Cash Deposit - How much is Required?

[Deckbreeze]

We would be 2 persons on a 5 day cruise. I do not want to use a credit or debit card. On the website, Carnival "recommends" $200 pp (=$400). Could I deposit less - say $300. I realize that the auto-tips ($100) should be covered plus some excess.

 

Question 1: What is the minimum amount REQUIRED?

 

Question 2 : Is the deposit made at the pre-boarding check-in station where they hand you the Sign&Sail Card

-OR-

at the "Customer Service" desk after one is onboard?

 

Thanks..

[CruiserBruce]

Carnival sets what is the minimum, so if you don't think you need to pay $200pp, then you should ask them. I am suspecting the $200 is what they expect. That is a very small deposit.

 

You might want to research this on the Carnival board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

[Langley Cruisers]

Do you have a credit card? You don't have to pay the final bill with it - you can settle up in cash. But trust me, if you have a credit card you can use just for check in, it makes life much easier. Just saying. :)

[Deckbreeze]

Thanks everybody.

 

I was asking on behalf of friends who do not have a card. I do use a credit card, and yes, it is easier.

We've been on 2 cruises so far and have charged less than $250 on both of them - and that includes $150 in tips and a soda card for the kid. We pre-pay for excursions and do not frequent the bar or casino.

 

I am going to tell them to bring $400 in cash for the deposit.

[paul929207]

If they are hoping to put down less than Carnival recommends, I would be sure that Carnival will be happy with that before traveling.

[Langley Cruisers]

I am going to tell them to bring $400 in cash for the deposit.

 

 

If they are hoping to put down less than Carnival recommends, I would be sure that Carnival will be happy with that before traveling.

 

OP said:

 

We would be 2 persons on a 5 day cruise.... On the website, Carnival "recommends" $200 pp (=$400).

 

...hence the $400.00. My question is, although OP is certainly a good friend to do this, why can't they do this research and find out for certain, for themselves?

[tak81288]

You can put down however much you want. I have put down as little as $50 for a week long cruise on Carnival.

 

Enjoy!

[sjcruiser]

I have credit cards, but use cash or travelers checks for my onboard account. Although the have a minimum suggestion for the account, it is only a recommendation or suggestion. The amount is up to you.