Cruise Cash Bar

[jjddee]

I've never sailed on Carnival before and my roommate isn't a drinker so doesn't want to spend $450 on the drinks package.  I was thinking of putting $300 on the cruise cash bar.  Is it worth it?  Or could I just put the charge on my room?  Is there even a difference?

[klfrodo]

There's actually no difference OTHER THAN, this money once purchased is nonrefundable.

I might recommend just buying Cruise Cash if you decide to go that way. Cruise Cash can be used anywhere, whereas Cruise Cash Bar can only be used for beverages. Both are nonrefundable though.

I've done this myself. If only just to pre-pay some of my expected expenses. I don't get that WOW WTH have I done factor on the last night statement. 😁

Edited December 1, 2022 by klfrodo

[ray98]

Just bring the cash with you.

[Schoifmom]

You have three options:

1. Charge all of your drinks to your S&S account without pre-purchase.
2. Purchase Cruise Cash (non-refundable) which is basically a credit to your S&S account for anything you purchase.
3. Purchase Cruise Cash Bar (non-refundable) which is a credit to your S&S account for only bar purchases.

 

Which is better for you?  Your choice.  

[sparks1093]

When money was tighter I used to buy Cruise Cash in the last few months leading up to the cruise in order to ensure we had the money to spend onboard. You are limited to $500 of each type. Cruise Cash Bar is good for any bar purchase, which includes souvenir glasses, but it has to be a bar purchase so the Cruise Cash gives one more options.

[Cruisefanatic71]

My wife is a non-drinker also so I have always purchased the Bar Cash. I use the entire amount on my account because I figure about how many drinks that gets me a day and that's usually my daily limit on vacation anyway. So for me it works out and if I go over then I'm not spending very much out of pocket at the end of my cruise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[groundloop]

Since both types of cruise cash are "use it or lose it" I'd be more inclined to link a credit card to the sail-and-sign account.  You can keep an eye on your account on your Carnival Hub app so there aren't any surprises, and at the end of the cruise your balance is automatically charged to your card.

 

If using a credit card isn't an option then the cruise cash comes into play, but I'd be darned sure I'm going to use all of it.  You could always add cash in bite sized increments as you go to make sure you don't lose any at the end of the cruise.

 

 

[n6uqqq]

Here is a better idea. If you are an AARP member go buy their Carnival 10 percent off gift cards and apply them to your sail and sign account after you board. You will save money on your purchases and if you don't use it all you will get a refund sent you in new gift cards.

[jjddee]

14 hours ago, groundloop said:

Since both types of cruise cash are "use it or lose it" I'd be more inclined to link a credit card to the sail-and-sign account.  You can keep an eye on your account on your Carnival Hub app so there aren't any surprises, and at the end of the cruise your balance is automatically charged to your card.

 

If using a credit card isn't an option then the cruise cash comes into play, but I'd be darned sure I'm going to use all of it.  You could always add cash in bite sized increments as you go to make sure you don't lose any at the end of the cruise.

 

 

I think this is what I'm going to do.  Thanks everyone for explaining to a noobie.

[groundloop]

1 hour ago, jjddee said:

I think this is what I'm going to do.  Thanks everyone for explaining to a noobie.

 

And just to expand on using a credit card - you'll be able to link your credit card to your onboard account when you do online check-in about two weeks before you cruise.  The first day of the cruise you'll see a $200 charge from Carnival placed on your credit card which is just a 'placeholder' and will be taken off when the cruise is done.

[garycarla]

Anytime you pre purchase something, Murphy is waiting in the wings.

 

It could increase the chances you will not be able to drink due to some health issue, etc.

 

LOL!

[Gamecock_Cruiser]

Just charge it to your room. Cruise cash doesn't save you any thing. And if you don't use it all, you lose the remaining balance.

[serene56]

On 12/1/2022 at 10:32 AM, jjddee said:

I've never sailed on Carnival before and my roommate isn't a drinker so doesn't want to spend $450 on the drinks package.  I was thinking of putting $300 on the cruise cash bar.  Is it worth it?  Or could I just put the charge on my room?  Is there even a difference?

no    do not buy bar cash   Its non refundable.   and can only be used at the bars     

Buy cruise cash which can be spent anywhere on the ship- including the casino where you can cash out any extra left over

\

[crewsweeper]

I buy Cruise Cash with points from Credit Card.  Just to use the points. But the AARP thing sounds good if you're looking to have things loaded in advance.

[Drazil65]

If you are not going to use a credit card attached to your account (we do not use one for our onboard account) then buy the first $200 in cruise cash and put on your account ahead of time. Then bring 200 or 300 more in cash to add to your account when you check in (or you can add on ship using a kiosk). That gives you a nice starting point on your account and you dont need to worry about losing anything in the long run.  

 

The cruise cash is the first thing they will utilize from your account and you will more than likely use that with no issue (especially if you purchase bar drinks).  Then they will use the cash portion of your account and if any is left over then it will be refunded (you can go to guest services or the casino cage and cash out the night before disembarkation or they will mail you a check).  

Edited December 6, 2022 by Drazil65

[sgttami]

I only bought Cruise Bar Cash once a few years ago when I had DOU in casino only and wanted to prepay mostly everything.  On the last night I still had $50 left and knew it was non refundable so I used it as a tip for my casino bartender.

 

Don't think I'd ever do it again.

 

I still had a hefty sign and sail so there was no point in purchasing it prior.

 

 

[Joebucks]

Cruise cash is a silly concept as a drink package. I don't get the obsession of prepaying. That's not a net difference in your finances. What if you want more? What if you want less? It's non-refundable if you do. Sure there are tricks. There have been plenty of people that forget and get burned.

[Drazil65]

Cruise cash is a silly concept as a drink package. I don't get the obsession of prepaying. That's not a net difference in your finances. What if you want more? What if you want less? It's non-refundable if you do. Sure there are tricks. There have been plenty of people that forget and get burned.

 

Choice is a great thing if you dont like it then dont get it.  Its just an option no need to be so angry, I am sure OP will do what is best for them.   

Edited December 7, 2022 by Drazil65

[ledges1]

1 hour ago, Drazil65 said:

Cruise cash is a silly concept as a drink package. I don't get the obsession of prepaying. That's not a net difference in your finances. What if you want more? What if you want less? It's non-refundable if you do. Sure there are tricks. There have been plenty of people that forget and get burned.

 

Choice is a great thing if you dont like it then dont get it.  Its just an option no need to be so angry, I am sure OP will do what is best for them.   

Did not read any anger in the post. Please explain your perception of anger in the post.

[jwesterlin]

I am going on a cruise next week that I paid for fully when booking over a year ago.  I also put 500 on cruise cash knowing we will spend more than that in a week. I like the idea that my entire trip is more or less paid for 100%. It’s a great feeling!

[RaiderFaninNM]

Hello,  so once bought you can on use it on board, so let's say you purchase cc and go back and cancel the order way before you cruise, do you get that money back?

[FTLCruiseGal]

3 hours ago, RaiderFaninNM said:

Hello,  so once bought you can on use it on board, so let's say you purchase cc and go back and cancel the order way before you cruise, do you get that money back?

Yes, your money will be refunded

[RaiderFaninNM]

10 hours ago, FTLCruiseGal said:

Yes, your money will be refunded

Thank you

[simplelife]

It can be given as a gift to the cruiser. Although regular cruise cash is more versatile and thus a better choice, there is a limit on how much reqular cruise cash can be given, and that's where Cruise bar cash comes in. I don't see uch benefit in purchasing it for yourself, unless you just like the idea of haviong things prepaid or will be working from a cash account instread fo a credit card