Confused about safes in cabins

[FEDJAN]

I read a post in another thread that stated the passenger used a Costco card as the key to the safe in the their cabin, but it didn't work. I think I read on the Carnival web site that you use a credit card to activate/use the in cabin safe. The post I read also said that you should not use an active credit card. Since I only have active credit cards and I do not have a Costco (though I guess they don't work anyway), what's the real story on using the in room safes.

Thanks in advance! I love this board; lots of great info for us newbies. My first cruise is next March on the Conquest.

[lhall85917]

Any card with a magnetized strip will work to lock and unlock the safer (you set it the first time). We happened to have a gift card from Barnes & Noble that we used. I just found a place to hide it in the cabin and could retrieve it as needed. Not sure about the reasoning about using an active credit card other than somehow the code could be read and stolen??!!

Just take with you a couple of cards with strips - they don't have to be active or current- that way you'll have backup in case one doesn't work. We tried a Kroger grocery card first and it didn't work.

[FEDJAN]

Ohhhhhh! I see. That's funny because I do have a Barnes and Noble gift card. The post that generated the question stated they used a Costco and a fitness center card and neither one worked. They had to get assistance to open the safes. I'll try to bring several cards. Thanks!

 

Off the subject - how did you like the Valor? I'm thinking of booking a cruise on her in 2006.

[lhall85917]

Loved the Valor! We were a little bit worried because we are used to NCL and heard stories about the partying at Carnival! Our experience on the Valor was very similar to what we experienced on NCL. The food was great, the rooms nice and the staff was nice. I highly reccomend it, unless of course you want to come to Hawaii with me next summer instead??!! :D

[musicmansmom]

just remember to NOT use your sail and sign card. some have said it de-magnitized that card and then you cant get back in the cabin. i have a credit card size discount card from a drug store that i use. just keep it in a save place in the cabin ( i have never had anyone mess with it ) and use only that one. it is safe and easy. slide the card to open, and then slide the card again to lock.

[dlp206]

What line are you on that you are using cards to open the safe. All of the cruises that i have taken with rci you use 4 digit code not a card.

[lhall85917]

Carnival uses the credit cards on most of its ships, I believe there are a few of them that don't.

[j2446]

Anyone know about the safe's on the Sapphire Princess? We are booked next Feb. Do they use cards or a combination?

[Chyna_C]

I think that is the point different cruise lines use different things. all of the carnival ships I have been on you use a card, you can use an empty walmart gift card, jcpenney, target etc...bring a couple incase one gets demagnizied...one of mine did last time...that is cool to hear that RCI uses passcodes, wonder if you get to choose your own?

[springtxbill]

On RCCL you pick your own 4 digit number thAat is used to unlock the safe. A lot safer to me than having to leave a card laying around in the room so someone else can also open the safe.:)

[geoherb]

On the Princess and Celebrity ships we've sailed on, the cabin safes use a 4-digit code. You type in the code to open the safe. When you close the safe, you type in the code and lock it. You have to be sure you type the closing code correctly because that's the code that will open the safe the next time. We've used our address and the last four digits of my work phone number.

[CaptData]

I also found out that it is sometimes the speed you do it at. I disabled so sometimes I am faster or slower. Also direction counts too.

[mrg0433]

I thought we had to use the card on RCI Legend of the Seas to activate the safe and then punched in the code. Perhaps I am wrong. We've sailed so many different lines that I am probably confused by now.

[Smiling]

Is there are charge to use the safe in the room? We are going on the Diamond Princess. Thanks!

[Cotton]

Fedjan - The Conquest safes use a card. The older Carnival ships used the keypad with your own code. The Holiday uses that method. The Sensation uses the cards. I used my Visa debit card - since it's the only card I own. Never had a problem using it, and I kept it inside a shoe in the closet.

[berbet]

What does Royal Carib. Jewel of the Sea use? Pin # punched into keypad or credit card?

[judyzoo]

Is there are charge to use the safe in the room? We are going on the Diamond Princess. Thanks!

 

No charge.

[Libracruzer]

I presume that all of the newer RCI ships have the touchpad.

[packed&ready!]

I have only had key pad safes and you pick your own four numbers. The only ship I haven't been on yet is the Millenium and most likely it has a keypad safe just like the Century did.

[debsmouse]

Just wondering after reading the threads, has anyone got information on the NCL Spirit as far as how to work their safes? First timer here, and would appreciate any help.

[FEDJAN]

:) Thanks Cotton!

[Libracruzer]

If you have to use a credit card, why leave it in your cabin, simply take it with you.

[springtxbill]

If you take the card with you, no one else can use the safe unless you are there with the card.