Cash or Credit Card?

[uneamie]

I kind of forget and not sure if there are any new policies about cash and credit cards. Once we put our card on file to be used for things we buy onboard including excursions etc....will that cover casino money or do we need "cash" for the casino? Do we need cash to buy tokens for the game room or can that be charged to the cabin? That said, what instances would we really need cash for? We are trying to determine how much of it we should take with us.

[BirdTravels]

I kind of forget and not sure if there are any new policies about cash and credit cards. Once we put our card on file to be used for things we buy onboard including excursions etc....will that cover casino money or do we need "cash" for the casino? Do we need cash to buy tokens for the game room or can that be charged to the cabin? That said, what instances would we really need cash for? We are trying to determine how much of it we should take with us.

You can charge your room for casino cash. The casino charges a 3% service charge (e.g., if you withdraw $1000 cash from your on board account, the casino will charge you $30). You can always bring cash onboard with you for your casino time.

 

No tokens for arcade games, it is all swipes of your room key (charge to your on board account).

 

Cash can and should be used for additional tips to waiters and bar staff. Additional tips to your cabin steward. And while you are ashore.

 

Otherwise, your credit card will cover 100% of your on board expenses. And everything is charged using your room key.

[garycarla]

You can pay cash for everything - but not directly. Casino needs real cash. Everything else is charged to your account which can be cleared with cash or credit card. (avoid using a debit card).

 

There are also ATM's onboard.

 

And as said.. tips in cash are always welcome.

[uneamie]

Thanks....I think we should bring cash for the casino to avoid that 3% charge.

[casofilia]

Whatever you decide never use a Debit Card for on board spending.

[dioxide45]

Is there no place on receipts to write in a tip amount to be charged to your onboard account?

[garycarla]

Is there no place on receipts to write in a tip amount to be charged to your onboard account?

 

Seems like there is... assuming you get a receipt. If on a drink promo, you may not get one.

[casofilia]

In the specialty restaurants they have to give you a receipt even if the meal is covered by a dining package. The receipt has the full charge and then the reversal. I am sure that the first they present has space for the addition of a tip.

[BirdTravels]

Seems like there is... assuming you get a receipt. If on a drink promo, you may not get one.

Carry $100 is dollar bills to tip bartenders and cocktail waiters.

[cuterlmt]

In the specialty restaurants they have to give you a receipt even if the meal is covered by a dining package. The receipt has the full charge and then the reversal. I am sure that the first they present has space for the addition of a tip.

 

It does have space for a tip. We usually tipped on the account versus cash. Partly because we had OBC that I bought before the trip. We didn't use much of it though. And are awaiting our refund via the mail.

[Paul S]

Why not use a (UK) debit card?

[SteveH2508]

Why not use a (UK) debit card?

 

Because when the cruise line puts a hold on your account, it reduces your available real money. Also, these holds can take some time to drop off after the actual bill is paid. Using a credit card only reduces your available credit, not your actual hard-earned.

 

The cruise lines advise you not to use a debit card for this reason.

[Moby0215]

Whatever you decide never use a Debit Card for on board spending.

 

 

 

While I agree credit card is better than a debit card, I would not say never. Just need to be aware how it works and that the hold they put on your account will not be available until the holds are removed.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Paul S]

We will be a family group of 6, paid for by DW with all onboard expenditure to go to her card. Our fare includes UBP and gratuities. Can anybody advise the likely amount to be blocked out on her credit card?

[BirdTravels]

On a 7-day cruise in a non-suite room, it would be at least the $567 x 2 for daily service charges. Plus anything else you buy on the ship (excursions, photos, gift shop items, meals, arcade games, vending machine items, drinks over $15, ice cream sundaes) x 2.

 

I say times 2 because they will run authorizations during the trip, and post a final bill on the last night of the cruise. Most credit card companies will see these as separate transactions and hold both. This has to do with the way your bank works (not NCL).

[try everything]

You can ask for a receipt at the bar to leave a tip. They do ring it in even with the ubp.

As for credit and room charges, I just took a cruise and we charged over 1600 to the room, none at the casino, and there was a 3200 hold on my credit card, they charged me initially individually at time of charge at the end of the cruise. Eventually 1600 cleared as charges and 1600 was released as a hold.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app