i am leaving in january, we are already booked. i have heard that you have to use a credit card on board ( for all your extra expenses.... drinks, salons, ect. ) does any one know, can we use cash or travelers checks for this? we are booked on holland america.. thanks donna

Hi Donna. I have been on RCCL,Carnival,and Commodore. I could not use cash for anything except in the casino.You should have a paper to fill out with your documents for an on board credit card. You will use this and it will be added to you credit card, or you can put up cash.For example, you give 100.00 up front and your credit will stop at that amount.You can pay your tips at the end of the cruise with cash on some cruises. Carnival will add it to your credit card at your booking, which I do not like at all.I am not aware of Holland's practices. Your TA should know. I hope this helps you. If you have questions, e-mail me.Ikesmem@comcast.net

thanks fo r the info... i asked our TA and she was kind of .:confused .duh. not real knowledgeable. maybe she's new at this. anyway thanks for the help.

Donna, a few years ago when I was on NCL, they were requiring those wishing to establish their onboard accounts with cash or travelers checks, to put a minimum of $500 down. I don't know if that is HAL's policy or not; ask your TA to call them and find out (that's what she earns her commission for, helping you plan your cruise!) Good luck - and have a great time!
Karen

Hi Donna,

On Carnival, when you board, they will ask you for a credit card or cash deposit for your trip. Then they will gove you a ship and sail card. This card they give you is the only acceptable payment for anything on board (Except the Casino, although you can use it there too). When ever you buy something on board, they will just charge it to that account. At the end of the cruise they bill it to your the payment you gave them at boarding.

IMPORTANT: Remember, no tipping. Carnival is going to all all tips to your account automatically. You can go to the bursers desk and have any tips you do not want to give removed on the last day of sailing.

Have fun on your cruise.

I have sailed RCI once, Carnival twice, Commodore Once, Regal Once and NCL once-used a cash deposit 50% of the time. You use your sail and sign card and they just take it off your cash deposit-if your balance exceeds your deposit at the end of the cruise you have to report to the Purser's Office on disembarkation.Any other questions just ask.

we only have 8 days left!!!! thanks for all the help. we have got a lot of good advice and tips from this site. happy cruising! donna