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Cash or debit card????


Moshewil

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Hello folks! My boyfriend and I will be going on our first cruise on Monday. We have a certain amount we intend to spend. I was just wondering if I could get some pros and cons with using a debit card verses cash for our S&S. The things we plan on buying are Cheers, bingo, casino, arcade, and souvenirs. Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

Monique and Steve

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I see no problem with either but I have seen many comments on the holds placed on debit/credit card. I personally have never had a problem with this but if you have limited funds on your debit card then it may be best for you to use cash.

 

I use my debit card but it is on a secondary account not my main checking account.

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If you use your debit holds will be placed on your available funds. I've had duplicate holds placed when I've used my card. I have a credit card that I keep a zero balance that I use for cruises. This way I don't have to worry. If you want to use a debit card I'd suggest opening an account that you put the money for your cruise into.

 

 

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Ok thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards cash now. So if we use cash and have some left over that we don't use, how do we get it back....sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but like I said before, this is our first cruise

 

Monique and Steve

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Since we will both have seperate S&S cards will we both have to put money on each card, or is there a way we just give 1 amount that both cards can be linked to?

Like using the same debit card which would be our other option.

Monique and Steve

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Since we will both have seperate S&S cards will we both have to put money on each card, or is there a way we just give 1 amount that both cards can be linked to?

Like using the same debit card which would be our other option.

Monique and Steve

 

When you did your online check in, how did you set it up? If you listed both of you on one account, then either card can be used to draw against the account.

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We used the same debit card with the online check in. If we switch to cash and lets say we have$1000 for S&S, can we both draw off of that, or would I have to put $500 on my card and he puts $500 on his?

 

Monique and Steve

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We used the same debit card with the online check in. If we switch to cash and lets say we have$1000 for S&S, can we both draw off of that, or would I have to put $500 on my card and he puts $500 on his?

 

Monique and Steve

 

You can set it up either way. You are more than welcome to have a joint sign and sail account and put all your combined funds in cash on the account. Whatever is easiest for you both.

 

I get nervous handling that much money in cash so I typically purchase Traveler's checks.

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Thanks! Think we will just go with cash. Now my next question is does the casino and bingo pay out in cash?

 

Monique and Steve

 

The table games do. Well, like a land casino anyway. You get chips you take to the cashier and get paid in cash. I don't know about the machines as I am not into them or bingo. (My vice is the craps t table.:D)

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In the casino you create an account using your sail and sign card. You can put cash in the machine and when your done cash out to your card. Before the end of the last night you cash out in the casino cash cage for cash.

 

 

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Thanks! Think we will just go with cash. Now my next question is does the casino and bingo pay out in cash?

 

Monique and Steve

 

 

Yes. I got cash after winning a little at the slot machines last cruise. Love the slot machines. I think I used my sail card for playing and the winning went on it.

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I was on a Carnival cruise two years ago and any money remaining on my onboard account was returned to be in the form of cash. Do they now just issue checks? So do I have to go to guest relations on the morning of debarkation to cash a check? :)

Any cash left on your account will be returned to you in the form of a check the last night. Usually slid under your door. You can then take it to the guest services desk & they will cash it. :)
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You have to cash out your winnings (if your lucky enough to have any!) by the last night at some time in the casino. It's a separate account somehow that is attached to your sail and sign card. It is a free way to get cash instead of using the atm on the ship too - put your sail and sign card in the slot machine, ask for the credit you want and then cash out. Take your card to the casino cashier and they will give you the cash.

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I was on a Carnival cruise two years ago and any money remaining on my onboard account was returned to be in the form of cash. Do they now just issue checks? So do I have to go to guest relations on the morning of debarkation to cash a check? :)

 

We have always gotten a check for our remaining funds. I just throw it in my purse and cash it at my local bank. Have never had a problem cashing a Carnival check there.

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I think I will make sure I do not have any funds owing to me and will monitor my on board account. Being a Canadian I would have to deposit a US check and the exchange rates are not very favourable at this time. This is the first I've heard of a cruise line sending your refund by mail. Must be a new policy.

We have always gotten a check for our remaining funds. I just throw it in my purse and cash it at my local bank. Have never had a problem cashing a Carnival check there.
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I would definitely use cash. Last time we used a debit they would authorize holds during the week, then on the last night they billed the whole amount. So in a nutshell we were doubled on the account. After we left the ship we called and the bank was nice enough to release the holds. Ever since then we usually put cash on the account and add if necessary. We would get a check back at the end of the cruise usually 3 to 10 dollars

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The simplicity is, if you have a certain amount you want to spend just set up a separate DEBIT account at your bank and use it for cruise only. I have done this for years with no issues. It doesn't effect your regular account and you stay within your budget.

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