Credit card

[Spiritfilled]

I don't have a credit card and I really don't want one but I guess my question is do you have to have one for the onboard account?

[Dave]

You do not need a credit card. However you will have to hand over a cash deposit at check-in. When the deposit runs out, your cruise card will turn into a pumpkin until you give them more money. And you will have to line up at the guest relations desk on debarkation morning to settle your account and get a refund of any unused deposit money.

[Sonny V]

You don't need one but it makes it easier. There is a lot of advantages to using a credit card. The trick is to pay everything at the end of the month. I just applied of a Discover card that gives me 5% off my gasoline and auto repair for a whole year. Right now it's like getting gas for 13 cents a gallon cheaper. If you apply for a Advantage card you can get up to 25,000 award miles. That's a free ticket!
So you can see, having a credit can be of value.

Sonny

[chemical x]

MBNA offers a RCCL branded card.
RCCL related purchases, including those onboard, receive double points.

[Dave]

Spritfilled,

As Sonny notes, a credit card is a lot easier as far as removing hassles from your cruise. Having to give them a cash deposit, and then stand in a REAL LONG line to settle your account on debarkation morning can really take the shine off the cruise.

I use my Discover Card for cruises. A nice thing is the rebates they give based on use. For instance, I just deposited $100 to my bank account from the Discover Card rebates. This is money they gave me, essentially, since I carry no balance with them. The gasoline rebate is also a great deal.

You can set limits on a credit card. If they give you a high limit, just call them up and say you want X dollars as a limit. That way you can't get in trouble.

[sether]

what about one of those prepaid visa cards? maybe you could put the cash you intended to use on one of those and eliminate the line standing? i've never used one of those but i've heard of them. just an idea

[Spiritfilled]

Thanks everyone for your input and I guess you all are right who wants to be in a long line to settle up when it is time to go home. Again thanks.

[Roscoe]

I was amazed at how many people had to wait in line the last day to settle their account. Having the credit card allows you to just walk off the ship on the last day versus a couples hours wait in line.

[Dwayne]

I don't want to offend anyone or make assumptions. Just some advice about credit cards and credit.

My credit got messed up after hurricane hugo. A few years later I started again with getting a credit card I put a savings account in to secure it with. I charged a few small things and then paid the bill every month.

I am now back to excellent credit. Just trying to say there is a way to get your credit back to anyone that doesn't think they can make a come back

[Sandy]

Island, kudos to you for getting your credit back on track. Good job!

Sandy