"cruise cash" questions

[Gma&Gpa]

I typically set up my account as a Cash account, as I do not care to tie my ship account to my home accounts or credit cards.  But that means I have to fight the crowd when I get on the ship to put cash on my account as soon as possible.  I am not sure how the "Cruise Cash" works.   If I put on, let's say $50, to get me started and then later add more cash, will they use the "cruise cash" first?  I know that part is not refundable.   But if I end up putting more on my account than i need, I would like to know that I can get it back.    Also, there are two of us in the cabin, with separate accounts (both using cash accounts).  Can I assume that if it's done from MY computer and my sign in, that it would go to my account.   And likewise, if she wants some on hers, she needs to go to the carnival site and do the same?

[Guest BasicSailor]

Cash is all I have ever done. Just wait until the line slows to make your cash deposit. Or if your onboard early make a dash for it. Some ports require you to pay before you board the ship.  You should know if you don't prepay your tips, it will come out of your cash deposit so make sure you have deposited enough to cover. Cashing out is easy, just go back to guest services and close your account. 

Edited October 28, 2022 by BasicSailor

[ray98]

Why do the gymnastics when a CC handles it without input or risk?

[Drazil65]

We also use cash for our on board acct, you can also add cash anytime at one of the kiosks if the guest service line is too long.  To answer OPs  question about using cruise cash, they will deduct from that category first if you have it before touching regular cash amounts.  It will be used up first.  

[Gma&Gpa]

I don't use Credit Cards - I recently lost my husband, so I'm trying to keep my life as simple as possible, and that means I don't charge things.  By using cash, I don't tend to "over spend".   My friend is going on her first cruise, so while I am Platinum and can use the faster/shorter line, I assume she cannot, even though we are roommates.   But if we can do it through the Kiosk if necessary, then that is good news.

 

Thanks for the advice

[klfrodo]

32 minutes ago, Gma&Gpa said:

I don't use Credit Cards - I recently lost my husband, so I'm trying to keep my life as simple as possible, and that means I don't charge things.  By using cash, I don't tend to "over spend".   My friend is going on her first cruise, so while I am Platinum and can use the faster/shorter line, I assume she cannot, even though we are roommates.   But if we can do it through the Kiosk if necessary, then that is good news.

 

Thanks for the advice

Sorry for your loss, first of all.

Second, I caution against no credit cards, especially when traveling. If something happens while you are out of country and require medical, you will be required to pay for the service upfront. (Travel Insurance is reimbursement only in 99.99999% of cases) I doubt that you'll be carrying $10K+ in cash with you. Also, many parts of the world and growing here in the States, businesses are going cashless.

But, hey, you do you.

 

3rd To your question. Yes, your idea would work well but I would start with $100 rather than just $50

Edited October 28, 2022 by klfrodo

[sparks1093]

When you buy the Cruise Cash I believe you can designate who in the cabin it is for, so if they have a separate portfolio it would apply to it. Cruise Cash is generally used up before other payment methods. I know that they say it is non-refundable, but I'm not sure they are legally allowed to spend unused funds. Since we always secure the account with a credit card I don't know how the account works with just Cruise Cash. I also second the idea of starting with $100.

[ober134]

Many ppl on these boards will dis you for using cruise cash. I use it anyway. And like you I despise standing in line at GS desk. I'm recently plat, so the line is now typically shorter.... But still don't want to waste those precious moments. Cruise cash is like OBC. I've seen ppl say cruise cash is non refundable. I've not had a problem since I never load more than I plan to spend; account is backed up by credit card.

 

Tip:  buy that cruise cash with a discounted gift card from All state insurance. Will save you 10% on those.

 

[d12j28]

• Guests must deposit cash (USD currency only) or Traveler's Checks (USD currency only) 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
• Guests may add additional cash to their account by visiting the Guest Services desk on board.

Amount depends on length of cruise.

[dallasdan]

You can add cash at the Kiosk.  There is usually one by guest services and 2 on the level with the shops.  If you add to much cash, you can get the cash off at the Kiosk also.  

[Schoifmom]

Cruise Cash user here (we use it the same way, just to get us started).  When you purchase CC, you can direct who it is for, so you can purchase just for you, if you wish.  Carnival will use CC first, before tapping any cash that you put on your account.  I recommend using the kiosk to add cash to avoid the lines at GS, but there is even a line there on the first day.  If you do not use all of your cruise cash, it is not refunded, but you can use the casino trick to cash it out (add to a slot machine, spin once, cash it out).

[Gma&Gpa]

Thanks again for all the suggestions and clearing up some issues.   I will have a credit card with me (just in case) - but I do not intend to use it unless absolutely necessary.  We each have a very small amount of credit from when we booked our cruise.  (I think it's $25 each) and we have prepaid our tips, so that will not eat up our account.   A couple of our cruises, they actually took our cash when we checked in.   But typically, they do not.  It's only a 5 day cruise, and I don't use a lot of cash.  An occasional drink, specialty coffee and a little in the casino each day.   We'll talk it over and decide, but your replies have verified some things for me.   So thank you very much

[Drazil65]

If something happens while you are out of country and require medical, you will be required to pay for the service upfront. 

 

You can get travel insurance that states they will advance/provide the upfront money to a hospital for a medical emergency or being admitted.  This is typically under "primary" medical money paid out, they will pay first.  

[Purvis1231]

I typically use a credit card while a fairly low limit for the easy and for the fact it is better to put someone else's money at risk while traveling.  With the low limit scammers cannot hit me for that much. I do have a card with a high limit just in case something happens.