Out of money

[Organized Chaos]

Personally, in my opinion, if you use cash and do not have enough......or maybe cannot really afford to be on a cruise or vacation to begin with (hmmmm). If you are using cash then you are completely aware of what your limitations are and should act accordingly.

I agree that one should be aware of their limitations, and that's regardless of the form of payment they use. Yes, if someone chooses to use cash, they should bring as much as they think they need or come to terms with the fact that they might run out. And yes, I would recommend people keep track of their spending. On the other hand, just because someone runs out of cash doesn't mean they were being irresponsible.

 

But where I feel you're wrong is when you say someone cannot really afford to cruise just because they ran out of cash on board. People on these boards love to say, "If you can't afford such & such, then you can't afford to cruise." That just isn't true. Just because someone might run out of cash doesn't mean they couldn't afford the cruise itself. Some people save, and save for long periods of time, to cruise. If they happen to run out of cash, for whatever reason, that doesn't mean they couldn't afford the cruise. The tickets are paid for, aren't they? Technically, once all the basics are paid off, you don't have to spend another dime on board if you don't want to.

[marion10]

We always travel with two different credit cards- I have one and my husband the other- that way if there is an issue or one of them gets stolen-we have a back up. We are pretty disciplined- never have had a giant surprise bill that we haven't planned for. Outside of cruising, most of our cards extend the warranty at no cost- last year our dryer broke on the 368th day! We had the extended warranty from the credit card and it was fixed at no cost.

[carnivaladdix120]

I think that this thread is excellent,especially for first time cruisers. When DH and I went on our first cruise in 2009,we had absolutely NO idea what to expect in regards to how much we would need or spend. Unfortunately I didn't know about this awesome site back then either LOL We used our bank debit card which wasn't a problem at all, but we did go NUTS with ordering drinks and not keeping track of what we each were ordering and things like that so when we received our printed charges the last night, I almost fainted! $800 alone on DRINKS!!! Needless to say, we learned the hard way and have never had a tab that large again! We had an awesome time tho and became addicted LOL but I have spoken to many new cruisers when we sail and even with the new HUB app and kiosks around to check your balance, there are still many newbies that have no idea how to use them or just don't think to check their balances. Probably a big reason why the GS line is ridiculous on the last night lol

[firemanbobswife]

 

But where I feel you're wrong is when you say someone cannot really afford to cruise just because they ran out of cash on board. People on these boards love to say, "If you can't afford such & such, then you can't afford to cruise." That just isn't true. Just because someone might run out of cash doesn't mean they couldn't afford the cruise itself. Some people save, and save for long periods of time, to cruise. If they happen to run out of cash, for whatever reason, that doesn't mean they couldn't afford the cruise. The tickets are paid for, aren't they? Technically, once all the basics are paid off, you don't have to spend another dime on board if you don't want to.

 

Totally agree. How I pay for my onboard spending is nobody’s business and they have no right to judge and say that I can’t afford to cruise because I set up a cash account. If anything the people that do so are being responsible in the fact that there is zero chance they won’t pay off their CC and accrue interest.

 

But as long as we’re talking cash accounts, let me remind some that that is all I do and it is indeed the smarter option IMHO as I fund it with gift cards that I get at 10% off or more. I preset my budget and stick to it. Has nothing to do with being able to afford to cruise or not.

[Shaded Lady]

some people dont know about the auto tips.

 

and you can not get off the ship before your account is cleared. THe machine sounds an alarm. I was sooo embarrassed one cruise when those machines went off on me. They said because my passport information was wrong. Cruise lines say they do not hold information but they used information from a passport that was notified of being lost. Needless to say I was pissed that they could embarrass me like that

I guess because of my experience I would never assume something negative about you just because the machine sounded an alarm when you were getting off... in my case it was to give me back a power strip they had confiscated when I was boarding! Now when I hear that alarm I always assume the passenger forgot something- maybe that's not the case with everyone!

