Promissory Note at Disembarkation Consequences

[annsplans]

Due to a perfect storm of situations, I was required to sign a Promissory Note before disembarkation. My question is, upon satisfaction of the Note (after I pay in full within the 10 day period), will there be any consequences as far as future cruises (deposit required for onboard account, etc.?)

[annsplans]

I'm replying to my own message, to add that I have only today read the tips on saving for the cruise - wonderful information and I'll certainly be using lots of these tips in the future to avoid any repeat of the unfortunate Promissory Note situation in the future.

 

I was just wondering if anyone knew, though, whether there is any future requirement as far as those who have had to go that route? Am I the only one who has had to do this? (Or the only one who will admit it?;>] )

[LHT28]

I have never heard of signing a promissory note so you may be one of the few

[pms4104]

Once you have satisfied the payment requirement in a timely manner, I would ask the cruiseline if there will be any future implications.

 

My guess would be that even if they do not require a larger amount be placed on your account ... when you near the authorized amount, they would de-activate your card and suspend charging privileges til you come up with more funds.

 

I have no experience with your situation, so I am just surmising how it would be handled.

[annsplans]

Yes, that makes sense. I'll do that. And I'll do a lot of other things differently, as well, to ensure that that scene is never, ever repeated by me personally. I especially liked the "buy yourself gift cards/certificates" idea. That would work well for me.

[gtalum]

Would you mind sharing some of the "perfect storm" of events, to help the rest of us avoid them?

[annsplans]

Would you mind sharing some of the "perfect storm" of events, to help the rest of us avoid them?

 

My initial booking was for a November cruise, but I changed to a September one to meet back up with a former cruise buddy (a dear lady I had actually met right on the same ship!) So that gave me one month less to save up my Overtime $$ at work (which basically I use for my cruise $$).

 

My job as a window clerk with USPS was abolished! I was reclassified as an "Unassigned Regular" and immediately assigned to a (much busier) PO on the other side of town. My OT $$ was great there, though, even though I was not officially on the "OT Desired List." Then a bid package came out which gave me the opportunity to regain a regular bid job. Of course I went for that - at my stage of 29 yrs. service, I don't want to be Unassigned! At the new facility, one could make OT only if one were officially on the OT Desired List! My paycheck immediately dropped $800/mo. Actually more, because my co-workers have been working 7 days a week (27 days straight when I left for my cruise) and really were making the $$. I couldn't make a dime of it.

 

As the trip neared, I realized I was not going to be able to afford to stay at my original hotel in South Beach for my one-day pre-cruise. I found a deal for $45, including free shuttle airport and port. Prepaid that. Went to cancel the original, and found I was past the cancellation deadline. $140 charged to my CC for nothing, basically, there. But at least it was only the one-night rate and not the rate plus shuttle to SoBe plus shuttle to port which would have all been more, plus dinner in SoBe, etc.

 

I booked three excursions with my cruise buddies which I hadn't originally budgeted for. We had a blast on them all. I was kind of holding my breath each time, wondering if it would "let me" buy the tickets; no problem at all at the desk.

 

I don't sneak aboard anything, so it was all pay-for-them drinks for me, and I do like my tequila!! I did go mostly with the "Drink of the Day" though to save money.

 

I won't, will not, no way, skip on tips. I once worked for them myself.

 

Which all resulted by the end of the cruise, in $197.20 which my CC declined. I was asked if I could write a check (not until 6 days later, my next paycheck, and they don't take post-dated checks); did I have anyone I could call (I am a 59-yr. old single lady, both parents deceased, son unavailable as I had tried to call him from Key West the day before, so no; and I would never call any of my distant relatives for money so I could exit a cruise ship; they have their own financial issues with kids starting college and whatnot); did I have any other CC I could use (no).

 

That brought up the last and final option, which, as explained to me, is reported to credit bureaus and etc., etc. Nothing you would ever, ever want to be a part of, but at least there was that way out.

 

The Purser was very polite and professional through this whole unpleasant business and I apologized for being such a problem. I've also typed a letter of apology/explanation, which I will be sending along with my payment (which will be a U.S. Postal Money Order, believe that.)

