Why did Carnival charge me after the cruise?

Decoding the Post-Cruise Carnival Mystery: Why Did You See a Charge After Your Voyage?

So, you’re back from your fantastic Carnival cruise, sunburned, relaxed, and then… bam! You check your bank statement and there’s a charge from Carnival. Panic sets in – what’s going on? Did you accidentally spend way more on margaritas than you thought?

Before you rush to call Carnival customer service, take a deep breath. More often than not, this “charge” is actually a standard banking procedure, specifically a temporary hold placed on your payment card. This isn’t unique to Carnival; many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry like hotels and cruise lines, utilize this system.

Here’s why Carnival places a hold on your card at embarkation:

At the beginning of your cruise, Carnival verifies the validity of your payment card by placing a temporary hold. Think of it like a pre-authorization. This ensures that you have sufficient funds available to cover onboard expenses you might accrue during your vacation.

How Much is the Hold?

The amount of the hold can vary, but it’s typically up to $200. The exact amount often depends on the length of your cruise. For example, on shorter voyages lasting between 2 and 6 days, a smaller hold of $100 per stateroom is common, particularly if multiple cabins are linked to a single payment card. This is especially relevant for families or groups traveling together.

Important Distinction: Hold vs. Charge

It’s crucial to understand the difference between a hold and a charge. A hold is not a permanent deduction from your account. It’s a temporary “freeze” on a portion of your available credit. The funds are still in your account, but they are earmarked for Carnival to cover potential onboard spending.

The Good News: The Hold Will Disappear

The best part? This hold is temporary and will be released back to your available balance. The timeframe for this release can vary depending on your bank and their processing times. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days for the hold to drop off your statement.

Why This System is in Place:

• Security: It protects Carnival (and you!) from fraudulent activity and ensures payment for onboard purchases.
• Convenience: It allows you to enjoy the onboard amenities and services without constantly worrying about immediate payment.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the check-out process at the end of your cruise.

What to Do If You’re Concerned:

1. Be Patient: Give it a few business days for the hold to automatically release.
2. Check Your Bank: Contact your bank directly and inquire about their policies on temporary holds. They can provide you with a more accurate timeframe for when the hold will be lifted.
3. Contact Carnival: If you still haven’t seen the hold disappear after a reasonable amount of time (e.g., more than 10 business days), contact Carnival Guest Services. They can confirm the hold and provide you with documentation to present to your bank.

Ultimately, the “charge” you see after your Carnival cruise is likely a temporary hold placed on your payment card at embarkation. It’s a standard practice designed for security and convenience, and it will be released back to your account within a few business days. So, relax, enjoy the memories of your cruise, and rest assured that your money is on its way back to you!