[vinsheer]

This actually happened to my sister twice!! (yes, I know!) On our last couple cruises together, my 2 sisters and I each set up cash accounts. I used gift cards on mine. The first time my sister went over $75.00 and the Second time, same sister went over $60.00! Yes it was the casino and I don't know what amount they would have let her go up to before they stopped letting her spend, but luckily she found out by checking the kiosk both times she thought she was close:o I took her to guest services because I didn't think they would let her off the ship! I asked if they could take some of my gift card money off of my account to pay her balance and they said they could not because I used gift cards but that they could combine our accounts and then I could block her card, which is what we did both times! I know I could have cashed out some cash to cover her from the casino but this worked out better...and the second time she actually paid me back! hahaha On a side note, my "responsible" sister and I just returned from a little 3 day cruise and again, I asked about transferring a few dollars of my "gift card" account over to hers for her birthday. (duh, on my part):D However the nice guest services lady pulled up our accounts and let me pay for one of her previous purchases, from my account, so go figure. I have never had a bad experience at guest services in all my Carnival cruises.

[Drazil65]

Being responsible for your spendg is being a grown up...you know going into it what you have to spend...stick to your budget or choose a cheaper vaca...pretty simple...the numbers dont lie...

 

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[rs45thompson]

And THAT is why a credit card is the best choice, and the ONLY choice I’ve ever used on any of my cruises. I don’t understand why people mess around putting cash on an account. Just pay your charge bill when you get home. I have no idea how much I’m going to spend on a cruise. My hubby and I often will buy a nice Citizen watch when onboard, so we could go over what we thought we’d spend. Charge card (NEVER a debit card) is the best choice.

 

 

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I like to use an all-cash account to control my spending. When the cash Runs Out no more drinks. I also prepay everything that I can.

 

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[firemanbobswife]

Being responsible for your spendg is being a grown up...you know going into it what you have to spend...stick to your budget or choose a cheaper vaca...pretty simple...the numbers dont lie...

 

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And that’s why doing a cash account makes perfect sense especially when you’re saving 10% or more. If you already know your budget there’s no need for a credit card. I have it down to a science and end up getting a few bucks back at the end of each cruise.

[Drazil65]

And that’s why doing a cash account makes perfect sense especially when you’re saving 10% or more. If you already know your budget there’s no need for a credit card. I have it down to a science and end up getting a few bucks back at the end of each cruise.

I agree with you 100%, for us, a cash account is how we roll and we have always had more than enough for our expenditures on a cruise. We know exactly what we are working with, period.;p

[coevan]

I like to use an all-cash account to control my spending. When the cash Runs Out no more drinks. I also prepay everything that I can.

 

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Sorry, but what are you 16 years old? Control your spending? Even if I get bashed for this, you save $1000, put it in a bank. Use a credit card and get the mileage or cash back. When you get home pay the credit card with the money you put in the bank. You also just banked 2000 points and have zero balance on your CC. As I said in an earlier post, how do you "cash" people make hotel reservations or rent cars?

[Towel Critter]

And that’s why doing a cash account makes perfect sense especially when you’re saving 10% or more. If you already know your budget there’s no need for a credit card. I have it down to a science and end up getting a few bucks back at the end of each cruise.

On the other hand, if someone pays their credit card balance every month and never accrues interest, it is exactly the same as using cash. I would hate to travel out of the country with nothing but cash. What does a cash only person do if there is an unforeseen emergency? I'm curious about that.

[sgttami]

This thread is good for first time cruisers:

 

My first cruise was1992.(RCL)..I had a TA who never said anything about an "onboard account." This was in the days before computers and online check in. I assumed that I would pay as I go and did have plenty of cash to do that.

 

I boarded and was asked for a credit card. At the time, I had none. I was told I needed a credit card to secure my account and there was no option to pay cash up front against your charges even though I said I have X number of dollars to spend and here it is...(I know that's changed)

 

I was with friends and one gave me their Visa to use...I promptly paid them back the day we got home, got a credit card, and have never been without a credit card since and I only use a CC for travel...Everything else is cash.