 

And I was told that the new OT Desired List for the final quarter of the calendar year will be available about when I get back to work tomorrow. So again, you can believe my John Hancock will be on that puppy.

 

Also, I had personally paid for the train ticket and a plane ticket for a cruise buddy who did not go after all -- another $210 there, although for that money I was able to upgrade to Business Class at the last minute, saving me baggage fees and adding free wine on the way down (morning flight the way back, so way too early to drink anything but my two cups of java!)

 

This was my sixth cruise aboard this ship, and ironically enough, my very best cruise aboard Her yet. Best Captain, best shows, best company, best excursions, great weather, etc. So although I wrestled with the thought of not going at all when I sat pre-cruise counting my little pennies, I decided to - well - Get Out There!! And I don't regret that decision one iota. I just learned some important lessons.

[4merlurker]

:confused: Why didn't you just call the CC company and have them increase your credit line by $200. I wouldnt think they would have a problem with such a small increase and you could have avoided this whole mess. :rolleyes:

[annsplans]

:confused: Why didn't you just call the CC company and have them increase your credit line by $200. I wouldnt think they would have a problem with such a small increase and you could have avoided this whole mess. :rolleyes:

 

[see title] and I was told there should be no problem; but really this is a storm of my own brewing; and I am going to tighten up financially so this does not occur in the future.

 

I've made my bed, I've slept in it, and now, I'm stripping it and washing the linen. My plan is to remake it with fresh, clean sheets, and go forward from here with a new program in mind.

 

I just really made the post because in going forward I wondered if I should also be planning on having to post a cash deposit as well, or anything else along those lines. Actually I myself personally will feel better if I do exactly that -- or go along with several of the tips on this board as far as saving ahead and purchasing gift certificates and gift cards for myself.

 

Bottom line is, a great big Peck and a Hug Around The Neck for RCI, who did have a way to let me off the ship! Question to myself: Was I in some odd way trying to become a captive aboard?? Get, real, Me! You would not have remained onboard! Your fate would have been much worse had no alternative been available!!

 

Can't wait until my next cruise! Oh, and . . .does this qualify me as a true cruise junkie???

[geoherb]

As long as you paid off the promisory note within the cruise line's time limits, I don't see why they would hold it against you. But talking with the cruise line is the best way to get an answer. If I were you, I'd start saving my money for the next cruise and not worry about it until you are ready to go again--just be prepared next time to tell your friends that you can't afford to go on every excursion. Pick the one that interests you the most.

[annsplans]

As long as you paid off the promisory note within the cruise line's time limits, I don't see why they would hold it against you. But talking with the cruise line is the best way to get an answer. If I were you, I'd start saving my money for the next cruise and not worry about it until you are ready to go again--just be prepared next time to tell your friends that you can't afford to go on every excursion. Pick the one that interests you the most.

 

I've got to start saving, and start practicing the word, "No." Or, "Thank you, but no." "Thank you, but I'm going to have to pass on this one." "I'd like nothing better, but I'm going to be staying back this time."

 

See? I did it. . .(Ouch!)

[Roscoe13]

Due to a perfect storm of situations, I was required to sign a Promissory Note before disembarkation. My question is, upon satisfaction of the Note (after I pay in full within the 10 day period), will there be any consequences as far as future cruises (deposit required for onboard account, etc.?)

 

 

Consequences?

 

Well, on Carnival you are perma-banned from the whale tail deck (formerly known as the top optional deck) :eek:

 

On a more serious constructive note, perhaps what would work best for you in the future would be a pre-paid credit card. You know, one that you put a set amount of cash on and then your done with it. It might help you save for a cruise and then budget while you're on a cruise.

[klfrodo]

Annsplans,

 

Thanks for the story and the honesty.

 

Reminds back when I was much younger and got my very first credit card.

"I'm a big boy now."

 

Never heard of such a thing as "Holds".

Bought my airline tickets.

Reserved a Vegas hotel room.

Reserved a rental car.

Reserved dinner show tickets.

 

Every step of the way, I'd ask "Now is this going to be billed to my credit card? " The answer was always " Oh No, sir. This is just to secure your reservation. Your card won't be charged until you arrive."

