what's with credit card preauthorization charge?

[POA1]

thanks for this important info - since we are doing a 50 day cruise that

is a rather large hold on our credit card. Will have to check with the

bank as we use the card for shopping in ports too and may change this.

Perhaps marking in cash and then paying with a credit card is the best

option for a long cruise. any advice gratefully accepted!

There may be a different formula for long cruises. I sort of remember reading that somewhere in a thread. Perhaps one of the people who take longer voyages knows the answer.

[kazu]

There may be a different formula for long cruises. I sort of remember reading that somewhere in a thread. Perhaps one of the people who take longer voyages knows the answer.

 

RuthC answered it above and she is right, as usual :) holds on longer cruises are not as high.

[sapper1]

I get it now. HAL wants to put $420 per person as a hold for a 7 day cruise. This seems excessive.

 

The company has no way of knowing in advance which passengers will use the casino a lot or buy bling in the shops. We prepay our shorexes and restaurants but others book on board. Some don't reserve the specialty restaurants until on the ship----so really the $60 figure is just an average. We don't spend that much ourselves but we recognise that HAL has to protect itself.

It's only a credit freeze so it costs nothing.

 

I hope you have a wonderful cruise. It's really the best way to travel these days. :)

[rjrpar]

I get it now. HAL wants to put $420 per person as a hold for a 7 day cruise. This seems excessive.

 

 

It' s been said several times, what HAL and all other cruise lines do re credit cards doesn't cost you a penny and protects them from being stiffed. Not a big deal

[POA1]

RuthC answered it above and she is right, as usual :) holds on longer cruises are not as high.

I was probably typing at the same time. There's only a 3 minute difference in post time. I'm on my phone, so I can only type so fast with one thumb. [emoji106]

[kazu]

I was probably typing at the same time. There's only a 3 minute difference in post time. I'm on my phone, so I can only type so fast with one thumb. [emoji106]

 

apologies :o I neglected to check the time between posts :o

 

mea culpa

[cruz chic]

I don't have a problem with the hold because I pay my credit cards off every month and have quite a lot of room on them. I'm curious how the cash option works. Does Hal expect a large cash deposit? If the op has a lot of obc couldn't that be taken into consideration on boarding? I'm sure I've seen posts that stated people were able to negotiate and amount but it has been a while.

[CowPrincess]

I don't have a problem with the hold because I pay my credit cards off every month and have quite a lot of room on them. I'm curious how the cash option works. Does Hal expect a large cash deposit? If the op has a lot of obc couldn't that be taken into consideration on boarding? I'm sure I've seen posts that stated people were able to negotiate and amount but it has been a while.

 

We often have loads of OBC when we board, and all our shore excursions and specialty meals paid in advance. HAL has always held $60/person/day despite that. I was about to say we've never requested that the hold be lowered, but we did once, and we were told the hold amount was what it was.

 

I agree with you, there have been posts that people have negotiated varying amounts of cash to put down when they board.

[richwmn]

I don't have a problem with the hold because I pay my credit cards off every month and have quite a lot of room on them. I'm curious how the cash option works. Does Hal expect a large cash deposit? If the op has a lot of obc couldn't that be taken into consideration on boarding? I'm sure I've seen posts that stated people were able to negotiate and amount but it has been a while.

For most of my cruises I have had OBC, both given and purchased. The total has always been near, but sometimes just short, of the "requested" amount and I have never been asked to adjust it. I always get a refund at the end.

I suspect, based on my experience, that as long as you have enough to cover your HSC and a bit of spending you will not have a problem unless your spending approaches the cash you have on deposit.

 

I have not had a credit or debit card registered for my account in years.

 

Rich

Edited July 26, 2015 by richwmn

[cruz chic]

Thx for the answers.

[TAD2005]

RuthC answered it above and she is right, as usual :) holds on longer cruises are not as high.

Yes, the "hold" rate for longer cruises is reduced to $30 per person/per day. But the breakpoint is not 30 days, it's all cruises over 25 days, booked under a single booking number. So, our 26 day Zuiderdam cruise in October will hold $30 per day.

[Sopwith]

It' s been said several times, what HAL and all other cruise lines do re credit cards doesn't cost you a penny and protects them from being stiffed. Not a big deal

 

I will concede that was is happening has become standard practice in the industry, and doesn't actually cost the customer any more money, assuming they have enough room in their credit limit.

 

But let's look at what's actually going on: the industry is treating 100% of their customers like crooks because less than 0.1% of them actually are. The fact that they seem to get away with it doesn't make it right.

 

As for protecting themselves from being stiffed, what about the customers protecting themselves from being stiffed by the cruise line, intentionally or otherwise? It happens, and when it does it's almost always difficult to get corrected.

 

It is a big deal, and as long as we sheep put up with this kind of shabby treatment, it will continue.

[Fouremco]

I will concede that was is happening has become standard practice in the industry, and doesn't actually cost the customer any more money, assuming they have enough room in their credit limit.

 

But let's look at what's actually going on: the industry is treating 100% of their customers like crooks because less than 0.1% of them actually are. The fact that they seem to get away with it doesn't make it right.

