How to get money to someone on a cruise ship?

Getting Cash to a Loved One at Sea: A Guide to Sending Money on a Cruise

Sending a surprise birthday gift, covering an unexpected expense, or simply offering a little extra spending money to someone on a cruise can be surprisingly straightforward. While handing over cash in person isn’t an option, several reliable methods allow you to get funds to your loved one at sea. This article focuses on one convenient option: using Western Union’s Quick Collect Online service.

Why Western Union for Cruise Ship Payments?

Western Union’s Quick Collect service offers a relatively quick and simple solution for transferring money internationally, even to individuals in transit. This makes it a viable option for sending funds to someone aboard a cruise ship, assuming they have access to a port where Western Union services are available or can easily access a location with a Western Union agent when their ship docks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money via Western Union Quick Collect Online:

1. Access the Western Union Website: Visit the official Western Union website, www.westernunion.com. Be cautious of fraudulent websites; ensure you’re on the legitimate site.

2. Choose Quick Collect: Select the “Quick Collect” option. This service allows the recipient to pick up cash at a participating agent location.

3. Provide Recipient Details: You will need accurate information about the recipient, including their full legal name (as it appears on their identification), the country they are currently in (or the country they will be in when they are able to claim the money), and ideally, the port they will be visiting or the general location of their ship when docked. This last piece of information is crucial for Western Union to guide the recipient to the closest agent location.

4. Specify Cruise Ship Passenger: Clearly indicate in the comments section that the funds are intended for a cruise ship passenger. This helps Western Union agents expedite the process and ensure the recipient receives the money without delays.

5. Enter Payment Amount and Method: Choose the amount you wish to send and select your preferred payment method, which usually includes debit and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted).

6. Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Any discrepancies can cause delays or prevent the recipient from receiving the funds.

7. Pay Transaction Fees: Remember that Western Union charges transaction fees. These fees vary depending on the amount sent and the receiving location. The total cost will be clearly displayed before you finalize the transaction.

8. Provide Recipient with MTCN: Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). Share this number with your recipient. They will need it to claim the funds at a Western Union agent location.

9. Recipient Claims the Money: Your recipient will need a valid photo ID to claim the funds at a Western Union location. They should locate a Western Union agent near the port, using the Western Union agent locator on their website. They will need the MTCN and identification to receive the cash.

Important Considerations:

• Availability: Confirm that Western Union services are available in the ports your recipient will visit.
• Fees: Factor in the transaction fees before sending the money.
• Timing: Consider the time it takes to process the transaction and for the recipient to access the funds. The location of the receiving agent will influence the total time needed.
• Security: Always use the official Western Union website to avoid scams.

By following these steps, you can successfully send money to your loved one enjoying the high seas, ensuring they have access to the funds they need when they need them. Remember to communicate clearly with your recipient to ensure a smooth and successful transfer.