 

Credit line was a whopping $500. Imagine my suprise when I landed in Vegas to learn of this nasty "Hold" thing. Sure, I had credit available. Only problem was the holds were taking up the whole balance available. Some vendors took pity on me and helped me get the "Holds" released but it sure was a "Teachable Moment" for me.

[gtalum]

Kudos for offering so much detail. It was more than I expected, and I can sympathize with so many dominoes falling at once.

 

For future reference, you could have debarked without the promissory note. They have absolutely no right to hold you on the ship against your will in the USA (beyond of course the simple practicality of having to wait in the debarkation line). Personally, I think I'd have debarked, and if blocked I'd have called the police as that's a clear case of false imprisonment. Chances are that at your first indication of calling the police, they'd have escorted you off the ship instantaneously to avoid trouble.

 

Then of course I'd send them a check at the first opportunity.

 

Oh and don't be afraid to tell people "No!". It's okay, they'll forgive you. :)

[annsplans]

Kudos for offering so much detail. It was more than I expected, and I can sympathize with so many dominoes falling at once.

 

For future reference, you could have debarked without the promissory note. They have absolutely no right to hold you on the ship against your will in the USA (beyond of course the simple practicality of having to wait in the debarkation line). Personally, I think I'd have debarked, and if blocked I'd have called the police as that's a clear case of false imprisonment. Chances are that at your first indication of calling the police, they'd have escorted you off the ship instantaneously to avoid trouble.

 

Then of course I'd send them a check at the first opportunity.

 

Oh and don't be afraid to tell people "No!". It's okay, they'll forgive you. :)

 

I was thinking perhaps my reply was way TMI! Interesting facts you bring up there, which of course I did not know. I am really going to make some serious changes in the things I do.

 

And, after returning to work, I learned that my co-worker that bid on this new facility when I did (so we're kind of "hire buddies") was diagnosed (while I was on the cruise) with breast cancer, and is scheduled now for double mastectomy. Made me realize my little situation is tiny, tiny, tiny.

 

Also I had a talk with myself - why do I feel like I'm rich? Because, I realized, I am so blessed. But I must "get real" now and realize the difference. Is my Gemini-ness showing?:o:cool:

[brettsmom2004]

What an ordeal for you even tho it was your fault.

I also work for a living, don't make alot of $ but I still want to take a good vacation every year or two. Here is what I do.

 

I open up a checking or savings account just for my vacation fund. I spill money into it each week and let the $ start adding up. I look for the cruise I want to take (which is usually a year or two ahead) and put the deposit down on it with some of the money I have saved. Now I have a year or more to get more money built back up in that account so I can make payments on the cruise. I scrimp and save and deposit into that account each week. Direct Deposit is the way to go, because if ya don't get it, you don't spend it. I watch my spending knowing I want this cruise so bad. I make my payments religiously to the cruise line so I can get it paid off quicker. I even take my income tax refund and put it into that account to build up the money. By the time the cruise date arrives I have money built up in the account, enough to take some out for spending money, and enough left in it to pay off the CC that I designate as my cruise account credit card. That card always has a 0 balance before my cruise. OK..so I go cruising and have a great time...and when the CC bill comes in, I pay it off with the money still in the checking/savings account...and I start all over again...saving for the next adventure...

 

Now I'm in my mid 50's, widowed for 28 years, on my own...have an office job which is far from making mucho bucks, but I've learned to save for things that are *wants* and not *needs*. I deserve a good vacation every now and then.

 

I'm in the process of saving up for a January 2012 cruise now, I haven't booked it yet because the cruise line has not posted the sailing for the date I want to go yet, but when they do I will have my deposit ready to mail out and will be on my way towards my next adventure.:)

 

Aloha!

gg

[annsplans]

RE: My savings plan by brettsmom2004: Great plan!! And one I'll borrow (oops! wrong word! ;>})

[Fore on the Floor]

Am I missing something here. A week ago you didn't have $200 to your name and a maxed out credit card but from the looks of it you did two cruises last year and three this year (one upcoming). That is some edge you are living on.

