Carnival is allowing this again.....

[wolv4life]

That is exactly what these drink coupons and funship dollars were intended for..........gifts.........

We do the same thing.....we put them in the kids stockings for Christmas:)

My point was buying them for your self.........to me that does not make sense. But everyone does things differently I suppose.........

 

 

Good post. They don't make any sense if you buy them for yourself. Forget the whole "interest from your savings account" issue. Get a rewards credit card. I usually end up with a $500 per person or more OBC after shore excursions, drinks, and tips on a 7 day cruise. I put that on my 2% cash back rewards credit card, and I get a $10.00 per person return on that money. That's two free drinks each for not buying funship dollars and instead using the card. Its free money if you just stay current on the card.

 

Not saying others are wrong. If that's how you manage money, more power to you for being responsible. And if you enjoy the cheap thrill, great. But from a pure dollars and cents standpoint it doesn't make any sense to buy funship dollars.

[neverpar]

You get a check the morning of debarkation.

 

And thanks for the kind words, that doesn't happen alot on these boards

 

Cathy

 

I have to agree with the two of you...Fun Ship $$ are a great way to have a OBC on your account. It makes perfect sense..there are "others" on this board that think if it's not "their way" it's a stupid idea. But to each their own..we have a good way of saving, placing a OBC on our account, if the "others" don't like it....oh well, but they shouldn't tell us it doesn't make sense..maybe it doesn't make sense for them but for thousands of other people it does. JMHO

By the way, whenever funship $$ are brought up..you will always get the same people who will disagree with buying them for yourself. :rolleyes:

[tnt091605]

The gift certificates seem like a waste of time. If you have the money to purchase them each month, why not set aside the same amount into a savings account - or better yet, a CD that earns interest? :confused:

 

There is something about knowing it is all paid for before going. I don't like carrying a lot of cash. Everyone is different. This works for a lot of people.

[tampabrat22]

A few motnhs ago I bought some Carnival gift certificates online, had them shipped to my cousins as bday gifts. When they got onboard they took them to the pursers desk and there were applied as OBC. They were able to use the amount just like any other money in their OBC...for drinks, tips, shops etc.

[rhorhorho]

No I dont think you can.

 

Cathy

 

 

Actually if you call the 800 number for Special Programs they can put it onto the onboard acct (no certificate though). I think they do it up to a week before the cruise.

Whoe ever you give the $ to will get a card in their cabin.

 

 

Oh hell...I didn't realize how old this thread was...note to self, gotta check the dates.

[Thirsty Cruiser]

I have NEVER mailed them in, I have ALWAYS brought them with me and put them on my sail and sign account and used them for all the charges, including tips, on my S&S account.

 

Cathy

I don't mail them, and I don't put on my S&S. Just in case I need to bail on the cruise, I don't want to hassle with getting the S&S credit back.

 

hhmm Strange . Carnival should change how their terms and conditions read.. which do clearly state they have to be mailed, they cant be used for grats or games of chance etc..

 

http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/AddToCart.aspx?cat=giftcertificates&pid=FSD

 

why is nothing ever clear in life the way a child sees things? :)

They may have that policy so they don't have hoards of people trying to cash in Funship dollars on day one. The purser lines are already long enough. Just a theory.

 

The gift certificates seem like a waste of time. If you have the money to purchase them each month, why not set aside the same amount into a savings account - or better yet, a CD that earns interest? :confused:

For me, the benefit is that I CANNOT spend them. If I put the money aside in savings, I might just spend it on that new kegerator I just HAVE to have, lol. Sort of an enforced self-discipline. Or I can take the $0.83 in interest :p :D

[mistyinca]

Can you purchase these ahead of time and then take them with you to check in to apply to the kids' onboard accounts for a cash account?

[Earthworm Jim]

From a cold logic point of view, it doesn't make sense to buy them for yourself. In theory, you'll have the same amount of money in the end either way (if you disregard the minimal savings interest or credit card rewards at least). But if you are someone that realizes you will spend that money on something else before the cruise comes around unless you commit it to the cruise right now by buying the gift certificates, then it does make some sense.

 

Basically, it's a matter of realizing you have a lack of financial self-discipline and then taking the step of buying gift certificates to remedy that problem. It's easy to say you should just have the financial self discipline, but if you don't, at least you are doing something about it.

[Thirsty Cruiser]

Can you purchase these ahead of time and then take them with you to check in to apply to the kids' onboard accounts for a cash account?

Sure. Some of the posts in this thread have mentioned that.

 

From a cold logic point of view, it doesn't make sense to buy them for yourself. In theory, you'll have the same amount of money in the end either way (if you disregard the minimal savings interest or credit card rewards at least). But if you are someone that realizes you will spend that money on something else before the cruise comes around unless you commit it to the cruise right now by buying the gift certificates, then it does make some sense.

 

Basically, it's a matter of realizing you have a lack of financial self-discipline and then taking the step of buying gift certificates to remedy that problem. It's easy to say you should just have the financial self discipline, but if you don't, at least you are doing something about it.

