Double charges to credit card?

[bulldogatl]

I just off the Carnival Elation and was surprised when my credit card was denied for a meal back at home. When I checked the credit card available balance it was at zero. It seems that several of the charges on my cabin statement were also charged to the credit card directly. In essence, the entire cabin statement was paid at the end of the cruise and I was then double-billed for several items directly to my card. I've been on over a hundred cruises and never had anything like this happen. Carnival doesn't have an email contact on its website so I'm trying the guestcare@carnival.com. this type of double billing? It just proves that you must check your cabin statement and your credit card bill all the time.

[klfrodo]

You just got hit with “Holds”

 

I bet if you check closely you’ll see that half of those charges are “Pending”

[sanger727]

That’s not exactly how it works. When they run your card at embarkation they place a ‘hold’ on the card for a few hundred. As you spend on the cruise they add additional holds to make sure they are able to get paid. They are essentially telling your CC company ‘hold $200 back from their limit so no matter what, I get paid’. The problem is that this hold doesn’t turn into a ‘charge’. They simply charge your balance at the end and let the hold fall off.

 

So to give you an example. You put your card down and they hold $200. You start purchasing so on day 2 they add another $200 hold. You purchase some shore excursions so they add on another $500 hold. By the end of the cruise they are holding $900 from your CC limit. Let’s say your final bill is $700. They will charge the $700 and but you won’t have access to $1,600 of your limit. Until YOUR bank drops the holds - the cruise line has nothing to do with how fast the holds drop off. That’s based on bank policy. Some do it within a few days, some take 30

 

 

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[sparks1093]

That’s not exactly how it works. When they run your card at embarkation they place a ‘hold’ on the card for a few hundred. As you spend on the cruise they add additional holds to make sure they are able to get paid. They are essentially telling your CC company ‘hold $200 back from their limit so no matter what, I get paid’. The problem is that this hold doesn’t turn into a ‘charge’. They simply charge your balance at the end and let the hold fall off.

 

So to give you an example. You put your card down and they hold $200. You start purchasing so on day 2 they add another $200 hold. You purchase some shore excursions so they add on another $500 hold. By the end of the cruise they are holding $900 from your CC limit. Let’s say your final bill is $700. They will charge the $700 and but you won’t have access to $1,600 of your limit. Until YOUR bank drops the holds - the cruise line has nothing to do with how fast the holds drop off. That’s based on bank policy. Some do it within a few days, some take 30

 

 

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In theory yes, that's the way it's supposed to work but when we left Glory there were numerous holds from CCL for varying amounts that didn't make any sense at all and I didn't even see an initial hold on the account. By the time the final charges hit it put my card over its limit and fortunately the card issuer allowed the charge.

[firemanbobswife]

While I have credit cards with a zero balance that have limits that I could purchase a car on, this is one reason why I prefer a cash account. All the holds, and what appear to be double billing is all too confusing and I prefer not to have to sort through it. With a cash account I am only billed once for each purchase and I can easily check that my folio is correct via various ways onboard. There is also no chance for errors as far as being auto billed for something I did not buy or take such as a towel upon returning from my cruise.

 

Some may think that sort of thing could never happen, but it has. I would much rather get erroneous charges taken care of onboard than have to mess with it at home. They can’t get paid if they have no way to collect once I step foot off the ship. Sure, they could send me a bill but that’s a little more work for them vs just pushing a button and getting paid.

 

I purchase discounted gift cards with my credit card so I am already obtaining points and 10% off so the argument that I’m losing out by not using a CC wouldn’t be correct. I also turn around and buy cruise cash with my gift cards so I have no muss, no fuss as far as setting up my account. No stops at GS or a kiosk unless I choose to add another discounted GC and that takes all of 2 minutes.

[sanger727]

In theory yes, that's the way it's supposed to work but when we left Glory there were numerous holds from CCL for varying amounts that didn't make any sense at all and I didn't even see an initial hold on the account. By the time the final charges hit it put my card over its limit and fortunately the card issuer allowed the charge.

 

 

 

I won’t pretend to be able to predict the amount and frequency of the holds. But it does appear that people need to plan on having double the limit needed for whatever their final bill is. The point though is that the OP doesn’t need to do anything at this point. They weren’t double billed.

 

The cc vs cash debate seems 6 to 1, half a dozen to the other. Cash requires you to reload your card as needed, wait for a refund if you load more than you need, and have heard stories of people being stopped on their way of the ship or hassled on the ship if a charge (whether legit or not) appears that isn’t covered by the cash. CC eliminates all these issues. The CC can be an issue if you don’t have a high limit however. As far as the argument for erroneous charges - that can happen ANYTIME you use a CC. I’ve never had that happen from cruising but have from a rental car. Yes, it’s a pain to sort out. But if they had allowed me to use a cash deposit instead of a CC (not sure that they would). They would have simply failed to return my cash. That would have been harder to deal with. With the CC you just dispute the charge.

 

 

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[ray98]

Holds...not actual charges

[firemanbobswife]

I won’t pretend to be able to predict the amount and frequency of the holds. But it does appear that people need to plan on having double the limit needed for whatever their final bill is. The point though is that the OP doesn’t need to do anything at this point. They weren’t double billed.

