Sail and Sign on debit card?

[calex1976]

I have heard a few bad things on using a debit card for the sign and sail card. My credit card has a $300 limit on it and I would rather not be shut down if it gets maxed out.

What happens if you go over the limit on your cruise? I have heard of some outrageous bills at the end of the cruise, do people end up making payment plans or what happens? We plan on paying most every thing up front to keep our bill lower. Just wondering how final billing works, thanks.

[firefly333]

Surely you can keep track of your spending and not go over your limit. That beign said they do put a small hold on some money iv heard. I used to have a debit card, but it was attached to my checking account, not such a small amount, so I never had a problem using a debit card.

[luv2cruzfrmtx]

I use a debit card. If you have a low limit (300) call your bank. Sometimes they'll increase it for you. Also, if you think you're getting close to your limit, you can just go put cash on your ss account.

[Brendarudd28]

I opened a new checking account just for the cruise and used my debit card on my first cruise. My S&S bill was way over $300. I didn't have a problem. It's weird that yours has a limit, at least to me. I've never heard of that before.

As for what happens if someone is unable to "settle up" at the end of the cruise, I have no idea. I would be interested in knowing though. I doubt they would let you off the ship until you've given them something. I envision family members sending Western Union or some room in the bottom of the ship that they hold you until your "ransom" can be paid. Oh my, no more True Crime Channel for me. LOL

[MamaParrotHead]

I've used it one 3/4 of my cruises without a problem. I also have a separate checking account (both to sock away $$ for cruises and to use for S&S) so none of my household bills or accounts are involved or effected if there's a hold put on my account for any reason by Carnival. I end up putting a decent chunk of my S&S budget on there, and stick to it so have never been held for ransom, lol. I do, however, call the number on the card to alert them I'll be travelling so my account isn't flagged and frozen for "suspicious activity".

[oncruisecontrol]

I always use my debit card for my onboard account. That said I also always make sure that anything outstanding has cleared my account at least a week before I leave for my cruise. This requires planning, though. Nevertheless, if something outstanding has not yet cleared, I always make sure that I have several hundred(at least 5 or 6 hundred) in excess of what is due to clear. I balance my account to the penny according to what is outstanding, whether or not it has "come back" to the bank yet. For example, on my cruise last week, even though my rent check had not yet cleared, I did not count that money as money that was available for me to use on the cruise.

 

I also travel with an ATM card that is attached only to my savings account, and a credit card for emergency use.

 

My debit card has a limit of $300 per day. I never spend that much on a ship, and I NEVER use the debit card in port; only cash.

[Alliezona09]

OP said his CREDIT CARD had a $300 limit not his debit card~

[ChefSusan]

We use my husband's debit card for our S&S card, and have never run into any problems. Then again, we watch our spending and do a daily check of our individual accounts, and report any discrepancies to Guest Services immediately.

[oncruisecontrol]

OP said his CREDIT CARD had a $300 limit not his debit card~

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I misread it. If he is worried about maxing out his credit card, I'm sure that, as he approaches his limit, he can just go to guest services and put cash on his account, right?

[calex1976]

Thanks for all the quick replies, I think my wording was a little off. My debit card is linked to my checking account and I have a credit card with a $300 limit. I'm thinking I will use the debit card for my cruise and save the credit card just in case I am one of the few who gets my account locked from Carnival running constant checks on my bank account. Thanks for the info.

[tekzilla]

A credit card with a $300 limit?

 

I would first off find out what the hold amount is that they place on your debit card once you put it down. Then find out how long it takes to get any unused amount of that hold put back onto your card (though I think I remember seeing they leave a check in your room the last night). Then just bring cash to the guest services and put it onto your S&S account and keep an idea of what you have spent.

 

I think the only way you are going to get into trouble with a debit card tied to your S&S is if you go crazy and get into your overdraft protection. You could potentially be getting hit with all kinds of fees if you got into that situation, but it would take some careless financial planning for that to happen.

[DrLookGood]

Thanks for all the quick replies, I think my wording was a little off. My debit card is linked to my checking account and I have a credit card with a $300 limit. I'm thinking I will use the debit card for my cruise and save the credit card just in case I am one of the few who gets my account locked from Carnival running constant checks on my bank account. Thanks for the info.