 

Exactly. This is somewhat akin to those who let uncle sam withhold way too much of their money so they get a big tax return. Basically, they are giving the government a zero-interest loan for a year. Many of these people just would not have the self-discipline to put the same money away. (Still, they always brag about how much of their own money they are getting back.) :D

[Earthworm Jim]

...or use a credit card that you pay off each month (LOL)

 

Having said that it makes some sense for some people to buy gift certificates so they don't blow the money on something else before the cruise, if you are carrying a credit card balance month to month, I don't know how it could be anything but a bad idea.

 

Off the top of my head I can't think of a scenario where it would be advisable. If you have a cruise in 6 months, pay $500 off your 15% interest credit card instead of buying gift certificates. If you put that $500 right back on the credit card during the cruise, at least you will have avoided the interest payments on the $500 for 6 months.

 

That would save you $37.50 in my example. It would be like getting a half dozen drink of the days for free.

 

The only way it wouldn't be wise to pay off the credit card debt is if you had some other debt at an even higher interest rate, which is unlikely unless you do business with the local loan shark.

[Texalana]

The gift certificates seem like a waste of time. If you have the money to purchase them each month, why not set aside the same amount into a savings account - or better yet, a CD that earns interest? :confused:

 

Some people aren't as good at "saving" as others. :D Personally, I think it's a great idea and I'm grateful for the suggestion! Thanks! ;)

[mistyinca]

OK, here's another question I haven't seen answered here. Can you *cash* them at the pursar for cash, such as for the casino or bingo or such without incurring a 3% fee like if you get cash from your cc.

 

And I see lots mentioning using them at the Pursar for onboard account, but I was wondering specifically about using them at check-in, like where they take your cc and give you your S&S card.

 

I'm wondering because I really hate using/carrying real cash. This would be very convenient for me to call, order these certs, then at check in, set up my kids' onboard accounts (keep them off my credit card :D) with $200 each.

[Guienevere_Arianette]

OK, here's another question I haven't seen answered here. Can you *cash* them at the pursar for cash, such as for the casino or bingo or such without incurring a 3% fee like if you get cash from your cc.

 

And I see lots mentioning using them at the Pursar for onboard account, but I was wondering specifically about using them at check-in, like where they take your cc and give you your S&S card.

 

I'm wondering because I really hate using/carrying real cash. This would be very convenient for me to call, order these certs, then at check in, set up my kids' onboard accounts (keep them off my credit card :D) with $200 each.

 

Yes you can; for a 3% charge in the casino. (you pay 97.00, they get 3.00, a total of 100.00 shows up on the sail and sign deduction /cashout)

 

Some people, to save the 3%, put their Sail and Sign in a slot machine, cash it out over there, take the bucket of quarters to the cage, and turn it into bills.

[snipper2]

So just be be clear, can someone who has actually used funship dollars clarify what would happen in this scenario...If funship dollars are purchased as a wedding gift by friends and family and put as obc on the bride and groom's shipboard account, if by the end of the cruise they did not spend all of their obc, will the bridge and groom be given a check for anything remaining?

[Guienevere_Arianette]

So just be be clear, can someone who has actually used funship dollars clarify what would happen in this scenario...If funship dollars are purchased as a wedding gift by friends and family and put as obc on the bride and groom's shipboard account, if by the end of the cruise they did not spend all of their obc, will the bridge and groom be given a check for anything remaining?

 

Yes; if there is a credit on the account on the last night of the cruise, the cabin will either receive a check for that amount the next morning, or if the ppl want to stand in the long purser's line the night before with other ppl and close out the account, s/he can get the remaining amount back in cold hard cash from the purser :D

[snipper2]

Yes; if there is a credit on the account on the last night of the cruise, the cabin will either receive a check for that amount the next morning, or if the ppl want to stand in the long purser's line the night before with other ppl and close out the account, s/he can get the remaining amount back in cold hard cash from the purser :D

 

Thanks. Just wanted to be sure that the couple would get what wasn't spent. I thought I had read something like non-refundable so I wasn't sure what would happen if it were not all used.

[mistyinca]

OK, here's another question I haven't seen answered here. Can you *cash* them at the pursar for cash, such as for the casino or bingo or such without incurring a 3% fee like if you get cash from your cc.

Yes you can; for a 3% charge in the casino. (you pay 97.00, they get 3.00, a total of 100.00 shows up on the sail and sign deduction /cashout)

 

OK. I'm confused now. My question was about the Funship dollars if they can be cashed without the 3% fee.

 

Some people, to save the 3%, put their Sail and Sign in a slot machine, cash it out over there, take the bucket of quarters to the cage, and turn it into bills.

 

I know about the slot machine thing, this is only in regards to funship dollars.

 

thanks

[mistyinca]

I just called Carnival to ask about using funship dollars to set up an oboard account for my kids. They're tying to tell me that because they'll be under 21 we CAN'T use funship dollars to set up the onboard account. ???? :confused: That does not make any sense.

 

Does anyone have a funship dollar in front of them and does it say anywhere that it can't be used to set up a kid's onboard cash account.

