moesyk4 Posted January 18, 2012 #1 Share Posted January 18, 2012 DH and I leave next week for our cruise and I can't find any info on the Carnival website about this. We prepaid our gratuities, prebought our excursion, and have no plans to spend much extra money on board. That combined with the fact that we use our debit card for everything by choice and between a pre and post car rental, hotel stay, etc. I don't want another large hold on my account, so we chose to fund our sail and sign card with cash. For those who have done that, is there a minimum you need to give them? And how does it work, when you are done with the cruise do they give you cash back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chasinraynbowz Posted January 18, 2012 #2 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We use cash most of the time. It's all very simple. Depending on where you are leaving from, you usually deposit the money at the pursers desk when you board. Sometimes there is a line, sometimes not. If there is, you can deposit money later. We usually deposit $100-200. On the last day of the cruise, before or after dinner, we usually go to the pursers desk to close out our account. They give it to you in the form of cash. (If you don't close it out, I understand they issue a check and its delivered to your cabin.) We have never had to wait in any long lines. We usually board early and go right to the desk. There might be one or two people in line ahead of us. On the last evening, we usually go when those folks who have late seating for the dining room are eating. Again, we have never had to wait for too long. Best of luck!!! Have a great cruise!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenh1127 Posted January 18, 2012 #3 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We used cash on our last 2 cruises. In Galveston they had a booth for setting that up right inside the terminal but in NOLA we had to wait until we boarded. I went straight to Purser's desk and there was only a few people in line. I think they like $100 or so per person. We sometimes have to go back midway thru the cruise to add more. If we had any left they slipped a check under our door early in the morning on debarkation day. We plan to do this on our upcoming cruise too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramrac Posted January 18, 2012 #4 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We always use cash, but we link our sign and sail card to our debit card, then at the end of the cruise we go to the Purser's desk and pay off our account with cash. This way we don't have to go back and add any money during the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjcruiser Posted January 18, 2012 #5 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I think you can do as much or as little as you want. We do between $300-$500 to start off with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cortneyward Posted January 18, 2012 #6 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Last year when I went we did the same thing, for the same reason. We waited until later on the first day when the pursers desk cleared out a little and took some money to deposit. You can keep up with your sail and sign on the tv in your room or, I think, they will let you know when you get close to spending what you have put down. I didn't put down but $50 to start and kept it in $50 increments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted January 18, 2012 #7 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Just use a credit card as a deposit.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordanaire Posted January 18, 2012 #8 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Just use a credit card as a deposit.. Not everyone, including myself, has a credit card! :cool:Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeofthedogs Posted January 18, 2012 #9 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We have always used cash. Some times you have to go to the pursers desk, but on our last cruise out of Jacksonville, they had a special desk set up just for this right outside the casino after we boarded. Saved lots of time standing at the pursers desk. We usually start out putting $200 down and then add more when needed. If we don't spend all the money by the end of the cruise they will print a check and deliver it to our cabin the last night, very late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chasinraynbowz Posted January 18, 2012 #10 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Just use a credit card as a deposit.. That's not what the Op asked... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted January 18, 2012 #11 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We have always used cash. Some times you have to go to the pursers desk, but on our last cruise out of Jacksonville, they had a special desk set up just for this right outside the casino after we boarded. Saved lots of time standing at the pursers desk. We usually start out putting $200 down and then add more when needed. If we don't spend all the money by the end of the cruise they will print a check and deliver it to our cabin the last night, very late. We sailed the Fascination this past June/July and didn't see that casino desk - had to go the Purser's desk but it didn't take all that long And you can cash that check immediately at the Purser's desk the morning of debarkation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted January 19, 2012 #12 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Not everyone, including myself, has a credit card! :cool:Bill It really is not that hard to get one. Just pay your morgage and other bills on time and eventually one of the banks will give you a credit card. Hang in there.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moesyk4 Posted January 19, 2012 Author #13 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Thanks everyone, that helps a lot! Can't believe we leave in 11 days, it still seems unreal :) Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainbowfalls Posted January 19, 2012 #14 Share Posted January 19, 2012 How do you prepay gratuities?? Also is there a set amount they make you put down as a hold on your s&s card using cash? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlscruise2011 Posted January 19, 2012 #15 Share Posted January 19, 2012 I've used cash on all my cruises and on the past 2 what I have done is called Carnival beforehand and put money on my S&S card before I sailed. This way when you get on the ship you don't even have to bother going to the guest services at all unless you need to add more $. I've started out with $200. Just call the BonVoyage Department and tell them that you want to put money on your account, not buy funship dollars. Its very easy. I'm just not sure where you are sailing so close if you'll be able to do it but it won't hurt to try. I had the cash on my account in a few days. Good Luck and happy sailing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drazil65 Posted January 19, 2012 #16 Share Posted January 19, 2012 We have always used cash on our cruises (several different lines) and have never had a issue. Typically we kind of "build up" the fund before our trip (on Carnival) by calling the fun ship dollars dept. and depositing into the account by phone (with a debit card). They will only do this up to a certain point before the cruise. Once on board you can put the money into the account with no problem. We typically get a nice check back