Credit Card Holds...

[blackroze]

Not sure if this goes here, but here goes. We have sailed Holland before, and never had this issue. We booked a cruise, and the next day our TA informed us that HAL is going to put a $425 per person hold on our Credit Card for incidentals, basically. :mad: This infuriates me, as we do not use credit cards, because we were the unfortunate victims of identity theft, and so we use a Visa Debit, then just put money in the account. Here is the kicker... we booked this last minute, and won't even have $800 bucks to put a hold against... So what do we do? They told us that if we cancel, they will charge us, so will they kick us off the ship if we do not have the $425 pp :eek:? Thank you all.

[mrsltg]

No, they won't kick you off the ship. Also, you can use cash as your deposit and you don't have to put down the amount you were quoted per person. However, you can only spend against what you have put down.

Hope this helps!
Erin

[blackroze]

So when I board, they are going to try to authorize that amount, unless I tell them not to? How much cash will I need to give them? We do not mind paying for what we spend, but if we have $800 for everything, and they put a hold on it, then we wont be able to use any money in ports and soforth. So I think what we will do is give them the wifes card with $200 bucks on it, then transfer the rest of the money into my account, so they can't "accidently" hold all that money and potentially ruin our trip. Do you think this will work? Thank you very much!

[sapper1]

So when I board, they are going to try to authorize that amount, unless I tell them not to? How much cash will I need to give them? We do not mind paying for what we spend, but if we have $800 for everything, and they put a hold on it, then we wont be able to use any money in ports and soforth. So I think what we will do is give them the wifes card with $200 bucks on it, then transfer the rest of the money into my account, so they can't "accidently" hold all that money and potentially ruin our trip. Do you think this will work? Thank you very much!
I see you were on the Oosterdam in 2008. If so, then you had a hold on your credit card and did not know it. This is standard practice and the way HAL protects itself from people who spend all their available credit in ports and then cannot settle their account at the end of the cruise. $200 would not cut it as the automatic tip comes out of that amount as well. It is $11 or $12 per day per person---not sure which as I do not pay too much attention. I just pay it. If you do not have a hold, or sufficient cash on deposit, you cannot buy drinks in the bars or at dinner and cannot use the casino or shop in the stores.

This is nothing new and nothing to become irate about. It is just good business practice. Hotels and car rental agencies do the same thing.

If you only have $800 for everything what will you do if you have an emergency? Insurance pays after the fact. You have to come up with the money for flights home upfront and then submit your bills. If you need to see the ship's doctor, it will be added to your account. It is really something worth considering.

[Jemima]

HAL has always done the hold, but now tries to tell people ahead. There would also have been a hold on your last HAL cruise. My suggestion would be to start using credit cards again. However, it is probably too close to the cruse for that. That leaves you the choice of putting down cash and keeping port spending to a minimum.

[blackroze]

Understandable, but any hotel I have stayed at Charges 50-100 bucks total hold, not 425 per person. The first time we went, we paid everything up front. Then gave them our CC number to hold. Since that time, we were subject to identity theft, and therfore do not use Credit Cards.
This trip was booked last minute, so 2k for tickets, then they want us to plop down another $850 for a hold? That is just plain retarded. They should have it so we can pay cash, or use a credit card for purchases, that will save them from people not paying!
As far as emergencies, we have our "emergency fund" for just that, not to give to HAL for some hold...

[CowPrincess]

Understandable, but any hotel I have stayed at Charges 50-100 bucks total hold, not 425 per person.

If you'd stayed at that hotel for several days or more, the hold would most certainly have been greater than $50. Have you rented a car recently? Last time I did, the security deposit on my credit card was $1000.

The first time we went, we paid everything up front. Then gave them our CC number to hold. Since that time, we were subject to identity theft, and therfore do not use Credit Cards.

I don't understand how identity theft relates to not using credit cards, and how not using credit cards protects you from identity theft, but I suppose that's for some other thread.


This trip was booked last minute, so 2k for tickets, then they want us to plop down another $850 for a hold? That is just plain retarded. They should have it so we can pay cash, or use a credit card for purchases, that will save them from people not paying!
As far as emergencies, we have our "emergency fund" for just that, not to give to HAL for some hold...

HAL and other cruise lines are very smart with the "cashless society" onboard. It has to save them a shipload of money on security, audits, supervision, etc.... any crew member can be left alone to swipe your onboard card. If there was cash involved, there'd have to be a lot of oversight and duplication of staffing, video suveillance, etc.

As a previous poster has noted, there is a way for you to pay cash as your "hold". Once your cash deposit has been used up, you will be required to provide an additional cash deposit. This is a direct result of the choice you made when you gave up credit cards.

[sapper1]

Understandable, but any hotel I have stayed at Charges 50-100 bucks total hold, not 425 per person. The first time we went, we paid everything up front. Then gave them our CC number to hold. Since that time, we were subject to identity theft, and therfore do not use Credit Cards.
This trip was booked last minute, so 2k for tickets, then they want us to plop down another $850 for a hold? That is just plain retarded. They should have it so we can pay cash, or use a credit card for purchases, that will save them from people not paying!
As far as emergencies, we have our "emergency fund" for just that, not to give to HAL for some hold...
You can use a credit card. Just give them your number and they will put a hold on it. There is nothing retarded about it. The company has to protect itself. They are running a business, not a charity.
They set the rules and if you want to cruise, you abide by them. Shipboard llife is cashless, which is convenient for both the guest and the company.
The $800 is not a charge---only a hold against what you might spend. If by some miracle you manage your cruise without spending a cent, they will only charge the tips to your card and the hold will be released.

This policy was instituted because of the large number of passengers who spent so much of their credit in ports that they had nothing left to cover their shipboard accounts. The company has no idea of who will and who won't have enough credit left, so they have the "hold" which takes care of the problem nicely.

You really only see the odd person on these boards who has a problem with the system.

[bepsf]

...Since that time, we were subject to identity theft, and therfore do not use Credit Cards.
This trip was booked last minute, so 2k for tickets, then they want us to plop down another $850 for a hold? That is just plain retarded. They should have it so we can pay cash, or use a credit card for purchases, that will save them from people not paying!
As far as emergencies, we have our "emergency fund" for just that, not to give to HAL for some hold...

First off, Identity theft isn't a smart reason to stop using credit cards - but it's a great reason to keep track of your charges and frequently monitor your accounts & credit record closely.

Secondly, HAL isn't the only cruiseline to do this - and as other have stated, cruiselines aren't the only businesses to do this. Hotels & Car Rental Agencies - even restaurants who require credit cards to make reservations - do this all the time. A business that doesn't ensure that their customers have sufficient funds before extending credit is what's "retarded".

Finally, HAL isn't actually charging the $800 - they're merely making sure that you have $800 available should you spend that amount of money - which for 2 persons on a 7-day cruise really isn't all that much money. If you'd prefer to put down cash or traveler's checks or use a debit card, you can certainly do so...
...but you should be aware that using a Debit Card exposes you to the even greater risk of having your cash completely wiped out than using a Credit Card.

It sounds to me like you simply may not have $800 available for onboard spending - in which case, you need to decide if you can really afford to take a cruise at all.

[noblepa]

Actually, $425 per person is not all that unreasonable. Plenty of passengers have run up on board accounts of $1000 per person.

A hotel is going to hold at least one night's room charge.

While I understand some people's aversion to credit cards, I would be nervous leaving the country without one, preferably with plenty of available credit. Though rare, emergencies DO happen. Foreign hospitals aren't likely to accept your health insurance card. It can cost a lot to fly home in an emergency.

I personally think it is very wise to avoid using credit cards, but I think it is unwise, in this day and age, to not have one at all.

As others have pointed out, you can secure your onboard account with cash, if you like. This will avoid the problem of holds on your account, altogether.

Paul

[catl331]

You do not have to put down a deposit of the $60/p/d (I don't know where the other $5 you cite is coming from). You can put down a cash deposit on embarkation day for as little as the Hotel Service Charge of $11/p/d, I believe. But then you will not be able to charge anything to your ship-board account.

But as sapper1 said, what will you do in the case of an emergency? Personally I would not sail without a credit card or cash enough for at least plane tickets home. Is it too late for you to get a low-limit credit card?