[LorrieB]

I just called Carnival to ask about using funship dollars to set up an oboard account for my kids. They're tying to tell me that because they'll be under 21 we CAN'T use funship dollars to set up the onboard account. ???? :confused: That does not make any sense.

 

Does anyone have a funship dollar in front of them and does it say anywhere that it can't be used to set up a kid's onboard cash account.

Go to Gift Certificates on the Carnival website. Purchase the amount of Funship Dollars and where it asks for address, type "On Board Credit". The second address line type in your booking number. You will get an e-mail letting you know that the gift certificate has been applied as OBC. Print the e-mail and take it with you on your cruise just in case the OBC was not added.

 

As far as cashing the Funship Dollars, I have never done this but the only reference I would have for this would be that when you receive a gift card from Wal-Mart you can't cash it for cash. But, I do know that any OBC you have remaining at the end of your cruise will be returned to you in the form of a check under your door.... kinda like the Carnival tooth fairy!!!!!!!

[tbjl24]

It's interesting, there are I think 3 different threads active today about the topic of Funship Dollars. I think it is a great idea and almost feel the economy may be making these more appealling.

 

Some folks may look at this as a way to have their vacation completely paid for(including gratuities/drinks/excursions) before stepping foot on the ship.

 

I think this provides reassurance, that(god forbid) if a job is lost, the vacation has been paid ahead of time while their financials were stable. No surprise bill at the end of the cruise, cutting back can still be done, but knowing the money is available eases much undue stress.

 

I know some will say perhaps a cruise should be cancelled/postponed if such a life altering event occurs. But sometimes the cruise could be only weeks away, perhaps days.

 

I see it as opposite of insurance to back out last minute, but insurance to be able to still sail!!!!

[glrounds]

That is exactly what these drink coupons and funship dollars were intended for..........gifts.........

We do the same thing.....we put them in the kids stockings for Christmas:)

My point was buying them for your self.........to me that does not make sense. But everyone does things differently I suppose.........

 

Good post. They don't make any sense if you buy them for yourself. Forget the whole "interest from your savings account" issue. Get a rewards credit card. I usually end up with a $500 per person or more OBC after shore excursions, drinks, and tips on a 7 day cruise. I put that on my 2% cash back rewards credit card, and I get a $10.00 per person return on that money. That's two free drinks each for not buying funship dollars and instead using the card. Its free money if you just stay current on the card.

 

Not saying others are wrong. If that's how you manage money, more power to you for being responsible. And if you enjoy the cheap thrill, great. But from a pure dollars and cents standpoint it doesn't make any sense to buy funship dollars.

 

I agree completely, although I dumped the credit cards a marriage ago.:rolleyes: If someone's only motivation for using this program is because they want to "diminish" the last-day Sign'n'Sail shock of their cruise, putting aside money beforehand, I applaud them as this is a good idea. In this case, however, the OBC seems to make more sense.:)

[ladyd11933]

I just called Carnival to ask about using funship dollars to set up an oboard account for my kids. They're tying to tell me that because they'll be under 21 we CAN'T use funship dollars to set up the onboard account. ???? :confused: That does not make any sense.

 

Does anyone have a funship dollar in front of them and does it say anywhere that it can't be used to set up a kid's onboard cash account.

 

 

I have one and it says that receipient must be 21 years of age or older. That being said, I purchased Funship Dollars for my son with his name and cabin number online and it went through as OBC for his account. I wasn't sure if they would allow it because both boys in the cabin are under 18 but it went through (I have done it twice for his cabin),

[timekeeper95]

There is something about knowing it is all paid for before going. I don't like carrying a lot of cash. Everyone is different. This works for a lot of people.

 

 

I am glad to know we can do this with OBC. Dh is a wonderful man, I love him dearly he will enjoy his vacation more if there is no huge bill at the end. I do this with 90% of our vacations if possible, seeing the $$$$$ at the end or hauling out $$$ all the time puts him on edge. Its silly, it all costs the same in the end but he is happier if he doesnt fully know what his wonderful vacation cost him!

[mistyinca]

I have one and it says that receipient must be 21 years of age or older. That being said, I purchased Funship Dollars for my son with his name and cabin number online and it went through as OBC for his account. I wasn't sure if they would allow it because both boys in the cabin are under 18 but it went through (I have done it twice for his cabin),

 

Thanks for the reply. Let me pick your brains a minute :p. Both my boys are under 18, and they will be sharing a cabin too. When you had it added to their OBC accounts, were you set for a cash account, or did you have to do anything else.

 

It's pretty tricky, as I can't actually set up a cash account for them through the funpass set up. Since they are minors, I can only allow or disallow charging privies on my card through my funpass.

 

So did this take care of your need to go set up the cash at the purser or at check-in? Could you tell me more about how that worked out.

 

I hate cash. (OK, well I don't hate it :p) I hate carrying it around, and I don't want to go to the window and embarkation with a fistfull of dollars to set up the onboard account.

[LorrieB]

Bought three gift certificates today for a total of $800 and received e-mails from Carnival stating they were applied as On Board Credit.... Woo Hoo!!!!!!!! Now I only need to add another $800 to feel completely safe. On our last cruise we spent $1900.