Sail and Sign question

Can you use AMX cards to open a Sail and Sign account ?

[jedgar]

What about money?
Sail & Sign
"Sail & Sign" is Carnival's cashless onboard credit program which allows guests to charge their purchases directly to their personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. Registration will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the Purser's Office.

The following deposits are required per guest:
2 - 4 Day Cruises - $100 deposit per guest
5 - 8 Day Cruises - $200 deposit per guest
9+ Day Cruises - $350 deposit per guest


Cash
U.S. currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.

Any remaining available cash balance will be refunded via check, printed and delivered to the guest's cabin on the morning of debarkation.


Credit Cards
The completed Sail & Sign application form (included with your cruise documents) must be presented along with a VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Guests may also use a Check/Debit Card, as long as it is a registered VISA or MasterCard.

Please note:
- Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.
- Parents' credit cards are not acceptable, even with the parents' written permission.

With each approval, a credit hold will be placed on the credit card. All charges will be automatically billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. For Check/Debit Cards, the funds will be withdrawn from the guest's account. On the final morning of the cruise, a detailed statement will be delivered to the guest's cabin. The total amount will be charged to the credit card presented during registration. In addition, the Purser's Office can provide the guest with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.


Check Cashing
Guests may cash one personal check up to $250.00 in U.S. funds, from a U.S. bank, accompanied by an American Express card. A check from a Canadian bank will be cashed at the current exchange rate onboard, not to exceed $250.00 U.S. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at the Purser’s Office. Canadian traveler’s checks will be cashed at the current exchange rate.


Cash Advance
Guests can get a cash advance on their credit card either at the Purser's Office or in the Casino. Carnival uses Comdata Corporation for cash advance services. Comchek will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card. In order to obtain a cash advance the guest's credit card must be activated through the Sail and Sign system. The maximum cash advance permitted will depend on the credit limit authorized by the specific credit card company, and there will be a nominal fee based on the amount of the advance.


ATMs
There are ATMs located on the Promenade Deck of all Carnival ships. The ATMs are controlled by Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and there is a $5.50 fee per transaction. Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea.

this sail and sign card stuff kinda sux - you have to give them 200 per person? what if yuo don't plan on spending 200 a person - i mean jeez the best part of the cruise was that most stuff is inlcuded in your overall cost - whats the SS card for? i mean i don't plan on spending 200 bucks on drinks and certainly havent got an extra 400 to plop down for me n my girls friend - what is you dont use the whole 200 on the SS card will they reimburse you?
thanks

I used Amex to open my S & S...

[Jim Bragg]

Yes, any unsed funds are promptly refunded the last morning. All lines do this very same thing and in a cashless socioty which a cruise ship is, it is the only reasonable way to do business. Best bet is to always use a CC and pay it off immediately when you receive the bill from them.
Jim

[hkolln]

If you use a CC to hold the S&S card then they just "HOLD" the money on your credit card so you don't use it....and release the hold when they close out the bill....It's not like they are going to TAKE your 200.00 if you don't use it...it's just so they know that 200.00 if charged to the S&S card then they can get it off the credit card....

There is an area in your cruise docs on the page where you write in your CC or other deposit info that states you must initial next to each parties name "in order to allow them to charge to their S&S card."
I never asked Carnival. But this would lead me to believe that if you don't want to allow your kids to charge anything then you can just not initial next to their names. Then maybe they will only charge a deposit on the adults S&S cards. I don't know if this will work because I don't have kids but I would advise if this does work, make sure you get the kids a soda card (if they drink them) so they can go get sodas during the day without going to you all day long.
I hope this helps.

Elation 020104
Holiday 103102

Thanks for your direct reply. Other people have made comments but you were the only one that answered my question.