Sign & Sail Card Question

[SharonD]

I've been reading about these cards and I have a few questions.

 

What exactly are they? Are they a charge type card, for all onboard charges? What gets "charged" to these cards?

 

Can you put a certain amount on the card before you cruise? If so, what amount should I put on it for two adults, who don't drink much, for a four night cruise?

 

If I booked through Expedia, how do I go about putting money on my account before we leave?

 

Is this different from the drink card I read about? I'm a Diet Pepsi aholic. I know I won't get my fix on Carnival, but I prefer Diet Coke out of a fountain anyway. Will I need a different card for unlimited sodas?

 

Thanks! :)

[Big Al B.]

It's actually a card that is given to you when you embark on the ship. It serves as your cabin key and your charge card for the cruise. (You can't use cash except in the casino). Anything you get on board that is not included (drinks, excursions, extra charge meals, shop purchases, etc) is charged with this card. When you check-in you make arrangements for payment. Most people usually just have their charges applied to a credit card, although you can make an advance cash payment or use a debit card (not recommended). You don't have to do anything until you check in :).

 

The drink card is an extra cost thing that you purchase after you board. It is usually a sticker that they place on your sign and sail card which allows you unlimited soda (not in cans). The cost varies with the line and the length of cruise. Have a great time! :)

[SharonD]

Thank you! :)

[Cotton]

QUOTE=SharonD]I've been reading about these cards and I have a few questions.

What exactly are they? Are they a charge type card, for all onboard charges? What gets "charged" to these cards?

 

Hi again Sharon. Since you'll be on the Sensation, I'll try to help you out with specifics.

The Sail & Sign card will be given to you just prior to boarding. This card will be swiped each time you go on or off the ship. Everything you purchase on the ship will be charged to the card, as nothing is dealt with in cash except the casino (or extra tipping). You and your DH will each have a S&S card.

 

Is this different from the drink card I read about? I'm a Diet Pepsi aholic. I know I won't get my fix on Carnival, but I prefer Diet Coke out of a fountain anyway. Will I need a different card for unlimited sodas?

 

Yes, your 'soda card' will be a separate card. If you go here, you can see the answers to many of your questions.

http://www.carnivalcruiseline.com/CMS/FAQs/FAQLanding.aspx

 

Thanks![/quote

 

When you get to the terminal, the Carnival person will ask how you want to handle your S&S account. What I do is hand them my debit card, they swipe it, and all's taken care of. I never have to see the purser anytime during the cruise to 'settle' my account. (I have no clue as to why the above poster said debit cards are not recommended....I've used mine to book every cruise and also for my S&S account.)

 

The above poster also mentions the 'cost' restaurant. The Sensation doesn't have a specialty restaurant that charges - only the two regular dining rooms, and of course the Lido Buffet area. There IS a "coffee/dessert bar" that charges - but I've never gone there, as there's so much food/beverage that's already been paid for.:rolleyes: So much food all over the ship that you will wonder how you could possibly eat so much, and so often?:D

 

Oh yes, one more thing. If you go to the website I gave you, you can also click on "My Reservations", and it will take you to a place to fill out your FUN PASS....which makes boarding much faster.

[judyzoo]

I think that the reason, or one of the reasons, that debit cards are not recommended is that when you set up your account the ship will put a hold for a certain amount on your credit or debit card, and will increase that amount as you spend; they will try to stay a bit above what you have spent. Therefore, if you're using a debit card, your bank account will be charged initially for more than you have spent. And it seems that banks are often slow in removing the hold once your sign and sail account is settled, so you may have a debit against your bank account for some time beyond what you have actually spent. But, that said, I have also used debit cards with no problem.

[SharonD]

Thank you! :)

[Cotton]

Judy, thx for the explanation. Also, I know I read somewhere that some banks impose a daily limit....but my bank doesn't. (I just make sure there's plenty of $$ in there, and never worry about it after that.):D

[Big Al B.]

Those were the reasons I was thinking of :). I should have been more specific.

[celbercrz333]

Sometimes your sign & sail card is also your room key and sometimes it's not. It depends on the cruise line. With Celebrity we had separate "keys" and with Carnival it was the same card.

[SharonD]

Sometimes your sign & sail card is also your room key and sometimes it's not. It depends on the cruise line. With Celebrity we had separate "keys" and with Carnival it was the same card.

 

 

To those familiar with Walt Disney World, it sounds just like their room key/park pass/charge card, and I know how that works! :D

[Big Al B.]

Spot on Sharon :D