Onboard NCL Account

[csopi]

Yes, you can pay with cash as you planned. Best to do it as early as possible the day before the cruise ends, as lines get long later in the day.

 

In the end it does not matter how you pay, you do what ever makes you comfortable.

 

I prefer using a credit card for everything, much safer and easier than carrying cash and then I get to use the points earned to pay for hotels rental cars etc..

 

Only carry about $500 cash for port meals, taxis, tips, never hurts to have some with you, usually leave it in the safe and take about $100 with me when in ports.

[jrzurel]

Yes, you can pay with cash as you planned. Best to do it as early as possible the day before the cruise ends, as lines get long later in the day.

 

In the end it does not matter how you pay, you do what ever makes you comfortable.

 

I prefer using a credit card for everything, much safer and easier than carrying cash and then I get to use the points earned to pay for hotels rental cars etc..

 

Only carry about $500 cash for port meals, taxis, tips, never hurts to have some with you, usually leave it in the safe and take about $100 with me when in ports.

 

Thanks

[sanger727]

There are pluses to using a credit card for travel. However a lot of people have learned the hard way that it creates havoc in their life. The credit card users seem to imply that everyone can get a high limit, low interest card. It also implies that those using cash are possibly unscrupulous. If one has an emergency that costs 5 figures, that is catastrophic, even at home.

 

Stop downing people who prefer to travel debt-free and/or use cash to manage their spending. Cash is king. It's all a personal choice. (Drops [emoji441])

 

 

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Cash is king? It wasn't when we were on a tour in Antigua and they wouldn't take my $100 bill because it developed a small tear during travel. In other countries they are actually relatively selective about taking American currency -nothing torn/damaged or older than a certain date. Luckily I had a credit card to pay the balance or we couldn't have gone on the tour; no time to run to an ATM...

 

How you everyone chooses to budget in their own lives is whatever works for them, but having a card for emergencies is a good idea for everyone. Personally, I use a credit card for everything. That doesn't mean it's low interest - I still don't spend money I don't have so never carry a balance. I get hundreds back in rewards, free extended warranties and travel insurance by using my card. A friend had an expensive bag stolen shortly after purchase and it was covered by the credit card's protection policies.

 

It also provides a buffer between my bank account and the world. I only use my debit card at my banks ATM. Sure skimmers are still a possibility but it's much lower than my credit card number getting stolen via point of purchase or being hacked from a database. I realize banks provide protections on debit card purchases, but I just don't want a thief to be able to take funds out of my account, causing my bills and checks to bounce, and have to do the work to make that right. I see a charge that doesn't belong on my cc account, call and card gets shut down, charges get reversed; and I can still use my debit card for cash while I'm waiting to get a new card.

 

Someone mentioned having $20,000 in the bank. That's great but I assume it's in savings, not checking. Not sure how easy it's gonna be to access those funds when you are sitting in a hospital in Jamaica with a broken leg. Feel a lot more confident with using my credit card personally.

 

 

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[luvtheships]

Cash is king? It wasn't when we were on a tour in Antigua and they wouldn't take my $100 bill because it developed a small tear during travel. In other countries they are actually relatively selective about taking American currency -nothing torn/damaged or older than a certain date. Luckily I had a credit card to pay the balance or we couldn't have gone on the tour; no time to run to an ATM...

 

How you everyone chooses to budget in their own lives is whatever works for them, but having a card for emergencies is a good idea for everyone. Personally, I use a credit card for everything. That doesn't mean it's low interest - I still don't spend money I don't have so never carry a balance. I get hundreds back in rewards, free extended warranties and travel insurance by using my card. A friend had an expensive bag stolen shortly after purchase and it was covered by the credit card's protection policies.

 

It also provides a buffer between my bank account and the world. I only use my debit card at my banks ATM. Sure skimmers are still a possibility but it's much lower than my credit card number getting stolen via point of purchase or being hacked from a database. I realize banks provide protections on debit card purchases, but I just don't want a thief to be able to take funds out of my account, causing my bills and checks to bounce, and have to do the work to make that right. I see a charge that doesn't belong on my cc account, call and card gets shut down, charges get reversed; and I can still use my debit card for cash while I'm waiting to get a new card.

