Paying by cash on ship vs. credit

[kj_connections]

So I am filling the online check-in for RCI when I came across the section to choose whether I want to pay for things (onboard) with my credit card or with cash. Do people ever select the cash option or do people just go with the credit card? Any benefits/disadvantages to either options?

[kj_connections]

So I am filling the online check-in for RCI when I came across the section to choose whether I want to pay for things (onboard) with my credit card or with cash. Do people ever select the cash option or do people just go with the credit card? Any benefits/disadvantages to either options?

[Karen Knowlton]

Credit card is much easier, and is also to your benefit should there be a mistake on your bill which you do not catch before disembarkation. Also, if you indicate you will pay with cash, they may require a hefty "deposit" to your shipboard account. You can open your account with a credit card and then pay it off in cash if you wish - but you'll be standing in the long lines at the purser's office that last morning if you do.

[Dave]

Well, of course all purchases aboard the ship are made with your cruise card. It is just how that cruise card is "secured" - either by giving them a credit card number or by leaving a cash deposit with them when you board the ship.

The cash option can be a problem, because you have a definite spending limit. When the deposit runs out your card will stop working and you'll have to go to the guest relations desk and fork over some more cash. And you also have to deal with a line on debarkation day to settle up your account.

On the other hand, a credit card is very painless. Provided you have enough of a credit limit cushion, you don't have to worry about your cruise card turning into a pumpkin. And if all the charges appear to be in order (they put a final statement under your door on debarkation morning) then you need do nothing more. They will charge your credit card for the total you ran up and you avoid going to the desk on debarkation morning.

We've done it both ways. Yes, it's simpler to use a credit card. However, I tend to spend less knowing we have a set amount to use. And spending less is important for me. That means I get to cruise more often!

[Greyson]

We secured our acct with a credit card but paid with cash at the end of the cruise. That way my spending was limited.

[Larry in Miami]

I have always used a credit card, it just seemed easier.

[Dwayne]

I always use a Credit Card too. Like everyone else said about it. But you can always apply cash payments to your account. If I get lucky in the casino I go the last night while it is not very busy and apply cash. Then only what I charge after hits the credit card. Mind you this does not happen all that often

[kj_connections]

Thanks everyone for your input!