your bank releases the holds.

 

#1 rule of thumb - Never use a debit card for on board account

#2 rule of thumb - If #1 isn't an option, always plan on have twice the amount available that you expect to be billed. (and hope the rent isn't due as soon as you return)

[scottamemnon]

I think you are better off pre-paying for gratuities with your debit card online, pre cruise, and then putting cash on your account if you do not want to use a credit card.  Just put a small amount to start and add cash as needed.

[cruisin from vegas]

I have had more problems with “over holds” on my regular credit card than my debit card…. So I now only use cash.  Can add at the kiosk as much and as often as you like.  I got the small remaining balance ($59 or so) at the kiosk as well on the last morning.  I’ll never do it any other way.  However I travel mostly solo, have free drinks in casino.. have very few other wise and pre pay everything.  So it’s usually around $400 total.  An account with several people might not be as convenient using cash

[Colorado Cruzer]

If you don't have a credit card, put cash down on your account to avoid all the nonsense that goes on with your bank and carniva holds.