 

Someone mentioned having $20,000 in the bank. That's great but I assume it's in savings, not checking. Not sure how easy it's gonna be to access those funds when you are sitting in a hospital in Jamaica with a broken leg. Feel a lot more confident with using my credit card personally.

 

 

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Exactly!!!

 

 

 

 

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[Bra_BE2014]

I don't have a credit card and don't want one. I'm buying onboard credit. I figure if I can't afford to wait to get that cash refund back in a few weeks I probably should not be going on vacation. I have until November though. I just buy a 25$ on board certificate each week.

 

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How will you pay for the certificate? Isnt it sold online?

 

 

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[KeithJenner]

And those that don't believe in charging something you don't have the actual money to buy. [/url]

 

 

 

I couldn't care less about the general argument. People can use what they like to pay with, it doesn't affect me.

 

However, it needs pointing out that just because someone uses a credit card doesn't mean that they don't have the money to cover their purchases.

 

For many people, credit cards are just the means of payment. There are advantages to using it (record keeping, security, rewards etc). It certainly doesn't mean that the funds aren't there to cover purchases.

[Crusin6]

I couldn't care less about the general argument. People can use what they like to pay with, it doesn't affect me.

 

However, it needs pointing out that just because someone uses a credit card doesn't mean that they don't have the money to cover their purchases.

 

For many people, credit cards are just the means of payment. There are advantages to using it (record keeping, security, rewards etc). It certainly doesn't mean that the funds aren't there to cover purchases.

 

 

I use credit cards for everything. From Dunkin' Donuts coffee to restaurants to airfare and everything in between...and get enormous amount of cash back rewards monthly in the process too. Lol

 

I make weekly auto payments...that I set up ...as I never let any company other than my bank.... for my mortgage ....debit my checking account.

 

It's just too risky to use a debit card for purchases unless of course you don't have or can't get a credit card

 

 

I haven't paid a dime in interest in decades lol on my credit cards

 

 

My credit card is actually like a debit card to me as I pay it promptly only I never have to worry about my cash funds being compromised. Credit cards use the banks money not mine.

 

 

 

 

 

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[Crusin6]

How will you pay for the certificate? Isnt it sold online?

 

 

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They must be using their debit cards I would guess? allowing Ncl to have direct access their checking accounts! That is what really scares me with debit card use.

 

 

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[Weetahbugdotcom]

Why don't we all quit worrying about how much money other people have, what credit cards they use, and how they fund their vacations? It is really none of your business!

 

 

 

[emoji1319][emoji1319][emoji1319][emoji1319]

 

 

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[csopi]

Why don't we all quit worrying about how much money other people have, what credit cards they use, and how they fund their vacations? It is really none of your business!

 

 

Because that would be boring.

There is nothing wrong with an exchange of ideas and getting other people's opinions, who knows we might even learn something at times.

It does not have to be confrontational.

[NewbieCruiseee]

I'm talking about people who refuse to use credit cards when they travel and should have made that clear.

 

It makes no sense at all to travel without a credit card these days and IMHO those that do fall into one of those 3 categories

 

 

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Some people don't have credit cards. It's not a requirement in life. It certainly doesn't have to be a reflection of your credit worthiness. My son is 25 and doesn't have a credit card. He's paid off a new car and presently paying his student loans. I'm sure he would have a credit card if he wanted one.

[cb at sea]

Yes..you can do exactly what you said you want to do. NOTHING is charged to your credit card until you leave the ship.

[oneplustwins]

I've heard stories of people having issues proving to NCL on board that they have the OBC. So for that reason, I've been buying the NCL gift cards online. $100 here, $50 there. Figure I'll have about $500 to use by the time I sail and then I'll do it like the OP plans and apply them to my account every couple of days.

[Weetahbugdotcom]

I've heard stories of people having issues proving to NCL on board that they have the OBC. So for that reason, I've been buying the NCL gift cards online. $100 here, $50 there. Figure I'll have about $500 to use by the time I sail and then I'll do it like the OP plans and apply them to my account every couple of days.

 

 

 

I always call after I order obc and ask that an amenity invoice is sent to me for that very reason.

 

 

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[rbt001]

Looking for information on the following...

 

I want to use cash onboard as I have been budgeting cash for the last six months. Here is my thought process.

