Question about onboad expenses on the Spirit

[AnneNchris]

Hi all! I just wanted to ask a question about onboard expences...my mother has given my husband and I the gift of 2 American express gift cards totalling exactly what we planned on using for onboard expenses...now my only major stress is...can these be used on the ship when we set up our account? They are issued right from American Express which NCL accepts...any information would be super helpful....thanks:)

[AnneNchris]

Hi all! I just wanted to ask a question about onboard expences...my mother has given my husband and I the gift of 2 American express gift cards totalling exactly what we planned on using for onboard expenses...now my only major stress is...can these be used on the ship when we set up our account? They are issued right from American Express which NCL accepts...any information would be super helpful....thanks:)

[johnql]

Here's what American Express has posted on their web site:

 

"The Gift Card is a prepaid payment device that, when purchased, comes with a set dollar value that is printed on the front of the Gift Card. It is not a credit card, charge card or debit card. The Gift Card can be used at retailers, restaurants, amusement parks, sporting events, movie and other theaters, spas, salons and certain other merchants that are located in the United States and that accept the American Express Card, including mail order, online and brick and mortar establishments. A location where the Gift Card can be used is referred to in these Terms and Conditions as a "Merchant." The Gift Card cannot be used at airline, cruise line, hotel, car rental, telecom merchants, or at casinos or ATMs." [my bold]

 

It doesn't sound like NCL will accept the use of the gift card, but perhaps there are exceptions to the official policy.

[AnneNchris]

Here's what American Express has posted on their web site:

 

"The Gift Card is a prepaid payment device that, when purchased, comes with a set dollar value that is printed on the front of the Gift Card. It is not a credit card, charge card or debit card. The Gift Card can be used at retailers, restaurants, amusement parks, sporting events, movie and other theaters, spas, salons and certain other merchants that are located in the United States and that accept the American Express Card, including mail order, online and brick and mortar establishments. A location where the Gift Card can be used is referred to in these Terms and Conditions as a "Merchant." The Gift Card cannot be used at airline, cruise line, hotel, car rental, telecom merchants, or at casinos or ATMs." [my bold]

 

It doesn't sound like NCL will accept the use of the gift card, but perhaps there are exceptions to the official policy.

 

Thanks for the info...I actually just read that:( Oh well...cash it is!!

[shoreguy]

You may have a problem. Check the AMEX site. I know their pre loaded travel card can not be used onboard. They can be used to pay for the cruise but since they are not a credit or debit card and have a fixed value I don't think they can not be used to set up the account. You may be able to pay down the balance I am not sure.

[shoreguy]

Keep in mind AMEX deducts $2 a month from the balance on the cards use them quickly. I just found that out last week when I tried to use a card I got in December. The transaction was denied since my balance was $10 less then I thought.

[judyf]

Couldn't you put them as a cash payment?

[judyf]

Sorry didn't see the double post. Couldn't you just place them as down payment for cash?

[tinker]

They are best used at retailers.

I got a large one from my boss for Xmas and tried to use it as the down payment for a Celebrity cruise we have booked for October. They wouldn't take it.