Online check-in...credit card or cash?

[grest]

We plan to use gift cards for our expenses...should we check in saying that we will use cash or credit?

Thanks.

[wemjam]

If you don't want to use a credit card at all, then select the cash option.

 

I always pay with cash or gift cards, but I sign up with a credit card on file and then just pay my bill off with cash/gift cards on the ship so nothing is charged to the card.

 

I like having the credit card on file just in case I decide to spend on a big purchase or more than I planned for. That and I don't have to worry about going through giving them funds to set up the account once there or going and putting more in my account throughout the cruise. The credit card holds it and I just pay once on the last day.

[easyboy]

Either is allowed.

 

 

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[grest]

thanks so much

[firemanbobswife]

I always do gift cards and set it up strictly as a cash account. That way there are no erroneous charges on my cc after I leave the ship. There’s no reason why they need my cc since I will only be spending what’s on my account with GCs. If I happen to go over I will put cash in a kiosk.

 

Actually the past few cruises I started buying Cruise Cash with my GCs and that way I don’t have to mess with it onboard. If I don’t spend it all I cash out in the casino same as if I had left over GCs.

[jayscore]

I used to use the cash option. Imagine, back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, a guy using Traveler's Checks! :o

I had writer's cramp after dealing with these at the Purser's Desk. ;)

"Sherman, set the Way-Back Machine!" ;p

[dmdiver]

We always use a credit card just because if we should decide to make a larger purchase than anticipated, there's no worries. This has actually happened one time, when our underwater camera flooded. We were able to buy a gopro on board for the same price they were selling for at home. But, we didn't have to pay sales tax on it. We never carry a balance on our cards, so it's the best way for us. Plus, I don't want to make a cash deposit and have to worry about getting it back if I don't spend it all.

[harpat0408]

We always put a credit card d on file but go down to guest services and pay with gift card instead

 

 

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[timeinthesand]

If you do it as cash online and you have keys onboard at your port, you will have to go through the second check in, meaning another line. If you do it as credit card, you can skip that Port Guest Services line and use the gift card on the ship at the kiosk or Guest Services there at your convenience. If your Port does not have keys on board that means they will give you your keys at check-in where you could use your gift card there

[firemanbobswife]

If you do it as cash online and you have keys onboard at your port, you will have to go through the second check in, meaning another line. If you do it as credit card, you can skip that Port Guest Services line and use the gift card on the ship at the kiosk or Guest Services there at your convenience. If your Port does not have keys on board that means they will give you your keys at check-in where you could use your gift card there

 

They told me to use the other line and I told them “Yeah, OK” and kept on going. You don’t have to stop. You can do it onboard at GS, a kiosk, or buy Cruise Cash ahead of time.

[jcc1025]

Not a big fan of carrying much cash on board, we always use the credit card and pay it off to get the points toward a free cruise or whatever your cards offer. I carry some cash for additional tips for the staff on board and for things like cabs on shore. Really just what you are comfortable with.

 

 

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[coevan]

credit card = mileage, it's hard to believe anyone would use cash. Save your cash, book with CC, get mileage and pay it off when you get home.

[Schoifmom]

Not a big fan of carrying much cash on board, we always use the credit card and pay it off to get the points toward a free cruise or whatever your cards offer. I carry some cash for additional tips for the staff on board and for things like cabs on shore. Really just what you are comfortable with.

 

 

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credit card = mileage, it's hard to believe anyone would use cash. Save your cash, book with CC, get mileage and pay it off when you get home.

 

 

I believe that the two of you failed to comprehend OP's question. It wasn't "should I use cash or cc." It was "I AM using gift cards, what is the best way to complete online check in?"

 

 

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[firemanbobswife]

credit card = mileage, it's hard to believe anyone would use cash. Save your cash, book with CC, get mileage and pay it off when you get home.

Or buy discounted Gift Cards for 10% off with your Credit Card that gives you points. There's no need to give them a CC at check in if you set up a cash account this way and no having to dispute erroneous charges after the fact. There is nothing I need to buy onboard that will be more than my Gift Cards.

[BoDidly]

CASH is King ;p

[grest]

Or buy discounted Gift Cards for 10% off with your Credit Card that gives you points. There's no need to give them a CC at check in if you set up a cash account this way and no having to dispute erroneous charges after the fact. There is nothing I need to buy onboard that will be more than my Gift Cards.

that is exactly how I got my gift cards...and the reason I will be using them instead of cash...

[buddylover]

Or buy discounted Gift Cards for 10% off with your Credit Card that gives you points. There's no need to give them a CC at check in if you set up a cash account this way and no having to dispute erroneous charges after the fact. There is nothing I need to buy onboard that will be more than my Gift Cards.

 

I have 2 questions about your "erroneous charges".....

1. So, if pax set up 'cash'accounts, then there are never erroneous charges on their S&S account?? It only happens to CC accounts??

2. What kind of 'erroneous' charges are you talking about that have or could happen? Have never had any 'erroneous' charges either on my S&S account nor charged to my CC??

I believe, that errors can happen with any sort of payment set up (although that has never happened to us thankfully)....and it would be far easier to 'dispute' such 'erroneous' charges on a credit card statement vs. trying to get back cash that CCL has already taken??

[firemanbobswife]

I have 2 questions about your "erroneous charges".....

 

1. So, if pax set up 'cash'accounts, then there are never erroneous charges on their S&S account?? It only happens to CC accounts??

 

2. What kind of 'erroneous' charges are you talking about? Have never had any 'erroneous' charges either on my S&S account nor charged to my CC??

 

 

 

I believe, that errors can happen with any sort of payment set up (although that has never happened to us thankfully)....and it would be far easier to 'dispute' such 'erroneous' charges on a credit card statement vs. trying to get back cash that CCL has already taken??

 

I am referring to charges after the fact. There are plenty of posts on here of people upon returning home discovering charges from Carnival that weren’t theirs. From towels, drinks, back when they had the minibars stocked, and whatever else.

 

I never said erroneous charges don’t happen to cash accounts. I said after the fact. So in this case, I can’t be automatically charged after I leave the ship because they don’t have a cc on file. If they want to send me a bill, then let them. I’ll call and dispute it then but at least it will take a little more effort on their part besides just pushing a button and getting paid.

[coevan]

credit card companies can protect you, cash can not

[firemanbobswife]

credit card companies can protect you, cash can not

 

Protect me from what? If there’s an error onboard, I will get it taken care of on the ship no matter what type of account is set up. There will be nothing to “protect” me from. Even a CC dispute when the cruise is over will have to be verified by Carnival which can take time. If they don’t have a CC to charge it to, then how are they getting paid?

 

It would be foolish to wait until after the cruise if you notice errors on your account to dispute it with the card company when it can be handled right then and there at GS. There isn’t anything I need “protecting” from in this case.