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First timer Destiny 7/1/07 advice

Miss_Ivy

By Miss_Ivy,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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SouthernCaribbean

SouthernCaribbean

Posted
Posted
:o thanks for the reply if u guys dont mind me asking how much money should we take for the 2 of us not including drinks I might consider the smuggling a little . LOL but seriously about how much

Onboard purchases can all be backed with a credit card on your sail and sign account. So unless you plan to put down a cash deposit, the money would be for buying things on shore. That amount can vary based on how much you like to shop and what you plan to purchase.

 

No need to smuggle when sailing out of San Juan. Before you board Destiny there is a duty free liquor store, right in the terminal. You can purchase your liquor/beer there, at dirt cheap prices. Put it in your carry on and the screeners wont say a word. They just dont want people to openly carry it on.

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SouthernCaribbean

SouthernCaribbean

Posted
Posted
OK ANOTHER QUESTION FOR THE S&S CARD DOES THAT APPLY PP FOR THE TIP OR PER CABIN AND I ALSO WILL BE ARRIVING THE DAY TO SAIL OFF.

Here is the breakdown.

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Gratuities_Tips.aspx

The total amount will be $10 per guest, per day, which breaks down as follows:

  • $5.50 pp/pd for Dining Team Service (Headwaiter and Waiter)
  • $1 pp/pd for Bistro Service (Waiter/Cooks)
  • $3.50 pp/pd for Cabin Services (Cabin Steward)

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chrly

chrly

Posted
Posted
I Have Also Heard People Say U Have Put $250 Deposit On The S&s Card First Day

 

When we went on the Miracle...we put a $400.00 cash deposit on our sail and sign account the first day. What you don't use they will return to you in the form of a check on the last day.

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happy cruzin

happy cruzin

Posted
Posted
:o Bf and I are going and I never flew before flying from Indianapolis to San Juan PR,:eek: I'm scared but excited bout the cruise any advice will be helpful and anybody else going on that date?

 

First let me say that we LOVE our Destiny cruise a couple of years ago. The ports are wonderful and the ship was great. Infact - that itinerary make be the first that we "repeat" ;) .

 

As far as flying...try to keep it in perspective. Very safe and quick way to get to the ship.

 

Have you considered trying a flight to somewhere closer - like and hour - for a weekend get away? A friend of mine had similar concerns and she booked a Southwest flight to and from Chicago on a Saturday for like 39.00 each way to "try out flying" before she had to take a long flight for business.

 

I wish you a safe trip and smooth sailing :D

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happy cruzin

happy cruzin

Posted
Posted
I Have Also Heard People Say U Have Put $250 Deposit On The S&s Card First Day

 

Only if you plan to use cash.

 

If you are using a credit card they will get approval for $200 or $250 per person (I can't remember exactly) the first day and when you get close to using that they will get approval for another $200 or so. They at the end of the cruise they actually charge your credit card account.

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happy cruzin

happy cruzin

Posted
Posted
U Just Our S&s Card Can U Put Allmoney On One Card Or It Has To Be Both

 

If you are using a credit card the S&S cards can be linked to seperate credit cards.

 

For us we link both of our cards to the same credit card - because it all come from the same place in the end :rolleyes: .

 

But I know of friends that have travelled together in the same cabin - but they each used their own cash or credit card for their purchases on their S&S card. That way the purchases made by each appeared on their cards and it was clear who was paying for what. They could also each check their accounts on the Folio - through the TV - to keep track of their balances. It certainly worked great for them!

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SouthernCaribbean

SouthernCaribbean

Posted
Posted
They Take Debit Cards Right Or U Can Pay In Cash I Thought No Cash Exchange On Board

This might help

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Sail_And_Sign_On_Board_Account.aspx

 

What is Sail & Sign?

 

spacer.gif Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program which allows guests to charge purchases directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise.

 

Registration will take place on sailing day at embarkation or on board at the Information Desk. The completed application form (included in the cruise documents) must be submitted along with a 1) credit card, 2) U.S. currency, or 3) traveler's checks.

 

Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests on a booking (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

 

The Information Desk can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.

 

All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration. For those guests who put down a cash deposit, if there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, the guest will receive the overpayment in the form of a check attached to their detailed statement on the final morning of the cruise.

 

Any inqiries regarding a Sail & Sign Account made after the cruise, need to be referred to the Guest Relations Department (71551) for researching.

 

Deposit with a Credit Card

Credit Cards are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. The following credit cards are accepted:

  • Visa

  • MasterCard

  • Discover® Network

  • American Express

Note:

  • The American Express "Persona Select" is not an acceptable credit card.

  • Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.

  • Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa card.

  • A guest traveling without his/her parents cannot use the parents' credit card even with the parents' written permission

  • The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card issuing bank.

  • Upon completion of the Sail & Sign Application Form, the cardholder agrees to pay for the individuals indicated on the form; it is not necessary for these individuals to be booked in the same room as the cardholder.

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for an onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

The following dollar amounts, per guest, are used as a deposit and placed as a hold on the credit card when the Sail & Sign Account is opened:

 

2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp

5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp

9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

Deposit with U.S. Currency or Traveler's Checks

U.S. Currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.

 

Uses for the Sail & Sign Card The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for the following; cash will not be an accepted form of payment:

Beverage purchases: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to the bill which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received.

Shore excursion tours

In-room calling charges

Infirmary charges

Valet laundry charges

Photo purchases: On debarkation day, cash is only accepted.

Video service

Gift Shops

Steiner's spa and salon

Formality Shop (flowers; tuxedo; chocolates)

European Cafe (specialty coffees and pastries)

Supper Club

Camp Carnival babysitting fees

Gratuities for shipboard staff for ships with "Reverse Gratuity" program.

Note: Ships with the traditional gratuity program must be paid with cash.

Casino: to purchase chips for the tables and coins for the slot machines.

Note: Cash is also accepted in the casino.

BOARDING CARD

Your Sail & Sign Card will serve as your Boarding Card. This card identifies you as a Carnival guest and must be carried with you along with picture identification when you go ashore. Because the ship is closed to the public while docked at the various ports-of-call, you’ll have to show your Sail & Sign Card and picture I.D. to the officer on duty in order to return on board.

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happy cruzin

happy cruzin

Posted
Posted
They Take Debit Cards Right Or U Can Pay In Cash I Thought No Cash Exchange On Board

 

I think that you can use a debit card for your S&S account - but you have to make sure there is enough money in the account to secure the $200.00 or 250.00 approvals. There have been several posts that debit cards do not work the same as a credit card. We have never used a debit card for our account so maybe someone else can help clarify that for you.

 

The ship is "cashless" - anything that you buy on board will be charged to your S&S account. I tried to buy sun screen on our first cruise - in the gift shop with cash. No go.....it HAD to be charged to the account. They are not set up to deal with any cash anywhere - except the casino.

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GTO-Girl

GTO-Girl

Posted
Posted

I can understand your nerves, I took my first flight to San Juan last year and I'm 53 years old. I had worried so much about it that I really tensed up on take off but once we leveled off it was "a piece of cake". Heck I even got out of my seat and went to the ladies room (something I swore I would NEVER do). So it's okay to have some jitters, but trust me it will well worth it when you step off that plane in San Juan

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happy cruzin

happy cruzin

Posted
Posted
I Thank The Both Of U I Want To Be As Smooth As Possible And 7/7/07 Is My 26 Birthday And We Will Be Out To Sea On That Day.........

And Thanks Again Both Of U Hope I Meet Folks Like Yall On Board ....lol

 

Great! I'm glad the answers helped. Do not hesitate to ask as other questions come up. I am sure that there will be more - it can be quite confusing to figure it all out. On our first cruise - we cruised with "cruise veterans" who lead is nicely through our first experience.

 

These boards are a wealth of information. Enjoy planning and experiencing your first cruise. There is NOTHING like the first one!!

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spikester

spikester

Posted
Posted

my advice is just to have fun. Do what interests you, and try everything.

 

Research the ports first (which I NEVER do) and narrow down where you might want to do a tour or not.

 

Did you see the thread about the Destiny? I wish I had seen that before I went in Aug.

 

It will be pretty hot in the SoCarib.

St Thomas is great for shopping, Barbados has a really fun beach party excursion, I didn't do a tour on dominica, I wish I had since it was so HOT there that the second I got off the ship I was soaked.

 

If you have never been to the caribbean before one thing to keep in mind is that the people there are very poor. And they are very friendly and very much want you to buy THEIR stuff.

So, if you are in a local market and just looking at stuff or you want to look around more make sure you are nice but FIRM that you are looking.

They will also be willing to haggle.

 

Also, I don't know if everyone was clear on the sail and sign, but if you have cash you should keep it for on shore. And use a credit card for your shipboard stuff. (you can save the cash to pay it off when you are done if you have extra)

You will definately NEED cash for the ports. If you go to "big" stores you can usually charge things but it is always good to have cash. And you definately don't want to take out cash on the ATM on board. (high fees)

The ship will cash a check for you if you have a credit card (at least they used to) and they will cash travelers checks as well.

 

I hope this helps. You will have a blast!

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