Cash Account

[muffinbaby]

If you opt for the cash account option on a cruise...do you have to load your S&S card? Cruise is paid in full and we went with Cheers. Don't really plan on spending on any thing else.

[easyboy]

In case you have not prepaid gratuities, consider also that it will be charged to your account onboard

 

 

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[muffinbaby]

Everything is prepaid. I intend to put some money on acct but was just wondering how much I really need to place?

[maryred]

Plans tend to go awry, so it is always best to have a little something in the S&S account for unforeseen expenses. Once on board you may decide you can't resist the drink of the day in the souvenir cup or your preferred wine is only available by the bottle, those are not covered by Cheers. It could be that you feel your SO dressed up just perfect on Elegant Evening and want a professional portrait as proof. For some it's an attack of the munchies late at night sending them to the room service menu zeroing in on the up-charge buffalo wings. It could be something simple like you develop a blister needing to buy band-aides on board at the inflated price or your bestie challenges you to a best of 3 series of games for air hockey in the arcade.

Personally I would recommend at least $100 per person under your financial responsibility deposited in the S&S account(s) in cash. It is also best to have a reserve or emergency fund preferably in cash in addition to a credit or debit card that would cover any expense of getting home or for hotel stays in case things go really wrong. At best you would need to reserve some vacation time on the last night on board to go to guest services to close out the S&S account getting your cash back.

[Drazil65]

Put $50 down at GS or kiosk and then if you need more you can always add to it during cruise....you can have a zero balance account but if for some reason something is charged to you and no money on account (or CC attached) then you will be called/summoned to GS to make arrangements to do so (could be a pain at that time if you are in middle of cruise). Not a big deal....

[deborahjo]

Yes you still have to put funds down.

 

We use a cash account every cruise. We put $400 down at the beginning then add more. We do prepay the service charge so no issues with that.

 

 

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[sparks1093]

Put down an amount you feel comfortable with. As stated if you go over that amount for some reason you will need to put more down. Any unused funds will be refunded to you, or you could take it out at the kiosk.

[Organized Chaos]

According to Carnival FAQ's, if you choose a cash account, you "must" deposit cash into the account on the first day.

 

 

• Guests must deposit cash (U.S currency only) or Traveler's Checks at Guest Services on the first day of the cruise.
  

You can also deposit cash using the kiosk. They go on to recommend a few different amounts to deposit, depending on the length of cruise, but those are only recommendations. Only you know for sure how much you're comfortable with. Technically, you can go the entire cruise and not spend another dime on board. So if you don't think you will, I wouldn't worry about depositing too much.

 

To elaborate on sparks' comment, if you do not use the entire amount you deposited into your S&S account, you can go to guest services or a kiosk to withdraw the remaining funds. If you don't withdraw it on board, they'll mail you a check about a week after your cruise, but only if it's over $10. If it's less than $10, they automatically donate it to St. Jude's.

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

You're going to have taxes on drinks while in port

 

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[muffinbaby]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply! Answered my question perfectly!

[jdemps]

If you really think you are only going to have minimal expenses on board, why not just put a credit card on the account for those small things you might need or want? You can always just pay that small amount off when you get back home. Its a real hassle if you do need/want something and you get denied because the cash has run out. Or, having to go to the crazy long guest services line to get your balance back from a cash account last night. Use credit, not debit. Just another way to look at it if you're talking about less than $100 expenses on board.

 

Have a great trip!

[Organized Chaos]

You're going to have taxes on drinks while in port

 

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OP is talking about their on board S&S expense account. That has nothing to do with purchases at ports of call.

 

If you really think you are only going to have minimal expenses on board, why not just put a credit card on the account for those small things you might need or want? You can always just pay that small amount off when you get back home. Its a real hassle if you do need/want something and you get denied because the cash has run out. Or, having to go to the crazy long guest services line to get your balance back from a cash account last night. Use credit, not debit. Just another way to look at it if you're talking about less than $100 expenses on board.

 

Have a great trip!

To each their own.

[jdemps]

OP is talking about their on board S&S expense account. That has nothing to do with purchases at ports of call.

 

To each their own.

 

You have to pay taxes while on the ship before it leaves the home port. It's minimal like less than a buck a drink normally but if you have several before you leave it can add up if you only have a small amount on your S&S with cash.