Beware Cruise Cash!

[MissKIA]

[quote name='richstowe'][SIZE=3]I was relating what happened to [B]me! [/B]I don't agree with it.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I was told they don't want you to do exactly what ladylikestocruise and I did [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]which is use the Casino to take out money like a bank.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Read post #2[/SIZE]
[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1593775[/URL][/quote]

Yeah I get it, I'm saying, how do they know you aren't just gambling with it and then cashing out what you have left over? Are they going to falsely accuse someone for cashing out when they are legitimately using it to play slots?

[DGP1111]

[quote name='ladylikes2cruise']:([B][I][COLOR=red]Sorry, I disagree....[/COLOR][/I][/B]
[B][I][COLOR=#ff0000]Have done this with both cruise cash, cash and GCs.[/COLOR][/I][/B]
[B][I][COLOR=#ff0000]It's [U]my[/U] [U]money[/U] to do as [U]I wish.....[/U][/COLOR][/I][/B]
[/quote]

[COLOR=darkred]And I have done it as well ;), but I personally anticipate that will change [B]. . .[/B] eventually (as it already has with some other cruise lines).[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]Under the current CCL design you seem to be able to do with your money what [U]you[/U] wish.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]First corrective step would be to disallow generic [I]CruiseCash[/I] funds to be used for gaming, and stated in the fine print. Second step would be to create [I]CruiseCash-Bet[/I] (like [I]Cruise Cash-Bar[/I], being for [U]specific[/U] onboard spending). Those who want to have pre-funded casino moolah would have this as their source.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]Step three would be to have the initial amount coded as 'Promo', which can [U]not[/U] be withdrawn as cash, but [U]only[/U] used for betting [B]. . .[/B] any/all of the winnings on the Promo bucks would be available for withdrawal.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#8b0000]Of course, if CCL decided to go this route, many would scorn about how NCL-ish they'd become (although it works pretty much without exception for NCL)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=white].[/COLOR]

[FireMedT]

[quote name='DGP1111'][COLOR=darkred]And I have done it as well ;), but I personally anticipate that will change [B]. . .[/B] eventually (as it already has with some other cruise lines).[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]Under the current CCL design you seem to be able to do with your money what [U]you[/U] wish.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]First corrective step would be to disallow generic [I]CruiseCash[/I] funds to be used for gaming, and stated in the fine print. Second step would be to create [I]CruiseCash-Bet[/I] (like [I]Cruise Cash-Bar[/I], being for [U]specific[/U] onboard spending). Those who want to have pre-funded casino moolah would have this as their source.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]Step three would be to have the initial amount coded as 'Promo', which can [U]not[/U] be withdrawn as cash, but [U]only[/U] used for betting [B]. . .[/B] any/all of the winnings on the Promo bucks would be available for withdrawal.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#8b0000]Of course, if CCL decided to go this route, many would scorn about how NCL-ish they'd become (although it works pretty much without exception for NCL)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=white].[/COLOR][/quote]

If it's someone's money that put into an account (cruise cash), then why should they not be able to use it on the ship as they wish and get it back when the cruise is over? Why make someone buy Casino Cash, Bar Cash, Cruise Cash and so on?

[DGP1111]

[quote name='FireMedT']If it's someone's money that put into an account (cruise cash), then why should they not be able to use it on the ship as they wish and get it back when the cruise is over? Why make someone buy Casino Cash, Bar Cash, Cruise Cash and so on?[/quote]

[COLOR=darkred]Oh, [B]I[/B] agree with [B]you[/B] totally 100%[/COLOR]
[COLOR=darkred]No issue there whatsoever. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]I'm just attempting to respond that if CCL wants to make the statement/rule that generic [I]CruiseCash[/I] funds are non-refundable . . . yes, they [U]could[/U] actually enforce it. In their eyes (and probably others as well) to hand over initial 'inactive' cash to someone would potentially be the same as making it refundable.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#8b0000]There are numerous ways to work around the system [B]. . .[/B] and for a while I'd like to think that [B]I[/B] had one of the best methods on the planet. One 'higher up' at Carnival Corporate was livid when it was described. Tee-Hee :)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=white].[/COLOR]

[MissKIA]

Honestly, this should be illegal. It's like gift cards with expiry dates. Those were put to a stop for the same reason.

[DKNYC]

Sorry that the OP lost their $$, however I could think of a couple of reasons someone might use Cruise cash. I am sure there probably are more.

1) If a cruiser does not have a credit card ( or doesn't want to use it) and does not want to use/carry the cash to pay their bill.