 

The cc vs cash debate seems 6 to 1, half a dozen to the other. Cash requires you to reload your card as needed, wait for a refund if you load more than you need, and have heard stories of people being stopped on their way of the ship or hassled on the ship if a charge (whether legit or not) appears that isn’t covered by the cash. CC eliminates all these issues. The CC can be an issue if you don’t have a high limit however. As far as the argument for erroneous charges - that can happen ANYTIME you use a CC. I’ve never had that happen from cruising but have from a rental car. Yes, it’s a pain to sort out. But if they had allowed me to use a cash deposit instead of a CC (not sure that they would). They would have simply failed to return my cash. That would have been harder to deal with. With the CC you just dispute the charge.

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The erroneous charges I am talking about come after you have left the ship. Like after your RS cleans your cabin and charges you for a towel you didn’t take or back when the mini fridges were stocked for drinks you didn’t consume. I’m amongst the first off the ship so those wouldn’t hold me up dinging out. As far as getting cash back, if you cash out the last night of the cruise, you’re in the clear. I like to take care of it before I leave and will typically do so in the casino since I’m there anyway and with any luck I’m in the black so it’s not an extra step.

 

I don’t spend more than I budget so trips to GS or a kiosk are extremely few and far between. Probably only did that once in my recent cruises.

 

It is personal choice and I am very satisfied with a cash account. Others may not feel the same and that’s OK. I gave my reasons why it works for me.

[sanger727]

The erroneous charges I am talking about come after you have left the ship. Like after your RS cleans your cabin and charges you for a towel you didn’t take or back when the mini fridges were stocked for drinks you didn’t consume. I’m amongst the first off the ship so those wouldn’t hold me up dinging out. As far as getting cash back, if you cash out the last night of the cruise, you’re in the clear. I like to take care of it before I leave and will typically do so in the casino since I’m there anyway and with any luck I’m in the black so it’s not an extra step.

 

I don’t spend more than I budget so trips to GS or a kiosk are extremely few and far between. Probably only did that once in my recent cruises.

 

It is personal choice and I am very satisfied with a cash account. Others may not feel the same and that’s OK. I gave my reasons why it works for me.

 

 

 

I’m not saying your wrong. Just pointing out why the CC is a fine option for others. I understand what you meant by erroneous charges.

 

But what happens when you get billed for something you didn’t use or charged the wrong amount for something you did use; then when you go to guest services to fix it and they stick to their guns that it was correct. There’s no one in your corner to reimburse you and deal with the merchant on your cash account like there would be with w CC charge.

 

That’s what happened in my rental car situation. They charged me the wrong amount upon the return. When I showed them my receipt from when I picked the car up to point out that it was wrong they said only a manager could change it and there wasn’t one there; so too bad too sad.

 

 

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[firemanbobswife]

I’m not saying your wrong. Just pointing out why the CC is a fine option for others. I understand what you meant by erroneous charges.

 

But what happens when you get billed for something you didn’t use or charged the wrong amount for something you did use; then when you go to guest services to fix it and they stick to their guns that it was correct. There’s no one in your corner to reimburse you and deal with the merchant on your cash account like there would be with w CC charge.

 

That’s what happened in my rental car situation. They charged me the wrong amount upon the return. When I showed them my receipt from when I picked the car up to point out that it was wrong they said only a manager could change it and there wasn’t one there; so too bad too sad.

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I haven’t had an issue getting a charge reversed that wasn’t mine on the ship. A trip to GS and it was removed.

[dmdiver]

I bet those are holds. I've seen them on my card before & they just drop off. I go through this scenario frequently at work. We will get a phone call the next day with someone claiming that we double-charged their card. We know that we didn't, or we would not have been able to balance our day sheet. It has always been that people don't understand how their card works. Bank of America cards seem to be the more common ones that look like they've been double-charged. I've also had people looking at their phone to watch a charge come up, then immediately jerk it out of the chip reader, which cancels the transaction. Then they want to argue that the charge went through, even though the machine spits out a receipt showing the transaction has been cancelled. I just shake my head and wonder how they have managed to live to adulthood.

[rs45thompson]

If you purchase cruise cash do you get cash back at the end of your cruise?

 

While I have credit cards with a zero balance that have limits that I could purchase a car on, this is one reason why I prefer a cash account. All the holds, and what appear to be double billing is all too confusing and I prefer not to have to sort through it. With a cash account I am only billed once for each purchase and I can easily check that my folio is correct via various ways onboard. There is also no chance for errors as far as being auto billed for something I did not buy or take such as a towel upon returning from my cruise.

 

Some may think that sort of thing could never happen, but it has. I would much rather get erroneous charges taken care of onboard than have to mess with it at home. They can’t get paid if they have no way to collect once I step foot off the ship. Sure, they could send me a bill but that’s a little more work for them vs just pushing a button and getting paid.