[annsplans]

Am I missing something here. A week ago you didn't have $200 to your name and a maxed out credit card but from the looks of it you did two cruises last year and three this year (one upcoming). That is some edge you are living on.

 

Oh, yeah. Cruise Junkie through and through, although the one upcoming I had cancelled weeks ago, to have my deposit on it put toward the one just taken (I'll have to get that info off my page). But I can't even believe this:

 

I just checked my Credit Union page (to make sure my paycheck deposited and verify my credit card balance) and lo and behold; they paid the entire amount! There it is, posted. Then I go to RCI to check my account there, yep, it's giving me full credit for the cruise. The posting was made 9/11, it's showing, which was the same day I signed the Note! How glad am I that I checked before sending off the payment today (to RCI - looks like the $$ now goes to my card instead)? Of course I'm going to call them as well to double-check and find out what I do now as far as clearing the Promissory Note.

 

This lesson just keeps on teaching . . .Main lesson of course being, Never Let This Happen Again!!

[reallyitsmema]

Oh, yeah. Cruise Junkie through and through, although the one upcoming I had cancelled weeks ago, to have my deposit on it put toward the one just taken (I'll have to get that info off my page). But I can't even believe this:

 

I just checked my Credit Union page (to make sure my paycheck deposited and verify my credit card balance) and lo and behold; they paid the entire amount! There it is, posted. Then I go to RCI to check my account there, yep, it's giving me full credit for the cruise. The posting was made 9/11, it's showing, which was the same day I signed the Note! How glad am I that I checked before sending off the payment today (to RCI - looks like the $$ now goes to my card instead)? Of course I'm going to call them as well to double-check and find out what I do now as far as clearing the Promissory Note.

 

This lesson just keeps on teaching . . .Main lesson of course being, Never Let This Happen Again!!

Make sure you get RCI to send you the promissory note voided and your account as paid in full. You do not want to end up on the banned list or have this reported to the credit reporting agencies because one RCI department doesn't know what the other one is up to. If you get nowhere with the regular customer service department ask for the resolutions department. There is also another department that handles things for completed cruises but their name escapes me right now. Maybe someone else can think of it.

[annsplans]

Make sure you get RCI to send you the promissory note voided and your account as paid in full. You do not want to end up on the banned list or have this reported to the credit reporting agencies because one RCI department doesn't know what the other one is up to. If you get nowhere with the regular customer service department ask for the resolutions department. There is also another department that handles things for completed cruises but their name escapes me right now. Maybe someone else can think of it.

 

I spoke with the Collections department who verified that the Promissory Note had been satisfied in full, and she said she would email me confirmation of that. (I came to this site first after coming home from work so I haven't checked my email yet.) And that (to answer my original question from days ago) there will not be any further ramifications as far as a cash deposit being needed now or anything like that. That since the conditions of the Note had been made as stated that I would just continue to book as before.

 

Guess I can get on with my life now! Lesson Learned!

[paul929207]

Glad to hear everything seems to have worked out ok.

[annsplans]

Glad to hear everything seems to have worked out ok.

 

I signed the OT list at work yesterday (takes effect 10/1) and spoke with a co-worker today who said she's going to coach me on becoming Debt Free.

 

Guess at age 59 I'll take on a new challenge and grow up!

 

And this is just an extra thought I had today I wanted to post: To help avoid these new germs we're fighting this flu season, let's all take a moment at home to wash (with dish liquid) and paper-towel dry the outside of our waterproof food packages (lunch meat, cheese, etc.) You gotta figure you're not the only one who's picked up the package before you made the purchase.

 

I certainly noticed the extra sanitation aboard this cruise (huge dispensers of hand sanitizers everywhere along with plenty of crew encouragement to use it, and other messages to us about hand washing and a special Captain's Request that we touch elbows rather than shake hands). We all adopted the measures cheerfully and diligently, it seemed, and I didn't see anyone sick and noticed the least coughing on any cruise yet!

[MrsPete]

I signed the OT list at work yesterday (takes effect 10/1) and spoke with a co-worker today who said she's going to coach me on becoming Debt Free.

