Safe question

[Esquared18]

I read on Carnival's website that room safes can be opened using a credit card or other card with a magnetic strip. If they are that easy to get into, then doesn't it defeat the purpose of having a safe?

 

Just wondering...

[ckdmom]

The safe is locked by sliding a card with a magnetic strip and it can only be unlocked with the same card. We used my S and S card to lock it and tried DH's card to unlock and it did not work. I actually had 2 keys (one for my cabin and one for the kids next door) and I had to use the same one.

 

Someone suggested bringing an old gift card to use just for the safe....

[CruisePimp101]

The person that wanted to unlock the safe would have to use the same card that was used to lock the safe. It has to be the same card, not just any card with a magnetic strip.

 

I use my local casino's players card.

[98Charlie]

Most cards with a magentic strip will work (library card, gas reward card, gift card). Yes, you have to use the same card to open the safe that you used to close it.

 

Carnival does tell you not to use your S&S card. I would also hesitate to use a credit card.

 

Other lines have safes with a key pad. You can set a 4 digit number. No card to get lost or demagnatized and your cabin mate can open the safe if you're not there.

 

Charlie

[CruisingWChrist]

The person that wanted to unlock the safe would have to use the same card that was used to lock the safe. It has to be the same card, not just any card with a magnetic strip.

 

I use my local casino's players card.

 

Some ships have 10 key pad and you select four numbers.

[Esquared18]

Thanks! They didn't specify that the same card had to be used. I appreciate your answers to my novice question. :)

[CruisePimp101]

I really wish Carnival would have the 10-digit keypad safes on all their ships. For me, it is easier to remember a 4-digit number versus having to carry around an extra card the entire cruise.

[PorkChopKid]

Great idea about using an old gift card. I'll have to try that because I never did like using a credit card and carrying it around on the ship. The NCL ships we've been on have you program a four digit number which we prefer.

Here is a cabin image from Pride showing where the safe is located...

[cincycruisincouple]

We used an old VISA gift card. It worked great. Never any problems.

[serene56]

We have never carried the card around on the ship.

Once we lock the safe we put the card in a pair of pants in the pocket hanging in the closet- that way we both have access to the safe without looking for the other person

 

the reason NOT to use a sign and sail card-- it demagnetizes easily. If that card demagnetizes it will not open the same

[travler27]

Just stop by Wal-Mart and grab a gift card. You don't even have to have Wal-Mart activate it. That way if you loose it you haven't really lost anything. Also, ship security can open the safe.

 

I don't like the 4 digit code because it's possible for someone with the time (ie: steward/room cleaner) to sit and try all numbers. There's only 9,999 possible combinations. If they had the 4 digit combinations I'd probably change the combo a couple of times a day.

 

I don't think I'd leave the card hanging around in the room.

 

I guess it depends on what you keep in the safe.

[stargate fan]

We use the key card from the hotel in which we stayed the night pre-cruise. We then hide it in the cabin.

[Rirruto]

I always bring an old S & S card from a previous cruise to use for my safe key

[platinum.wannabe]

When I saw this thread title I thought, hmmm... Is there really such thing as a 'safe question' on Cruise Critic???

 

LOL

[DocF]

I always bring an old S & S card from a previous cruise to use for my safe key

 

Yes as it sort of blends in to the woodwork in the stateroom.

 

Using your current S&S card can create a situation where the safe is easily opened by unauthorized people.

 

I doubt there are many professional sneak thieves aboard cruise ships, but they love the push button activated safes in hotel rooms. It is amazing to me that people staying in, say, room 1232 will use 1232 as their code on the safe.

 

Doc

[Cruise_Q]

I think I used my DL last time...i kept it and S&s' card in a water proof pouch around my neck at all times...worked out well:cool:

[BOSN]

Don't recommend your S & S card, a credit card, or any card that you use for home purchases. The safe works off the magnetic strip on the card, any card. The card used to lock it, is the card needed to open it. We usually pick up a blank gift card or two from walmart before sailing.

 

Sometimes the magnetic strips get scraped, or demagnatized. If you use one of your "at home cards", then you have the trouble of getting that card replaced when you get home. If you use a blank gift card, and the magnetic strip gets scraped or demagnatized, no problem. Security can override what was used, and get into your safe. That is why we acrry a spare blank gift card. Have not needed it yet, but have in case.

[sofaman61]

the Dream's safe are the push button that you choose your own personal code each time you lock it.

[serene56]

Security can override what was used, and get into your safe. T.

 

 

This is not instant. It could take up to 24 - 72 hours to access the safe.

[BOSN]

This is not instant. It could take up to 24 - 72 hours to access the safe.

 

Thankyou, I did not know that. Have never had to need security to open our cabin safe. Just read from a few past posters that they have had the need for security to open their safe.

 

Do you know why it akes so long?I'm sure the first thing is verify that the persons who want the safe opened are the persons assigned to that cabin. then possibly verify that it is a mutual consent/need to have it opened. (I'm assuming one cruiser is not hiding a valuable, or something illegal, from the other cruiser). So why can't ships security come with a special coded magnetic strip that can override what a cruiser entered?

[98Charlie]

Security can override what was used, and get into your safe.

 

This is not instant. It could take up to 24 - 72 hours to access the safe.

We were locked out of the safe once. It was in the morning on a sea day. Someone from security arrived within ½ hour of our call and had the safe open in 15-20 minutes.

 

As always, YMMV:)

 

Charlie

[DanBoy]

This is not instant. It could take up to 24 - 72 hours to access the safe.

I got locked out once...They opened it in less than 10 minutes.cabin steward and security guy. Also, 10000 combinations...Someone was nervous about that/.. The only one who has access is cabin steward..Ever see how busy they are??...he would need to be there all day going thru each possible combination, and the door is left open, anyone could walk in at any time....Hate the credit card lock...End up "hiding: the card in the room so my traveling partner can have access to the safe, which defeats the purpose since you can't really 'hide" anything in a small room...

[Room Service!]

That really was a 'safe' question. :)