"Cash" Account at Check-in

[Project_gal]

For our next cruise we have [more than] enough OBC [a mixture of OBC including purchased OBC] to cover our whole on board expenditure. I should like not to register a credit card at check-in but, also, do not wish to deposit any US$. [The cruise does not go to the US at any point and we have not need to US$ other than on board.] By not setting up a credit account, it will be easier to ensure than any surplus [refundable] OBC is returned to us in cash.

 

I know when you check your account on board, the OBC may not show until day 3. Will they be able to see that we have the OBC or will they insist on cash or a credit card?

[cruisestitch]

I believe that the check-in desks have no access to any on-board account information, and they will require a credit card or a cash deposit. But I have been told that it's pretty easy to go to Guest Relations once on board and change from a credit card account to a cash account. I would expect that they will still require a cash deposit, just in case something would come up and your OBC not be large enough to cover the unexpected expense.

[Phxazzcruisers]

Yes, they will definitely request a credit card at check in or a cash deposit. Just use the credit card as cruise stitch says and then go to Guest Relations on the third day or so and change your method of payment. Enjoy your cruise

[vkb2751]

We just sailed Reflection on 2/21 and had a cash account. Did not have to pay a cash deposit at check in or later. Had OBC.

 

Meenu

Edited March 6, 2015 by vkb2751

[junetraveler2014]

Did not have OBC and did not want to get hit with any holds on credit/debit card we registered, so DH went to customer relations and put $200.00 in our account first day on board. Every time the balance went down close to zero he put more money into account. All in all we only spent $390.00 USD , no credit card to pay when we got home. If you do not work with dollars then stick to the credit card for payment. Very hassle free.

[morbihan]

We used our debit card. I don't think anything was taken as a deposit,

 

I paid the last evening. Still had the evening though! They phoned to 'remind' me to pay. Honestly. So cross because the phone was flashing and I need darkness to sleep.

 

This had all been discussed when I paid. You can trust me guv. Promised to pay in the morning. Got free booze this time so no bill :eek:

[Project_gal]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. We have a total of US$3,150 OBC and I really do not want to tie up any more US dollars on our on board account! If I have to, I will set up a credit card account and change it after a few says but I would rather not and then they cannot make a mistake and refund any surplus to our card.

[az_tchr]

They do not put anything on the credit card. They do not tie up anything. You needed one when you did your checkin. A big thing is to make sure if your OBC is refundable or not. How to handle that has been much discussed.

 

The ccard would be required for everyone as you could buy a $25,000 ring in one of the shops and then walk off and not pay. Think you are making much ado nothing. You would have plenty of time to fix things on board.

Edited March 6, 2015 by az_tchr

[Algebralovr]

In your situation I would not give a credit card at all. At initial check in, say you will deposit cash. When we have done that, they tell us to go to guest relations sometime the first day to do so - not at check in. If they want you to deposit cash then, just say you have a large amount of pre-purchase OBC in USD coming (bring your receipt) and refuse.

 

I would expect that if you give them a credit card at all, and have extra OBC at the end, it will go on the card as a credit even if you'd told them not to. That is just much easier for them.

 

Our OBC started showing up the day after embarkation and the rest was credited the following day.

[kampinguru]

I just went through this on our recent cruise. I had pre purchased 2500.00 OBC and did not provide a credit card when I checked in and opted for a cash account. The issue that arises is that if you want to go to the casino and take cash out to play, you have to have a credit card on file to take out cash from your account. Even when you check out at the end of the cruise, you have to have a credit card on file to get your refund back in cash. Not sure what the reasoning is but I talked to the Guest Relations manager about it and that is the policy. You can open an cash account and deposit small amounts of money throughout the cruise and pay the final amount on the last day and that works, but removing cash from the OBC requires a credit card on file. Hope this helps.

[Chitown12562]

I used a Debit Card when I signed in online for the Xpress pass. When checking in I brought cash, but they could not take it at the check-in counter. They asked me to go to guest services once I was on the ship. I went to guest services and gave them the cash and they used that cash. I got the remainder back the night before embarkation.

 

I did have a drink or two that final night after getting my remaining cash back. I do not remember if there was a hold on my card, but I know they never charged me for the drinks.

[Lynnees]

No credit card or debit card needed even though they may try to tell you so. They will give you a letter telling you that when you reach a certain amount ($300/$400) you will not be able to charge anymore until that is paid down.

 

I always set up cash account. It's been years since I used a cc.

[Lynnees]

You do not need a credit card to get your balance back the last night. I never ever give them a cc and have never had a problem getting my left over cash back.

[kenevenpar]

They do not put anything on the credit card. They do not tie up anything. You needed one when you did your checkin. A big thing is to make sure if your OBC is refundable or not. How to handle that has been much discussed.

 

The ccard would be required for everyone as you could buy a $25,000 ring in one of the shops and then walk off and not pay. Think you are making much ado nothing. You would have plenty of time to fix things on board.

 

Absolutely incorrect information. As discussed in this thread, and from personal experience, you can set up a cash account.

[Azulann]

This a such an informative thread.

Never thought of just using cash and OBC to fund my sea pass for my cruise.

 

I do know I bought an Amer. Express travel check with my AE point. Took it on the cruise and cashed it at guest relations. Used the cash to pay for a private tour where the guides wanted payment in USD.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences.:)

[lakelivin2]

Thanks for this thread. I'll be in a similar position (having a lot of OBC) and wondered about cashing out at the end...without having to pay for the currency exchange back to the original (I'm Canadian) on the credit card. Don't mind paying the 5% at the casino for some cash to spend in port.

Shouldn't OBC purchased be available right away on the first day?

 

Thanks for your answers as this is a first Celebrity cruise for us.

[Project_gal]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

There does appear to be some variance in people's experiences. As we will have access to Michael's Club where the Concierge should be able to assist with any issues, I am going to try setting up a cash account and refusing to add any cash.

 

US$3,150 should cover our on board expenses but, depending of the wines offered in the new suite restaurant, may be way too much. Unless something miraculous happens to the exchange rate in the next couple of months, I do not want a charge on our credit card and do want to spend our OBC [bought at a great exchange rate].

 

My husband will wish to cash out some OBC to [genuinely] donate to the Casino.

 

Obviously, we will have a credit card as back up but only a little over US$200 in cash. I shall report back here on our experience on our return.

[morbihan]

We had none of the promo offers the first cruise. Actually, didn't know about them. Joined here too late to do anything about it.

 

We took 1000 $ I cash. Like water down a funnel! And we truly didn't go mad.

 

When we booked another cruise we got 300 $ credit so in the end it was 650 $ or so. This included grats.

 

So I have 350 $ in my drawer. This is going to do us. What will we buy?

 

Then there is the new cruise we book. Perhaps:p

[miched]

Is it true that if you use a cash account that the non refundable OBC can be cashed out in the casino without being charge the 5% ?

 

happy crusing 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