[firemanbobswife]

On the other hand, if someone pays their credit card balance every month and never accrues interest, it is exactly the same as using cash. I would hate to travel out of the country with nothing but cash. What does a cash only person do if there is an unforeseen emergency? I'm curious about that.

Who said I only travel with cash? I have credit cards with zero balances that I bring with on which I could purchase vehicles on should I choose. I do a cash account onboard because I save 10% with the discounted gift cards which I buy with my credit card thus earning points and pay it off after doing so.

 

Just because someone chooses not to use a credit card for their onboard account has zero to do with their ability to cruise, their ability to budget for vacation, or lack of credit. IMHO it's much smarter to save at least 10% by paying with GCs under a cash account than use a credit card and pay it off upon my return. I get the best of both worlds my way.

[firemanbobswife]

Sorry, but what are you 16 years old? Control your spending? Even if I get bashed for this, you save $1000, put it in a bank. Use a credit card and get the mileage or cash back. When you get home pay the credit card with the money you put in the bank. You also just banked 2000 points and have zero balance on your CC. As I said in an earlier post, how do you "cash" people make hotel reservations or rent cars?

How about you use your credit card to buy gift cards at 10% off so you earn points and save a nice chunk of change at the same time? "Cash only people" for S&S accounts doesn't mean we don't own credit cards or have excellent credit. I have both.

[Keys2Heaven]

How about you use your credit card to buy gift cards at 10% off so you earn points and save a nice chunk of change at the same time? "Cash only people" for S&S accounts doesn't mean we don't own credit cards or have excellent credit. I have both.

 

This is what this "cash" couple does. The nerve of some people's comments in this thread. Totally uncalled for.

[Organized Chaos]

Sorry, but what are you 16 years old? Control your spending? Even if I get bashed for this, you save $1000, put it in a bank. Use a credit card and get the mileage or cash back. When you get home pay the credit card with the money you put in the bank. You also just banked 2000 points and have zero balance on your CC. As I said in an earlier post, how do you "cash" people make hotel reservations or rent cars?

You asked me, but I didn't feel the need to justify my financial methods to you or anyone else here. But since you're so worried about it, you can go back and look because someone else gave you an answer.

 

It's none of your business how others handle their personal finances, and just because it may be done differently than you doesn't make it wrong.

[SkyPiglet]

You weren't in a position where your card had been declined and you needed to find out so you could rectify the issue, you were just trying to figure out what your balance was. I believe that is why they declined to let you make the call (I was also in a position where my card was declined and the cruise line, not CCL, allowed me to call my card issuer which resolved the issue).

 

That is not correct. According to Guest Services, my card WAS indeed declined when they attempted to charge it, towards the end where they charge the S&S balance. After the fact, it turned out to be a migration on the credit card from Mastercard to Visa, which occurred mid-cruise and notification from the bank was missed prior. After disembarking, it only required a 10 minute phone call from an airport payphone to have the account temporarily reactivated until we got home. At any rate, before it occurred we were going to charge a few hundred to the S&S to play (and most likely lose) in the casino, so CCL missed out on that additional income, plus perhaps a few drinks.

 

If it were to happen again, the advice to ask for the purser is well taken, but it is unlikely as we do bring more than a single card now, just in case.

[sparks1093]

Sorry, but what are you 16 years old? Control your spending? Even if I get bashed for this, you save $1000, put it in a bank. Use a credit card and get the mileage or cash back. When you get home pay the credit card with the money you put in the bank. You also just banked 2000 points and have zero balance on your CC. As I said in an earlier post, how do you "cash" people make hotel reservations or rent cars?

 

I'm sorry but your response seems unnecessarily hostile for responding to something that isn't your business. People have different comfort levels and if someone wants to only use cash then more power to them I say. As for renting a car or hotel reservation a debit card would work for that, if it were an actual need.

[Towel Critter]

Who said I only travel with cash? I have credit cards with zero balances that I bring with on which I could purchase vehicles on should I choose. I do a cash account onboard because I save 10% with the discounted gift cards which I buy with my credit card thus earning points and pay it off after doing so.

