Credit Card Question?

texaskreek06 · #1 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2009, 11:09 AM

I will soon be taking a 7-night cruise on Carnival with my soon to be wife, and would like some information. I have been told that the credit card you use for your sail and sign will be charged a certain amount when you board and then they will credit the amount that you don't spend. Does anybody know what this amount is? I am in my early twentys and never use a credit card, althugh I do have one, but the credit limit is very low. I am renting a car after the cruise and want to make sure I have room for both the cruise and car rental. Thanks

dina · #2 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2009, 11:47 AM

Your sail and sign card is your "credit card"/room key on the ship. Everything you purchase on the ship (excursions unless paid for ahead of time), photos, drinks, merchandise, your tips, etc.. will be put on your sail and sign card. You can choose to make cash payments on your sail and sign card at any time when your on board. I dont' know your credit limit but they will cut you off when the card is maxed out. If your going to rent a car post cruise, you'll want to pay it down so you don't run into any problems at the car rental place.

texaskreek06 · #3 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2009, 11:49 AM

Do you know how much they will "reserve" on the credit card when we board?

dina · #4 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2009, 12:20 PM

Here's the information from Carnival.

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for an onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

The following dollar amounts, per guest, are used as a deposit when the Sail & Sign Account is opened:
2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp
5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp
9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

Like I said. You can pay down your CC during the cruise and right before you depart so there's no charges on there at all.

Dannyboy · #5 (**permalink**) June 6th, 2009, 01:27 PM

You can send your credit card company additional money, this will not change a limit but allow you to spend more on your credit card.

I suggest that you use cash to secure your onboard credit, this will keep any funds from being held b the cruise line.

Check with your credit card company, they may cover your rental insurance on the rental, if you decline the coverage offered by the rental company, also check your personal policy, they may also have coverage, do not assume. verify all information in advance.

Donna · #6 (**permalink**) June 6th, 2009, 06:57 PM

Its also a good idea to call your credit card company before you leave and give them the dates you will be on your cruise, so there is no problem with the charges while out of the country. Its something I always do now.