 

As for protecting themselves from being stiffed, what about the customers protecting themselves from being stiffed by the cruise line, intentionally or otherwise? It happens, and when it does it's almost always difficult to get corrected.

 

It is a big deal, and as long as we sheep put up with this kind of shabby treatment, it will continue.

An interesting perspective. Perhaps we sheep should also ask all of the online dealers to send us our orders first and bill us later? I doubt you'll get much traction with this.

 

But speaking of sheep: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2237148

[sapper1]

I will concede that was is happening has become standard practice in the industry, and doesn't actually cost the customer any more money, assuming they have enough room in their credit limit.

 

But let's look at what's actually going on: the industry is treating 100% of their customers like crooks because less than 0.1% of them actually are. The fact that they seem to get away with it doesn't make it right.

 

As for protecting themselves from being stiffed, what about the customers protecting themselves from being stiffed by the cruise line, intentionally or otherwise? It happens, and when it does it's almost always difficult to get corrected.

 

It is a big deal, and as long as we sheep put up with this kind of shabby treatment, it will continue.

There was a post by a cruise ship employee on a past thread a few years ago where this issue was being discussed and he said before the cruise lines implemented this policy they had as many as 10% of passengers without enough credit left on their cards to pay their final bill on some cruises. It's not that they were crooks as you say, but rather many got carried away with their spending onshore and used up their available credit.

Cruise lines have to protect themselves. As a stockholder I am glad they do.

 

Something else to consider is that if HAL did not have this policy and started taking losses at the end of each cruise, we all know who would be making up the shortfall in the form of higher fares.

Edited July 27, 2015 by sapper1

[sapper1]

An interesting perspective. Perhaps we sheep should also ask all of the online dealers to send us our orders first and bill us later? I doubt you'll get much traction with this.

 

But speaking of sheep: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2237148

 

Thanks for the link--and the laugh.

[Fouremco]

Thanks for the link--and the laugh.

It's always good for the soul to come across a light and amusing thread. :)

[cruz chic]

I will concede that was is happening has become standard practice in the industry, and doesn't actually cost the customer any more money, assuming they have enough room in their credit limit.

 

But let's look at what's actually going on: the industry is treating 100% of their customers like crooks because less than 0.1% of them actually are. The fact that they seem to get away with it doesn't make it right.

 

As for protecting themselves from being stiffed, what about the customers protecting themselves from being stiffed by the cruise line, intentionally or otherwise? It happens, and when it does it's almost always difficult to get corrected.

 

It is a big deal, and as long as we sheep put up with this kind of shabby treatment, it will continue.

 

Unfortunately a few ruin it for all. My sister and I just had ourselves added to all my dads bank accounts with his blessing. My brother and I have power of attorney but that wasn't good enough. I had to get my dad into my vehicle and drag him around bank to bank to get this changed and it was quite a long involved process. He couldn't understand why it was so complicated as he'd added my mom on account a while back in a few minutes. I told my dad it's not 1940 anymore. Unfortunately the banks have to protect themselves and the consumer as well to a lesser extent. That's life. Things are bound to get worse.

[Sopwith]

Cruise lines have to protect themselves. As a stockholder I am glad they do.

 

I don't disagree in the real world of today. But again, let's examine the logic behind what they're doing:

 

"We know most of you are honest people and will pay us, but we also know a few of you won't. We're just not sure which ones. So to make sure everyone pays, we'll treat you all as suspicious persons until we get our money."

 

I have done a lot of cruising over the years, and even more flying. I've learned a few things about these industries. Firstly, most airlines absolutely and unconditionally cannot be trusted, nowhere, no how, not at any time. Secondly, the cruise industry is only marginally better. A majority of players in these industries will throw you under the bus at the drop of a hat if it suits their convenience. What is their response? "Pay us more money for insurance and we promise to look after you."

 

I realize I'm living in a dream world on this point, but I keep falling back on the notion that I'm an honest person and I resent being treated like a thief, especially by people that have demonstrated through their own actions that they can't be trusted themselves.

[POA1]

There was a post by a cruise ship employee on a past thread a few years ago where this issue was being discussed and he said before the cruise lines implemented this policy they had as many as 10% of passengers without enough credit left on their cards to pay their final bill on some cruises. It's not that they were crooks as you say, but rather many got carried away with their spending onshore and used up their available credit.

Cruise lines have to protect themselves. As a stockholder I am glad they do.

.

 

When we first started cruising, I remember all the announcements on disembarkation morning, asking for Mr. So-and-so or someone from cabin X to report to the front office (or purser's desk... It's been a while.) I haven't heard that in years. It slowed down disembarkation, and was probably pretty humiliating for the unfortunate people who were paged.

 

I believe that there can be mid cruise increases in the hold amount if you start to outpace you original hold. This is based on alerts we've gotten mid cruise from the credit card company.

Edited July 27, 2015 by POA1

[sapper1]

I don't disagree in the real world of today. But again, let's examine the logic behind what they're doing:

 

"We know most of you are honest people and will pay us, but we also know a few of you won't. We're just not sure which ones. So to make sure everyone pays, we'll treat you all as suspicious persons until we get our money."