 

Just because someone chooses not to use a credit card for their onboard account has zero to do with their ability to cruise, their ability to budget for vacation, or lack of credit. IMHO it's much smarter to save at least 10% by paying with GCs under a cash account than use a credit card and pay it off upon my return. I get the best of both worlds my way.

Okay, fair enough. But I wasn't asking my question about you specifically, but about people who live cash only. It was a general question. I should have clarified that, I suppose. I gathered from your comment that you MAY live cash only. I should not have assumed, as we all know what happens when someone assumes. :-) Anyway, my question wasn't meant to be critical of you or even those who do live cash only. I was/am merely curious how folks who live cash only do it, since most everything is set up for cards in 2018. I apologize if I offended you in any way, and it sounds like I may have. It was unintentional.

[firemanbobswife]

No problem and no offense taken. Most of that wasn’t directed at you. But yeah, some people do assume that just because someone pays “cash only” on their S&S account that they don’t have a credit card.

 

I agree it can be difficult in today’s world getting around without one, but most of the time you could use a debit card (which I wouldn’t for a lot of things. In fact mine is somewhere in a drawer right now as I never use it), or possibly they could get a prepaid one. If you buy things online, there’s always PayPal. So while it may not be as convenient not having a credit card, I’m sure it can be done. I would at least have one with no annual fee and keep it locked away to only be used on vacation in case of emergency. But not everyone can be as disciplined to do so apparently. So in their case I guess it’s best not to have one at all.

[Towel Critter]

No problem and no offense taken. Most of that wasn’t directed at you. But yeah, some people do assume that just because someone pays “cash only” on their S&S account that they don’t have a credit card.

 

I agree it can be difficult in today’s world getting around without one, but most of the time you could use a debit card (which I wouldn’t for a lot of things. In fact mine is somewhere in a drawer right now as I never use it), or possibly they could get a prepaid one. If you buy things online, there’s always PayPal. So while it may not be as convenient not having a credit card, I’m sure it can be done. I would at least have one with no annual fee and keep it locked away to only be used on vacation in case of emergency. But not everyone can be as disciplined to do so apparently. So in their case I guess it’s best not to have one at all.

Thanks. My question honestly was just curiosity, as it looks to me to be near impossible to live cash only in 2018. I should have worded it differently, or not asked at all. One last question, if I may. I don't use paypal and so am not familiar with it. Does one not need a card number to open an account with them? I guess not if cash only folks use it.

 

I sort of admire folks who choose to live cash only out of principle and not because of bad credit. I just can't wrap my mind around it, since cards are required for so many things.

[sft429]

I sort of admire folks who choose to live cash only out of principle.....

 

What principle would that be? I'm always curious as to the attitude of some cash only folks when they wear the "no credit cards for me" as a badge of honor. If it's a question of controlling their spending I can understand it. If it's some kind of moral superiority/principle thing then I think it's just silly.

 

Of course, as always, I could be wrong.

[firemanbobswife]

Thanks. My question honestly was just curiosity, as it looks to me to be near impossible to live cash only in 2018. I should have worded it differently, or not asked at all. One last question, if I may. I don't use paypal and so am not familiar with it. Does one not need a card number to open an account with them? I guess not if cash only folks use it.

 

I sort of admire folks who choose to live cash only out of principle and not because of bad credit. I just can't wrap my mind around it, since cards are required for so many things.

 

With PayPal you can link a checking or savings account to it so you can send/receive funds directly into the account.

 

I don’t see it as an advantage to live cash only “just because”. Thanks to credit cards I have enjoyed many free nights at hotels and flights that I didn’t have to pay for. By not using cards, you’re essentially giving away free money.

[Towel Critter]

What principle would that be? I'm always curious as to the attitude of some cash only folks when they wear the "no credit cards for me" as a badge of honor. If it's a question of controlling their spending I can understand it. If it's some kind of moral superiority/principle thing then I think it's just silly.

 

Of course, as always, I could be wrong.

You'd have to ask them to get an accurate answer. I can only guess it is out of a desire to not be a number... or something like that. And yes, we are all occasionally wrong, me in particular. :)