when you go on a cruise, can you use your debit cart on the ship?

Question

should i bring lotz of cash? i know ill be able to get cash when we stop........

Answer 1

Yes, you can use your debit card, but I would not recommend it.

The problem is, debit cards are tied to your checking account. A hold is placed on the account above the amount you charge against the card. This hold can take a few days to clear, which can tie up your checking account.

A better choice is to use a credit card for your on board account (cruises ship are cashless - you have to set up an on board account). You can use cash to set up an on board account if you want, but you cannot use cash on board except for tips and at the casino.

Take some small bills to use for tips and small on shore purchases. Most foreign stores will accept Visa or Mastercard. Most ships will also allow you to charge your tips to your on board account also (however, you still tip room service, if you order it, in cash at the time the food is delivered).

Most ships also have an ATM (usually in or near the casino) on board if you need cash for some reason.

Answer 2

when you register they ask you for a debit or credit card number. the number you give is attached to your room. Any purchases on board ship (for example; alcoholic drinks,purchases,spa purchases are put on that acct.) then you settle the bill at the end of the cruise. they usually give you option of paying cash if you dont' want to use a debit card at the end. Also to remember most cruise lines put a tip automatically on your bill PER day/this can also usually adjusted by you at the concierge desk on ship. have a great cruise. have fun.

Answer 3

More places will take cash if you are wanting to use your debit card on the ship contact the cruise line and ask what places will accept debit cards. I myself am funny about carrying lots of cash because it is easier for someone to steel.

Answer 4

What cruiseline are you using and where are you going? Most ships charge 3% if you get money from the window in the casino. (NCL charges NOTHING). Cruising the islands/ Mexico or Canada/Alaska, your US bucks are fine. Its only in Europe or South America its a problem. For Europe, go get 200 Euros from your bank and use your credit card whenever you can. DO NOT put up with the ripoff exchange rates on the ship.

Answer 5

You would use your sail card they give you at the beginning and it is connected to your debit/credit card. You will however need cash if you are planning on shopping at one of the stops. They have a atm on board ship but i think it charged us around $10 to withdrawel

Answer 6

When onboard you use your set sail pass which is connected to your debit/credit card, for all purchases. Depending on your ports of call it is good to bring cash as most street vendors do not take credit cards or travelers cheques. In foreign locations its not always easy to get cash, especially dollars.

Answer 7

When you board, they will issue you your card, this card enables you to board the ship everytime you dock. This card also is like a credit card, so any purchases you make on the ship, will automatically go on the card. It's like your credit card, so you really don't need to use cash or debit card on the ship....everyone uses the onboard card.

Answer 8

No.

You get a card when you go in which is your room key as well as your "credit card" while on board. Every purchase you make while there is charged to the room and you settle up your account either by paying cash on the day you leave, or by authourising them to charge it to your credit card.

Answer 9

they dont use money aboard the ship. they give you a card and at the end of the cruise they give you your bill with all your purchases. you can use your card when you are at your destination.

Answer 10

I often end up asking the same question on other sites