[blackroze]

You all are right, we remembered the last cruise, and they did put a hold on our card, but this trip is different. We had someone run up about 30k against our cards, so we canceled them. This in turn has our credit in an upside down manner until we resolve it all.. this takes quite some time we found out.. We saved up enough money to pay for the cruise outright, then sock away a few hundred for trinkets. The problem is that HAL is going to hold the money until we get off the ship, which means it will be unavailable to spend. We have spoken with them, and we are going to what they call a "cash" account. I just did not realize about all the hold, because, up to this point, we had always used Credit Cards, and never really paid attention to holds. Our fault... Thank you guys for your insight into this!! It is invaluable! Happy Holidays!

[krusin']

I carry a preloaded credit card. You transfer funds from your bank to the card on the net anytime, anywhere. Works for me!:)

[sapper1]

You all are right, we remembered the last cruise, and they did put a hold on our card, but this trip is different. We had someone run up about 30k against our cards, so we canceled them. This in turn has our credit in an upside down manner until we resolve it all.. this takes quite some time we found out.. We saved up enough money to pay for the cruise outright, then sock away a few hundred for trinkets. The problem is that HAL is going to hold the money until we get off the ship, which means it will be unavailable to spend. We have spoken with them, and we are going to what they call a "cash" account. I just did not realize about all the hold, because, up to this point, we had always used Credit Cards, and never really paid attention to holds. Our fault... Thank you guys for your insight into this!! It is invaluable! Happy Holidays!
I am glad that you were able to have your issues resolved to your satisfaction. Have a wonderful cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You all are right, we remembered the last cruise, and they did put a hold on our card, but this trip is different. We had someone run up about 30k against our cards, so we canceled them. This in turn has our credit in an upside down manner until we resolve it all.. this takes quite some time we found out.. We saved up enough money to pay for the cruise outright, then sock away a few hundred for trinkets. The problem is that HAL is going to hold the money until we get off the ship, which means it will be unavailable to spend. We have spoken with them, and we are going to what they call a "cash" account. I just did not realize about all the hold, because, up to this point, we had always used Credit Cards, and never really paid attention to holds. Our fault... Thank you guys for your insight into this!! It is invaluable! Happy Holidays!

Sorry that you became a victim of identity theft.

But glad that you have worked everything out with HAL concerning the "Hold".

Enjoy your cruise and have a Happy New Year.

[Lizzie1213]

On our last cruise I put down cash. As it was rather a large sum, I went immediately to the office to open the onboard account. I spent much less than I put down, so I got back the difference on the last morning.

[Lizzie1213]

I carry a preloaded credit card. You transfer funds from your bank to the card on the net anytime, anywhere. Works for me!:)


That sounds like something I might consider. Do banks issuse those cards, and are they accepted anywhere in the world a regular credit card is accepted?

I am asking because I had a horrible problem with a regular credit card I had while traveling in Europe. I had the card for several years, had no balance, and was never late with a payment. Also, I called to notify the issuer that I would be out of the country and on which dates. While in Europe they cancelled my card. This was in 2009, probably a result of the credit crunch. Fortunately, I had other cards; otherwise, I don't know what I would have done. This incident made me not depend on credit overmuch when travelling, although I appreciate the convenience.

[Wilbo]

This is standard procedure with all hotels and resorts. The hold is in place until check out.
This protects the company from people charging invoices to the room and then not paying on departure.
You can imagine the problems if these companies didn't use this protection.
Many people would leave the hotel and the charges can't be collected if the card is maxed out.
I would rather use the current procedure than end up paying higher rates to cover people leaving the hotel "High and dry" and not covering charges

[Juanita462]

What happens if you don't have a high enough limit on your credit card
to cover the hold by HAL? We have a US account and US credit card and by the time we
pay for the cruise there won't be much left in that account.

For our cruise the hold would be 4200 pp and we have only 5k limit on
the card. We always take US travel cheques with us to pay onboard
costs.
We don't want to use our regular credit card because of the exchange rates when the charge is in US dollars. Our dollar is par right now but the bank charges 2 1/2 cents per dollar exchange rate and the credit card company charges another 2 cents - it really adds up.

I really don't want to raise the limit on the US credit card as we only use it for cruising.

[Wilbo]

Get a US funds credit card. We live in Canada and a US funds credit card saves us a fortune on service charges.
Yesterday I bought US dollars at par and paid 1% service charge.
With US card you buy US dollars when the exchange rate is good and place money in a CDN bank US account until its time to pay the bill.

[iancal]

We have VISA cards in our home currency and one in USD. Our credit cards have high limits. Not because we exercise them to those limits but rather as insurance in case our travel is interupted or we need to complete a transaction without delay (or to get points). We never, ever use our debit cards. Our shredder at home gets a good workout. We shred as one protection against identity theft.

[Randyk47]

Reminds me why I love my AMEX card. Kind of a pain to pay the annual fee but I never leave home without it. :)

[krusin']

That sounds like something I might consider. Do banks issuse those cards, and are they accepted anywhere in the world a regular credit card is accepted?

I am asking because I had a horrible problem with a regular credit card I had while traveling in Europe. I had the card for several years, had no balance, and was never late with a payment. Also, I called to notify the issuer that I would be out of the country and on which dates. While in Europe they cancelled my card. This was in 2009, probably a result of the credit crunch. Fortunately, I had other cards; otherwise, I don't know what I would have done. This incident made me not depend on credit overmuch when travelling, although I appreciate the convenience.
The card I have is a Bnk of Montreal Mastercard. You can preload up to
$ 10,000, there is only a one time charge of $ 9.95/3 years. It works at ATMs and anywhere you can shop with a Mastercard. There is no credit check and there is monthly charge interest-wise as it is your money you are using not theirs. With banks paying 1% on savings you're not suffering much storing your money on the card. You can transfer from any of your bank checking accounts by making it a bill payment to the card. I know there are similar deals in the U.S. you'll have to search the web for the best deal.:)

[PrincessYoga]

I don't use credit cards either. I just save for what I want and pay for it with my maestro debit card. For US based travel I have USD prepaid Mastercard card I can load. This can be used just like a normal card just like the last poster wrote about. I got it in Target.

[Lizzie1213]

The card I have is a Bnk of Montreal Mastercard. You can preload up to
$ 10,000, there is only a one time charge of $ 9.95/3 years. It works at ATMs and anywhere you can shop with a Mastercard. There is no credit check and there is monthly charge interest-wise as it is your money you are using not theirs. With banks paying 1% on savings you're not suffering much storing your money on the card. You can transfer from any of your bank checking accounts by making it a bill payment to the card. I know there are similar deals in the U.S. you'll have to search the web for the best deal.:)

Thank you so much!

[Lizzie1213]

I don't use credit cards either. I just save for what I want and pay for it with my maestro debit card. For US based travel I have USD prepaid Mastercard card I can load. This can be used just like a normal card just like the last poster wrote about. I got it in Target.

Thank you!

[serendipity1499]

What happens if you don't have a high enough limit on your credit card to cover the hold by HAL? We have a US account and US credit card and by the time we pay for the cruise there won't be much left in that account.

For our cruise the hold would be 4200 pp and we have only 5k limit on
the card. We always take US travel cheques with us to pay onboard
costs. <SNIP>
I really don't want to raise the limit on the US credit card as we only use it for cruising.

Juanita are you sure about the $4200 per person ?:confused:
A $4200 hold per person is for a 140 day cruise..Any cruise which is longer than 25 days, the hold will be $30 per day per person..For our 28 day cruise last year, HAL only put $1680 for both of us on a hold..

See Holland America under planning & advice:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Shipboard+Life&contentMenu=Money+Matters&contentSubMenu=Shipboard+Account (http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Shipboard+Life&contentMenu=Money+Matters&contentSubMenu=Shipboard+Account)

QUOTE Shipboard Account
Our cashless society is designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. When you board the ship, your account has already been activated and you may make purchases by simply showing your guest identification card and signing a receipt. On embarkation day, you will need to register your credit or debit card (Holland America Line Rewards™ Visa®, Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover®) in order to use your onboard account for shipboard purchases. Your card will be pre-authorized for US$60 per person for each day for cruises up to 25days and US$30 per person per day for cruises longer than 25 days.
<snip>
If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same pre-authorization amount. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Travelers checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board. UNQUOTE

Happy New Year.....:)Betty

[jmkennett]

I think the $60 per person authorization is a excessive when having a quad cabin (reasonable for a double). I have kids (9 & 12) and to have authorizations for them of $120 per day or $240 per day per cabin is ridiculous. If it were four adults in a cabin, who are using the spa, bars, etc., that's one thing. How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?

