"Cash" Onboard Cruise Account Question

[Thomas477]

Hi,

 

A friend and I are taking our first cruise onboard the Sea Princess (assuming the repairs still work :p ) next week and neither of us have a credit card. I was just wondering if princess do onboard cash accounts, and if so, what's should I make sure I do when we embark next week? I'm just looking at onboard purchases such as the sanctuary, non-alcoholic drinks etc. We've already paid off all of excursions.

 

Thanks.

[crochetcruise]

Hi,

 

A friend and I are taking our first cruise onboard the Sea Princess (assuming the repairs still work :p ) next week and neither of us have a credit card. I was just wondering if princess do onboard cash accounts, and if so, what's should I make sure I do when we embark next week? I'm just looking at onboard purchases such as the sanctuary, non-alcoholic drinks etc. We've already paid off all of excursions.

 

Thanks.

 

Not yet cruised myself, but I've been told you put a certain amount, several hundred dollars I think, on your on-board account in cash at the Purser's Desk. Hopefully someone more experienced will have more appropriate information for you. Look forward to hearing all about your cruise! ENJOY YOURSELVES!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[Thomas477]

Not yet cruised myself, but I've been told you put a certain amount, several hundred dollars I think, on your on-board account in cash at the Purser's Desk. Hopefully someone more experienced will have more appropriate information for you. Look forward to hearing all about your cruise! ENJOY YOURSELVES!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

 

Thanks mate. :cool: Do you know if the cash has to be "cash" or if I can just use my debit card to put an initial balance, e.g. $500?

[blkspy]

Thanks mate. :cool: Do you know if the cash has to be "cash" or if I can just use my debit card to put an initial balance, e.g. $500?

 

Most bank debit cards act as credit cards.....This is what you could do. Let's say you expect to spend $200 total on board including tips....

 

CALL PRINCESS and prepay your tips and give yourself an OBC for expected expenditures. This way.....your debit card WONT BE CHARGED anything as your expenditures will be deducted as you purchase things onboard.

 

hope you understand.

Edited November 26, 2014 by blkspy

[Thomas477]

Thanks, but given the ship is operating out of Australia (specifically Brisbane), there is no need to pay tips as we don't do that in Australia. Instead of ringing them, is it possible to do it upon embarkment?

[paul929207]

Yes, you can put down a cash deposit when you board the ship. If your spending is running thru the deposit, they will call you to drop off some more cash. I think the normal deposit is $300 per person per week.

[Thomas477]

Yes, you can put down a cash deposit when you board the ship. If your spending is running thru the deposit, they will call you to drop off some more cash. I think the normal deposit is $300 per person per week.

 

Thanks, so I should take some physical cash with me. Do they have ATMs onboard incase I run out of cash?

[SadieN]

Trouble with debit cards is amount of time it takes the holds to come off.

[Thomas477]

Trouble with debit cards is amount of time it takes the holds to come off.

 

Hence why I'm investigating the cash onboard account. Does anyone know if the Sea Princess has an atm on board?

[djms11504]

If she does they normally carry hefty fees

[MarElz]

Hence why I'm investigating the cash onboard account. Does anyone know if the Sea Princess has an atm on board?

 

They are generally in the casinos. I would also investigate the pre-paid OBC, as a previous poster suggested. Enjoy your cruise!

[Thomas477]

They are generally in the casinos. I would also investigate the pre-paid OBC, as a previous poster suggested. Enjoy your cruise!

 

Thanks! :)

[caribill]

They may ask for a credit card at check-in. Just tell them you will be having a cash account.

Edited November 26, 2014 by caribill

[Thomas477]

They may ask for a credit card at check-in. Just tell them you will be having a cash account.

 

Cheers, and I did enter a debit card account to print all that off, but it's also the account I was planning on using for some shopping at our ports.

[crochetcruise]

Hence why I'm investigating the cash onboard account. Does anyone know if the Sea Princess has an atm on board?

 

Not personally sure, but I read in the P. & O. brochure (originally intended to sail Pacific Jewel Melbourne-Adelaide, but the Golden Princess is more relevant to my needs) that ATM access is subject to satellite connection. My personal feeling is to take cash, and store the extra securely in the cabin safe. I'm costing as much as I can for souvenirs, gifts, treats onboard and allowing that as part of my budget. I will have extra money to take advantage of good specials on gifts if I see something perfect for someone-a friend has already declared she'd like a Princess Sweatshirt/tshirt and will send money and her size/colour wanted details with me! Bang goes 1 present idea then :-( , it was EXACTLY what I'd intended to buy her! You don't have access to the Drinks Package on the Sea Princess which I will have on the Golden Princess, which is easing my budget a lot-love my cold Cokes!

