How many people purchase fun dollars before cruising

[Inkah]

I have done that for my last two cruises but since they changed the funship dollars to non refundable.. i will do the carnival gift cards for next cruise.

[Carnival_Brides]

We purchased cruise cash a few weeks before our last cruise and it worked out really well for us. We have emergency funds available when we travel, but it is nice to check the bill the last day and not owe anything. If we have an overage we visit the casino, play a few rounds and withdraw it when we're done.

[dainew]

I have done it the pass 4 cruises and I love it.....I check my balance every day on the tv....and to make sure I spend it all I go over by 50

[tandemcruzr]

Just for clarification, 'funship dollars' no longer exist. The program now is Cruise Cash -- the use it or lose it program. Unless you cash out at the casino the last night.

 

The gift card sounds like the best way to budget for those who want to spend a set amount every payday, every 2 weeks, etc.

 

We just put everything on our credit card and pay it off once we get the bill. And get points. :)

[T. Advisor King]

I was very surprised to discover that people do this despite the fact that the Carnival dollars are on par with the US$. I could see if there was a discount of perhaps 3-5%, or if Carnival paid even a nominal interest rate on the money between the date of purchase and the date it was applied to an account, then it might make sense. Otherwise, I think you're just paying today for something you could pay for months from now. You'd be no worse off if you stuffed the same cash in a jar at home, except if you keep the money at home, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you didn't give an interest-free loan to a multi-billion dollar company.

 

If there is some sort of psychological benefit to "knowing that your cruise bill is paid" and that benefit is not met by just putting the money in a jar, then why not apply your cash to your credit card (assuming you don't have one of the cards where they will actually cut you a check if you have a credit balance)?

 

I've never understood the logic in pre-paying anything that can be post-paid at par. If there is a discount, then fine.

 

In fact, if anyone out there wants to send me a bunch of money and have me apply it to their account 6 months from now, let me know. I'll happily open a separate account and earn interest.

[cruizinisthebest]

I was very surprised to discover that people do this despite the fact that the Carnival dollars are on par with the US$. I could see if there was a discount of perhaps 3-5%, or if Carnival paid even a nominal interest rate on the money between the date of purchase and the date it was applied to an account, then it might make sense. Otherwise, I think you're just paying today for something you could pay for months from now. You'd be no worse off if you stuffed the same cash in a jar at home, except if you keep the money at home, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you didn't give an interest-free loan to a multi-billion dollar company.

 

If there is some sort of psychological benefit to "knowing that your cruise bill is paid" and that benefit is not met by just putting the money in a jar, then why not apply your cash to your credit card (assuming you don't have one of the cards where they will actually cut you a check if you have a credit balance)?

 

I've never understood the logic in pre-paying anything that can be post-paid at par. If there is a discount, then fine.

 

In fact, if anyone out there wants to send me a bunch of money and have me apply it to their account 6 months from now, let me know. I'll happily open a separate account and earn interest.

 

Not sure why you or anyone else feels the need to examine people and the way the save for and spend their own vacation money. If you don't want to do it, and don't see the point, sobeit. I don't see the point in spending money gambling, but folks are free to do it if they chose. And they certainly don't need a sermon from me. I also don't see the point in drinking beer, because I don't like beer. But if YOU like it, drink up. There's nothing to NOT understand. If you don't agree with it, that's one thing. But the premise is not hard to understand. Every single time there's a thread on here about cruise cash or gift cards, some posters find the need to chime in with how ridiculous they think the idea is. The OP asked if anyone else saves up this way. Not everything is about getting something extra back and not everyone is interested in using credit cards for that purpose. I have them and use them for whatever I chose. I use them on vacation too. And I also buy gift cards. My money. My choice.

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Not sure why you or anyone else feels the need to examine people and the way the save for and spend their own vacation money. If you don't want to do it, and don't see the point, sobeit. I don't see the point in spending money gambling, but folks are free to do it if they chose. And they certainly don't need a sermon from me. I also don't see the point in drinking beer, because I don't like beer. But if YOU like it, drink up. There's nothing to NOT understand. If you don't agree with it, that's one thing. But the premise is not hard to understand. Every single time there's a thread on here about cruise cash or gift cards, some posters find the need to chime in with how ridiculous they think the idea is. The OP asked if anyone else saves up this way. Not everything is about getting something extra back and not everyone is interested in using credit cards for that purpose. I have them and use them for whatever I chose. I use them on vacation too. And I also buy gift cards. My money. My choice.

 

 

Very well said.

 

And I purchase the Cruise Cash as well. And I don't feel I'm giving Carnival a "loan".

