charge cards

Does it matter what kind of charge card i use to pay my charge on the boat would a instant cash and check visa be ok leaving on 3-20-04

[cruznRN]

I used a bank debit card with a Mastercard logo and had no problems. I think as long as it has a Visa/Mastercard log you will be OK ...

Lesley
Glory 9/18/04

[Cruisenut1]

Be careful with debit cards, some have a limit of $500 for a one time charge, call your bank to be sure.

[LisaK]

you don't have to use a charge card if you don't want to. You can pay in cash or traveler's checks if you like - double check the limit on your debit card.

IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK YOUR BALANCE ON YOU SHIP AND SAIL CARD DURING THE CRUISE? I MAY WANT TO LIMIT MY INTAKE OF BEVERAGES IF IT GETS TOO HIGH. WHAT DO YOU NEED CASH FOR ON THE BOAT IF ANY? i'M CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHARGES GETTING OUT OF HAND.

[LisaK]

you may check your balance at the Purser's Desk during their normal business hours and you can also make payments to your account

[Dorothy]

Some ships have your sign and sail info available through an interactive feature on your room TV.

Your bank card will be okay. Check with your bank to make sure. My bank said I had a $1,000 per day limit.

dorothy

[Pete]

Also, these days computer systems are on the look out for unusual spending patterns, and if they detect it, they can refuse a transaction. eg. If you normally use a card for your weekly Wallmart shop, and then suddenly you try to buy a $10,000 diamond ring in Sydney, Australia - that will flag up as an unusual transaction and it could be blocked.

Best thing is to dp is call your card issuer and let them know what transaction you expect to go through and where it will be. They may not guarantee that the computer will 'release' it, but it's a good idea to take this practical step. It's worked for me when I've done it and I've been in a situation when I haven't. Luckily I've had other cards with me that did work.

Pete