Sail & sign question (long)

[JeanneBop]

Okay, here's the thing. We have $500 in Traveler's Cheques for our excursions and about $1000 in the bank for the trip. HOWEVER, we drink like fish and I have a little spending problem. Plus, we'll be in New Orleans for two full days ahead of time. My paycheck gets deposited in my bank automatically on the Friday of the Sunday to Sunday cruise, giving us more money. Yea! I know they hold a certain amount on your S&S card when you embark ($350?) and I think they add to it when you get close to the limit. Does anyone know in what increments they debit your account and how often? It would be great just to settle up at the end, but I don't want to take any chances of getting "cut off."

 

Thanks,

[SailingDoug]

They usually post dailey on accounts

[TXRoo]

Can you put down one card as your S&S card and then transfer it to another card at the end of the cruise?

[lucyjohnz]

I've heard they post daily amount against the card, then at the end, they post the total amount and the daily amounts don't come off until 3-5 days AFTER the cruise. So, if your total bill was $700, you could end up with a $1400 hold on your Debit account for a little while.

[JeanneBop]

I hope that doesn't happen! I have a regular credit card but it has a small limit. Or maybe I'll just give them cash to start with...

[kujobie]

You might want to bring your own booze/soda/mixers to offset some of the spending onboard. Also, if things get really tight, remove the tips from your sail and sign account (they will be added on the first day) and then add them back on after Friday when your paycheck is deposited. This will free up $140 for the two of you. Avoid the casino and photo gallery, big money grabbers. After your last port, Friday I'm guessing, if you have any traveller's checks left, cash them and add to your account. And watch your spending in New Orleans. Everything in that city is expensive. I paid $10 for a six-pack of Bud bottles at a convenience store. Ouch! It's worse in the bars

[JeanneBop]

We already prepaid the tips. Someone suggested it's easier to bring booze on in carry-ons. Others said pack it. One carnival's site it says you can bring a bottle for a special occasion. I got one - My big 4-0. So I guess we can each justify at least one bottle of bubbly. BTW, I budgeted $900 for NOLA, including hotel and meals; $800 for excursions and shopping in port; and $900 for Sign & Sail. My friends (who know my spending/drinking habits) laughed at me and said it's way underbudget. I can't imagine! Anyway, it makes me nervous. Thanks for your help.

[kujobie]

That sounds like like plenty to me. And I'm a party animal, too. A bottle or two of champagne and a few soft drinks in your carry on is fine. All else should go in checked luggage. On our last cruise, we had an entire full size suitcase filled with only liquids. I estimated that saved us about $300-$400

[wwakla]

I've heard they post daily amount against the card, then at the end, they post the total amount and the daily amounts don't come off until 3-5 days AFTER the cruise. So, if your total bill was $700, you could end up with a $1400 hold on your Debit account for a little while.

 

This only happens with Debit Mastercards and Visa's. Yes the above is true.

My bank verified this so we brought cash and put that on the account to begin with. I watched it daily and just went to the Pursers desk when needed, to put more cash on. We also smuggled liquor and soda on, so we didn't have a large bill. Check for a supermarket near your hotel or port and purchase soda. Then all you have to do is pack a bottle of your fav liquor. We brought along a collapsable cooler on wheels and filled it with soda and checked it like a piece of luggage. We also brought along water/drink bottles. Cocktails on the go and we were never questioned. If you would feel better justpurchase the drink of the day and reuse the glass.

[serene56]

I hope that doesn't happen! I have a regular credit card but it has a small limit. Or maybe I'll just give them cash to start with...

 

 

on my first cruise I used a debit card which has a very small daily limit. By cruising I wentover the limit allowed on the bank. This created a mess when I got back. It took about 3 weeks to clear up which put a hold on my account until it was cleared.

 

If you have a small limit on your accoutn please head to the bank and ask for a lift for a few days BEFORE and at least a week after the cruise.

[JrMafia90]

This is really that long of a post. ;)

[JeanneBop]

Thanks, everyone.

 

We are going to use cash and Traveler's Cheques and just get more cash on payday. That should be the easiest way to stay on budget.