erickson27- Yes, you can use a cash deposit instead of a credit or debit card. The amount of deposit varies with the length of the cruise. Of course you can add additional funds to your account during the cruise - especially if you find yourself spending more than anticipated.
You can secure your onboard account with cash too. Again, it has to be done at embarkation with a deposit. I don't know the figure they use but I'd say they will want at least $300 or more person.
Here is the excerpt from the NCL website:
For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to NCL's special onboard credit program. Sign up on the first day of your cruise, by establishing your method of payment with Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover®, Diners Club®,travelers checks or cash. If you choose to settle your account with cash, a deposit will be required in advance. You may also use your debit card; however, please be advised that NCL obtains pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.
Using a credit card for checking in is SO much easier, and I am not a fan of credit cards. But I check in using a credit card, makes it a 5 minute process in most cases. Then I go to the guest relations on the 2nd day, and put some cash down to cover the account. Then near the end of the cruise, NOT THE LAST DAY when everyone is on line, I go by and switch the card to my debit card for the final charge. This works for me, maybe not for others, but it is an option.
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Carnival-1979
NCL-1981
Carnival-1982
Admiral-1988
Monarch of the Seas-1993
Song of America-1994
Majesty of the Seas-1995
Splendour of the Seas-1996
CCL Destiny-1997
Empress of the Seas-1998
Rhapsody of the Seas-1998
Legend of the Seas-1999
Monarch of the Seas-2000
Windstar-2002
Grandeur of the Seas-2006
CCL Ecstasy-2006
Enchantment of the Seas-2006
Adventure of the Seas-2007
Enchantment of the Seas-2007
Grandeur of the Seas-2009
Radiance of the Seas-2009
Celebrity Century-2010
On our last cruise to Mexico weather played a big factor. Many of us had already booked our excursions, then were told because of weather we would visit a different port. The ship refunded the money to the method of payment. We were then told to rebook for our new port of call. Those that had used a debit card had the money in a pending status for the rest of the cruise. Some did not have enough funds left on there cards to rebook.
I had prebooked excursions months before the cruise. We had used a credit card at check in so it did not bother us, some it did.
Then I go to the guest relations on the 2nd day, and put some cash down to cover the account. Then near the end of the cruise, NOT THE LAST DAY when everyone is on line, I go by and switch the card to my debit card for the final charge. This works for me, maybe not for others, but it is an option. 
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