cruise cash

[ccowgirl5280]

 Is there a benefit to buying cruise cash? Better to buy pre boarding or once on the ship

[cccer]

There are no cost savings benefits to buying cruise cash.  Some people buy it to help them budget for their cruise.  It is not cheaper if you purchase before cruising.

If you want to save money, buy gift cards from AARP for 10% off and when you get on board, you can go to guest services and put the gift cards on your account or use them to buy cruise cash before the cruise.

[ccowgirl5280]

thanks!

[airlink diva]

I used this option because it's easy to go online and place funds on my account.  I know as a rule how much I spend on a cruise and instead of getting in my car, going to the store, standing in line, can do the option in a few minutes.

[klfrodo]

also note that "Cruise Cash" is non-refundable.

I do use Cruise Cash as a way to prepay my on board spending. However, through experience, if I know or estimate that my on board spending will be $500,,, I'll only buy $400 or Cruise Cash.

[Joebucks]

People buy it because they want to budget for their cruise. Maybe they put a certain amount from each paycheck into a certain fund, or however else they save. With the proper discipline, you could cut yourself off at that amount. It's non-refundable, but there are "tricks" to overcoming that.

 

For me, I don't see any value in it. I know that money spent before or after isn't coming out of my account any different, no matter how I try to trick myself. I don't want to force myself to spend a certain amount, or limit myself. Somehow, I've managed to eliminate the extreme stress people get out of this. I have a great time, and don't bankrupt myself.

[coevan]

1 hour ago, airlink diva said:

I used this option because it's easy to go online and place funds on my account.  I know as a rule how much I spend on a cruise and instead of getting in my car, going to the store, standing in line, can do the option in a few minutes.

 

 

it's even easier to use your S&S for everything and pay it with a credit card when you get home and get all those miles for a free flight

[ray98]

No....I simplify things and just bring regular cash instead of purchasing fake cash that is nor-refundable.  It spend just as well.

Edited January 15, 2019 by ray98

[bbtbear]

I bought cruise cash for my upcoming cruise because a) I only use credit cards for emergencies, b) using a debit card for your sign and sail account puts a hold on funds in your bank account that can take time to be dropped, tying up access to your own money, and c) I am a woman traveling alone across the country, meeting up with my sister at the port city before boarding our ship and did not want to carry that much additional cash on me. As others have noted, you can cash out your account at the casino, so you can still access any funds you don't use. It made sense for me.

[coevan]

13 minutes ago, bbtbear said:

I only use credit cards for emergencies

 

 

 

Why? We use them for everything, including utility bills, insurance, Directv, WI-FI, and more, most are on auto pay so I don't have to do anything but pay my bill at the end of the month

[bbtbear]

1 minute ago, coevan said:

 

 

 

Why? We use them for everything, including utility bills, insurance, Directv, WI-FI, and more, most are on auto pay so I don't have to do anything but pay my bill at the end of the month

Just one more bill to pay. More hassle. Easier to pay everything with a debit card. And then there is always a full compliment of credit available to us in case of emergency. Just a choice we make.

[ray98]

17 minutes ago, bbtbear said:

I bought cruise cash for my upcoming cruise because a) I only use credit cards for emergencies, 

 

 

....but that is what makes CC's perfect for travel.  You have no liability if things go wrong and you can simply pay the bill at the end.

[bbtbear]

Just now, ray98 said:

 

 

....but that is what makes CC's perfect for travel.  You have no liability if things go wrong and you can simply pay the bill at the end.

lol ok. great for you. This was my choice and I'm comfortable with it.

[coevan]

Ask your bank, debit cards are not secure and not recommended for international travel. Capital One has a stellar fraud department. I honestly think anyone who uses debit cards does not trust they will pay the balance at the end of the month and accrue a debt and interest. But as you say it's your choice.

[bbtbear]

Just now, coevan said:

Ask your bank, debit cards are not secure and not recommended for international travel. Capital One has a stellar fraud department. I honestly think anyone who uses debit cards does not trust they will pay the balance at the end of the month and accrue a debt and interest. But as you say it's your choice.

I just said I wasn't using my debit card and that's why I bought the cruise cash.

[ray98]

7 minutes ago, bbtbear said:

lol ok. great for you. This was my choice and I'm comfortable with it.

 

Well good for you then.....you are a dream for the marketing department.

[bbtbear]

2 minutes ago, ray98 said:

 

Well good for you then.....you are a dream for the marketing department.

lol ok. I can live with that. SMH

[bury me at sea]

There is no absolutely right way.  There are options that fit various personalities and situations.

[coevan]

1 hour ago, bbtbear said:

Easier to pay everything with a debit card

 

 

I thought you said this

 

 

1 hour ago, bbtbear said:

I just said I wasn't using my debit card and that's why I bought the cruise cash.

 

 

which one?

[bbtbear]

3 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

I thought you said this

 

 

 

 

which one?

We pay our bills with a debit card or check. I am not paying for international travel with a debit card, which is what you referred to. Can we let this go now? 

[Purvis1231]

I buy Cruise Cash since it is an easy way to finance you Sign and Sail card. I list it as a gift for my wife and child so they get a note in the cabin. I buy the Cruise Cash with AARP gift cards to save a few bucks. I bak up my Sign and sail card with a credit card or sometimes a debt card. (FYI- if you use the debt card for the sign and sail card- it is not an international charge.)

[lennythenose]

I purchase AARP gift cards to save the 10%. If I end up with small amounts left on them I have purchased cruise cash just so I didn’t have to take as many cards to put on my onboard account.  

[coevan]

1 hour ago, Purvis1231 said:

it is not an international charge.)

 

 

Either are most credit cards and they don't have huge holds on credit cards as they do on debit cards

[Joebucks]

4 hours ago, bury me at sea said:

There is no absolutely right way.  There are options that fit various personalities and situations.

 

While there is no law of how everyone has to pay, the responsible use of a credit card is the best form of payment you can use. That is really not even debatable. A (good to decent) credit card gets you rewards, purchase protection, no foreign exchange fees, extra funds, none of your money is tied up, etc. Some of these come in VERY handy when traveling. A lot more concrete benefits than some of the reasons people choose not to use them. I guess there are ways that are "convenient" for some, but I would personally prefer the financial protections and rewards. I guess that part is my opinion.

[Purvis1231]

I agree that a credit card is the best option for international travel- hotels, airlines, and large purchases. For some of us we do not make any major purchase in port so I rarely use a credit card on a cruise. (I do bring one ashore just in case.) Also, do not spend a lot money on the ship so again the credit card is not used. We do buy the cruise with a credit card since ours includes travel protection.