I work in a AAA 5-Diamond resort. On top of the room and tax, we authorize $100 per day, no matter the number of guests in the room. In our resort you have dining, room service, spa, tennis and golf, all of which guests charge to their room. It is watched daily. If a guest needs more cash on their account, we cut it off, leave a message and authorize more once we speak with the guest.

I understand HAL has to cover themselves, but there is a point when enough is enough, especially when the food is included in the fare. While it is obviously assumed that there will be expense once onboard, nowhere in the brochure or the website (that I've seen) does it state this amount is authorized until you check in online.

For a seven night cruise, I have to have $1700 available on my CC, debit card or cash to be held by HAL for at least a week or more. That is over half of my total cruise cost. To say I could be denied boarding if I don't have this amount is a bit much. The solution is simple. If I don't have enough money down, cut off my account, then it's my problem to fix it.

[jtl513]

How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?.Some people wait until they are on board to book excursions. One $49 pp excursion every day or a $98 one every other day, times two children, will do it. Throw in some possible costs for them like soda cards or internet time for facebooking and you're over $98 per day.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I think the $60 per person authorization is a excessive when having a quad cabin (reasonable for a double). I have kids (9 & 12) and to have authorizations for them of $120 per day or $240 per day per cabin is ridiculous. If it were four adults in a cabin, who are using the spa, bars, etc., that's one thing. How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?

I work in a AAA 5-Diamond resort. On top of the room and tax, we authorize $100 per day, no matter the number of guests in the room. In our resort you have dining, room service, spa, tennis and golf, all of which guests charge to their room. It is watched daily. If a guest needs more cash on their account, we cut it off, leave a message and authorize more once we speak with the guest.

I understand HAL has to cover themselves, but there is a point when enough is enough, especially when the food is included in the fare. While it is obviously assumed that there will be expense once onboard, nowhere in the brochure or the website (that I've seen) does it state this amount is authorized until you check in online.

For a seven night cruise, I have to have $1700 available on my CC, debit card or cash to be held by HAL for at least a week or more. That is over half of my total cruise cost. To say I could be denied boarding if I don't have this amount is a bit much. The solution is simple. If I don't have enough money down, cut off my account, then it's my problem to fix it.
I do agree with you especially when it comes to having children but a few things to keep in mind. One I am guessing the AAA 5 Star resort you work for does not have a casino that room charges can go against gambling debt, also in a normal land based resort most people tend to keep their kids close by yet on a cruise because we all feel that it is considerably safer to let the kids run free so to speak kids of course carry their cards with them and unless you set a limit on their cards they could very easily go to the shops and spend money, they could also go have several types of drinks at the Explorations Cafe hot coco and sodas, and if I am not mistaken in the kids area do they not have video arcades that cost money and you just use your ship card. I would suspect if there is not a set limit that a 12 year old could easily rack $60 per day quicker than an adult. Then if by chance if they are computer savey and like to do live chats or go to Facebook they may be able to even figure out a way to use the account on the computers and only sign up by the minute that is $75 cents a minute and have quite the internet bill.

In listing all these things that can happen it makes me glad that I do not have teens or pre teens I have a feeling that cruising would cost me a whole lot more. :D
I also am surprised they do not set a higher limit on teens/preteens :eek:

[VTcruisenut]

I surprised me the first cruise we took, but most hotels take a credit card as well. I think the HAL Staff in accounting does an amazing job keeping up with the cabin charges as it is and to have that info early saves so much time at disembarkment time. All in all, when looking back at our final bill, we did spend quite a bit of what they had secured when all is said and done! Unless you don't drink or do shore excursions or buy photos, you will spend money!:eek:

[serendipity1499]

I think the $60 per person authorization is a excessive when having a quad cabin (reasonable for a double). I have kids (9 & 12) and to have authorizations for them of $120 per day or $240 per day per cabin is ridiculous. If it were four adults in a cabin, who are using the spa, bars, etc., that's one thing. How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?

<SNIP>I
.
For a seven night cruise, I have to have $1700 available on my CC, debit card or cash to be held by HAL for at least a week or more. That is over half of my total cruise cost. To say I could be denied boarding if I don't have this amount is a bit much. The solution is simple. If I don't have enough money down, cut off my account, then it's my problem to fix it.

You will not be required to have a HOLD for your children of $60.00 per day, with the exception of the $11.00 per day for the Hotel service charge..

When you check in advise the agent on duty who is taking your credit card that you do not want your children to be able to charge on board.. They can issue a different kind of card to them..

For your 7 night cruise your hold will then be $60 per day each for you & your spouse plus $11 per day each for your two children.. That is a total of $994.00 not $1700..

Or you might ask at the front desk if they will place a small amount of $$ on each child's card, such as $5.00 a day...

I've also heard that when you do your on-line check-in registration, they will ask you if you want to permit your children to use their card as a credit card on board...I'm not positive of this though..

Or you don't have to give them a credit/debit card at all..Just put a cash deposit down & when this is used up they will notify you that you are running out of funds & ask you for more.. See my post No. 27 above!

Enjoy your cruise..

Cheers...:).Betty

[schoolinmy3]

I think the $60 per person authorization is a excessive when having a quad cabin (reasonable for a double). I have kids (9 & 12) and to have authorizations for them of $120 per day or $240 per day per cabin is ridiculous. If it were four adults in a cabin, who are using the spa, bars, etc., that's one thing. How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?

For a seven night cruise, I have to have $1700 available on my CC, debit card or cash to be held by HAL for at least a week or more. That is over half of my total cruise cost. To say I could be denied boarding if I don't have this amount is a bit much. The solution is simple. If I don't have enough money down, cut off my account, then it's my problem to fix it.

That isn't so bad, we were cruising the Med for 10 days as a family of 5 and our cruise hold amount was $3000! ;) Really it is not a big deal as it is just a hold amount. We have only 2 credit cards that we use. One is a Capital One so we don't incur foreign transaction fees. We don't generally use it for daily charges so it has a high enough credit limit for the hold amount. It really is a non issue. At the point that it is an issue that means we really can't afford the cruise.
Diane

[jmkennett]

Appreciate your replies. Diane, it actually can be an issue for a lot of people. Not all cruises are a 10 night in Europe. One could get a deal on a Caribbean sailing in the off season and very easily have their card authorized for more than they paid for the entire cruise.

I see it everyday in the hotel business. Time after time people do not want us authorizing their card above the amount of room and tax. Not everyone has a credit card with a huge limit. Many people nowadays use a debit card tied to their checking account. Even at the resort I work for, people pay $459 per night and are still concerned about this, as they have budgeted for a certain rate.

It's the principal of tying up people's money in anticipation of what they will buy or not buy. I agree it's becoming a way of life, but like everything these days, it's also becomes excessive in the name of protecting the "company". HAL, however, can easily protect itself by shutting off the charging capabilities. We do it the hotel business everyday. If someone doesn't allow us to use their card for incidentals, we don't allow them to charge to their room. It is called a "cash only guest". They won't be able to charge to their room, get a mini bar key, etc. unless they give us a deposit. Why can't HAL do this? I'm sure the Property Management System that HAL uses allows it, as most do. If I go to the casino to charge some chips to my room and my account does not have enough funds, then my cruise card should be declined. Just like a credit card if you are over your limit.

Understand I'm not against some authorization over the amount, as I understand it's purpose. The $11 a day pp should be the minimum requirement to protect the crew. It's the excessive amounts I'm against. I should have some say in what it is. If I've prepaid shore excursions, cabin credits, drink cards, spa services, etc, you don't need to tie up another $240 on my cc. I've paid for my cruise and the things that it includes. I've held up my end of the bargain. I should not be "denied boarding" if I choose not to allow them to hold an extra thousand dollars of my money, especially if I have already paid for it.

[Jemima]

At a hotel or resort, if there is a problem with an insufficient hold, the hotel can simply tell them to go. That would be a problem on a cruise ship at sea and in foreign ports.

