Onboard account question

[WSM1974]

All of you are so awesome with answering questions, that I have another for you. I understand that when you check in, you give them a credit card for on file that's attached to your ship card, but at the end of the cruise, do you have to pay with that credit card, or can you opt to settle your expense account with cash?

[rvsullivan]

You can settle with cash or leave it on the card.

[johnql]

All of you are so awesome with answering questions, that I have another for you. I understand that when you check in, you give them a credit card for on file that's attached to your ship card, but at the end of the cruise, do you have to pay with that credit card, or can you opt to settle your expense account with cash?

You can definitely use cash to pay off your account even if you've tied it to a cc initially.

[WSM1974]

So basically they just keep a running tab during the cruise and charge it all at the end? I wasn't sure if they charged your card as you used it. I was hoping I could pay cash at the end. I want as little on my credit card as possible. Thank you so much!

[clcjdn]

The cruise line will get authorizations for charges along the way, so if you don't want a large hit against your card (temporary via authorization) I would suggest paying with cash along the way. The other option would be to pre-pay with the cash (creating a credit in your on board account) and then using it up/using casino to cash out on the last night.

[Sandmanicon]

I go every couple of days and check my charges and pay some cash along the way. You do not want to do it the last day usually very crowded at the front desk.

[clcjdn]

I go every couple of days and check my charges and pay some cash along the way. You do not want to do it the last day usually very crowded at the front desk.

 

I usually do it after I win something big in the casino.....so in all of my cruises, I have done it twice. ;) Hopefully I will do it again on this next one. :)

[WSM1974]

Now, you said you can pay with cash along the way. Does that mean if I go to the bar and get a drink, I can just pay cash right there?

[flowers44]

No, you always use your Sea Pass Card to pay on the ship. You can stop at Customer Service daily and pay the balance on your Sea Pass Card each day or, as one poster said, just put cash down to start with and keep track of the amount you spend.

[WSM1974]

No, you always use your Sea Pass Card to pay on the ship. You can stop at Customer Service daily and pay the balance on your Sea Pass Card each day or, as one poster said, just put cash down to start with and keep track of the amount you spend.

 

Okay, that makes sense. I'll probably just pay the balance every day. I think the only thing that will most likely be on there is whatever excursion we decide to do. We don't drink, so we plan on taking advantage of all the things that are included on the ship. Thanks!

[luddite]

So basically they just keep a running tab during the cruise and charge it all at the end? I wasn't sure if they charged your card as you used it. I was hoping I could pay cash at the end. I want as little on my credit card as possible. Thank you so much!

 

It's a running tab.

If you leave it on the card and pay it when the card bill comes you can pay it with deflated dollars.

 

Never, ever use a debit card for this.

[luddite]

Now, you said you can pay with cash along the way. Does that mean if I go to the bar and get a drink, I can just pay cash right there?

 

No. Casino and tips are the only places that use cash.

[Guindalf]

Unless things have changed, you will need to pay a deposit amount at check-in, usually $3-400 (I think). As this depletes, you will have to top it up. There is no credit 'tab' you can run as it would not be unknown for people to run one up and disappear before it's collected! At least, that's the company's thoughts anyway.

 

This is true of all the big cruise lines, AFAIK.

[flowers44]

Your daily service charge will be posted daily also, unless you have prepaid them.

[greg2014]

I bougth OBC certificates using NCL website.

At check-in I am planning to give my credit card but I understand that OBC will be used first ?

 

If I do not use full OBC, will be the rest transferred to my credit card/returned in cash or lost ?

 

Thank you for clarifying it in advance:-)

[Guindalf]

OBC will be used first. Any remainder will be refunded using the same method by which it was purchased, but can take up to 6-8 weeks, so don't put too much out there!

[funat55]

One more question, if you set up a cash account for your cabin, is there a minimum deposit per person or for the whole cabin? For example, If you have Mom, Dad and kid would that be a $900.00 deposit or a $300.00 deposit.

[Guindalf]

I have never used the cash option myself and the $3-400 is a guess. I'm sure someone will be along with a better handle on it.

 

However, I did want to say why not use a credit card and pay it off when your cruise is over? It's a lot easier and avoid having to wait in line on the last night to square everything up (yes, you have to do that on the last night!). Plus, you'll get points/miles/cash back, depending on the offer on your card!

[Nola26]

I have never used the cash option myself and the $3-400 is a guess. I'm sure someone will be along with a better handle on it.

 

However, I did want to say why not use a credit card and pay it off when your cruise is over? It's a lot easier and avoid having to wait in line on the last night to square everything up (yes, you have to do that on the last night!). Plus, you'll get points/miles/cash back, depending on the offer on your card!

 

I do this. Keeps my cash in the bank and out of my pocket. I earn points yet I can pay as soon ship is back in port if I want to, no lines.

 

I also like to prepay as much as I can. This trip I may buy OBC for Illusionarium and have that cc bill paid prior to trip. If I was certain on drink package, spa, etc. I'd pre purchase, buy OBC or gift cards for those too. You can buy those online with your bank debit card, same as cash so nothing hits your cc.