 

Whenever you think you are over credit limit, settle your account with cash at guest services.

[Wanna_Cruize]

The problem with using the debit card is that they place a hold on it when you first put it down, and that hold stays until approx 7-10 days after the cruise before the bank 'lets go' of that $$. Even if you go and pay cash for the entire amount of the S&S account, the hold is not released until the bank's internal timeline expires.

 

IIRC now they are just putting a minimum hold on the credit card at check-in, instead of the x amount per day they used to. Then, as things are charged, incremental holds are put on as needed. In the past when I went mid-week with some casino winnings to 'pay down' our account, they had to reverse some of the charges to the credit card to undo them. Credit card reversals are applied immediately.

 

I think it would be best to use the credit card, and then deposit as much cash as you can when you are underway. Any extra cash will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise, and since you were going to use your debit card anyway, it's the same pot of money, so to speak.

[Wanna_Cruize]

From Carnival's FAQ for the Sail & Sign:

 

How is my credit card charged?

 

During embarkation, when your credit card is swiped, an initial approval of $50 is obtained. Then, throughout the voyage incremental holds will be obtained as needed. You should know, this will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking/debit account. Authorization hold releases to your account is entirely up to your issuing bank.

 

 

All charges will be automatically billed at the end of the voyage. On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with your Sail & Sign card will be delivered to your stateroom. If you made a cash deposit and there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, you will receive the overpayment in the form of a check, attached to the detailed statement received on the final morning of the cruise.

 

 

Cash Deposit:

U.S. Currency and Traveler's Checks may be used to open your Sail & Sign Account. Once on board, please visit our Guest Services Desk who will gladly assist you in opening your account. Throughout the cruise, as you approach the deposit limit, our Guest Services Desk will notify you that additional money must be deposited.

"Recommended" deposits per sailing duration:

2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp

5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp

9+ day cruises: $350 deposit pp

[DTXCruiser]

Wow...OP.....if you have to worry that much about your expenses, maybe you need to re-plan? Even if you're on a budget....if your credit card has a $300 limit, then simply realize that you can't spend $300. If you are having to worry about limits and how much your debit card will be used then I think the financial problems out weight the need for a cruise. I know many will burn me for making this post...but think about it, OP is not asking, "how do I save money", "what is the least expensive cabin", etc.....he's asking if he can rack up a max account and work out a payment plan later!!

[RWolver672]

I would suggest just putting down cash. That way, you know for sure how much is left on the account and you won't go over your limit. They will tell you when it's gone.

[helicopter]

Wow...OP.....if you have to worry that much about your expenses, maybe you need to re-plan? Even if you're on a budget....if your credit card has a $300 limit, then simply realize that you can't spend $300. If you are having to worry about limits and how much your debit card will be used then I think the financial problems out weight the need for a cruise. I know many will burn me for making this post...but think about it, OP is not asking, "how do I save money", "what is the least expensive cabin", etc.....he's asking if he can rack up a max account and work out a payment plan later!!

 

I thought this statement was unnecessary. Alot of people plan and save for a cruise and don't get to cruise with an unlimited budget, that doesn't mean 'financial problems'!

 

To the OP I would just put cash down (since your using a debit card the money is coming out of your account anyway, then you don't have to give any of it a second thought (just check your balance every-so-often). Have a wonderful cruise.

[summer_girl]

I also used my Debit Card with no trouble at all. My bill was accurate.

 

If you are worried about your spending then perhaps I would just put cash on my account and budget accordingly.

 

I pretty much know what I am spending. The only iffy part for me last time was I was using the Child Care/Camp Carnival and I wasn't sure of the late night fees, but it was all accurate and not a big deal at all.

[calex1976]

Thanks everyone for quick replies. I think I will be putting cash down instead of my debit card. Money is not the problem, I would like to put the entire cruise on one of my credit cards, but having a exwife that ran up $9,000 in debit restricts my limits. I did not want to sound like a cheap skate asking this, but I like to bbw prepared for anything. Sometimes my OCD takes over while planning. Thanks again.

[tracyanns]

I would suggest just putting down cash. That way, you know for sure how much is left on the account and you won't go over your limit. They will tell you when it's gone.

 

I second this...cash would be easiest in this situation and you wouldn't have to worry about any holds when you get back. Just check your balance every few days to see how you are doing and if you need to add more you can...

