Using a Debit Card vs a normal Credit Card

[Guyc]

Are there any differences if when checking in at the Dock, you give them a Debit card instead of a normal credit card? Does NCL treat a debit card the same way as a Credit Card? Or do they automatically withdraw a certain amount of money and apply it to your account? 

[YVRteacher]

Oops!

Edited March 9, 2023 by YVRteacher

[julig22]

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-faq/onboard-expenses

[BirdTravels]

3 minutes ago, Guyc said:

Are there any differences if when checking in at the Dock, you give them a Debit card instead of a normal credit card? Does NCL treat a debit card the same way as a Credit Card? Or do they automatically withdraw a certain amount of money and apply it to your account? 

Same. NCL will run authorizations throughout your cruise which will total much much more than your bill (double). Your bank, not NCL, will keep the hold on your cash in accordance with their policies. Unlike a credit card, you will not have access to your cash until your bank releases it. 

[phillygwm]

I never use my debit card, except for cash at an ATM.  For one reason, you don't have the same consumer protections.  Also, as stated above, if you're using it for rental cars, hotels, and yes, cruises, they'll run one or more authorizations for considerably more than the transaction amount to cover incidental charges.  These can take a week or more before they "fall off."  If you don't keep a substantial amount in your checking account, you'll run into problems.

[Two Wheels Only]

You might as well withdraw the cash from your bank and set up your onboard account with cash. 

[All-ready2cruise]

Exactly! I would never give them my Debit card #, withdraw a $1000 (maybe not that much but) instead  give them that. Seriously, your bank will put a hold on your account for a lot of money. You really don't need to do that for sure.