 

 

Kim

[T. Advisor King]

Not sure why you or anyone else feels the need to examine people and the way the save for and spend their own vacation money. If you don't want to do it, and don't see the point, sobeit. I don't see the point in spending money gambling, but folks are free to do it if they chose. And they certainly don't need a sermon from me. I also don't see the point in drinking beer, because I don't like beer. But if YOU like it, drink up. There's nothing to NOT understand. If you don't agree with it, that's one thing. But the premise is not hard to understand. Every single time there's a thread on here about cruise cash or gift cards, some posters find the need to chime in with how ridiculous they think the idea is. The OP asked if anyone else saves up this way. Not everything is about getting something extra back and not everyone is interested in using credit cards for that purpose. I have them and use them for whatever I chose. I use them on vacation too. And I also buy gift cards. My money. My choice.

 

I'm not sure why you object to my post. The OP posted "How many people purchase fun dolllars before cruising ... I was just wondering how many people do"

 

This question was clearly designed to elicit responses that were "I do, and here's why" or "I don't and here's why". If you object to me posting anything beyond "I don't", then why not object to those who posted more than "I do".

 

If you don't like my perspective, you're welcome to post your own viewpoint. But don't criticize me for posting my point of view directly in response to a clear question.

[jaxcruiser23]

I was very surprised to discover that people do this despite the fact that the Carnival dollars are on par with the US$. I could see if there was a discount of perhaps 3-5%, or if Carnival paid even a nominal interest rate on the money between the date of purchase and the date it was applied to an account, then it might make sense. Otherwise, I think you're just paying today for something you could pay for months from now. You'd be no worse off if you stuffed the same cash in a jar at home, except if you keep the money at home, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you didn't give an interest-free loan to a multi-billion dollar company.

 

If there is some sort of psychological benefit to "knowing that your cruise bill is paid" and that benefit is not met by just putting the money in a jar, then why not apply your cash to your credit card (assuming you don't have one of the cards where they will actually cut you a check if you have a credit balance)?

 

I've never understood the logic in pre-paying anything that can be post-paid at par. If there is a discount, then fine.

 

In fact, if anyone out there wants to send me a bunch of money and have me apply it to their account 6 months from now, let me know. I'll happily open a separate account and earn interest.

 

You sir come across as an arse!!! LOL

[cruizinisthebest]

I'm not sure why you object to my post. The OP posted "How many people purchase fun dolllars before cruising ... I was just wondering how many people do"

 

This question was clearly designed to elicit responses that were "I do, and here's why" or "I don't and here's why". If you object to me posting anything beyond "I don't", then why not object to those who posted more than "I do".

 

If you don't like my perspective, you're welcome to post your own viewpoint. But don't criticize me for posting my point of view directly in response to a clear question.

 

I gave my perspective already. And you can say whatever you want. Doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

[cruizinisthebest]

You sir come across as an arse!!! LOL

 

Agreed.

[LostPuppy]

I was just wondering how many people do as I do before every cruise starting 3 months before each cruise I purchase about $150-$250 fun dollars every friday I look at it as a bill then when the cruise comes around we have over $2000 on our sale and sign card and that usually covers the whole cruise just seems easier to have funds on our account when we arrive. Anyone else do this or am I the only weirdo to do this lol

 

I was going to say that pre-paying towards your cruise via "Cruise Cash" is a bit silly and doesn't make a lot of financial sense.

 

But now I see this has turned into a "don't post your opinion if it is opposite to the original poster" thread. Time for me to move on....

Edited March 6, 2014 by LostPuppy

[jaxcruiser23]

I was going to say that pre-paying towards your cruise via "Cruise Cash" is a bit silly and doesn't make a lot of financial sense.

 

But now I see this has turned into a "don't post your opinion if it is opposite to the original poster" thread. Time for me to move on....

 

must be a lost puppy carry on LOL

[CoconutJD]

I don't. I have a savings account that automatically takes a certain amount every month out of my checking, and we use that for vacation funds or whatever other "fun" stuff (baseball games, movies, etc.) we decide. It's separate from our personal savings account for unexpected life stuff.

[Mira28]

Looks like another go round on this subject...

 

Jaxcruiser23 (OP),

I think you have a great attitude and am glad you have a plan that works for you.

For me, a combination of egift cards and cruise cash makes sense as well. I hope everything goes well for you and you have a wonderful cruise! :)

[belkin]

We always save spending money for our cruises. We let the charges hit our credit card for the points and then use the saved cash to pay off the bill. We have had 2 free cruises now in just a few years time.

We use the Barclay Arrival card that gives you 2 points for every dollar spent, plus when you redeem the points you get 10% back. I do make sure that I pay it off every month so there is no interest accrued.

