Cruise Cash ?

[IMKTDQT810]

I am considering doing a cash sign & sail since I do not have a credit card to use, only debit. I read about Cruise Cash and was thinking, if I put money aside for the cruise why can't I use my Debit to buy cruise cash (about 200.00) and then still bring on cash. This way I can slowly buy 25 or 50 in cruise cash as I have it.

What are the pro and cons you have found with it? And why would you get the cruise cash ONLY for bar or ONLY for photo when you get the normal one and still use it for bar or photo? Just wondered if I missed anything.

[Lamar36116]

I personally don't use cruise cash, I think its a waste of time. I just link my debit card to my account for the purpose of speeding up the embarkation process. And the night before the cruise is over I go to guest services, check my balance, and pay it off in cash.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Lamar36116

[WiCruiseDreamer]

Cruise Cash is non refundable, so if you get for the bar or a photo, and do not use it all, you do not get the difference back. However, friends and family may not be aware of this and so it is profitable for Carnival.

 

I do not like to use my debit card due to the pre-authorized transactions are not always released in a timely manner.

Edited January 24, 2014 by WiCruiseDreamer

[IMKTDQT810]

Thank you for the feedback. I also heard the large hold put on a debit card and i would much rather have a small obc via c. cash then putting my debit card into the system plus that would be 200 less I will carry on-board. I know that gratuities will be taken out from S&S so would c cash help cover that? Even if I think of it as paying the Grats...I'm fine with having it in the account already!

[mhetrick]

I am considering doing a cash sign & sail since I do not have a credit card to use, only debit. I read about Cruise Cash and was thinking, if I put money aside for the cruise why can't I use my Debit to buy cruise cash (about 200.00) and then still bring on cash. This way I can slowly buy 25 or 50 in cruise cash as I have it.

What are the pro and cons you have found with it? And why would you get the cruise cash ONLY for bar or ONLY for photo when you get the normal one and still use it for bar or photo? Just wondered if I missed anything.

 

Hello!

I just got back from a cruise on the Carnival Triumph from Galveston and did purchase $100 in CruiseCash for my account.

You are right, the general CruiseCash can be used for anything (and is the best purchase), but I guess they give gifters the option if they would prefer it spent only in the bar or on photos.

 

CruiseCash is added to your account once on-board (as long as you pick the 1st day for delivery), however the amount does not show up in your balance. It's a seperate entry on your S&S account that will show if you have an unused balance. It's a little confusing, but Guest Services can clear it up for you like they did for me. Also, your room steward will place receipts for your purchases in the room so you can ensure it was credited.

 

I'm like you....I didn't want to use credit cards nor have pre-authorized holds on my account. As the previous poster said though, the negative side is you have to use the entire CruiseCash amount...meaning if you have a balance you won't get any back.

Edited January 24, 2014 by mhetrick

[firemanbobswife]

Actually the best option is a Carnival Gift Card. You can get a new gift card reissued with the remaining balance if there's any left over. That way it's not "use it or lose it". You can then use the other gift card for a future cruise.

[caribnsnrklr]

I have a question regarding the carnival gift cards. We too have gotten rid of all of credit cards and use cash or debit. With our upcoming cruise to Alaska I'm thinking I want to start either putting cash aside or pre-purchase towards our sign and sail since it will be a pricey trip. My question is if you buy the gift cards do they automatically link to this sign and sail for the cruise like cruise cash would or is it something you have to go to guest services to do. Thanks

[cruizinisthebest]

Actually the best option is a Carnival Gift Card. You can get a new gift card reissued with the remaining balance if there's any left over. That way it's not "use it or lose it". You can then use the other gift card for a future cruise.

 

Yup. This. Forget cruise cash. You never know what may come up.

[firemanbobswife]

I have a question regarding the carnival gift cards. We too have gotten rid of all of credit cards and use cash or debit. With our upcoming cruise to Alaska I'm thinking I want to start either putting cash aside or pre-purchase towards our sign and sail since it will be a pricey trip. My question is if you buy the gift cards do they automatically link to this sign and sail for the cruise like cruise cash would or is it something you have to go to guest services to do. Thanks

 

 

Guest services or the self serve kiosks on board. Have done it both ways. Super easy!

Edited January 24, 2014 by firemanbobswife

[cruizinisthebest]

I have a question regarding the carnival gift cards. We too have gotten rid of all of credit cards and use cash or debit. With our upcoming cruise to Alaska I'm thinking I want to start either putting cash aside or pre-purchase towards our sign and sail since it will be a pricey trip. My question is if you buy the gift cards do they automatically link to this sign and sail for the cruise like cruise cash would or is it something you have to go to guest services to do. Thanks

 

Gift cards have to be applied to your account via guest services. Or you can use the kiosks machines. I believe most of the ships have them.

[missdebi]

I normally do the Cruise Cash we put $25.00 per week after final payment. After doing 17 cruises we have a idea of our spending habits so it works. We also keep a check on the balance so if needed we can do the casino transfer and get the remaining balance but we have always spent what we credited! If we do the gift card would they send us one each time or how does it work.

[firemanbobswife]

I normally do the Cruise Cash we put $25.00 per week after final payment. After doing 17 cruises we have a idea of our spending habits so it works. We also keep a check on the balance so if needed we can do the casino transfer and get the remaining balance but we have always spent what we credited! If we do the gift card would they send us one each time or how does it work.

 

 

If after applying them to your account, you have a balance, then go to GS and they will reissue another one. But the good thing is that you don't have to add them all at once. Just do it as you go via the kiosks. Then if there are any left, just hang on to them for next time!

[momof1son]

As a first time cruiser, I wasn't aware these gift cards were available. I thought the only option was Cruise Cash. Where do we get the gcs? :confused:

[firemanbobswife]

As a first time cruiser, I wasn't aware these gift cards were available. I thought the only option was Cruise Cash. Where do we get the gcs? :confused:

 

 

Carnivals website.

[firemanbobswife]

http://www.carnivalgiftcards.com

[IMKTDQT810]

So, let me make sure I get this part straight. If I decide to do the cruise cash it will:

 

1- show up as a different account on my S&S, but still as a credit?

 

2- Can I use the Cruise Cash credit to pay gratuities or only for purchases on the ship? (drinks, photos, gift shop, excursions?)

 

3- If I don't use the cruise cash I can go to the casino and cash it out for cash?

 

Just wanted to keep things straight and simple. Thanks

[CoconutJD]

I am considering doing a cash sign & sail since I do not have a credit card to use, only debit. I read about Cruise Cash and was thinking, if I put money aside for the cruise why can't I use my Debit to buy cruise cash (about 200.00) and then still bring on cash. This way I can slowly buy 25 or 50 in cruise cash as I have it.

What are the pro and cons you have found with it? And why would you get the cruise cash ONLY for bar or ONLY for photo when you get the normal one and still use it for bar or photo? Just wondered if I missed anything.

Just put that 25 or 50 bucks a month into an envelope in cash. That way you have the cash if some emergency comes up and it's not tied up with Carnival.

[Dirkgun]

Just put that 25 or 50 bucks a month into an envelope in cash. That way you have the cash if some emergency comes up and it's not tied up with Carnival.

 

 

I agree, we usually pay our gratuities beforehand so they are taken care of. Then if we have any OBC (on Board Credit) from a promotion or early saver etc, we know what we have to spend and then just put a deposit of cash on our account at guest services on board the ship. That way if you have money left over they will cut you a check for the leftover (then you can cash it at the guest services desk). I have heard that you can also take money out of the Casino and it comes off the credits you have on your account. If for whatever reason you overspend the deposit you applied they will send you a note saying you need more money.