 

I want to use a credit card to start my NCL Onboard Account (as opposed to giving them $300 p/person in cash) at the embarkation port. I don't plan on spending much, maybe Food Republic, tax on UBP while in port, and some little stuff. So lets say at the end of the cruise I have a balance of $125, can I go over to guest services and give them $125 in cash to settle the account?

 

...

 

Has anyone heard of any other way of just using cash? Thanks for any help.

Gosh, jrzurel, you ask a straightforward question and look at all the controversy it kicks up!

 

Professionally, I'm a personal financial planner, holding the CFP designation, I it sounds like you've done a fine job, considering you're debt free! Sounds like how you handle your money and your finances works for you and I'd stick with it.

[sailor@heart]

I recently sailed on an NCL cruise where a Mother treated her 18-year old daughter to a cruise. THe Mom posted her credit card for all Onboard purchases. Four days into the cruise, Mom decides to review her charges and sees over $5,000 in charges she doesn't recognize. Turns out that the daughter discovered the casino, and since she had access to her Mom's account, she had herself a good old time playing slot machines! OMG!!!! So.....this is a smidgen off from the original OP, but a story of how a traveling companion can abuse the credit card posted, and a small cash account for OBC would have worked out better. (Mom needed to block little Missy from any/all access, but probably never imagined in a million years that her daughter would abuse the account.)

[luvtheships]

I recently sailed on an NCL cruise where a Mother treated her 18-year old daughter to a cruise. THe Mom posted her credit card for all Onboard purchases. Four days into the cruise, Mom decides to review her charges and sees over $5,000 in charges she doesn't recognize. Turns out that the daughter discovered the casino, and since she had access to her Mom's account, she had herself a good old time playing slot machines! OMG!!!! So.....this is a smidgen off from the original OP, but a story of how a traveling companion can abuse the credit card posted, and a small cash account for OBC would have worked out better. (Mom needed to block little Missy from any/all access, but probably never imagined in a million years that her daughter would abuse the account.)

 

 

I thought the casino was cash only?

 

Do they allow someone to get cash from their sign and sail account?

 

Are you saying that the casino didn't see what was happening?

 

I though casinos kept a close eye on what each player was doing regardless of winning or losing?

 

 

 

I guess you know the facts of this incident how?

 

The mom was on the same cruise as you and told you?

 

 

Or you heard it from a friend of a friend ?

 

I'm honestly interested in where you found this out?

 

 

Guest services certainly didn't single you out to tell you did they?

 

Could it be that is a standard story line they use ?

 

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[luvtheships]

It is easy to charge casino play to your on board account.

 

 

 

Easily done

 

It is not the casino's job to monitor players in that manner.

 

They make sure you are not cheating.

 

What difference dos it make?

 

 

It is irrelevant.

 

See above.

 

I'm just surprised that anyone...regardless of age would use a slot machine up to $5000

 

Could it be that while charging the $5000 they were also winning and cashing out?

 

 

If I'm reading this correctly...the 18yo just continued to play the slots to the tune of $5000 out of pocket and never said anything about thus to the mom?

 

Umm. I don't know.

 

Either money was no object to this family

 

Or

 

It's an urban legend used as a be careful with who you give onboard card access too

 

 

Or

 

It's a story to point out that 18 yos are stupid

 

 

I've raised 3 so far past the age of 18 with one more to go....

 

And I would trust them with my life

 

Medical decisions if I'm incapacitated

 

My wallet

My cash

My cards

An unlocked mini bar

The combo to the safe

 

You get the idea...

 

 

I've done a great job with them but when I hear a story about an 18yo who charges $5000 in the casino I know there is a backstory to it

 

Either it's just a story

 

Or

 

They are very rich

 

Or the parent and child are 2 incredible dunces

 

This is not a situation that would ever happen in a regular situation. Sorry but true

 

 

 

 

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[sanger727]

I thought the casino was cash only?

 

Do they allow someone to get cash from their sign and sail account?

 

Are you saying that the casino didn't see what was happening?

 

I though casinos kept a close eye on what each player was doing regardless of winning or losing?

 

 

 

I guess you know the facts of this incident how?

 

The mom was on the same cruise as you and told you?

 

 

Or you heard it from a friend of a friend ?

 

I'm honestly interested in where you found this out?

 

 

Guest services certainly didn't single you out to tell you did they?

 

Could it be that is a standard story line they use ?