 

I have done a lot of cruising over the years, and even more flying. I've learned a few things about these industries. Firstly, most airlines absolutely and unconditionally cannot be trusted, nowhere, no how, not at any time. Secondly, the cruise industry is only marginally better. A majority of players in these industries will throw you under the bus at the drop of a hat if it suits their convenience. What is their response? "Pay us more money for insurance and we promise to look after you."

 

I realize I'm living in a dream world on this point, but I keep falling back on the notion that I'm an honest person and I resent being treated like a thief, especially by people that have demonstrated through their own actions that they can't be trusted themselves.

I'm an honest person too, as I believe most people are. I am also not a terrorist but I recognise the necessity to be electronically strip searched as I board an aircraft.

 

I remember years ago, when WalMart first came to our small city of mostly home owned stores where you were known and trusted. I was initially shocked and insulted to have to have my shopping bags stapled shut as I entered the store. Electronic monitoring has advanced to the point where that is no longer necessary but I do recognise the need of these stores to protect themselves.

 

I know what you are trying to say and it is sad that everyone has to be lumped together under the same cloud of suspicion. I guess I have just chosen not to be upset about things like that any more and find it is one less thing to stress about. Why start your wonderful cruise with a feeling of resentment?

 

Having said that, I still prefer to shop at home owned stores where they know your name and don't treat you with suspicion. :)

[1of4]

Unfortunately a few ruin it for all. My sister and I just had ourselves added to all my dads bank accounts with his blessing. My brother and I have power of attorney but that wasn't good enough. I had to get my dad into my vehicle and drag him around bank to bank to get this changed and it was quite a long involved process. He couldn't understand why it was so complicated as he'd added my mom on account a while back in a few minutes. I told my dad it's not 1940 anymore. Unfortunately the banks have to protect themselves and the consumer as well to a lesser extent. That's life. Things are bound to get worse.

 

I am so sorry you had to go through this experience. It is gut wrenching.

 

After going through something similar 3 years ago I must admit that I pay no attention to holds on credit cards. I know about it and it is part of taking a cruise for vacation. Is it right? Is it wrong? After going through the death of my last parent and all the unknowns required by every company and institution whose human resources are offshore I honestly appreciate knowing in advance along with the certainty of the cruise vacation paperwork.

[cruz chic]

I am so sorry you had to go through this experience. It is gut wrenching.

 

After going through something similar 3 years ago I must admit that I pay no attention to holds on credit cards. I know about it and it is part of taking a cruise for vacation. Is it right? Is it wrong? After going through the death of my last parent and all the unknowns required by every company and institution whose human resources are offshore I honestly appreciate knowing in advance along with the certainty of the cruise vacation paperwork.

 

Thank you. It's been very difficult and a huge eye opener.

[3rdGenCunarder]

When we first started cruising, I remember all the announcements on disembarkation morning, asking for Mr. So-and-so or someone from cabin X to report to the front office (or purser's desk... It's been a while.) I haven't heard that in years. It slowed down disembarkation, and was probably pretty humiliating for the unfortunate people who were paged.

 

I believe that there can be mid cruise increases in the hold amount if you start to outpace you original hold. This is based on alerts we've gotten mid cruise from the credit card company.

 

We used to call those announcements the dead-beat list. :eek:

 

Back in the olden days when you established your account on board, it would take days before everyone got around to it. Probably "I'm on vacation" laziness more than an attempt to defraud the cruise line. But you'd hear announcements like "Will any passengers who have not yet established their onboard accounts please see someone at the Purser's desk this morning to do so."

 

As far as car rentals, gas stations, and hotels putting a hold on a credit card, I know this is true. But in all our years of travel, only ONE hotel ever let us know about the hold when we checked in. That was in Sydney, Australia. Maybe they have different disclosure laws?

Edited July 27, 2015 by 3rdGenCunarder

[navybankerteacher]

I get it now. HAL wants to put $420 per person as a hold for a 7 day cruise. This seems excessive.

 

HAL simply wants to know that they will get paid for what they reasonably think you might spend on your cruise. If you do not spend $420 per person (including service charge), you will not be charged that amount; and, at no point, will your card be actually charged more than what you owe.

 

If, at the time you board, you do not have sufficient credit to cover a reasonably expected reserve, you might want to reconsider cruising. HAL certainly does not want to risk being in a position of having to try to recover charges from passengers who do not have sufficient credit. That is just the way cruise lines operate.

[cruz chic]

When we first started cruising, I remember all the announcements on disembarkation morning, asking for Mr. So-and-so or someone from cabin X to report to the front office (or purser's desk... It's been a while.) I haven't heard that in years. It slowed down disembarkation, and was probably pretty humiliating for the unfortunate people who were paged.

 

I believe that there can be mid cruise increases in the hold amount if you start to outpace you original hold. This is based on alerts we've gotten mid cruise from the credit card company.

 

I was a person that heard my name announced over the pa. I was mortified but I couldn't understand why I would be called. They had a credit card and it was a good one. Turns out I had a credit on my account and at that time they couldn't apply a credit to your card. They had to pay you out:rolleyes:.