[southbayer]

Maybe the orignal poster has $300.00 to spend for onboard stuff, maybe they are very low on spending for alot of stuff... But i'm sure there are those who don't have high final bills...

But I do know, if you put cash down, your onboard purchases will be used by that cash first, then once thats gone, your credit card will start getting charged.

I would say, if your budget is $300, and I won't flame on you for that, some people just don't spend alot on board, and thats cool, maybe you don't drink alcohol often, and you never gamble in the casino, maybe just buy a drink or two every day or so, or some souvenier trinkets, then cool. But, as a back up to your credit card, see if you can match you visa limit with an additional cash deposit of $300. So if you burn thru the $300 cash, you still have your credit card all available.

[calex1976]

Maybe the orignal poster has $300.00 to spend for onboard stuff, maybe they are very low on spending for alot of stuff... But i'm sure there are those who don't have high final bills...

But I do know, if you put cash down, your onboard purchases will be used by that cash first, then once thats gone, your credit card will start getting charged.

I would say, if your budget is $300, and I won't flame on you for that, some people just don't spend alot on board, and thats cool, maybe you don't drink alcohol often, and you never gamble in the casino, maybe just buy a drink or two every day or so, or some souvenier trinkets, then cool. But, as a back up to your credit card, see if you can match you visa limit with an additional cash deposit of $300. So if you burn thru the $300 cash, you still have your credit card all available.

I will be prepaying my excursions, buying a liter of rum from Bon Voage, as far as casinos Biloxi has six casinos less than a hour away. So I don't see us spending too much money. It's funny that if some one ask a question about money every one assumes they can't afored to go on vacation. But almost everyone can tell you the best way to sneak alcohol on the ship to save money. Personally I see no reason to spend a fortune on massages(get them at home cheaper), fancy restaurants(plenty of them at home), botox and teeth whitening(you got to be kidding), even the balcony was not needed(after 3500 days on the water I do not feel the need to walk out of my room and look at it). So to each his own, this post was not aimed at anyone in particular, just tired of feeling like I should spend thousands just to fit in.

[KrystalWaters]

I will be prepaying my excursions, buying a liter of rum from Bon Voage, as far as casinos Biloxi has six casinos less than a hour away. So I don't see us spending too much money. It's funny that if some one ask a question about money every one assumes they can't afored to go on vacation. But almost everyone can tell you the best way to sneak alcohol on the ship to save money. Personally I see no reason to spend a fortune on massages(get them at home cheaper), fancy restaurants(plenty of them at home), botox and teeth whitening(you got to be kidding), even the balcony was not needed(after 3500 days on the water I do not feel the need to walk out of my room and look at it). So to each his own, this post was not aimed at anyone in particular, just tired of feeling like I should spend thousands just to fit in.

 

i completely agree with you on that! It's your money, your business, your vacation!:D

[southbayer]

No, don't get me wrong, I don't judge anyone else's expenses... You seem like you got it all covered, doing and spending What You Want, and knowing what you need, and Don't Need.

 

I was just giving you some tidbits from what I do, and just trying to be helpful when I can :D

 

Enjoy!

I have heard a few bad things on using a debit card for the sign and sail card. My credit card has a $300 limit on it and I would rather not be shut down if it gets maxed out.

What happens if you go over the limit on your cruise? I have heard of some outrageous bills at the end of the cruise, do people end up making payment plans or what happens? We plan on paying most every thing up front to keep our bill lower. Just wondering how final billing works, thanks.

[debster11]

Wow...OP.....if you have to worry that much about your expenses, maybe you need to re-plan? Even if you're on a budget....if your credit card has a $300 limit, then simply realize that you can't spend $300. If you are having to worry about limits and how much your debit card will be used then I think the financial problems out weight the need for a cruise. I know many will burn me for making this post...but think about it, OP is not asking, "how do I save money", "what is the least expensive cabin", etc.....he's asking if he can rack up a max account and work out a payment plan later!!

 

The OP never said he wanted to rack up his bill and work out a payment plan later. He was simply asking a question. You do not know the OP's financial status and who are you to assume? I am credit worthy and do not have a credit card. I could go out and get one but why should I? I pay with cash and maybe that is what the OP does. Maybe he lives within his means. Do you?