[serendipity1499]

Appreciate your replies. Diane, it actually can be an issue for a lot of people. Not all cruises are a 10 night in Europe. One could get a deal on a Caribbean sailing in the off season and very easily have their card authorized for more than they paid for the entire cruise.

I see it everyday in the hotel business. Time after time people do not want us authorizing their card above the amount of room and tax. Not everyone has a credit card with a huge limit. Many people nowadays use a debit card tied to their checking account. Even at the resort I work for, people pay $459 per night and are still concerned about this, as they have budgeted for a certain rate.

It's the principal of tying up people's money in anticipation of what they will buy or not buy. I agree it's becoming a way of life, but like everything these days, it's also becomes excessive in the name of protecting the "company". HAL, however, can easily protect itself by shutting off the charging capabilities. We do it the hotel business everyday. If someone doesn't allow us to use their card for incidentals, we don't allow them to charge to their room. It is called a "cash only guest". They won't be able to charge to their room, get a mini bar key, etc. unless they give us a deposit. Why can't HAL do this? I'm sure the Property Management System that HAL uses allows it, as most do. If I go to the casino to charge some chips to my room and my account does not have enough funds, then my cruise card should be declined. Just like a credit card if you are over your limit.

Understand I'm not against some authorization over the amount, as I understand it's purpose. The $11 a day pp should be the minimum requirement to protect the crew. It's the excessive amounts I'm against. I should have some say in what it is. If I've prepaid shore excursions, cabin credits, drink cards, spa services, etc, you don't need to tie up another $240 on my cc. I've paid for my cruise and the things that it includes. I've held up my end of the bargain. I should not be "denied boarding" if I choose not to allow them to hold an extra thousand dollars of my money, especially if I have already paid for it.

You will not be denied boarding & HAL does permit you to use cash only...You also can decide what you want to put down, as long as you have put enough cash down to cover the $11. pp per day.. Once your cash deposit is used up they will contact you before cutting off your charging privledges...In addition you do not have give your children charging privileges..

I explained that in the above post, which you may not have read..

Enjoy your cruise...Betty

[catl331]

... nowhere in the brochure or the website (that I've seen) does it state this amount is authorized until you check in online.It may not jump out at you, but it's there. CLICK HERE (http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Shipboard+Life&contentMenu=Money+Matters&contentSubMenu=Can+I+Use+My+Credit+Card+On+Board%3 F)
I choose not to allow them to hold an extra thousand dollars of my money, especially if I have already paid for it. If you're using a credit (not debit) card they're not "holding" one dime of your money. They are temporarily lowering your credit limit, or reserving a portion of your limit, so that you can't spend that amount on shore someplace and not have enough credit left on disembarkation day to pay your bill.

[jmkennett]

I'll respond to the last three posts. If the room and tax are paid for, we would not remove them from the hotel. They would just not be able to buy the things on property. Their room has been paid. My argument is my cruise has been paid, I'm within cancel policy and you are technically saying if I don't have $1680 at departure, you won't let me sail. I could go on a cruise and not buy anything and be just fine (wouldn't be much fun). I think a lot of responders are missing my point and I am playing devil's advocate on a lot of this. I'm not against taking an additional amount. I'm against being excessive and being told I could be denied boarding. What if I only have $1200 available? Do I think someone would keep me from sailing? Probably not. However, you could catch someone on a bad day who is black and white on the rules.

Here is the cruise contract.

http://www.hollandamerica.com/legalAndPrivacy/Main.action?tabName=Cruise/Cruisetour+Contract

Nothing on it says anything about being denied boarding if I don't have a certain amount to put down once I board. Yes, it says it on the website. The contract is what matters. My problem is with HAL's saying of "denied boarding". I've not run into that on any other cruise line in 38 cruises, including a few years ago on HAL.

As to holding my money, yes they are holding my "available" money. The authorization ensures that the merchant will be able to charge your account for the amount authorized. If you have $1000 in your bank or on your cc limit and someone authorizes your debit or credit card for $200, you will now have $800 available. If I try to buy something for $900, that charge will be denied. So, they are controlling what I have available in my account. That authorization will stay on your account until the charge comes through, the merchant cancels the authorization or enough time passes that the authorization eventually falls off without a charge.

[jmkennett]

You will not be denied boarding & HAL does permit you to use cash only...You also can decide what you want to put down, as long as you have put enough cash down to cover the $11. pp per day.. Once your cash deposit is used up they will contact you before cutting off your charging privledges...In addition you do not have give your children charging privileges..

I explained that in the above post, which you may not have read..

Enjoy your cruise...Betty


Betty. Thanks. I'm just going by what it says on the check in page.

If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same amount (USD $60/person/day). ***Note - With the cash option, you MUST bring enough cash to cover the $60/person/day account deposit. Failure to do so may forfeit your right to board. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

[kazu]

Betty. Thanks. I'm just going by what it says on the check in page.

If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same amount (USD $60/person/day). ***Note - With the cash option, you MUST bring enough cash to cover the $60/person/day account deposit. Failure to do so may forfeit your right to board. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

The first answer on your thread said you could use cash. Trust me, Betty knows what can be done. She has certainly cruised enough. I think you are overly concerned. I prefer using my credit card myself (or a pre-loaded card as others have recommended to you). But,each to their own.

Your Quote -Understandable, but any hotel I have stayed at Charges 50-100 bucks total hold, not 425 per person. The first time we went, we paid everything up front.

This might be your experience, but I can tell you in all honesty, that, especially when staying in Europe, the hold is usually for at least one night's stay. Some hotels require a prepayment of 30% in advance (they refund if you cancel). It's all about protection. An d contracts

[oreilln]

I think the $60 per person authorization is a excessive when having a quad cabin (reasonable for a double). I have kids (9 & 12) and to have authorizations for them of $120 per day or $240 per day per cabin is ridiculous. If it were four adults in a cabin, who are using the spa, bars, etc., that's one thing. How do two young kids spend $98 PER DAY on a ship (minus $11 each for grats)?

I work in a AAA 5-Diamond resort. On top of the room and tax, we authorize $100 per day, no matter the number of guests in the room. In our resort you have dining, room service, spa, tennis and golf, all of which guests charge to their room. It is watched daily. If a guest needs more cash on their account, we cut it off, leave a message and authorize more once we speak with the guest.

I understand HAL has to cover themselves, but there is a point when enough is enough, especially when the food is included in the fare. While it is obviously assumed that there will be expense once onboard, nowhere in the brochure or the website (that I've seen) does it state this amount is authorized until you check in online.

For a seven night cruise, I have to have $1700 available on my CC, debit card or cash to be held by HAL for at least a week or more. That is over half of my total cruise cost. To say I could be denied boarding if I don't have this amount is a bit much. The solution is simple. If I don't have enough money down, cut off my account, then it's my problem to fix it.

I have to say I agree with you, we also have a child and are on a 16 night cruise so this means I have to have over $3000 on my debit card. We do not intend spending anything like this amount so it is quite irritating!

[Randyk47]

I guess you could build up an account balance by buying pre-paid shipboard credits. Those are available in $5, $25, $50, and $100 increments and you could build up probably enough to cover your expected charges and hotel service charge. The major advantage would be that you could, in essence, pay for that part of your cruise over an extended period of time if you've booked like say a year out. The downside is that you wouldn't have the money in your personal account at home but it's not like you're going to be missing out on a whole bunch of interest income with what most banks are paying nowadays.

[jtl513]

If I try to buy something for $900, that charge will be denied. So, they are controlling what I have available in my account. That's precisely the point. HAL has no way of knowing who will overspend on shore and who won't, so they are imposing the same rule on everyone in order to ensure they will get paid.

... so this means I have to have over $3000 on my debit card.
I guess you could build up an account balance by buying pre-paid shipboard credits. In both these cases HAL would be holding your money - REAL money, not "available" money - which seems to be what the OP is objecting to most strenuously.

[m steve]

The easiest way to handle it, unless you only use cash, is to contact your credit card company and ask for an increase. If you have a good credit hisrory and you are not already close to your limit, they should authorize an increase to take care of the hold. The credit card companies want you to spend more.

[peaches from georgia]

I have to say I agree with you, we also have a child and are on a 16 night cruise so this means I have to have over $3000 on my debit card. We do not intend spending anything like this amount so it is quite irritating!
This is one reason among several that we wouldn't use a debit card to back our ship's account. With a debit card you have to have that much actual cash in your bank account and there will be a hold on its use for other items you might want to buy or you may need it in case of emergency or when traveling.