at the end of the trip and will use that to purchase future cruise certificates. BTW, we do not use or have credit cards by choice and have been a cash only family for the last few years. Its a very nice feeling to own everything we purchase and could care less what the banks do. Its good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CdrescherRBL152 Posted January 19, 2012 #17 Share Posted January 19, 2012 We always put cash down for your s & s . There is no limit on how much you put down, however the less you put down the more chance of needing to put more on during. As for using credit card, unlike cash you won't get cutoff till you reach your credit limit, so if you went to spend more on board then you paid for the cruise go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShermanDYAC Posted January 19, 2012 #18 Share Posted January 19, 2012 It really is not that hard to get one. Just pay your morgage and other bills on time and eventually one of the banks will give you a credit card. Hang in there.. Not everyone WANTS a credit card. It has nothing to do with paying your bills on time. Now back to the OP\'s question. Yes you can put cash down. As much or as little as you want. You have 24 hours before they stop you if no money on it. I use cash and then back it up with a credit card. I rarely use my credit card. I also do as you do and prepay gratuities and excursions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chasinraynbowz Posted January 19, 2012 #19 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Thanks everyone, that helps a lot! Can't believe we leave in 11 days, it still seems unreal :) Thanks again! I am excited for you!! Have a great cruise!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipflop82 Posted January 19, 2012 #20 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Not everyone, including myself, has a credit card! :cool:Bill Sorry, not to gripe on this, but without a credit card, you will never be able to own a home, (unless you are fortunate enough to pay cash- not likely), or your spouse or partner owns it (meaning still, you are not technically an owner) or take out any loan. There is no way to build your credit without having at least one credit card. I've had friends that weren't able to rent certain places because their credit history wasn't long enough. I got a credit card at 18 years old, and 12 years later I have excellent credit, allowing me to buy my own home 2 years ago (on my own), own a beautiful fully loaded car, and many cards give you great great discounts and rewards. A lot of corporations actually do credit checks as part of the hiring process. Do I have credit card debt? Yes, some, (mostly from a medical procedure not entirely covered by insurance) but I am responsible to include payments (usually above minimum) in my monthly budget. Sorry to rant, but I've gotten so frustrated at friends in the past when they all of the sudden realize how important having a credit history is. Maybe certain parts of the country it is not as necessary, but where I live (lower NY) it is essential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave994 Posted January 19, 2012 #21 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Sorry, not to gripe on this, but without a credit card, you will never be able to own a home, (unless you are fortunate enough to pay cash- not likely), or your spouse or partner owns it (meaning still, you are not technically an owner) or take out any loan. There is no way to build your credit without having at least one credit card. I've had friends that weren't able to rent certain places because their credit history wasn't long enough. I got a credit card at 18 years old, and 12 years later I have excellent credit, allowing me to buy my own home 2 years ago (on my own), own a beautiful fully loaded car, and many cards give you great great discounts and rewards. A lot of corporations actually do credit checks as part of the hiring process. Do I have credit card debt? Yes, some, (mostly from a medical procedure not entirely covered by insurance) but I am responsible to include payments (usually above minimum) in my monthly budget. Sorry to rant, but I've gotten so frustrated at friends in the past when they all of the sudden realize how important having a credit history is. Maybe certain parts of the country it is not as necessary, but where I live (lower NY) it is essential. Spend some time listening to Dave Ramsey. You do NOT need a credit card to own a home. I prefer living debt free and without the chance of getting into debt with a cc. Forget the rewards, they simply are not worth it. Cash is king. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted January 19, 2012 #22 Share Posted January 19, 2012 How do you prepay gratuities?? Also is there a set amount they make you put down as a hold on your s&s card using cash? We prepay our tips after final payment through the agent. You can also place onboard credit on your account before you go using the debit card- no hold is placed. cash is on your account when you board and no standing in lines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladysilver Posted January 19, 2012 #23 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Sorry, not to gripe on this, but without a credit card, you will never be able to own a home, (unless you are fortunate enough to pay cash- not likely), or your spouse or partner owns it (meaning still, you are not technically an owner) or take out any loan. There is no way to build your credit without having at least one credit card. I've had friends that weren't able to rent certain places because their credit history wasn't long enough. I got a credit card at 18 years old, and 12 years later I have excellent credit, allowing me to buy my own home 2 years ago (on my own), own a beautiful fully loaded car, and many cards give you great great discounts and rewards. A lot of corporations actually do credit checks as part of the hiring process. Do I have credit card debt? Yes, some, (mostly from a medical procedure not entirely covered by insurance) but I am responsible to include payments (usually above minimum) in my monthly budget. Sorry to rant, but I've gotten so frustrated at friends in the past when they all of the sudden realize how important having a credit history is. Maybe certain parts of the country it is not as necessary, but where I live (lower NY) it is essential. Wow...Are you kidding me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chasinraynbowz Posted January 19, 2012 #24 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Wow...Are you kidding me? LOL, my feelings exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted January 19, 2012 #25 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Spend some time listening to Dave Ramsey. You do NOT need a credit card to own a home. I prefer living debt free and without the chance of getting into debt with a cc. Forget the rewards, they simply are not worth it. Cash is king. Ramsey is good, but he is basically out to help the people who already screwed up their credit. I have many CC but only use one for the cash back points and keep my credit score way up.. Being pretty disiciplined, I am pretty confident that I will not go out and by something "just to buy something" and screw up my credit. I have not done it yet. I also keep them as back-up just in case I need some "shake-down" money or a quick $80.000 instantly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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