Question re Visa onboard

[Milly_60]

Was just reading my P&O brochure and just realised something.

 

My 16yr old son (who has saved his own spending money) has just a key card account (you know, one of those accounts you have until you're 18).

 

He wants to know will he have his own account onboard - or will it be itemised but placed on my account as he is not an adult. Also, he can't use a key card on board, can he?

 

As for me, I don't have a Visa credit card (don't like them) but I have a Visa Debit Card. Can I use a debit card on board to pay the purser? Or will I also have to use cash? Umm trying not to panic, as they could mean I have to withdraw all this cash b4 I go (sail on Sunday) - with neither of us being able to use our cards.

 

Really to know all parts to this question. Hope someone can help me with all.

[Skyrules]

Was just reading my P&O brochure and just realised something.

 

My 16yr old son (who has saved his own spending money) has just a key card account (you know, one of those accounts you have until you're 18).

 

He wants to know will he have his own account onboard - or will it be itemised but placed on my account as he is not an adult. Also, he can't use a key card on board, can he?

 

Not sure how the kids card works for as I've never travelled with children. But no, he won't be able use his key card on board the ship.

 

As for me, I don't have a Visa credit card (don't like them) but I have a Visa Debit Card. Can I use a debit card on board to pay the purser? Or will I also have to use cash? Umm trying not to panic, as they could mean I have to withdraw all this cash b4 I go (sail on Sunday) - with neither of us being able to use our cards.

 

Yes, you can use your Visa Debit Card (as a credit card) for settling your on board account using the 'express check out' where you nominate your credit card at the start of the cruise, and the final balance of your account at disembarkation is charged to that card. However, be warned that over the course of the cruise the place a hold on funds to guarantee payment and sometimes they are a bit lax in releasing these holds promptly when the final balance has been charged at the end of the cruise. But generally this works well.

 

The only place on board the ship that you can use cash is in the Casino, and for some of the smaller activities. In general, the ship runs a 'cashless' operation with everything done through your cruise card.

[arxcards]

Was just reading my P&O brochure and just realised something.

 

My 16yr old son (who has saved his own spending money) has just a key card account (you know, one of those accounts you have until you're 18).

 

He wants to know will he have his own account onboard - or will it be itemised but placed on my account as he is not an adult. Also, he can't use a key card on board, can he?

 

As for me, I don't have a Visa credit card (don't like them) but I have a Visa Debit Card. Can I use a debit card on board to pay the purser? Or will I also have to use cash? Umm trying not to panic, as they could mean I have to withdraw all this cash b4 I go (sail on Sunday) - with neither of us being able to use our cards.

 

Really to know all parts to this question. Hope someone can help me with all.

Visa debit can be used to pay the purser, or can be registered to automatically pay your account on your final night.

 

Keycard -No.

I guess he will need to draw cash to take or transfer it into your debit card.

Separate accounts can exist on a booking, but not sure if this can be done for a minor. Each cruise card will generate a separate statement, so it is still easy for you both to track his spending when it comes time to settle the account.

[Milly_60]

No I didn't think son could use his key card either but he wanted me to check. He is also adamant he wants his own - hmm what do you call it - his own 'account' as such on the boat - whether he pays it or he gives money to me and I pay it. He doesn't want his account mixed with mine. Is this possible?

 

So re my Visa debit card, it just says on all the pamphlets "register your Visa credit card" and seeing as I don't have one, I was thinking maybe my debit card was useless to use, and was proceeding to have panic attacks trying to get all this cash out b4 I go. So i definitelly can use it? Like I can put some money up forward, or pay it off as I do, or pay it at the end - like a credit card?

[Skyrules]

No I didn't think son could use his key card either but he wanted me to check. He is also adamant he wants his own - hmm what do you call it - his own 'account' as such on the boat - whether he pays it or he gives money to me and I pay it. He doesn't want his account mixed with mine. Is this possible?

 

So re my Visa debit card, it just says on all the pamphlets "register your Visa credit card" and seeing as I don't have one, I was thinking maybe my debit card was useless to use, and was proceeding to have panic attacks trying to get all this cash out b4 I go. So i definitelly can use it? Like I can put some money up forward, or pay it off as I do, or pay it at the end - like a credit card?

 

Re your son's account. I know when two adults are in a cabin together, the accounts for the two cards are seperate (even if they're assigned to the same credit card)........ So unless there's seperate rules because he's under 18, the same should apply in your situation.

 

Re your VISA Debit card, for the purposes you're using it for your card is a CREDIT card, but linked to your debit account using your own money rather than being linked to a line of credit. I have used my VISA debit card on previous cruises, as have many others on these boards, so relax, it'll be fine.

 

Still take some cash with you though - small denomination Aussie dollars for your ports of call.

[cheznandy]

No I didn't think son could use his key card either but he wanted me to check. He is also adamant he wants his own - hmm what do you call it - his own 'account' as such on the boat - whether he pays it or he gives money to me and I pay it. He doesn't want his account mixed with mine. Is this possible?

 

So re my Visa debit card, it just says on all the pamphlets "register your Visa credit card" and seeing as I don't have one, I was thinking maybe my debit card was useless to use, and was proceeding to have panic attacks trying to get all this cash out b4 I go. So i definitelly can use it? Like I can put some money up forward, or pay it off as I do, or pay it at the end - like a credit card?