With a credit card all you need is the credit limit for that amount which you could borrow if needed. Plus, in case of dispute the credit card company will investigate and deny a charge that shouldn't be charged to you. With a debit card the cash is taken and you might have a problem getting it back.

[jtl513]

The easiest way to handle it, unless you only use cash, is to contact your credit card company and ask for an increase. If you have a good credit hisrory and you are not already close to your limit, they should authorize an increase to take care of the hold. The credit card companies want you to spend more.That's not so true in the last two years. Credit card companies are trying to limit their exposure these days. We have an excellent credit rating, and one card reduced our credit limit for no other reason than we hadn't used it often enough! We used to get 2 or 3 "pre-approved" credit card offers each week, and now they're very rare.

[Okie1946]

After following this thread with interest, I called my bank and asked about all of the questions that were raised in this thread. Because of the thread, a separate account was opened. That account will have a debit card attached to it that will be the one used to post the credit for the cruise line. We will be carrying a separate card that we have cleared with the bank to be used to purchase pesos while on our upcoming cruise to Mexico. While using our card at the local Mexican ATM's the bank charges 3% of the dollar value taken out. So for every $100.00 that we withdraw - the bank will charge $3.00. That figures out to be a cheaper exchange than using dollars for the local purchases.

Great thread and some good issues raised.

Previous Cruises
Alaska - Westerdam - September 2009
Alaska - Rotterdam - September 2010

[catl331]

That's precisely the point. HAL has no way of knowing who will overspend on shore and who won't, so they are imposing the same rule on everyone in order to ensure they will get paid.I agree that in many cases (including ours) the hold amount is excessive. But, like so much of our society today, responsible people often have to pay the penalty for the sins of too many irresponsible people.

[jmkennett]

Agree with the post that credit card companies are not giving out cards these days. Many are reducing available credit, even on those with 700+ credit scores.

Again, my biggest problem with HAL's policy is the possibility of being DENIED BOARDING. For everyone that says they won't do it, HAL says it, not me. Playing devil's advocate, if I chose not to buy anything on the ship, that is my decision. I know people say, well that is just how it is and hotels, rental cars, etc. all do it. That's great, but it is nowhere in HAL's contract that they will tie up another $240 a day of my cash. Online maybe, but not in the contract. It's in rental car contracts and hotels won't deny you the stay (you just won't be able to charge anything to your room, use the in room movies, minibar, etc).

The argument is that HAL has to protect itself. They can if they shut off my onboard account. What would they do if I tried to buy $3000 worth of shore excursions, spa, jewelry in the shops, etc. They would cut off my account until they could get authorization, which is exactly my point. They can cutoff my account at anytime if I don't have the funds, so they are completely protected. I should be given some leeway on what I put down in the beginning. Make it known to me that my onboard account will only be able to be used for what is authorized on my card (or cash deposit). Once I reach that limit, the account is unavailable until I give them more money (which is what happens anyway).

I've paid for the cruise for what it includes, transporation on the ship, most meals, entertainment etc. So, I get to the pier, maybe have had a credit card issue or have had a situation pop up before the cruise that reduces my available cash or credit. I only have $1300 available rather than the "required" $1680. According to HAL, they can deny me the cruise at the pier, when I've paid for it. This is plain wrong.

[Randyk47]

I guess you could build up an account balance by buying pre-paid shipboard credits. Those are available in $5, $25, $50, and $100 increments and you could build up probably enough to cover your expected charges and hotel service charge. The major advantage would be that you could, in essence, pay for that part of your cruise over an extended period of time if you've booked like say a year out. The downside is that you wouldn't have the money in your personal account at home but it's not like you're going to be missing out on a whole bunch of interest income with what most banks are paying nowadays.


In both these cases HAL would be holding your money - REAL money, not "available" money - which seems to be what the OP is objecting to most strenuously.

Understand John. I was more addressing the general notion of no wanting to have a hold on a credit card or debit card. I offer the "pay up front" option as a way to avoid those holds though personally I can't say I'd be too excited about my suggestion. Actually I read it here on another thread as I recall and it was the CC'er's way of spreading the cost of the cruise over an extended period before the cruise. Kind of like the old Christmas savings accounts. Like I said, I'm not too hot about the idea of having a lot of cash pre-deposited for a cruise but I don't have a problem with HAL, or any cruise line, putting a hold on a credit card.

[iancal]

I do not have a problem with the cruise lines placing a 'hold' on credit card funds. It is good business practice and it is the norm in the hospitality business. In most instances when you provide you card when checking into a hotel or when renting a car the vendor will get a credid card approval for a certain amount of funds.

We almost never use our debit cards other than at a financial institution. They are just not very secure. Credit cards give us more protection...and rewards.

[lorekauf]

I agree that in many cases (including ours) the hold amount is excessive. But, like so much of our society today, responsible people often have to pay the penalty for the sins of too many irresponsible people.
And that's the kicker. I would rather HAL hold $60 on my account everyday then let these deadbeats off the ship without paying their bill. I never spend that much either. Frankly, I don't know why people live so close to the edge that this puts them over. Please, do the research before you book the cruise. These threads come up a lot so I don't know why this should be a surprise to anyone. If people are living that close to the edge you might be better off booking an inside room rather then that suite. If you can't afford the hold maybe another type of vacation would be better suited to your credit limitations.

[schoolinmy3]

I do not have a problem with the cruise lines placing a 'hold' on credit card funds. It is good business practice and it is the norm in the hospitality business. In most instances when you provide you card when checking into a hotel or when renting a car the vendor will get a credid card approval for a certain amount of funds.

We almost never use our debit cards other than at a financial institution. They are just not very secure. Credit cards give us more protection...and rewards.

We never use our debit cards either. They are not as secure and you are not as protected as you are with a credit card if unauthorized charges do occur.
Diane

[MMDown Under]

And that's the kicker. I would rather HAL hold $60 on my account everyday then let these deadbeats off the ship without paying their bill. I never spend that much either. Frankly, I don't know why people live so close to the edge that this puts them over. Please, do the research before you book the cruise. These threads come up a lot so I don't know why this should be a surprise to anyone. If people are living that close to the edge you might be better off booking an inside room rather then that suite. If you can't afford the hold maybe another type of vacation would be better suited to your credit limitations.

This is a dealbreaker for me.

It is not that I cannot afford the hold, it is that I don't want the inconvenience.

$3000US hold on my credit card for a 25 day cruise, which may not be released for 30 days, is just plain ridiculous!

What about availability of funds for payment of miscellaneous expenditure for my post cruise land content travels?

My holds on MSC were small enough for me to pay in cash, which I topped up, as necessary.

[Cruise Organizer]

I don't have a problem with a $60 pp hold. With tips, excursions, alcohol, photo's and spa, we usually exceed this amount.
I sailed Europe last year - there was 4 of us.

I would imagine that HAL knows what the average spending pp is on their cruises and set the hold based on this info.
There are people that drink this much on a daily basis.

This is not a charge, but availability of funds.
There are stores that also put holds on your account, but don't disclose it. Knowing the amount of the hold, lets you plan for it.

[bepsf]

$3000US hold on my credit card for a 25 day cruise, which may not be released for 30 days, is just plain ridiculous!

Really?
Considering that some folks easily spend $1000/pp within a 7 days for shore excursions, cocktails, etc. - $3000 for two persons over 25 days is a drop in the bucket...
...and the hold doens't take 30 days to drop - Once your onboard bill is charged to your card within a couple days of the end of the cruise, the hold is dropped.

But rather than get all bent out of shape about it, why not just take it as something to be aware of and plan accordingly?

[Texas Tillie]

Does anyone know what the "holds" are for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Celebrity, etc??? Could it be that their's aren't that much different than HAL's and all the "to do" is a result of HAL actually telling their passengers about the hold?

[lorekauf]

Really?
But rather than get all bent out of shape about it, why not just take it as something to be aware of and plan accordingly?
But why would anyone want to take responsibility for themselves;). That's no fun:D.

[bepsf]

Does anyone know what the "holds" are for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Celebrity, etc??? Could it be that their's aren't that much different than HAL's and all the "to do" is a result of HAL actually telling their passengers about the hold?

