Onboarding Charges

[amisup]

NCL Jewel - Alaska

Do we have to pay the onboard charges before the departure ? Also do they have to be paid with a card ? Or is cash accepted ? 
Also - since we don’t have a room package - if we were to buy say a bottle of wine or a coffee  etc - does get charged to the room ? Or do we pay at point of service ? If to the room - will they accept cash at the time of settling the charges ?

[kfnesq]

Once on board, everything gets charged to your account.  Typically you would provide a credit card before boarding, although you may be able to provide cash instead.  I'm not sure about that piece, I'm sure others can weigh in - I've only ever provided a card.  

[smplybcause]

If you want a cash account NCL only allows you to charge a certain amount to your account before they freeze your card and require you to pay down your account with cash. You'll need to go back at the end of the cruise to give them cash to settle your account. On the last day if you have not paid off your account, when you go to scan your card to get off the ship it will bring up an alert and they'll make you go back and settle your account. 

[Pauser]

We did a cash cruise once and it was before drink and dining packages. We went to guest services upon boarding and gave a cash deposit. As it depleted, they contacted us and we replenished it. They refunded the difference at the end of the cruise. Just make sure you go to guest services when you board. 

[PTC DAWG]

They will ask for a card or cash BEFORE you embark on the ship.  Not sure of the amounts, as it varies per the length of the cruise.  Its' all on the NCL FAQ section on their website.

 

How do I pay for onboard expenses?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. Sign up when you check in, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB Card, Diner's Club. You may also use your debit card however please be advised that we obtain pre-authorization, as we do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. Cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

Using your debit or ATM card

• Norwegian does not recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio.
• Please be advised that multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.
• After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.
• To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.
• Norwegian will not be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.

 

 

Traveler’s Check / Cash Procedures

A cash deposit may be placed on your onboard account in the following amounts:

7 day cruises - $300 USD per person
Less than 7 days - $150 USD per person
More than 7 days - $450 USD per person

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you'd like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed on board.

Edited July 19, 2019 by PTC DAWG

[zqvol]

2 hours ago, amisup said:

NCL Jewel - Alaska

Do we have to pay the onboard charges before the departure ? Also do they have to be paid with a card ? Or is cash accepted ? 
Also - since we don’t have a room package - if we were to buy say a bottle of wine or a coffee  etc - does get charged to the room ? Or do we pay at point of service ? If to the room - will they accept cash at the time of settling the charges ?

 

1. You do not have to pay on board charges prior to departure.

2. Your on board account can be settled with either a card or with cash. Do NOT use a debit card on the ship, it can result in large holds and your funds can be tied up for as long as a month.

3. Anything that you buy on the ship is charged to the cabin. You may not pay at the point of service.

4. You can always go to Guest Services and pay cash toward settling your account.

[casofilia]

We invariably pay whatever we can before we board except when we have the Shore Excursion credit.  We put down a large sum of cash so it isn't sitting round the cabin or in the safe.  At the end of the cruise we get the excess refunded in cash.