credit card ?

[dawson21]

it is my understanding that the ship puts a hold on your credit card towards everything you get on board. my question is: can you still use that card as long as you don't spend more than your limit on that card? how much of a hold do they put on it? someone told me i should take several cards with me but i would rather not carry too many. what's your thoughts on this?

hope you are enjoying your weekend.

[cruisetarp]

Dawson - I believe the amount of hold varies with the length of the cruise. I am not sure of the amount but you may be able to get that information from the cruise line.

One important things though is to notify your credit card company that you will be away and from what ports you may be using the card. Several years ago my credit card company put a freeze on my card because a rarely used card was being used alot (by me) but they could not reach me to verify that I was indeed the one using it. It took several long phone calls to get it straightened out not to mention the embarassment when the ship called me downstairs to tell me my card was not valid.

Hope this helps and its great to see you posting and asking questions.

Happy sailing.

[jacketwatch]

You will put up a CC for all ship charges and you will get a bill under your cabin door the last night of the cruise but I am not sure if the bill has been processed by then, and thus may have been rejected if the limit has been exceeded. Usually most CC limits are well in excess of what you will spend on a crusie so I would not worry. Also the cruise co. doesn't "lock" the CC acct. given them. We have used our CC in all ports as well as for ship charges. I do agree about letting the CC co. know where you will be to avoid the hassle of possibly having a charge declined. Cheers, Larry

[dawson21]

thank you once again you all have saved my tail!!!!! i will make that call this week.

you people are wonderful!!!!!! i don't know what i would have done without your help.

[cruisetarp]

Dawson (do you have a first name we can call you by - we tend to be quite informal around here).

We were all first time cruisers at one point, full of questions. I wish I had access to a site like this way back then. Please ask any questions you might have - the only dumb question is the one you are afraid to ask.

[dawson21]

sorry all, I keep forgetting I've never used my first name...it's Carla. Guess I've just been so nervous about the upcoming cruise and all the questions I needed answers to I never thought about it. Sorry.

I am grateful that I have the internet and was able to find you all. It's been sooooo Wonderful finding such kind and helpful people! I just can't Thank you all enough for your help. I'm sure I'll have a few more questions before the big day arrives. Until then.....THANKS so much!!!!!!!

Carla