Good for you! I think I was frugal in my cradle, but I came from that kind of family.

 

If you're serious about becoming debt-free, I recommend that you read The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyzn (I'm sure I spelled that name wrong). Originally her books were published in three separate editions, but now they are available as one large version. The books came out some time ago, so many of the details in the book are now outdated, but she discusses the process of saving money, ways to look at figuring out the real cost of things, etc. Don't read a dozen pages and say, "But I don't have a baby and don't need to save on diapers"; instead, read it to see her philosophy on spending. She encourages you to compare costs of various options (for example, there's one article in which she compares the cost of different types of potatoes -- yeah, sometimes we're all going to go with the expensive, non-nutritious chips, but at least we know that the super-cheap options are out there). And in the spirit of things, I'm sure you can get it from the library -- or at least ebay or a used book store.

 

Since you're trying to work on a new mindset towards money, I can point out a couple things you could've done to ward off this disaster. None of this is meant in a mean-spirited kind of way, just as advice to help you towards your new goal:

 

You wanted to meet a friend, and you realized that the ticket price being due a few months earlier was going to be a problem -- you could've asked her to change to November instead of you changing to September. Though it still would've been a close thing, it would've been better.

 

Once you realized this was going to be a problem, you realized that you needed more money. There are two ways to get more money -- two, only two. One is to earn more money, the other is to spend less money. When you realized you were in trouble, you could've earned a little more money through a yard sale or selling something on eBay. You could've spent less by skimping on groceries (perhaps by focusing on eating the stuff that's in the back of your cabinets or by skipping meals out). I don't know what kind of cabin you had, but perhaps you could've switched to a less expensive one, or perhaps you could've shared a room with the friend to cut the cost. You weren't in trouble by much; just a little effort in either direction could've spared you this trouble and embarassment.

 

I don't see any way you could've avoided the troubles with changing jobs, BUT if you'd had a savings account, it wouldn't have been a problem.

 

The paying for two pre-cruise hotels thing could've been avoided with better planning -- if you'd cancelled before grabbing the other room, you would've saved the second room cost. Once you did realize that you were stuck with two rooms, you might've been able to offer that room to someone on this board -- lots of people don't think about pre-cruise rooms 'til the last minute. It might've allowed you to cut your losses. Even if they didn't pay you the full cost of the room, you might've recouped something -- even just a couple drinks onboard. You seem to assume that money-stuff'll just work out. In my experience, that just doesn't happen.

 

You said you've gotta learn to say NO. YOu're absolutely right about that. I love excursions, and I frequently splurge on them -- but if you don't have $200 to your name, you can't afford them. You could've had a great time onboard with your cruise friends, and you could've just walked around in port together checking out the local scenery. They wouldn't have been insulted if you'd said, "Hey, my work situation has been difficult lately. I'm loving the cruise and your company, but it's better if I just chill by the beach while we're in this island." Or at least you could've chosen ONE of these excursions. Often when I was younger I'd get myself into a situation when I over-spent because I didn't want to "appear poor" in front of friends. I always regretted it later, and now I've learned to be more upfront about things like that.

 

Ditto for tequila. Hey, I love it too . . . but it's not something upon which you should spend your last dollar.

 

I completely agree that you should've paid your tips! That's only fair to the people who work on the ship.

 

Finally, you're not in a good place financially yourself -- do not buy train tickets for other people! Honestly, I see a pattern here: You're going to have to watch your social spending. You're letting other people influence how you spend your money. I think this may be your greatest challenge in your quest to become debt-free.

 

Finally, I'm going to suggest another financial book: All your worth by Elizabeth Warren (I know I have the author right here, but I might be a bit off on the title). She puts forth a very good suggestion on budgeting, one I'm teaching to my daughters as they approach their college years:

 

You must keep your NEEDS under 50% of your take-home pay. That means that your housing, your transportation, your utilities, your groceries, your insurance, your credit cards balances, etc. . . . they must all total 50% or less of what you earn. If they don't, you won't have enough left for everything else. If your needs are too high, something must go: Downsize to less expensive housing or a less expensive car, etc.