 

Just link your cruise card to your Visa debit card when boarding, and let the boys go to the pursers desk to deposit their money on theirs when they board. or maybe you might like to hold say $500 of their $1000 in your Visa debit card........just so they dont go overboard in the first couple of days and run out of money. We did this with our son, he thought $250 would do him for a cruise:rolleyes: yes, that went in the first night of Polka.........so we deposited more in for him,

 

Chez

xx

[arxcards]

No I didn't think son could use his key card either but he wanted me to check. He is also adamant he wants his own - hmm what do you call it - his own 'account' as such on the boat - whether he pays it or he gives money to me and I pay it. He doesn't want his account mixed with mine. Is this possible?

 

So re my Visa debit card, it just says on all the pamphlets "register your Visa credit card" and seeing as I don't have one, I was thinking maybe my debit card was useless to use, and was proceeding to have panic attacks trying to get all this cash out b4 I go. So i definitelly can use it? Like I can put some money up forward, or pay it off as I do, or pay it at the end - like a credit card?

Skyrules was typing as I was. A bit of extra confirmation. Every cruisecard will get a folio statement. It also allows parents to track what their kids are not meant to be spending (like shouting their friends soft drink and pizza, internet time etc). It will be easy for you both to track his spend.

 

If you choose to register your debit card, the easiest way is to allow it to settle at the end. By pre-registering it, you will not even need to handle it onboard. You will get your statement on the last evening, and the debit will occur during the last night without you being present.

[Megagirl]

Hi Milly

 

As everyone has already said DON'T PANIC. Your Visa debit card will be fine as that's all we ever use.

 

Each passenger has a cruise card cause that's your identification as well as your money.

 

When you board each passenger receives one and has their photo placed on it electronically. Those under 18 such as your son have a different coloured one which prevents them from purchasing alcohol.

 

Quite simply you have 2 options for both your sons spending money. Either they deposit cash at the pursers desk when they board, or they put their spending money in your Visa account and you provide your that card details to settle all 3 accounts.

 

So either they take their own CASH or they give you their CASH and you put into your account before the weekend.

 

Have a wonderful time. You will love cruising.

 

Jenny

[staceymrow]

My 15 yr old had her own account last cruise.

I put $50 cash on it for her and told her if she wanted to buy purfume, bags etc from the duty free onboard, she could top it up herself and buy them.(She also works part-time and had saved spending money)

The $50 I put on for her was for ice-creams, drinks and it lasted her the whole cruise!!!

She did end up (a few days later)putting another $2oo cash on it to purchase her goodies, and did this without me being preasent.(she used cash from her purse that we kept in the safe.

I still checked her account every 2 days to see she wasnt wasting her money on the internet- which she didnt even do!!:eek: the whole week!

The cash limit is $3oo for adults- but there is no limit for kids.

So your son will have free range with his cruise card- and you can check up on him- He doesnt have to know!! ;)

[cloakndagger]

Hey Millie,

 

Carrying $3000 can be daunting...you don't need to use your debit card. Pop into the bank, and get the money in travellers cheques. You can then deposit them onto your onboard account at the pursers desk. It will save the worry of carrying all that cash around.

 

They will also cash up the cheques for you if you want cash for the islands. No fees attached for cashing the travellers cheques like you do in some banks and bureau de change offices.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Karen.

[karmac]

Hi Milly. We too do not have a credit card but a visa debit card with St George. We saved our spending money in our credit union account. A few days before we went on our Dawn cruise we transferred the money to our St George account and then linked our cruise cards to our visa debit card. We travelled with 3 kids (11,13 & 16) and we had a separate statement for each card. You can go to the pursers desk ast any time & check each & every card.

[Pirate King]

. We did this with our son, he thought $250 would do him for a cruise:rolleyes: yes, that went in the first night of Polka.........so we deposited more in for him,

 

Chez

xx

 

Hi Milly,

 

Also be aware that his account will not necessarily stop working if he spends over what is on his account. It is wise to check on him every couple of days, just to make sure. Many parents do find that the internet can be a problem for their kids if they do not keep an eye on them.

 

I also agree with Cloak n Daggers' comments about travellers checks. Safe and convenient, leaving you with less worries than cash.

 

Have fun, relax and enjoy your cruise

[aussiescouser]

as many have said visa debit is the way to go and your son will be able to deposit his cash directly into his own account onboard, his card will be red not blue like yours, thus not allowing him to purchase alchohol and smokes, dont panic just have a wonderful time regards aussiescouser:D

[cloakndagger]

as many have said visa debit is the way to go and your son will be able to deposit his cash directly into his own account onboard, his card will be red not blue like yours, thus not allowing him to purchase alchohol and smokes, dont panic just have a wonderful time regards aussiescouser:D

 

Hmmm....are you a red or a blue nose scouser??:confused:

[Pirate King]

Hmmm....are you a red or a blue nose scouser??:confused:

 

 

Think very very carefully before you answer that question..........

 

(for non scousers, it means are you a Liverpool or an Everton supporter)

 

 

"Football isn't life or death, it's more important than that...." - Bill Shankley

(This is a clue for aussiescouser)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milly, Enjoy you cruise!!!