Debit Cards

[mrobinson]

Hi:

We usually sail Princess and always put a credit card when booking and to cover charges on the ship.

 

This time we are going on Carnival and was wondering if you can put a debit card (tied to bank account) as the card for you sign and sail account.

 

Do they put a hold on any funds prior to your purchases (like car rentals do) or do they just charge the card at the end for the total due.

[serene56]

Yes, you can use the debit card- and yes there are holds.

The problems arise when people do not let the bank know they will be spending huge chunks of money.

Make sure you have any daily allowances lifted.

[cruisekwazee]

I don't recommend the debit card, personally I will never do that again. I bank with a Credit Union and it seemed like an eternity before they took the hold off my account. It took longer than I expected it too, prolly was me not checking out all the details but a Credit card is much easier.

[cruisincory]

We have used my debit card issued by a credit union on both of our cruises. There were no holds. They charge my card at the end of the cruise, usually takes about 2 days for the funds to leave my account. (bill usually runs $400-$500)