Just got my tickets in....

[CountryChuck]

So I just got my tickets in and i was reading the information provided and it mentioned that I would need to present the people with a credit or debit card when I arrived and then they would put a hold on my account. I was wondering if they kept the card till the end of the cruise. And if not then would I still be able to use it in Mexico, or should I take cash.

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[Bem1962]

i Believe it is like when you go to a hotel, they take your card have it on file to pay for anything you might charge, I do think they give you yoru card back, and send you a bill under your door the last nite,,,,

[baby doll]

No how that works is they take your number and have an open account that the charges on board goes to. They give you a charge card called sign and sail. You use this like a credit card on board and everything you buy goes on the card. If you pay at the end of the cruise then they tear up the credit card paper work. If not they put it on your credit card and your card will send you a bill. I like the latter as one I don't have to go to the purcers desk to pay at the end of the cruise and I like to have 30 days before I have to pay my bill by the time the credit card sends me the bill. You will have your credit card handed back to you at check in and most stores in ports take them. The little trinket shops do not and a little cash with you is good, but you don't have to take much. I like to give the local singers a tip of a buck and in Cabo they have these neat little bicycle taxi's that took us around that was neat and all these you will need a few small bills for. The rest my buying I use my credit card.

[LHP]

Be aware that if you use a Credit Card, Carnival does put a "hold" (the amount depends on the length of the cruise) for a certain amount of money.

I never knew this until we cruised with friends.
We pay our credit card off every month and with a credit limit of $22,000.00 ... I don't think we will be maxing it out any time soon.

However, our friends that went with us are just "starting out in life" and made sure they had (I believe) $250.00 available to handle the cc hold. They also told me that gas stations do this as well...which I also never knew.

When you do your check in, you will simply give them the card to swipe and from that point on...everything on the ship goes on your Sail and Sign card...which is covered by your credit card. No need to "check out" at the end of the cruise (our friends tried to do this as well~it was their first cruise). Carnival will simply put a bill under your door and it there are no errors on it, they will automatically send it to your credit card company.

One other suggestion...call your credit card company and let them know you are traveling outside the country. One of their CC was declined in Cozumel as a "suspicious" charge..since they never go to Mexico. A simple call will make sure that is noted on your card, so that it is not declined.

[Dave]

We've cruised the Caribbean so often that if we don't have some charges come in from Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, our credit card companies call us and ask if anything is wrong!

[f-mattox]

Now that's what I call "customer service"!

[parrothead]

I was wondering if you can just give them cash instead of credit card or debit? I really can't remember what i did last time..hmmm..lol..

[Cruise Specialist]

Yes you can put cash on your sign and sail card. After going through the embarkation process at the port, once you board the ship go directly to the information desk (beware, depending on the time you arrive there could be a long line of people)there you can place the amount of money you need to on your card. Carnival does require a minimum amount which also covers your gratuities per person.

[CountryChuck]

Anyone have any hangover cures that actually work?

[MrOctober]

I do
Just stay buzzed no Hangover...your on Vacation.

just dont mix drinks. stay with the same type drink all night.

dont do shots