American Express Gift Checks

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Has anyone ever used these to pay for all or part of their on board expenses? I have several of them and want to use them on my next cruise, in addition to giving them credit card information.

[legallady]

Has anyone ever used these to pay for all or part of their on board expenses? I have several of them and want to use them on my next cruise, in addition to giving them credit card information.

 

I don't know if gift "checks" are different from gift "cards", but I suggest that you read the fine print that accompanies the gift cards/checks. I find these very difficult to get rid of; had an AmEx gift card from Christmas and it specifically EXCLUDED cruiselines and casinos ("Not for use at car rental, cruise lines, casinos or ATMS"). Even my beauty salon (that takes AmEx cards) refused to take it (although the gift card literature says "accepted wherever AmEx cards are accepted). Finally had to use it at a bookstore to stock up on reading matter for a trip next week. Some (not all) restaurants will also take them. I had a sizeable gift card on my last cruise on the Crown -- couldn't get cash from it at Purser's Desk and couldn't use it on shore for purchases (no one, not even the larger jewelry stores, would accept it). All AmEx products are NOT accepted everywhere. When in doubt, call AmEx -- and then take extra cash instead. You might also try searching the AmEx website for more definitive info.

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They look like traveler's checks. I've only used one so far, at a restaurant, and there wasn't any problem. I've got a credit card for my on board charges, so it's not necessary that I use them. I just thought it would be an easy way to use them if Princess would treat them like traveler's checks or a cash deposit. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

[caribill]

AMEX gift checks are regular Traveler's checks, the difference being that you did not buy them yourself.

 

You can use them any place you are able to use a regular AMEX Traveler's check.

 

The purser's desk should be able to take your checks and apply them to your account, thus reducing the amount to be put on your credit card.

[cindiedee]

Just an FYI - if in doubt about using them onboard, just take them to your bank now and cash them in for cash - no problems doing that.