Do cruises put a hold on your credit card?

Cruise Credit Card Holds: What to Expect

When you board a cruise ship, the cruise line will pre-authorize a hold on your credit card. This hold is intended to cover anticipated expenses during your cruise, such as dining, drinks, and excursions. The amount of the hold will vary depending on the cruise line, your cabin category, and the length of your cruise.

The hold will appear on your credit card statement as a pending transaction. It will not be charged to your card until after you disembark from the ship. Once you disembark, the actual charges will be processed and appear on your statement, replacing the hold.

The daily adjustments to the hold reflect your onboard purchases. This means that the amount of the hold can increase or decrease depending on your spending. If you make a large purchase, such as a shore excursion or a spa treatment, the hold may increase. Conversely, if you make a payment to your onboard account, the hold may decrease.

It is important to be aware of the cruise credit card hold before you board the ship. This will help you avoid any surprises when you see the hold on your statement. You should also make sure that you have sufficient funds available on your credit card to cover the hold.

Here are some tips for managing your cruise credit card hold:

• Before you board the ship, contact your credit card company to let them know that you will be making a large purchase. This will help to avoid your card being flagged for fraud.
• Keep track of your onboard spending so that you are aware of how much the hold is likely to be.
• If you have any questions about the hold, please contact the cruise line or your credit card company.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your cruise credit card hold is handled smoothly and without any surprises.