Limiting $$$ on kids' charge account?

[labsnabys]

Hello, and I apologize in advance if this has been answered before...I did several searches and couldn't find an answer. Also checked the Carnival FAQs.

 

We are taking our first cruise in April with our two boys ages 11 and 13, and I started to set up our account for onboard expenses today. We would like to give them a set "allowance" to spend at the arcade or if they would like to purchase an occasional milkshake, but we don't necessarily want to give them unlimited charging capability to our stateroom account. Can you suggest the best way to handle this? From what I'm learning, cash is not really used on board. I have seen mention of being able to place a $ limit on each child's S&S card, but I can't figure out if Carnival gives this option. Ideally what I would like to do is give them a set amount to spend for the duration of the cruise (a combination of their own personal money and a contribution from us) and when it's gone, it's gone. If they could check their balance on the TV or at a kiosk each day, even better. I just don't know what is possible.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Lisa

[drosphot]

I have seen mention of being able to place a $ limit on each child's S&S card, but I can't figure out if Carnival gives this option. Ideally what I would like to do is give them a set amount to spend for the duration of the cruise (a combination of their own personal money and a contribution from us) and when it's gone, it's gone. If they could check their balance on the TV or at a kiosk each day, even better. I just don't know what is possible.

 

Yes, go to Guest Services once on board and you can set individual limits for anyone on your Sail and Sign account. We looked into it and did this last summer because the year before the youngest one went nuts in the arcade. I was able to check on the kiosks and I think I was able to adjust them from the kiosk when I needed to make sure he could buy a watch he saved for in the gift shop. He learned that a watch last longer than video games in the arcade! :cool:

[bills blasters]

You can just load a certain amount on to their card. They would only get unlimited charging if that was the way it was set up.

Last week on the Dream, we gave the kids $15 each on their cards to spend in the Arcade. (That doesn't go far.)

Then a few days later we gave them some more. You just have to go to guest services and have them put the money on the card.

If you wanted to just give them a total amount at the start you can do that also. Beware though, the arcade can suck up that money fast, and they don't realize how much they are spending until it is gone.

Claudia

[labsnabys]

Beware though, the arcade can suck up that money fast, and they don't realize how much they are spending until it is gone.Claudia

 

That is my fear...they have no clue how fast they are spending when they play those games. We have casinos where we live and will occasionally take the boys to one of the casino arcades for a special treat. They can easily blow through $20 each in a matter of an hour or so and not bat an eye! So I like the idea of being able to load a bit at a time to help them manage their own funds. Thank you!

[labsnabys]

Thank you, drosphot! I was hoping to have it all set before we board, but as long as I know that Guest Services can do this for me, we will be fine.

 

Lisa

[cruisinqt]

As the kids get older they get more savvy about saving their money. The $50 each I gave to them went fast in the arcade and candy store when they were younger. They were out of money in a couple days on a 7 day cruise. Then they discovered the spa. They save all their money for it now. ;) And whatever they earn I match. It teaches them to earn money and spend it wisely and they have pretty manicured hands to show for it. Sometimes they get blowouts or pedicures too. Yeah you should put just a little on their cards at the beginning because despite your warnings they will blow through it quickly. But they catch on quickly and manage their money better as they get older. :)

[sueandtimj]

Hello, and I apologize in advance if this has been answered before...I did several searches and couldn't find an answer. Also checked the Carnival FAQs.

 

We are taking our first cruise in April with our two boys ages 11 and 13, and I started to set up our account for onboard expenses today. We would like to give them a set "allowance" to spend at the arcade or if they would like to purchase an occasional milkshake, but we don't necessarily want to give them unlimited charging capability to our stateroom account. Can you suggest the best way to handle this? From what I'm learning, cash is not really used on board. I have seen mention of being able to place a $ limit on each child's S&S card, but I can't figure out if Carnival gives this option. Ideally what I would like to do is give them a set amount to spend for the duration of the cruise (a combination of their own personal money and a contribution from us) and when it's gone, it's gone. If they could check their balance on the TV or at a kiosk each day, even better. I just don't know what is possible.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Lisa

 

On our first cruise, we gave the kids money (cash) to buy tokens at the arcade. They blew through that money so fast!!! Last summer, we went to guest services and put money directly onto their s&s cards. They could use it in the arcade or in the candy shop etc... The best part was: it was their own saved money we put on their cards. When they're spending their money (rather than mom and dad's money) it lasts a lot longer!!! As a special treat, we would periodically give them $5 or so to buy some candy or play a few extra games. They were very careful and thoughtful about every purchase ;)

[drosphot]

Thank you, drosphot! I was hoping to have it all set before we board, but as long as I know that Guest Services can do this for me, we will be fine.

 

Lisa

 

You might even be able to set it at the kiosk without ever visiting Guest Services. When we got our S&S cards I asked the lady checking us in and she said I had to "go to Guest Services" so I did. If there's a huge line try the kiosk first.

 

 

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[Rollin with the Waves]

This is good information, I was wondering it myself

[bills blasters]

On our first cruise, we gave the kids money (cash) to buy tokens at the arcade. They blew through that money so fast!!! Last summer, we went to guest services and put money directly onto their s&s cards. They could use it in the arcade or in the candy shop etc... The best part was: it was their own saved money we put on their cards. When they're spending their money (rather than mom and dad's money) it lasts a lot longer!!! As a special treat, we would periodically give them $5 or so to buy some candy or play a few extra games. They were very careful and thoughtful about every purchase ;)

 

There was no way to use money on the Dream at the Arcade. You had to scan your sign and sail card. There was a special the first night that if you came to the arcade and scanned your card you could get 5 free games. I didn't do it, but that is what the kids said.

[labsnabys]

There was a special the first night that if you came to the arcade and scanned your card you could get 5 free games.

 

Thanks, Bill! I'll tell the boys to check and see if they do that on the Miracle in April.

 

Lisa