Whats the difference between

[pacruise804]

Bar Cash and Cruise Cash.

 

I purchased $100 worth of cruise cash and $100 worth of bar cash.

 

 

Some one please explain to me what the difference is if anyone knows or has had experience with this.

 

I have not personally used it, but here is my understanding:

~bar cash can be used for all beverage purchases - bars, dining room, coffee shop (not sure about desserts) and bar service tips (probably not room service or fun shops though)

~cruise cash can be used anywhere, including casino - so you can "cash out" remaining funds

~watch your folio, but all bar charges should go against the bar cash before taking against cruise cash

 

These should both be automatically loaded onto your S/S card at boarding, but verify. You shouldn't have to carry anything else with you but your S/S card to use the funds.

 

Each to their own. I was only explaining that there is no gain from purchasing them. You are correct about the interest being negligible. I buy the gift cards from AARP and apply them prior to boarding the ship which takes about a minute or two-- the same amount of time it takes you to buy them on the website. I just wanted people out here who don't know about cruise cash to know you aren't really buying anything. And if for some reason I don't spend it all, I will get it back via another gift card. No running to do the " Casino trick " for me to get my hard earned money back. I have said before Carnival should have the option to allowing people to apply gift cards to their S & S account prior to boarding, just like we now enter CC info. Apparently that is still too 21st century for Carnival :D

 

I won't buy it for myself since we are comfortable using our predetermined vacation budget, but I do think you are buying something.

 

Some people like to buy it for others, and it has a lower starting point than gift cards. Some don't want the hassle of gift cards (higher minimum price point, risk of fraud for 3rd party, have to apply after boarding). Many like to make small payments to Carnival over time to prevent "emergencies" claiming the funds if they have the money in their own account (and are willing to give up the minuscule interest for peace of mind).

 

I like the concept of Cruise Cash for those who don't want Cheers or photo packages, but feel they won't loosen the purse strings if they are facing a bill at the end. It's a way to make cruising more enjoyable - which will almost always come at some cost.

[Garth2]

Bar Cash and Cruise Cash.

 

I purchased $100 worth of cruise cash and $100 worth of bar cash.

 

 

Some one please explain to me what the difference is if anyone knows or has had experience with this.

 

Why would you spend $200 without knowing what you're getting?

[tiffy0428]

I know what I am getting I am just not sure how it is disbursed, ok? OK

 

 

 

Why would you spend $200 without knowing what you're getting?

[Pellaz]

I usually give a hotel my credit card then order room service, go to the bar or restaurant and charge it to my room, then settle up when I check out. Can I do the same thing on Carnival?

 

Yes, you can set up your onboard account using a credit card; I think most cruisers do this and it's the preferred method for most cruise lines, since a cash account -- the only other option -- requires you to deposit cash at boarding and then maybe during the cruise, too. With Carnival's self-service kiosks this isn't too much of a hassle, but on other lines (lookin' at you, Royal) this can be a real hassle.

 

You don't even have to "settle up" at the end; Carnival will simply bill your credit card for your onboard purchases. But DO watch your folio in case any surprises appear.