Does Anyone Know if HAL Accepts ApplePay or GooglePay Onboard?

[lazarus1]

Hello everyone,

 

I have a quick question about payment options on HAL. I’m currently planning my trip and prefer using ApplePay and GooglePay for most of my transactions. However, I haven't been able to find clear up to date information on whether the cruise line accepts these payment methods for onboard purchases, such as booking excursions, dining, and other services.

 

I’ve reached out to the cruise line directly but haven’t received a response yet. Has anyone here used ApplePay or GooglePay on HAL or know if they’re accepted for onboard payments?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[newtocruiseinblue]

6 hours ago, lazarus1 said:

Hello everyone,

 

I have a quick question about payment options on HAL. I’m currently planning my trip and prefer using ApplePay and GooglePay for most of my transactions. However, I haven't been able to find clear up to date information on whether the cruise line accepts these payment methods for onboard purchases, such as booking excursions, dining, and other services.

 

I’ve reached out to the cruise line directly but haven’t received a response yet. Has anyone here used ApplePay or GooglePay on HAL or know if they’re accepted for onboard payments?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

I only know a little bit about Apple Pay and nothing about GooglePay. Ok so my understanding about Apple Pay is that it is tied to a credit card that is stored on your phone. So why not use the credit card vs “ApplePay” as they are the same thing? 
 

While onboard, you don’t pay for individual transactions (with the exception of cash for gambling in the casino), you provide a credit card in advance for your room as part of the check-in process and that’s where all your onboard purchases will go. Make sense? 
 

From the HAL website:

 

Registering a credit or debit card(s) (Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover®) as part of your pre-cruise check-in process activates your keycard.

[Sea42]

Your key card is the only way to "pay" for purchases once you are onboard. Whether ordering drinks, booking excursions or buying something in the shops, you hand over your key card and the charge is placed on your account which is secured by cash, debit, or credit card.

[Mary229]

2 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

Your key card is the only way to "pay" for purchases once you are onboard. Whether ordering drinks, booking excursions or buying something in the shops, you hand over your key card and the charge is placed on your account which is secured by cash, debit, or credit card.

But you can bring a different card to the guest services desk to pay. I often do this , I secure the cruise with one card as to not have a large deposit held on my active travel card, once the trip is over I go to guest services to charge my close to final bill.  I just don’t ever recall seeing a device that reads either phones or touch cards. The technology may use cellular service that not is available at sea. 🤷‍♀️

[1025cruise]

Everything onboard is charged to your room account. And you then settle that up at the end of the cruise, either by it going to a credit card, or you using cash.

[leerathje]

Your room card is your everything; payment method, room card, card they scan when you get on and off the ship....everything.  And they have no way to scan your phone or watch...your room card is just old-fashioned "swiped" in their machine near the register. There is no "tap" machine.  For example, if you order a drink at a bar, they take your card when you order your drink, swipe it and bring it back to you.  They do not bring a "tap" machine to you.

 

L.

 

[BadgerRedux]

On 7/11/2024 at 9:23 AM, 1025cruise said:

Everything onboard is charged to your room account. And you then settle that up at the end of the cruise, either by it going to a credit card, or you using cash.

Not sure if this is OP's situation, but I believe people using the Apple Card earn more by using it through Apple Pay than by using the physical card, so I can see how it would be helpful if Guest Services could accept Apple Pay for settling up.

[cccole]

@lazarus1 - Did you get an answer to your question?  I also wonder if you can close your account while onboard with Apple Pay or Google Pay.  I think everyone knows that your key card is what is charged for purchases but at the end of your cruise can you settle up with AP or GP.  Good question.  Cherie

[coolbluegreenseas]

11 minutes ago, BadgerRedux said:

but I believe people using the Apple Card earn more by using it through Apple Pay than by using the physical card,

That is very true. 1 percent vs 3.

[1025cruise]

I have never seen the option to settle up using AP or GP. 

[Fouremco]

10 hours ago, BadgerRedux said:

Not sure if this is OP's situation, but I believe people using the Apple Card earn more by using it through Apple Pay than by using the physical card, so I can see how it would be helpful if Guest Services could accept Apple Pay for settling up.

As the OP also mentions Google Pay and payment "methods", I don't believe that Apple Card is the issue.

[1025cruise]

4 hours ago, Fouremco said:

As the OP also mentions Google Pay and payment "methods", I don't believe that Apple Card is the issue.

Given the OP's low post count, it is probably safe to assume they are a new cruiser and not familiar with the "everything gets charged to your room" accounting method. They were probably asking so they wouldn't have to carry a credit card around the ship with them to buy something if they could tap with their watch/phone.