2) Cruiser wants to avoid the hold on their credit card account that Carnival is going to put on the credit card. I think the hold is $300- $500 (possibly per person, I admit I don't know the exact amount).

Denise

[rskater59]

I do not like to use credit cards, so I have a debit card. I will not let Carnival hold my debit card hostage, so I bought $200 cruise cash for me and $200 for my wife. It will cover our tips, steakhouse one night, and a few extra drinks here and there. Maybe a few gifts as well. Maybe even a picture. We will make sure we use it all.

[MissKIA]

[quote name='DKNYC']

2) Cruiser wants to avoid the hold on their credit card account that Carnival is going to put on the credit card. I think the hold is $300- $500 (possibly per person, I admit I don't know the exact amount).

Denise[/quote]


That is one of the reasons I am considering it. I won't buy more than I think I will use though. I've read horror stories about people having their credit cards maxed out because the cruise line keeps putting hold after hold after hold on their cards for thousands of dollars. That kind of freaks me out!

[Denicewu]

When you buy cruise cash when does it show up. Is it n you Doc's or does it not post or hit you CC card till you board?

[CaribbeanLuver]

I'm trying to figure out what would be the point of purchasing it?? Seems very odd..... I could understand buying them for someone else for a gift but why would you buy it for yourself? Why not have a vacation savings account? When it's time for vacation, move the money into the checking account you plan on using or to go to a credit card you plan to use. Seems like a lot of hassle with absolutely no benefit. ??

[WiCruiseDreamer]

[I][COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]I used Cruise Cash on my last cruise, this past October. It does not show up on your documents nor does it show on the interactive tv. However, when you go to Guest Services or use the kiosk to inquire about you account you will see it there. It can be confusing but it is not all that hard to understand if you just think it through. Also, as others have said, you can transfer it to your Casino account and then cash it out.

I agree, the old way of handling the OBC was easier, but, and I realize not all will agree with me, I understand the reason for Carnival doing it this way.

While changes may not make sense to anyone outside of Carnival and such, there is a reason, and it is not as dismal as many like to make it out. Carnival, like any other business, is just that, a business. Most businesses I know are out to provide a service as well as make a profit.
[/COLOR][/I]

[WiCruiseDreamer]

[quote name='MissKIA']Honestly, this should be illegal. It's like gift cards with expiry dates. Those were put to a stop for the same reason.[/quote]


[COLOR=Blue]There are still gift cards that can have expiration dates as well as a "Not redeemable for cash" provision and this is completely legal.
[/COLOR]

[rocketship]

[quote name='4merlurker']Wanted to give the kids some cruise cash for christmas. PVP just told me LAST NIGHT that anything left over would be mailed back to me in the form of a check. :mad: Good thing I decided to wait to purchase![/quote]

I had $19.60 left over on our past cruise. They sent me a check.

Also, its very easy to go get the cash at any of the casino tables in chips, then take the chips and cash them out at the cashier... No danger of losing money that way.

[QTPieRye]

[quote name='WiCruiseDreamer'][I][COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]I used Cruise Cash on my last cruise, this past October. It does not show up on your documents nor does it show on the interactive tv. [/COLOR][/I][/QUOTE]

Say what?!?!? It doesn't show up on your S&S account on the interactive TV? This is the part I don't understand. If this is the case, how would you keep track of how much more cash you have to spend? In other words, I expect my cruise cash to be applied as a credit to my account and be used towards my very first DOD :) (BEFORE ANYTHING IS CHARGED TO MY CREDIT CARD!!!)

[chadci]

We always used to prepay $50 per person per day. Usually got a nice check back at the end.

This time - after not cruising for 2 years, I got the gift card but noticed the no cash refund bit so I only got $500 - 2 ppl 7 days. If we need to add more, fine. If not - that's ok too.

[WiCruiseDreamer]

[quote name='QTPieRye']Say what?!?!? It doesn't show up on your S&S account on the interactive TV? This is the part I don't understand. If this is the case, how would you keep track of how much more cash you have to spend? In other words, I expect my cruise cash to be applied as a credit to my account and be used towards my very first DOD :) (BEFORE ANYTHING IS CHARGED TO MY CREDIT CARD!!!)[/quote]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][I]It shows up, but was a bit confusing to decipher, however, when I got a printed copy from the kiosk, it was very easy to understand. I do believe that there needs to be a better way of showing how it is used.[/I][/COLOR]

[jcool]

I brought $75.00 in carnival dollars and I never got my money back and I called them a few time and they told me that I can not get my money back.