 

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Idk if the story is true or not; but don't find it as far fetched as you. I've met plenty of people who were incredibly financially irresponsible at 18. If you spend the first 18 years of your life having all your bills/needs/spending covered by your parents, you don't magically understand how budgeting works and the value of a dollar because you turned 18. Isn't that why so many young adults end up in so much credit card debt? Anyone who says they stay away from credit cards because they don't want to get in trouble has realized that if you don't have budgeting skills you can keep swiping that card forever without realizing the bill you are racking up.

 

 

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[Crusin6]

Idk if the story is true or not; but don't find it as far fetched as you. I've met plenty of people who were incredibly financially irresponsible at 18. If you spend the first 18 years of your life having all your bills/needs/spending covered by your parents, you don't magically understand how budgeting works and the value of a dollar because you turned 18. Isn't that why so many young adults end up in so much credit card debt? Anyone who says they stay away from credit cards because they don't want to get in trouble has realized that if you don't have budgeting skills you can keep swiping that card forever without realizing the bill you are racking up.

 

 

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Any 18 yo who didn't realize they were losing $5000 it incredibly dumb or has medical issues we are not privy to and can't be held responsible for her actions. She may have thought she was just playing an arcade game if that is the case. Btw I agree with the previous poster that questions the authenticity of this story too. As there must be a backstory we do not know.

 

However....generally for your run of the mill average B student 18yo...

 

I would think....

 

 

The kid went to high school and from time to time needed money for stuff at school I would presume?

 

I guess the mother said...."sure hon go and order $500 worth of spirits school wear, no problem, I'll just pay for it"

 

 

Instead of saying...."oh, you want to get school varsity team sweats and shirt?" Ok, how much? I'll pay half and you pay half ok? But keep it under $100 in total ok?

 

 

Geez, I'm planning another cruise with my 16, 22 and 23 yos and they all know they are kicking in their share

 

The 23 yo is more than gainfully employed with a professional medical license but the 22 yo will be a recent grad but has covered every trip and study abroad she has taken in the last 5 years....because she works!!!

 

 

The 16 yo babysits constantly, but of course I don't expect full trip payment from her...but perhaps...$300 plus dsc

 

That 18 yo, if not mentally incapacitated, is a spoiled kid with a parent who is clueless

 

 

A parents job is to say no sometimes and use every single aspect of daily life as a teaching tool

 

I wonder if the parent ever paid the $5000 that Ncl charged to her credit card...which was used for the onboard account?

 

I doubt it.

 

 

 

 

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Edited April 17, 2017 by Crusin6

[clskinsfan]

Has anyone used one of those pre-paid debit cards?

 

If someone decides "my spending limit is $1,000...", they can just put $1,000 in cash on the card and use it until it's empty. Anything extra can be used after the cruise. There's no "debt" or "borrowing" from anyone other than yourself.

 

This is what we do when we cruise. It protects your bank account and your real credit card as well. There are even some pre paid cards with travel benefits built in now. It's worth taking a look to see if this is the right option for you.

[rbt001]

 

I'm just surprised that anyone...regardless of age would use a slot machine up to $5000

 

Could it be that while charging the $5000 they were also winning and cashing out?

 

 

 

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I play slots in casinos on board cruises. Saturday I'm sailing for the first time on NCL (second cruise actually, first was with a non-gambler so never set foot in casino) where I intend to play. I called ahead to CAS to find out:

 

-Guests may charge up to $2,000 to their room account daily at slot machines and table games. With advance approval, that can be increased. NCL however, does charge a 3% convenience fee which is waived for players once they attain a high enough tier status in the casino.

 

I normally sail on Princess where the limit is $3,000 per day with a max of $21,000 per cruise. On a 15 day cruise I did hit my $21K limit. There was another high stakes player that hit that limit too. [before anyone faints, I did win more than that, hitting four taxable jackpots including a progressive jackpot.]

 

So this $5,000 story is believable. It may have had a different ending if the legal age to gamble on board was 21 rather than the posted 18. I have seen casino staff ask for ID when they see someone who appears to possibly be close to the legal age. I bet mom could have gotten all the money back had her DD have been under age.

 

Another point: I can tell you from experience that the ability to charge gambling to a room account is SO EASY, with just the press of buttons and a PIN that one can quickly lose track of what much it tallies up to.