Just back from IOS - hold still on debit card?

[nicochick]

Hi,

I've just got back from a fantastic time on board Independence of the Sea's on Monday (despite a rough sailing!). I registered my debit card with them at the start of the cruise and now looking at my online banking today they have taken the full balance AND have still kept about the same amount on hold. Any ideas's as to when they release this? It has caused one of my direct debits to bounce which I will get charged for so I am not too happy about this. We don't have or want credit cards (and can't get them now due to past problems) so that was never an option.

Also, if you have any questions about the ship you'd like to ask me I'll do my best to answer them x

[The Viking]

Originally Posted by nicochick

Hi,

I've just got back from a fantastic time on board Independence of the Sea's on Monday (despite a rough sailing!). I registered my debit card with them at the start of the cruise and now looking at my online banking today they have taken the full balance AND have still kept about the same amount on hold. Any ideas's as to when they release this? It has caused one of my direct debits to bounce which I will get charged for so I am not too happy about this. We don't have or want credit cards (and can't get them now due to past problems) so that was never an option.

Also, if you have any questions about the ship you'd like to ask me I'll do my best to answer them x

It normally takes a few days for your bank to release the hold on your funds. After RCCL has taken their full amount as you stated, they are our of the question. You may want to contact your bank to find out when they may release the hold.

[Desert Cruizers]

nico, it isn't recommended that a cruise be put on your debit card but on a Credit Card. If for any reason your checking acct isn't showing the full balance at the time of your cruise, and you spend more then your acct has, you will over draw.
One thing I am beginning to do, is take say $200 and put in a savings acct or other acct and build up for a pending cruise. If you don't wish to use a Credit Card, then use Cash. During your Cruise for your Onboard charges, the desk can set a limit, & when reached you go and pay off then start another limit. We also start a Cruise jar and put all the loose change in it then,take it to the bank for cash. this si generally our gambling money. We have not done this but have known others do. We probably should the way DH drinks beer. .
How did you like the IOS, we have only sailed Radiance Class but looking at TA and saw the IOS goes out of Southampton.

[nicochick]

Originally Posted by Desert Cruizers

nico, it isn't recommended that a cruise be put on your debit card but on a Credit Card. If for any reason your checking acct isn't showing the full balance at the time of your cruise, and you spend more then your acct has, you will over draw.
One thing I am beginning to do, is take say $200 and put in a savings acct or other acct and build up for a pending cruise. If you don't wish to use a Credit Card, then use Cash. During your Cruise for your Onboard charges, the desk can set a limit, & when reached you go and pay off then start another limit. We also start a Cruise jar and put all the loose change in it then,take it to the bank for cash. this si generally our gambling money. We have not done this but have known others do. We probably should the way DH drinks beer. .
How did you like the IOS, we have only sailed Radiance Class but looking at TA and saw the IOS goes out of Southampton.

Yes I did contemplate paying cash as I went along but it was so nice to register my card and then forget about it! I did check my bank account throughout the cruise though and allowed plenty for direct debits etc.. so I knew there was going to be enough in there, just not enough for 2 x the balance!! I will phone the bank I think to see when they will release this so thank you both for your advice.

We loved IOS, was our 1st ever cruise and defintely have the bug now! Am already looking at booking the next one! Nothing against RCI but looking to try a different line next time - probably Princess, we had nothing to compare IOS to, so it will be nice to experience something different! We loved going from Southampton though, so easy, was in the Windjammer eating lunch within 30 mins of arriving at the port! Loved everything about it though, the food, shows, rock-climbing wall etc..!

[jester121]

For the future, you might also consider a secured credit card, where you open a savings account and are issued a regular credit card with a limit equal to your deposit. That way you can't get in over your head, but you still have the benefit of separate funds so you aren't bouncing any checks. A lost/stolen debit card can lead to problems because even if it has fraud protection it can take some time to get things sorted out; meanwhile payments are NSF until the funds are returned to your account.

[Desert Cruizers]

nicochick, we have cruised with Princess and have had enjoyable cruises with them. For overall Cruising experience, we prefer RCL. For future RCL Cruises, you might want to consider the Radiance Class.( Brilliance, Serenade, Radiance and Jewel of the Seas) They don't offer the Royal Promenade but do give you spectacular views of the ocean with all the glass from the lounges and Centrum elevators.
Jester, thank you for that recommendation of a secured Credit card, not sure why I didn't think of that.

[nicochick]

Originally Posted by jester121

For the future, you might also consider a secured credit card, where you open a savings account and are issued a regular credit card with a limit equal to your deposit. That way you can't get in over your head, but you still have the benefit of separate funds so you aren't bouncing any checks. A lost/stolen debit card can lead to problems because even if it has fraud protection it can take some time to get things sorted out; meanwhile payments are NSF until the funds are returned to your account.

I didn't even know that there was an option to do that! So thank you for suggesting it, something I will certainly be looking into.

[BMT]

We ALWAYS have a cash account. Then there can be no errors.

I think we have a limit of $400 - then we have to pay the account and start again.

[G'ma]

You should never, never, ever use a debit card on the ship or ashore in the ports. There have been so many horror stories on CC about this very subject, I'm surprised that a CC member would do it.

Use cash....it's failsafe.

My shipboard account is set up using cash (I'll add to it if necessary by drawing more cash from and ATM if I have to)...all my purchases ashore are made by cash.

Nobody will ever have access to my personal checking account for any reason, under any circumstances...and that's what a debit card is.

[TEXASMUNK]

and not necessarily any cruise line...Get in touch with them....