 

Next, your WANTS must stay within 30% of your take-home pay. So all your splurges must fit into this portion of your income. Where do you draw the line? Sometimes it's hard. You NEED groceries, but you WANT to go out to dinner with friends. You NEED a phone, but you WANT cable TV. You have to draw these lines where they fit in your life, but if you know that you're able to spend 30% on WANTS, then you know when enough's enough -- so perhaps if you'd been using this method, you would've stopped at one excursion, or you would've known you could afford 1-2 drinks per day and no more.

 

Finally, 20% has to go to savings. 10% to short-term savings (for things like cruises, a new TV, or a new roof). 10% to long-term savings (because we all do want to retire someday). You might not be able to do a full 20% right now since you're trying to pay off debt, but get to it as soon as you can.

 

Read her book. It's really a good, concrete plan for someone just learning to live within a budget. I can tell you this: I"ve been debt-free for years now, and few other things are as good as KNOWING that the house I'm in is MINE, the car I drive is MINE, and the bills in the mailbox are JUST from this month. It is wonderfully freeing NOT to owe money, and I'm able to splurge on things like cruises now without worry. Work towards this goal! It's absolutely worthwhile!

 

Good luck!

[annsplans]

What a wealth of information, MrsPete. I never even once thought about offering my extra room to someone on this board. The other things you mentioned, I did. I haven't eaten out since (not including Miami) - well it's been several months, and when I did it was lunch at a Mexican restaurant and I had one taco and one marguerita. I asked for a change to the Nov. sailing (also thinking better chance of good weather then, although we got very lucky weather-wise on this cruise!) but my friend travels the world (I think her statement was, "I worked for 35 years - now it's my turn!" and could not adjust her schedule. I did change to a cheaper cabin (the cruise was only $203.10 for Deck 5, Senior Rate special, offered very close to sail date - I monitored) and that was for single rate as well!) Groceries? My first stop is at the local farmer's market where I've found a stall that lets me fill up a plastic grocery bag with mixed items and never charges me over $8 for it) and on my off day, Monday, it's off to the discount bread just up the street where I buy out of the 50-cent cart. Last visit I got 100% whole wheat bread, onion rolls, cinnamon-cranberry breakfast bread and English muffins for $2 total. Meats are only "Manager's Specials," discounts or bulk prices, which I break down and freeze in smaller portions. I clip coupons and never pay full price. Now a yard sale would probably be a great idea for me. That I'm going to try to get together ASAP.

 

I've recently been calling various creditors and going over my new (lower) paycheck to find that most every one of them are willing to work out new numbers for me. One CC I closed and worked out a payment plan, one they wouldn't work with me unless I arranged for automatic payments, so I did that. I got my phone service bill lowered and they threw in a DSL upgrade and a free phone. Let's see, what else? My cable folks I called to cancel service, but instead they cut my bill due in about half and lowered my monthly service to less than half (I no longer get all the channels possible, but I don't need them all anyway.) So I was trying to work every angle possible for the mess I was in. The mission now is to get rid of the mess, and your pointers will go a long way in helping me accomplish that.

 

And you're right, no more buying tickets for others. This was a relative with a chronic (non-"catchable") illness and I was hoping for a last-opportunity getaway for them (I said, "My goal is to get a smile on your face!") but I was too late in my plans and they are now in the hospital with a their condition terminal. So that was too much of a fantasy on my part because, what if they'd taken a turn for the worse on board? Then we really would have had a problem.

 

The books you mention I will certainly be looking for - at the Library! I have two wonderful Libraries near me and actually was just thinking the other day that I hadn't been to either in awhile.

 

Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to offer me just wonderful advice. Are your daughters aware how blessed they are to have your guidance? Remind them for me, please!

 

I truly wrestle as to whether cruising is a "want" or a "need"! I had one person tell me on this trip that they had realized years ago that their vacation sun was curing what had not yet been identified as "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD) and at that point moved to Key West from London! I agreed that money not spent on a cruise in the wintertime seemed to end up being spent at the doctor!

 

Happy cruising to you, MrsPete, and, well, "I'll be back!" Just perhaps not as quickly as I would have hoped, but then, who really cruises as much as they would like?