Why did Carnival charge me $100?

Understanding Carnival's $100 Temporary Hold on Guest Cards

When booking a Carnival cruise, passengers may notice a $100 temporary hold placed on their guest cards. This hold is a common practice implemented by the cruise line to secure onboard spending and ensure seamless billing during the voyage.

Purpose of the Hold

The primary purpose of the temporary hold is to guarantee that guests have sufficient funds available for purchases made on the ship. This includes meals, drinks, excursions, and other expenses incurred during the cruise. By securing a portion of the guests' funds, Carnival can prevent potential overspending and ensure timely payment for these services.

Refund of Unused Funds

After the cruise concludes, any unused funds remaining on the guest card will be refunded to the passenger's credit card or bank account. This process usually takes a few days and is typically handled automatically by Carnival. Passengers should monitor their financial statements to ensure that the refund has been processed.

Automatic Gratuities

In addition to securing onboard spending, the temporary hold also covers automatic gratuities that are applied to guests' accounts. If guests do not prepay their gratuities before the cruise, Carnival will automatically charge a daily fee to cover the tips for housekeeping, dining, and other services. The amount of the automatic gratuity is determined based on the cabin category and length of the cruise.

Benefits of the Temporary Hold

The temporary hold on guest cards offers several benefits to Carnival passengers:

• Convenience: Guests can make purchases on the ship without having to carry cash or worry about overspending.
• Seamless Billing: The hold eliminates the need for passengers to pay for individual purchases and services separately.
• Peace of Mind: Guests can rest assured that their onboard expenses are covered, avoiding any surprises or financial stress during their vacation.

Conclusion

Carnival's $100 temporary hold on guest cards is a standard practice that serves multiple purposes. It secures onboard spending, ensures automatic gratuities are paid, and simplifies billing for passengers. Any unused funds will be refunded after the cruise, allowing guests to enjoy their vacation without financial concerns.