I will be going on my first cruise 2/7-2/12/09 on the Carnival Fantasy.
I do not have a major credit card, I only have a debit card. Do they freeze a certain amount on your card if you use your debit card? Or, should I just pay with cash and be notified before I run out?
Also, I have been told that on the first day they will automatically take $120 for gratuities? I am very confused about that.
Lastly, how can I find out how many nights we need to be dressed up (semi-formal) for dinner. Also, is a jacket necessary for men?
lindsay1982- Please see our cruising FAQ (last topic in the forum list) It will have some answers for you (and probably trigger some questions you didn't know you had)
Yes, you can use a debit card, (provided its a Master Card or Visa brand) but they will put a hold on the card. It will probably be as much as $500 for a single person. You are going on a 5 day cruise, the tips are $10 per person per day. So for your cruise they should only charge you $50 for tips (yes, they put this on your account day 1) I'm not sure where you get $120 from. You may be better off using cash as having a hold on your checking account that may not clear for a couple of weeks could be problematic. The CCL website says they will want $200 deposit per person for a 5 day cruise. Note that if you spend more than that while on board your sign and sail card will no longer allow you to purchase anything until you go to the purser's desk and add more money to your account.
Lastly, on a 5 day cruise there is 1 formal night. A suit coat is not required (although many men will be in them.) but he should at least have a dress shirt and dress pants. Look here for more info on dress code.
Hope that helps...
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
As Jim notes, it is $10 per person/per day for the auto tips, so if there are two of you going they will put $100 ($50 each) on your account pretty much the moment you check-in. There is also a 15% tip added to each bar purchase which is split amongst the bartenders and bar waiters.
The tips are pretty much the only money that the staff makes, and I think you'll find they more than earn them. I often give them a bit extra and also give some extra cash for favorite bartenders on the first day. It helps.
I do not have a major credit card, I only have a debit card. Do they freeze a certain amount on your card if you use your debit card? Or, should I just pay with cash and be notified before I run out?
Here is a link to the details about securing your Sail & Sign account.
Have they fixed the problems the Mobile shipyard perpetrated on the ship?
YES finally.
The ship was fine last week. No smells at all.
Sadly it still did not "spark" the way the Imagination did after her EOV drydock....but only someone who had been on both after the drydock would notice.
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