Carnival:
"For your convenience, charges for most of your onboard purchases will be posted to your Sail & Sign® account. A required application form will be included with your documents. Registration for this program will occur at the time of embarkation. Carnival accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover® Network Card, Diner's Club, Optima Card and cash for deposit on your account. A deposit (ranging from $100 to $350 depending on cruise duration) will be required for cash accounts. Third-party credit cards, Travel Funds Cards, Credit Card Gift Cards and Mini Credit Cards are not accepted on board
If you are using a credit card or debit/check cashing card please be advised that there will be a hold placed on your account as a deposit for your onboard purchases. During your cruise additional holds will be added if your Sail & Sign® account exceeds the amount of deposit Carnival has on file. If you presented a credit card, this will reduce the amount available on your credit card for other purchases. If you presented a debit/check cashing card, the hold will restrict the available cash in your checking account. All charges will be billed to the credit card or debit/check cashing card at the end of the cruise. Please note that Carnival Cruise Lines will not be held responsible for any bank-imposed overage or insufficient funds charged on debit or credit cards."

RCCL and Celebrity don't mention it on their websites - and NCL only seems to discuss it in their forums, not their official blurbage on their website...
...but then again, I never see anything on CC holds for Hotel or Rental Car websites either.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Fortunately with HAL you can pre purchase Ship Board Credit. It is my understanding that on a long cruise they will not require you to pay the whole amount in a cash deposit. It is my understanding that they do a hold for up to three days at a time so depending on your spending will depend on how much they will require you to have deposited.

I have seen a huge change in the past year in regards to usage of credit cards/debit cards for purchasing cruises and about questions for ship board account. I have clients that have no problem purchasing expensive cruises but tell me they have gotten rid of credit cards.

I had one client tell me that because he seldom used his two credit cards and kept zero balances that they closed him and he got ticked at them and said fine I do not need credit cards. It is definitely not the same credit world we knew a few years ago.

I do believe that HAL does implements a larger hold than many of the other cruise lines.

[durangoscots]

I believe that I had the same amount "hold" on Cunard.... and I have used my credit card soon after a cruise with no problem... so they must release that hold pretty darn quick. And another thought .... gas stations put holds on when you use credit or debit cards when you fill up and those holds may not be released quickly. It is one of the major causes of overdraws or refusals on debit cards.

HAL is very up front about what they are doing... and you can figure out how to handle it. I have used cash in the form of travelers checks (which are free at my bank) to reduce the hold.

Susan

[iancal]

I agree, a hold over $1000. is unreasonable. Most places would do a hold for that, or less. . When the charge got to the hold amount, bill the card, then place another hold on the account for the next increment. And if the cc will not authorize the second hold....its cut off time at the ok corral but no one is inconvenienced. And the customer is happy.

[lorekauf]

Fortunately with HAL you can pre purchase Ship Board Credit. It is my understanding that on a long cruise they will not require you to pay the whole amount in a cash deposit. It is my understanding that they do a hold for up to three days at a time so depending on your spending will depend on how much they will require you to have deposited.

I have seen a huge change in the past year in regards to usage of credit cards/debit cards for purchasing cruises and about questions for ship board account. I have clients that have no problem purchasing expensive cruises but tell me they have gotten rid of credit cards.

I had one client tell me that because he seldom used his two credit cards and kept zero balances that they closed him and he got ticked at them and said fine I do not need credit cards. It is definitely not the same credit world we knew a few years ago.

I do believe that HAL does implements a larger hold than many of the other cruise lines.
I don't know how anyone functions in this world without a credit card. I charge everything over $15 on my credit cards. I keep close tabs of my spending by checking my balance over the internet. I pay my balances off in total every month. In essence I've got the bank floating me a loan for a month or more. Why use my money when I can use the their money? For people who can't control themselves this of course wouldn't work.

[durangoscots]

[quote=iancal;28241040I agree, a hold over $1000. is unreasonable. . And if the cc will not authorize the second hold....its cut off time at the ok corral but no one is inconvenienced. And the customer is happy.[/quote]

But if there is no money left they may "shaft" the crew for the rest of the time.

Susan

[jtl513]

I don't know how anyone functions in this world without a credit card. I charge everything over $15 on my credit cards.I almost never have more than $20 in my wallet, and use my credit card for almost every purchase ... sometimes as low as $5. Like you I check the charges on-line regularly, and pay the balance in full every month so it never costs me a dime in interest - just the annual $30 fee. I get points with my card that I use for Marriott-family hotels, which typically saves me about $200 per year! :cool:

[serendipity1499]

Betty. Thanks. I'm just going by what it says on the check in page.

If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same amount (USD $60/person/day). ***Note - With the cash option, you MUST bring enough cash to cover the $60/person/day account deposit. Failure to do so may forfeit your right to board. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.

OK..Understand what you are saying, however I don't know of any Airline, Tour Company or Cruise line which has information about on expenses incurred while traveling with them in the "Contract of Carriage"..

I'm assuming you are an intelligent person,& don't understand why you did not go to HAL's Web site & look at all of the FAQ's in addition to all the info for booked guests, prior to your booking..Bruce Muzz a long time cruise officer of several different cruise lines explained why holds were required by cruise lines: See
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=23517463#post23517463

Since I'm not a HAL employee I can't speak for them but know that many CC posters have put cash deposits down...You keep insisting that HAL requires $60 per day per person, but you don't take into consideration that your children do not have to charge..The $60 per day is for you & your spouse only....All you have put down for your children is $11. each per day for the hotel service charge..When you do your on-line check in you will be asked if you want to give your children charge privileges..Say NO on that..Therefore the amount you will be required to put down or let them hold on a credit/debit card is $994..

You may be a responsible person & can watch your spending, but there are many deadbeats in this world & we all are paying the price for them..As a stockholder I'm very happy that HAL is putting $60 Holds on Cards, to eliminate many deadbeats..BTW the $60 is an average of what most psgrs on board expenses are..We never spend that on our cruises..I also use two Credit Cards..One for HAL & the other is our Capitalone card for purchases in port in order not to pay the 3-4% currency conversion fees that most banks charge when using a credit card in a foreign country..

As other posters have mentioned you can purchase On board credits in advance..I'm not sure when you are cruising but you might want to think about that..

I have to say I agree with you, we also have a child and are on a 16 night cruise so this means I have to have over $3000 on my debit card. We do not intend spending anything like this amount so it is quite irritating!

Where are you getting you figure of $3,000 ... $60 per day for two people for 16 days is $1920..Your child does not have to be given charge privledges..You only have to put $11 per day down, which is an additional $176...

I guess you could build up an account balance by buying pre-paid shipboard credits. Those are available in $5, $25, $50, and $100 increments and you could build up probably enough to cover your expected charges and hotel service charge. The major advantage would be that you could, in essence, pay for that part of your cruise over an extended period of time if you've booked like say a year out. The downside is that you wouldn't have the money in your personal account at home but it's not like you're going to be missing out on a whole bunch of interest income with what most banks are paying nowadays.

For those of you who are having problems with the $60 per day, think about what Randy, Lisa & others have said about purchasing your on board credits in advance..If you don't spend all of that you will get a cash refund..

Cheers....:)Betty

[jmkennett]

OK..Understand what you are saying, however I don't know of any Airline, Tour Company or Cruise line which has information about on expenses incurred while traveling with them in the "Contract of Carriage"..

I'm assuming you are an intelligent person,& don't understand why you did not go to HAL's Web site & look at all of the FAQ's in addition to all the info for booked guests, prior to your booking..Bruce Muzz a long time cruise officer of several different cruise lines explained why holds were required by cruise lines: See
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=23517463#post23517463

Since I'm not a HAL employee I can't speak for them but know that many CC posters have put cash deposits down...You keep insisting that HAL requires $60 per day per person, but you don't take into consideration that your children do not have to charge..The $60 per day is for you & your spouse only....All you have put down for your children is $11. each per day for the hotel service charge..When you do your on-line check in you will be asked if you want to give your children charge privileges..Say NO on that..Therefore the amount you will be required to put down or let them hold on a credit/debit card is $994..