[bar1068]

[quote name='vols_159']No way .. Why give a million dollar company my money seems silly to me


Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Really...you don't take cruises then...cause..you know...you have to give that multi-billion dollar company money.....

[daksimba]

I pay off my cheers in cruise cash knowing that it is non refundable. I'm not a very good saver and like to prepay everything before hand that I can. Judge away, it works for us :)

[Thebosn1]

[quote name='jaxcruiser23']I was just wondering how many people do as I do before every cruise starting 3 months before each cruise I purchase about $150-$250 fun dollars every friday I look at it as a bill then when the cruise comes around we have over $2000 on our sale and sign card and that usually covers the whole cruise just seems easier to have funds on our account when we arrive. Anyone else do this or am I the only weirdo to do this lol[/quote]

I have not done it in the past but I think I am going to do it for next cruise. It's a long one and I don't want to die of sticker shock at the end of it!

[Thebosn1]

[quote name='T. Advisor King']I was very surprised to discover that people do this despite the fact that the Carnival dollars are on par with the US$. I could see if there was a discount of perhaps 3-5%, or if Carnival paid even a nominal interest rate on the money between the date of purchase and the date it was applied to an account, then it might make sense. Otherwise, I think you're just paying today for something you could pay for months from now. You'd be no worse off if you stuffed the same cash in a jar at home, except if you keep the money at home, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you didn't give an interest-free loan to a multi-billion dollar company.

If there is some sort of psychological benefit to "knowing that your cruise bill is paid" and that benefit is not met by just putting the money in a jar, then why not apply your cash to your credit card (assuming you don't have one of the cards where they will actually cut you a check if you have a credit balance)?

I've never understood the logic in pre-paying anything that can be post-paid at par. If there is a discount, then fine.

In fact, if anyone out there wants to send me a bunch of money and have me apply it to their account 6 months from now, let me know. I'll happily open a separate account and earn interest.[/quote]

You sound a bit judgmental. I really don't think my $1500 in cruise cash is going to be some great investment for Carnival to use over the next six months. What are they going to do with the interest on my $1500?

The person just asked if anyone has used it, I asked the same thing yesterday. We didn't ask if anyone thought it was stupid, or ask for financial advice.

People save and pay for things differently. I usually pay the whole thing at the end, but this time I'm on a very long cruise and i think it would be cool to have part of what I am certian is going to be a HUGE s&s bill paid when I get there. It has nothing to do with giving Carnival a loan, or not wanting to keep it in a jar or anything else.

If I wanted a lecture on finance I certainly wouldn't get it on here.

[vols_159]

[quote name='bar1068']Really...you don't take cruises then...cause..you know...you have to give that multi-billion dollar company money.....[/quo


I love cruising I just don't give them my money before I have to.. I pay in full the month or week final payment is due and wont pre buy OBC .. Just me

[Thebosn1]

[quote name='klaner64']If you like spending money why don't you apply for the Carnival credit card and start earning your tips and OBC. Every time you charge to your card for Carnival you get double points and everything else you get 1 point for every $1 you spend. Last cruise I took I had enough credits to pre pay our tips and have $200 OBC.[/quote]

Interesting. Good info thanks.

[T. Advisor King]

[quote name='Thebosn1']You sound a bit judgmental. [B][COLOR=red]I really don't think my $1500 in cruise cash is going to be some great investment for Carnival to use over the next six months[/COLOR][/B]. What are they going to do with the interest on my $1500?

The person just asked if anyone has used it, I asked the same thing yesterday. [B][COLOR=red]We didn't ask if anyone thought it was stupid[/COLOR][/B], or ask for financial advice.

People save and pay for things differently. I usually pay the whole thing at the end, but this time I'm on a very long cruise and i think it would be cool to have part of what I am certian is going to be a HUGE s&s bill paid when I get there. It has nothing to do with giving Carnival a loan, or not wanting to keep it in a jar or anything else.

If I wanted a lecture on finance I certainly wouldn't get it on here.[/quote]

And if 1,000 people give Carnival the same $1,500 interest-free loan, does your answer change?

I'm pretty sure I didn't call anyone "stupid", if that's what you were implying. I said I was surprised that people do it and I don't understand the logic. I said that because I was surprised that Carnival dollars are sold at par and because I don't understand the logic.

I'm now inclined to agree with LP's post above.

[rprice11]

Gift card sales are not considered interest free loans but are in fact considered a liability. Edited March 7, 2014 by rprice11

[dramaqueenjan]

How does it work ? I always bring cash for my sign and sail put id rather not travel with so much as I also pay for excursions ect with cash..this sounds great to me