 

Re OBC, I've read somewhere on this Forum on another thread about cashing out unused OBC. Apparently some types of OBC are to be used only on the ship!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[Thomas477]

Not personally sure, but I read in the P. & O. brochure (originally intended to sail Pacific Jewel Melbourne-Adelaide, but the Golden Princess is more relevant to my needs) that ATM access is subject to satellite connection. My personal feeling is to take cash, and store the extra securely in the cabin safe. I'm costing as much as I can for souvenirs, gifts, treats onboard and allowing that as part of my budget. I will have extra money to take advantage of good specials on gifts if I see something perfect for someone-a friend has already declared she'd like a Princess Sweatshirt/tshirt and will send money and her size/colour wanted details with me! Bang goes 1 present idea then :-( , it was EXACTLY what I'd intended to buy her! You don't have access to the Drinks Package on the Sea Princess which I will have on the Golden Princess, which is easing my budget a lot-love my cold Cokes!

 

Re OBC, I've read somewhere on this Forum on another thread about cashing out unused OBC. Apparently some types of OBC are to be used only on the ship!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

 

That's what I'm thinking tbh, take a minimum $500 AUD on board with me. I'll still have a grand or so sitting in my debit account when I need to take more out, but it just means that Princess won't be able to hold onto my money without my approval :D What do you mean by the drinks package isn't available on the Sea Princess? I too enjoy a cold coke :p

Edited November 26, 2014 by Thomas477

[crochetcruise]

That's what I'm thinking tbh, take a minimum $500 AUD on board with me. I'll still have a grand or so sitting in my debit account when I need to take more out, but it just means that Princess won't be able to hold onto my money without my approval :D What do you mean by the drinks package isn't available on the Sea Princess? I too enjoy a cold coke :p

 

I've just checked the Princess website, clicking on Booked Passengers; and going to drinks and culinary delights. Here's hoping I can copy and paste what I found that seems relevant to you. Here goes!

 

 

 

All-Inclusive Bar Package

 

 

 

 

 

Take advantage of our All-Inclusive Beverage Package which includes any individual beverage item, such as soda, water, cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, coffee and tea, up to $10 (retail value). Bottles of wine are NOT included in the package; however, when purchased in the bars, dining rooms, or in the stateroom, will be available at a 40% discount from the menu price. Applicable to all bottles below $100 retail. Note: This package is available for consumption at all bars, public areas and dining venues (not room service and excludes mini bar items). Price includes service charge.

Package is not currently offered on Dawn, Sea and Sun Princess. Item #0525 $56.35 per person/per day

 

 

Soda Packages & Coffee Card

 

 

Canned Soda Package

 

 

 

 

 

Choose any six sodas listed below in any combination for the price of five: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite, orange soda, soda water, tonic water, ginger ale Item #2311 $11.75

 

 

Unlimited Soda Package

 

 

 

 

 

Receive a souvenir tumbler and select from a variety of unlimited soft drinks served by the glass at all bars and restaurant locations throughout your cruise. Price includes service charge. Item #0523 $5.18 per person/per day*

 

 

Unlimited Soda & More Package

 

 

 

 

 

Indulge yourself with this premium Unlimited Soda & more Package,† entitling you to the above Unlimited Soda Package plus any mocktails, juices, shakes, floats and complimentary hot chocolate throughout your cruise. Price includes service charge. Item #2312 $8.05 per person/per day*

 

 

Café Selects Coffee Card

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy 15 espresso-based hot or cold specialty coffee drinks with complimentary brewed coffee and premium tea for the duration of your cruise. Item #524 $31.00

 

It seems you could get the Unlimited Soda Package on the Sea Princess. I'll be on the Golden Princess in 2016. I looked into this and the All-Inclusive Beverage Package as I'm interested in trying a few Cocktails! Well it's a belated 50th Birthday present to myself, so I might as well let my hair down a bit! Have been advised to get the Window Suite equipped for Disabled Access and enjoy the Suite Perks as a belated Birthday Present, only about $500 extra so easy on the budget!

 

HTH helps.

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[BroncoLvrs]

Hi,

 

A friend and I are taking our first cruise onboard the Sea Princess (assuming the repairs still work :p ) next week and neither of us have a credit card. I was just wondering if princess do onboard cash accounts, and if so, what's should I make sure I do when we embark next week? I'm just looking at onboard purchases such as the sanctuary, non-alcoholic drinks etc. We've already paid off all of excursions.

 

Thanks.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

 

We have called and ordered Onboard Credit (it happens immediately) and then used a debit card for our shipboard account. Since everything was pre-paid Princess never put a hold on our debit card.

[Hawaiidan]

Hi,

 

A friend and I are taking our first cruise onboard the Sea Princess (assuming the repairs still work :p ) next week and neither of us have a credit card. I was just wondering if princess do onboard cash accounts, and if so, what's should I make sure I do when we embark next week? I'm just looking at onboard purchases such as the sanctuary, non-alcoholic drinks etc. We've already paid off all of excursions.

 

Thanks.

 

Princess is going to ask you send them a large cash deposit ...like $50 a day, for the entire cruise. THis needs be received by them in advance of the cruise. THey will then hold this against your bills and refund you after the cruise...normaly 30 to 45 days after. It sa not the way to go.

Trust me if you travel it is necessary to have a credit card for safety . Debit cards may work in your home town... but out of the town country they are real dangers.

Hotels, rental cars , with a debt card may make huge charges for security, many times the charge to protect them.....