You may be a responsible person & can watch your spending, but there are many deadbeats in this world & we all are paying the price for them..As a stockholder I'm very happy that HAL is putting $60 Holds on Cards, to eliminate many deadbeats..BTW the $60 is an average of what most psgrs on board expenses are..We never spend that on our cruises..I also use two Credit Cards..One for HAL & the other is our Capitalone card for purchases in port in order not to pay the 3-4% currency conversion fees that most banks charge when using a credit card in a foreign country..

As other posters have mentioned you can purchase On board credits in advance..I'm not sure when you are cruising but you might want to think about that..



Where are you getting you figure of $3,000 ... $60 per day for two people for 16 days is $1920..Your child does not have to be given charge privledges..You only have to put $11 per day down, which is an additional $176...



For those of you who are having problems with the $60 per day, think about what Randy, Lisa & others have said about purchasing your on board credits in advance..If you don't spend all of that you will get a cash refund..

Cheers....:)Betty

There is no distinction between adults and children. It is per person and does not take into account the age of the guest. This was also backed up by HAL reservations. Below is a copy and paste of a 4th person (9 years old in this case) check in screen. There is no opt out.

Pay Onboard With * Pre-Authorized Credit Card (Simplest and Best Option)
Cash
Terms and Conditions *

I agree to the Onboard Expenses Terms & Conditions
Onboard Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Many on this thread have commented about deadbeats (not you Betty). I don't like deadbeats anymore than anybody else. What does this have to do with deadbeats? If you have no money on your account, you can't buy anything. If you have $400 approved, you can purchase $400 onboard. Do you really think if you have $1000 approved and you try to charge $2000 for a diamond in the gift shop that they will allow it just because you are dressed nice on formal night? No. They will have someone at the reception desk contact you to add more funds to your account. So, the amount is irrelevant. Some think $60 is per day, per person is excessive, others don't. One passenger may spend $300 on the whole cruise, where another may spend $6000. HAL can protect themselves regardless of what is authorized because they have control over your shipboard account.

Again, my argument is the principal of the saying "Denial of Boarding" if I choose not to have a certain amount authorized. Not saying I will try not to submit the $60 pp, per day. I go on cruises to have fun and that involves spending money. I get it. Been on 38 of them. My argument is I've paid the cruise in full and I expect to be allowed on the ship and not be told I need another 60% of my cruise fare for what I might spend or I will be denied boarding.

[jmkennett]

And that's the kicker. I would rather HAL hold $60 on my account everyday then let these deadbeats off the ship without paying their bill. I never spend that much either. Frankly, I don't know why people live so close to the edge that this puts them over. Please, do the research before you book the cruise. These threads come up a lot so I don't know why this should be a surprise to anyone. If people are living that close to the edge you might be better off booking an inside room rather then that suite. If you can't afford the hold maybe another type of vacation would be better suited to your credit limitations.

This is not a surprise, just a thread stating what many people feel are excessive holds on passenger's accounts and the debate about it. It's not about the ability to keep up with the elite members of society. As long as that individual has paid for the cruise and has the funds to cover whatever they want to purchase onboard, it's a moot point on how they live their life. It's the principal of HAL holding an excessive amount of money on your account for what they think you may charge. With the computer systems used these days on hotels and cruise ships, as soon as someone reaches their authorized limit, their account is cutoff. Working in a hotel I can attest to this. There is no way that someone can charge something to their room if they do not have the authorized amount on their account. So, rest assured, HAL is not in any danger of a deadbeat taking advantage of them as they were in the past unless it is a fraud situation.

[ironin]

This is not a surprise, just a thread stating what many people feel are excessive holds on passenger's accounts and the debate about it. It's not about the ability to keep up with the elite members of society, such as yourself. As long as that individual has paid for the cruise and has the funds to cover whatever they want to purchase onboard, it's a moot point on how they live their life. It's the principal of HAL holding an excessive amount of money on your account for what they think you may charge. With the computer systems used these days on hotels and cruise ships, as soon as someone reaches their authorized limit, their account is cutoff. Working in a hotel I can attest to this. There is no way that someone can charge something to their room if they do not have the authorized amount on their account. So, rest assured, HAL is not in any danger of a deadbeat taking advantage of them as they were in the past unless it is a fraud situation.

Based on what I've read here on CC, it seems to me that a high proportion of those who complain about this particular issue find some excuse to remove the hotel service charge from their account prior to disembarking. (The original OP of this thread is a good example.) As that impacts employee morale and compensation, the issue is not that simple. You're right about the ability to cut someone's account off, but there is a big difference between cutting someone off at your 5-star hotel (and showing them the door if necessary) and cutting someone off on the second day of a 20 day cruise. I'm not necessarily defending their procedure, but I don't believe it is as black-and-white as you choose to make it out to be.

Besides, just about anyone with a decent credit rating can get a standard American Express card these days. As it is not a credit card but a charge card, if one uses it for the hold, the problem is basically solved. IOW, life is about choices and there are other cruise lines.

[serendipity1499]

There is no distinction between adults and children. It is per person and does not take into account the age of the guest. This was also backed up by HAL reservations. Below is a copy and paste of a 4th person (9 years old in this case) check in screen. There is no opt out.

Pay Onboard With * Pre-Authorized Credit Card (Simplest and Best Option)
Cash
Terms and Conditions *

I agree to the Onboard Expenses Terms & Conditions
Onboard Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Many on this thread have commented about deadbeats (not you Betty). I don't like deadbeats anymore than anybody else. What does this have to do with deadbeats? If you have no money on your account, you can't buy anything. If you have $400 approved, you can purchase $400 onboard. Do you really think if you have $1000 approved and you try to charge $2000 for a diamond in the gift shop that they will allow it just because you are dressed nice on formal night? No. They will have someone at the reception desk contact you to add more funds to your account. So, the amount is irrelevant. Some think $60 is per day, per person is excessive, others don't. One passenger may spend $300 on the whole cruise, where another may spend $6000. HAL can protect themselves regardless of what is authorized because they have control over your shipboard account.

Again, my argument is the principal of the saying "Denial of Boarding" if I choose not to have a certain amount authorized. Not saying I will try not to submit the $60 pp, per day. I go on cruises to have fun and that involves spending money. I get it. Been on 38 of them. My argument is I've paid the cruise in full and I expect to be allowed on the ship and not be told I need another 60% of my cruise fare for what I might spend or I will be denied boarding.

OK Now I get it ..You are annoyed about the fact that HAL is stating they will deny you boarding if you don't put $60 per person down.. I completely understand that, because if you tell the check in Agent at the Port that you are going to put cash down...Then you have to go to the front desk on board to set up your account..By then the ship will probably have sailed, & they won't throw you overboard then:eek::eek:..LOL..

Many posters say they make a deposit of a few hundred $$$ (not the whole $60 per day) & if the account is running low, HAL will contact them to put down more cash..I know that one of them is Rev. Neal..Hopefully he will read this thread & explain how he does it.. Lots of people from Australia, NZ use cash since their banks keep holds on their accounts much longer than U.S. Banks..I understand & do agree that the threat is there, but I would doubt that it is not enforced..BTW HAL actually expects you to spend $49 a day as the $11 is the Hotel Service Charge..

Re the Kids..Have you completed your check-in? If not it may be that on completion of your check=in the little box comes up about giving your children charge privileges..Many posters have mentioned this but since we don't have little ones I can't tell you where it is..Also you know that they do nothing with the card until you actually check in at the pier..I've used one card on-line & then given the check Agent a completely different card at the pier..

Anyway guess we can't all agree, but I hope you have a wonderful vacation & you work it out with HAL..

Cheers...:)Betty

[jmkennett]

OK Now I get it ..You are annoyed about the fact that HAL is stating they will deny you boarding if you don't put $60 per person down.. I completely understand that, because if you tell the check in Agent at the Port that you are going to put cash down...Then you have to go to the front desk on board to set up your account..By then the ship will probably have sailed, & they won't throw you overboard then:eek::eek:..LOL..

Many posters say they make a deposit of a few hundred $$$ (not the whole $60 per day) & if the account is running low, HAL will contact them to put down more cash..I know that one of them is Rev. Neal..Hopefully he will read this thread & explain how he does it.. Lots of people from Australia, NZ use cash since their banks keep holds on their accounts much longer than U.S. Banks..I understand & do agree that the threat is there, but I would doubt that it is not enforced..BTW HAL actually expects you to spend $49 a day as the $11 is the Hotel Service Charge..

