How much does Carnival put on hold on your credit card?

Understanding the Onboard Hold: What to Expect on Your Carnival Cruise

Dreaming of sun-drenched decks, exciting excursions, and endless buffets? A Carnival cruise offers a fantastic escape, but understanding the practicalities beforehand can smooth your voyage. One crucial detail to be aware of is the onboard hold placed on your debit or credit card. This is a standard practice across the cruise industry, designed to streamline your onboard spending.

Essentially, Carnival initiates a temporary hold on your card upon boarding the ship. Think of it like a security deposit at a hotel. This hold acts as a credit line, allowing you to conveniently charge purchases like drinks, souvenirs, spa treatments, and shore excursions to your Sail & Sign account.

So, how much can you expect Carnival to put on hold?

The exact amount varies, but generally, you can anticipate a hold ranging from $100 to $200 per cabin. Several factors influence the final amount, including:

• Your itinerary: Cruises departing from different ports and visiting different regions may have varying hold amounts.
• Length of the cruise: Longer cruises often warrant a larger hold, reflecting the potential for higher onboard spending.

It’s important to note that this is not a charge. It’s a temporary hold placed by your bank or credit card company. The funds are not actually taken from your account; they are simply reserved and unavailable for other purchases.

Why does Carnival do this?

The onboard hold offers several benefits for both you and Carnival:

• Convenience: It allows you to enjoy a cashless experience onboard. No need to carry cash or continually visit the Guest Services desk to settle your account.
• Security: A registered Sail & Sign account linked to your card provides a secure way to track your onboard spending.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the checkout process at the end of your cruise, allowing for quicker disembarkation.

What happens to the hold at the end of the cruise?

After you disembark, Carnival settles your Sail & Sign account. Any unused portion of the hold is automatically released back to your account. The time it takes for the funds to become available again varies depending on your bank’s processing times. It typically takes a few business days, but in some cases, it could take up to a week or two.

Tips for Managing the Onboard Hold:

• Be aware of your spending: Track your charges on the Carnival HUB app to avoid surprises at the end of your cruise.
• Inquire at Guest Services: If you are concerned about the hold amount or have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with a representative at Guest Services.
• Consider alternative payment methods: While a credit or debit card is the most common method, you can also use cash to settle your onboard account.
• Plan ahead: Factor the potential hold amount into your pre-cruise budgeting to avoid any unexpected impacts on your available funds.

By understanding how the onboard hold works, you can better prepare for your Carnival cruise and enjoy a smooth and stress-free vacation. Bon voyage!