kids and sign and sail cards

CarolynB · #1 (**permalink**) October 11th, 2002, 07:29 AM

We will be sailing with our 12 yr old grandson aboard the Princess Star. I was just wondering if he will have to have a credit card put on to his room key/sail card. At this age, I don't want him to think we don't trust him, but we don't want to be surprise when we get the bill.

pamda · #2 (**permalink**) October 11th, 2002, 08:01 AM

Hi, Carolyn ...

All sails & spend cards have to be backed up either with cash or a credit card.

Set some limits ahead of time so he knows what you expect of him so far as spending is concerned.

nushnakka · #3 (**permalink**) October 11th, 2002, 04:42 PM

I know with Carnival they wanted $100 deposit per card. But like pamda said set limits. My kids were 10 & 15 on our 1st cruise and they were very good with the cards. They always asked for permission 1st before using and just loved being able to sign their names on the receipts.

Thomas · #4 (**permalink**) October 11th, 2002, 05:36 PM

Twelve years old is old enough to be responsible. Why don't you offer a $20 ( or whatever amount ) per day limit and tell him anything less than that spent per day will be returned to him in cash at the end of the cruise? It would encourage him to be frugal for personal gain yet allow him to budget expenses.

Regards,
Thomas

#5 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2002, 12:48 PM

Watch out for satellite phone calls put on your bill. I would block that.
Not sure of how much a computer person but at .50/min one could run up a bill.
I would see if there were drink cards only. He or she doesn't need to be buying in the shops unless with parents.