 

I purchase discounted gift cards with my credit card so I am already obtaining points and 10% off so the argument that I’m losing out by not using a CC wouldn’t be correct. I also turn around and buy cruise cash with my gift cards so I have no muss, no fuss as far as setting up my account. No stops at GS or a kiosk unless I choose to add another discounted GC and that takes all of 2 minutes.

[sparks1093]

If you purchase cruise cash do you get cash back at the end of your cruise?

 

Cruise cash is non-refundable (but you can cash it out in the casino using the casino trick).

Edited December 29, 2017 by sparks1093

[firemanbobswife]

If you purchase cruise cash do you get cash back at the end of your cruise?

 

I did this last time but I can’t promise that’s the way it will always be. It’s supposed to be use it or lose it. I would cash out in the casino just to be safe or inquire at GS.

[Shaded Lady]

Bulldogatl- you can satisfy your concern pretty quickly by just calling your credit card company and ask them about recent transactions, and what holds are on your account. If, as others have said, the overage is just because of holds, you'll know right away. And sometimes they can remove the holds right away for you (some of my credit cards have done this for me, others, will not, YMMV).

[zzmmmommy]

Where can I purchase Carnival Cruise Cash at a discount? I am assuming this is similar to buying a gas card at Publix valued at $50, but paying $40 for it. Any advice? I guess it is short notice...we leave tomorrow!

[klfrodo]

Where can I purchase Carnival Cruise Cash at a discount? I am assuming this is similar to buying a gas card at Publix valued at $50, but paying $40 for it. Any advice? I guess it is short notice...we leave tomorrow!

If you leave tomorrow, it’s too late

[sparks1093]

Where can I purchase Carnival Cruise Cash at a discount? I am assuming this is similar to buying a gas card at Publix valued at $50, but paying $40 for it. Any advice? I guess it is short notice...we leave tomorrow!

 

I've never seen Cruise Cash offered at a discount. Gift cards I've seen offered from time to time, but not Cruise Cash.

[firemanbobswife]

Where can I purchase Carnival Cruise Cash at a discount? I am assuming this is similar to buying a gas card at Publix valued at $50, but paying $40 for it. Any advice? I guess it is short notice...we leave tomorrow!

 

You cannot purchase Cruise Cash at a discount. If you sign up for AARP Rewards for Good you might be able to get some discounted Gift Cards via email. They usually arrive within 1-15 min. But make sure they aren’t being mailed.

[ditmar2007]

Holds...not actual charges

 

I didn't know this was ever done to CCs. I've only heard it used on Debit Cards, and I've never experienced it on my own CC. Is it a US thing?

 

I also don't have an amount ON my CC - only a max spending per month.

[rs45thompson]

Thanks for the information. I think I will keep using gift cards, At least I can book another cruise with it if I don't use it all.

[bulldogatl]

Well I called Carnival this morning since I didn't get a response to my email surprise surprise. The voice message greeting at Carnival talks about the holds and to give it five days. I'm used to selling on NCL but since I'm platinum on Carnival I thought I would give them another try. I say this because I haven't had this issue on NCL or any other line before. The pending holds are equal to almost what the statement was for the cabin so in my case it was $1,500 actually charged and then 1400 in "holds". $3,000 limit on my card, again I was unable to charge anything on it when I got back because I had passed my credit limit. American Express said that they can't do anything about it and to call Carnival. Fortunately I have other credit cards and it's not a big deal if it's going to be reversed, however I could see others being greatly inconvenienced if it was their only credit card. As a business owner myself I can't imagine doing this to a customer. I guess it's one of those sailor beware type of instances. Thanks for everyone's input.

[no1racefan1]

Until YOUR bank drops the holds - the cruise line has nothing to do with how fast the holds drop off. That’s based on bank policy. Some do it within a few days, some take 30

 

This is NOT true. The length of a hold is determined by the merchant processing company that the merchant (in this case, Carnival) uses. It has nothing to do with a person's individual bank. The bank did not authorize the hold, nor its length.

 

If I had a dollar for every customer I get that comes in and thinks its OUR fault (the bank) that their funds are being held....I could afford another cruise!

[loxley]

Until YOUR bank drops the holds - the cruise line has nothing to do with how fast the holds drop off. That’s based on bank policy. Some do it within a few days, some take 30

 

This is NOT true. The length of a hold is determined by the merchant processing company that the merchant (in this case, Carnival) uses. It has nothing to do with a person's individual bank. The bank did not authorize the hold, nor its length.

 

If I had a dollar for every customer I get that comes in and thinks its OUR fault (the bank) that their funds are being held....I could afford another cruise!

Actually, it IS True.

 

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[CruiseGal999]

Until YOUR bank drops the holds - the cruise line has nothing to do with how fast the holds drop off. That’s based on bank policy. Some do it within a few days, some take 30

 

This is NOT true. The length of a hold is determined by the merchant processing company that the merchant (in this case, Carnival) uses. It has nothing to do with a person's individual bank. The bank did not authorize the hold, nor its length.

 

If I had a dollar for every customer I get that comes in and thinks its OUR fault (the bank) that their funds are being held....I could afford another cruise!

 

That's because ALL merchants I've encountered blame it on the bank. It's an easy, faceless entity to blame and a quick 'successfully resolved' call on their record.