Re the Kids..Have you completed your check-in? If not it may be that on completion of your check=in the little box comes up about giving your children charge privileges..Many posters have mentioned this but since we don't have little ones I can't tell you where it is..Also you know that they do nothing with the card until you actually check in at the pier..I've used one card on-line & then given the check Agent a completely different card at the pier..

Anyway guess we can't all agree, but I hope you have a wonderful vacation & you work it out with HAL..

Cheers...:)Betty


Thank you! Maybe I'll run out of cash and they will leave me on Half Moon Cay! Appreciate your info. Not trying to be difficult on these posts. Just tired of so many of these companies who are very quick to charge or authorize your card, then very slow in returning it back to you.

[sapper1]

This is not a surprise, just a thread stating what many people feel are excessive holds on passenger's accounts and the debate about it. It's not about the ability to keep up with the elite members of society. As long as that individual has paid for the cruise and has the funds to cover whatever they want to purchase onboard, it's a moot point on how they live their life. It's the principal of HAL holding an excessive amount of money on your account for what they think you may charge. With the computer systems used these days on hotels and cruise ships, as soon as someone reaches their authorized limit, their account is cutoff. Working in a hotel I can attest to this. There is no way that someone can charge something to their room if they do not have the authorized amount on their account. So, rest assured, HAL is not in any danger of a deadbeat taking advantage of them as they were in the past unless it is a fraud situation.
Just playing devil's advocate here----OK so you have checked in and are allowed to just have a hold for the hotel service charge placed on your credit card. Because you have no further credit available on your card you refrain from buying drinks or any spending on board.

Now you have a medical emergency and need some expensive treatment onboard before you can be evacuated at the next port. There is no credit left on your card, HAL does not have a hold and they are left holding the bag for your treatment. You may or may not have insurance but even with insurance you have to pay upfront and claim later. Maybe you are not a deadbeat and will reimburse HAL at a later date. Who knows? HAL certainly doesn't.

Not that it is HAL's concern but you are now ashore with no credit available on your cards, needing funds for hotels, doctors, emergency airfare, food etc. I cannot imagine anyone in this day and age taking a trip without substantial credit available, and if you have the credit available you would not even know there was a hold if you were not told.

I am using a generic "you" in this argument and I don't mean you personally.

With regard to your hotel reference; people who get sick in hotels go to a nearby hospital and the hotel is not left bearing the cost of their treatment.

There is just more involved financially when you cruise than just the basic cost of the cruise. From reading these boards I get the impression that a great number of people feel that if they can scrape up the money to get on the ship that is all that matters. Then when they find out about the other requirements and costs involved they start protesting.

[kazu]

Just playing devil's advocate here----OK so you have checked in and are allowed to just have a hold for the hotel service charge placed on your credit card. Because you have no further credit available on your card you refrain from buying drinks or any spending on board.

Now you have a medical emergency and need some expensive treatment onboard before you can be evacuated at the next port. There is no credit left on your card, HAL does not have a hold and they are left holding the bag for your treatment. You may or may not have insurance but even with insurance you have to pay upfront and claim later. Maybe you are not a deadbeat and will reimburse HAL at a later date. Who knows? HAL certainly doesn't.

Not that it is HAL's concern but you are now ashore with no credit available on your cards, needing funds for hotels, doctors, emergency airfare, food etc. I cannot imagine anyone in this day and age taking a trip without substantial credit available, and if you have the credit available you would not even know there was a hold if you were not told.

I am using a generic "you" in this argument and I don't mean you personally.

With regard to your hotel reference; people who get sick in hotels go to a nearby hospital and the hotel is not left bearing the cost of their treatment.

There is just more involved financially when you cruise than just the basic cost of the cruise. From reading these boards I get the impression that a great number of people feel that if they can scrape up the money to get on the ship that is all that matters. Then when they find out about the other requirements and costs involved they start protesting.

Sapper makes some very good points here. - there is a lot more involved in cruising than a hotel stay ;)

[m steve]

I don't hear a string of announcements before disembarking calling certain people to the purser's desk. So we can get off the ship a lot faster.

[sapper1]

I don't hear a string of announcements before disembarking calling certain people to the purser's desk. So we can get off the ship a lot faster.
Another good point which I feel we can all relate to.

[jmkennett]

Just playing devil's advocate here----OK so you have checked in and are allowed to just have a hold for the hotel service charge placed on your credit card. Because you have no further credit available on your card you refrain from buying drinks or any spending on board.

Now you have a medical emergency and need some expensive treatment onboard before you can be evacuated at the next port. There is no credit left on your card, HAL does not have a hold and they are left holding the bag for your treatment. You may or may not have insurance but even with insurance you have to pay upfront and claim later. Maybe you are not a deadbeat and will reimburse HAL at a later date. Who knows? HAL certainly doesn't.

Not that it is HAL's concern but you are now ashore with no credit available on your cards, needing funds for hotels, doctors, emergency airfare, food etc. I cannot imagine anyone in this day and age taking a trip without substantial credit available, and if you have the credit available you would not even know there was a hold if you were not told.

I am using a generic "you" in this argument and I don't mean you personally.

With regard to your hotel reference; people who get sick in hotels go to a nearby hospital and the hotel is not left bearing the cost of their treatment.

There is just more involved financially when you cruise than just the basic cost of the cruise. From reading these boards I get the impression that a great number of people feel that if they can scrape up the money to get on the ship that is all that matters. Then when they find out about the other requirements and costs involved they start protesting.

Hi. Good point. With serious medical cases, however, I believe HAL is taking that risk with everyone. If someone needs a lot of medical care onboard, the cost of that will probably be much higher than the $60 pp, per day authorized. So, they have done their standard $840 authorization and a guest has $2500 in medical bills, they still run the risk of being out a lot of money if the guest has reached their credit limit shopping in port. There are always rare circumstances.

Not to give them any ideas, but I guess HAL and the other cruise lines could start requiring everyone to buy insurance before they board as well. If the debate is HAL needs to cover themselves from deadbeats, then why would that scenario be so farfetched? Just to be clear, I think it is wise to have the insurance. While I agree that you should have as much credit available to you as possible while abroad, I would bet there are very few onboard who have a limit on their credit card that could cover an evacuation cost or hospitalization in port. I don't see how it differs from being at home. I don't have a credit limit that would cover me for an emergency hospitaliztion in the States. That is why I have medical insurance at home and buy travel insurance while away.

With a hotel, yes, you can easily go to a nearby hospital. One thing I will add about being kicked out of a hotel. Others on this thread have mentioned that it is much easier to kick someone out of hotel than off of a cruise ship. It probably is, however, it is not as easy as you think to get someone out of a hotel, especially a long stay guest. Depending on the state, we deal with landloard tenant law. In extreme cases, depending on length of stay, we cannot legally kick them out unless we get an eviction notice.

[sapper1]

[quote=jmkennett;28251366
Not to give them any ideas, but I guess HAL and the other cruise lines could start requiring everyone to buy insurance before they board as well. If the debate is HAL needs to cover themselves from deadbeats, then why would that scenario be so farfetched?
.[/quote]

The Canadian government website is informing travellers to Cuba that as of May 1, 2010, you must show proof of medical insurance to enter the country and if you arrive without it you must purchase it from a Cuban company before continuing. This came into effect just after our trip last year, and although we had insurance, we were not required to prove it at that point.

[jmkennett]

The Canadian government website is informing travellers to Cuba that as of May 1, 2010, you must show proof of medical insurance to enter the country and if you arrive without it you must purchase it from a Cuban company before continuing. This came into effect just after our trip last year, and although we had insurance, we were not required to prove it at that point.

Interesting. Could be something we actually see in the future.

[Lizzie1213]

That's not so true in the last two years. Credit card companies are trying to limit their exposure these days. We have an excellent credit rating, and one card reduced our credit limit for no other reason than we hadn't used it often enough! We used to get 2 or 3 "pre-approved" credit card offers each week, and now they're very rare.


That has happened to me too!

Strangely, my 14 year old daughter who has no income or credit history whatsoever keeps receiving pre-approved offers from American Express.

[kazu]

That has happened to me too!

Strangely, my 14 year old daughter who has no income or credit history whatsoever keeps receiving pre-approved offers from American Express.

yup - she's pre- approved - subject to her application. when they see the income and the credit report - I suspect the application would be declined.