[southbayer]

[COLOR=Blue][SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]I was surprised to find this out too. I just checked the kiosk machine to check my account one sea day, and under "non refundable credits", I noticed this... So, I made sure I hit up the casino to get casino chips and deplete those onboard credits...[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][quote name='gargoyle999']Just got burned for $160!! My Platinum but first cruise since cruise cash came about. Turns out it is not refundable!!! We have always paid for OBC ahead of the cruise then gotten the leftover back at the end of the cruise.

Got a check for $5.32 that must have been tax/port fee reduction. Called about the remaining cruise cash and was just told that there is no way to purchase OBC ahead of time that is refundable. Has to be used on that sailing. Can't cash out on the ship either.

First time in 10 Carnival cruises I am actually :mad:[/quote]

[girlscruise2011]

I use to call before my cruise and put cash on my account so I didn't have to deal with the hassle when I boarded.

I guess now I have no choice. I'll just have to do it at the port when I check in.

[cobynana]

[quote name='girlscruise2011']I use to call before my cruise and put cash on my account so I didn't have to deal with the hassle when I boarded.

I guess now I have no choice. I'll just have to do it at the port when I check in.[/QUOTE]
whats the difference in funding SScard vs prepaid OBC ?
I am going on my very first cruise in 14 days and i was planning on using CASH to fund my ship and sail card 300 for me and 300 for my DD and i was NOT planning on attaching my credit card

now i see that we must use the entire 600 onboard ?
so is credit/debit card best way to go cuz they charge as u go

or is prepaid OBC
non refundable:eek:

IM so confused

[cruizinisthebest]

[quote name='cobynana']whats the difference in funding SScard vs prepaid OBC ?
I am going on my very first cruise in 14 days and i was planning on using CASH to fund my ship and sail card 300 for me and 300 for my DD and i was NOT planning on attaching my credit card

now i see that we must use the entire 600 onboard ?
so is credit/debit card best way to go cuz they charge as u go

or is prepaid OBC
non refundable:eek:

IM so confused[/QUOTE]

If you put cash down on your sign & sail card, you will get back whatever you don't use either by cashing out your account at guest services before you get off the ship or a check will be mailed for the unused portion if you don't bother to cash out. If the unused balance is $5 or less, Carnival will keep it as a donation to St. Judes. Unless you direct them not to.

Unused balances from Cruise cash and Carnival gift cards are treated different from straight cash applied to your account. That's the discussion here. You are entitled to any unused portion of a straight cash deposit as outlined above.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[cobynana]

[quote name='cruizinisthebest']If you put cash down on your sign & sail card, you will get back whatever you don't use either by cashing out your account at guest services before you get off the ship or a check will be mailed for the unused portion if you don't bother to cash out. If the unused balance is $5 or less, Carnival will keep it as a donation to St. Judes. Unless you direct them not to.

Unused balances from Cruise cash and Carnival gift cards are treated different from straight cash applied to your account. That's the discussion here. You are entitled to any unused portion of a straight cash deposit as outlined above.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

O I see now Thank Thank You Mucho Gracias :D

so no gift cards and do NOT buy OBC
COPY DAT!!!:cool:

[QTPieRye]

[quote name='southbayer'][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]I was surprised to find this out too. I just checked the kiosk machine to check my account one sea day, and under "non refundable credits", I noticed this... So, I made sure I hit up the casino to get casino chips and deplete those onboard credits...[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Again, this concerns me. I currently have $50.00 OBC (through military sale) and $150.00 in Cruise Cash. I expect this $200.00 to the be first source of payment against my S&S account... I am thinking I may not give my credit card, until my OBC and Cruise Cash is spent!!!!!!

[Staticfire229]

If you would have read the policy updates, it clearly states that OBC and cruise cash is non refundable.

[firstcruiseever]

[quote name='gargoyle999']Just got burned for $160!! My Platinum but first cruise since cruise cash came about. Turns out it is not refundable!!! We have always paid for OBC ahead of the cruise then gotten the leftover back at the end of the cruise.

Got a check for $5.32 that must have been tax/port fee reduction. Called about the remaining cruise cash and was just told that there is no way to purchase OBC ahead of time that is refundable. Has to be used on that sailing. Can't cash out on the ship either.

First time in 10 Carnival cruises I am actually :mad:[/QUOTE]

Maybe because of the all the OBC specials they are running lately? That is stupid though if you bought it ahead of time! Why can't you get it back? That is your money, not some special.