how does a cruise card work

Trip Planning // Getaways

The Pros and Cons of a Carnival Cruise Credit Card

How a carnival cruise credit card can work for you, and how it might not.

Sitting by the pool listening to the wind as the ship cuts through the water is the essence of cruise travel. To get there, consider getting a Carnival World MasterCard Credit Card by Barclaycard to earn rewards towards your next cruise.

The Carnival World MasterCard

The Carnival World MasterCard offers 10,000 bonus FunPoints after the first purchase made on the card, plus two FunPoints per dollar on any Carnival Cruise vacation and Carnival Vacation Club purchases, including onboard purchases charged to the Sail and Sign account, and one FunPoint per dollar on all other purchases. This card has chip technology, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it easy to purchase items while traveling. Additionally, cardholders can benefit from concierge service to help make reservations for dining, hotels, and more.

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Redeeming FunPoints

You have several options to redeem FunPoints:

Redeem FunPoints towards travel purchases in the form of a statement credit. Simply go online to www.BarclaycardUS.com. The bonus 10,000 FunPoints earned after the first purchase is equal to $100.
Redeem FunPoints for airfare, hotel and car rentals when booking through Barclaycard's Loyalty Edge portal. Redemptions start at 10,000 FunPoints.
Redeem FunPoints for onboard spa experiences, merchandise or gift certificates starting at 5,000 FunPoints.

Advantages of the card

Frequent cruise goers can easily redeem FunPoints for a free or discounted cruise based upon the amount of FunPoints they earn. Cardholders are not limited to only Carnival Cruises for rewards redemption. FunPoints can be redeemed on cruises from Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Yachts of Seabourn. FunPoints do not expire as long as the credit card remains open, active and in good standing.

Why the card might not work for some travelers

The credit card is not linked with the VIFP club, meaning that cruise goers will not be able to earn extra benefits like priority boarding or cabin upgrades. This card does not offer rewards on other travel, such as booking flights or purchasing gas.

This card may not be the best choice for travelers looking to go on one cruise every few years, as compared to some other travel cards that allow you to earn points more quickly. Chase Ultimate Rewards, for example, allows travelers to redeem points for cruises, and travelers using a Chase travel rewards card earn points on many types of purchases, not only on cruises.

About the Author

Jessica Ozar

How to Book a Cruise With no Deposit

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The carnival® world mastercard® EARN 25,000 FUNPOINTS – WORTH $250 TOWARD YOUR NEXT CRUISE PURCHASE 1 --> Earn 25,000 FunPoints® after spending $500 in the first 90 days, redeem for $250 toward your next cruise purchase 2

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Get 0% promotional APR for 6 months on Carnival cruise bookings. After that, a variable APR will apply, 20.24% to 29.99% , depending on your creditworthiness and other factors. 1

25,000 FUNPOINTS

Earn 25,000 FunPoints after spending $500 on purchases within the first 90 days. That's enough to redeem for $250 toward your next cruise. 2

Earn 2X FunPoints for every dollar spent on purchases with Carnival Cruise Line. 2

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0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply, 20.24% to 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness and other factors. There is a fee for balance transfers. 1

Redeem points on Carnival purchases

Redeem for statement credits toward any Carnival purchase, onboard experiences, and more. Redemptions start at 5,000 FunPoints for a $50 onboard credit or toward an eligible Carnival Cruise Line purchase in the last 180 days. 2

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for traveling on a budget

CruiseOverload

Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED!)

Wondering about the color-coded Sail & Sign cards and perks of the VIFP Club on your Carnival Cruise? From Blue to Diamond, each tier represents a new level of benefits and rewards.

Explore the meaning behind each color, the point ranges, and how to activate your membership to make the most of your vacation.

Table of Contents

Carnival Cruise Card Color Basics

Purpose of the cruise card.

When you embark on a Carnival Cruise, you’ll be given a Sail & Sign card in a specific color. This card serves multiple purposes during your vacation.

Designed with both convenience and recognition in mind, the cruise card acts as your room key, payment method for onboard purchases, and identification for getting on and off the ship.

On top of that, the color of your card indicates your status in Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club.

Understanding Different Colors

As you cruise with Carnival and accumulate vacation days, you’ll advance through their VIFP Club and earn corresponding card colors.

Each color represents a different tier in the program, offering various benefits and perks for your loyalty.

To make sense of these colors, here’s a brief rundown:

Blue : This is the color you’ll receive on your first-ever Carnival cruise. It signifies that you are a cruise rookie and have yet to accumulate any VIFP Points.
Red : Once you have 2-24 VIFP Points under your belt, you’ll be upgraded to the Red tier card. This color reflects your second Carnival cruise and beyond, up until you reach 25 VIFP Points.
Gold : When you earn 25-74 VIFP Points, your Sail & Sign card will turn Gold in color, highlighting your growing Carnival experience and earned recognition.
Platinum : By accumulating 75 or more VIFP Points, you’ll receive a Platinum card, an indication of your significant time spent cruising with Carnival.
Diamond : This is the ultimate achievement for Carnival cruisers. To reach the prestigious Diamond tier, you need to have cruised with Carnival for an impressive amount of time, achieving the required VIFP Points as specified by Carnival’s program.

Keep in mind that every day you spend on a Carnival cruise earns you one VIFP Point, helping you rise through the ranks of the club and earn increasingly exclusive benefits.

As you progress, you’ll reap the rewards of your loyalty, enjoying a variety of perks, such as priority boarding, reserved seating, and even complimentary laundry services.

Card Color Tiers

Blue Tier – First-Time Cruisers

As a first-time Carnival cruiser, you will receive a blue Sail & Sign card, automatically registering you in the VIFP Club program.

However, the Blue tier of the program provides minimal benefits, with only two available: access to exclusive cruise offers for members and receipt of a members-only electronic newsletter.

This card is unique because you only get the blue card once. After your initial cruise, you’ll move up to the next tier – the Red Tier.

Red Tier – Second Cruise and Beyond

After your first cruise, you’ll enter the Red Tier of the VIFP Club program. This tier applies to your second cruise and up to 24 points.

Your Sail & Sign card will change to red, indicating your new status.

The Red tier, on the other hand, offers the same two benefits as the Blue tier, along with an additional one: a free, one-liter bottle of water that will be delivered to your cabin during sailings. However, it’s best not to consume it all at once.

As you continue to sail with Carnival, you’ll accumulate more points and advance through the tiers.

Gold Tier – 25 to 74 Days At Sea

Once you reach 25 points, you’ll enter the Gold Tier and your Sail & Sign card will be in gold color.

This tier covers 25 to 74 points or days at sea with Carnival.

With the Gold tier, you get a complimentary drink that can only be ordered on the final night of a cruise, but this perk is only available for cruises lasting five nights or more.

We believe that Carnival’s decision to limit the free drink to the last night of the cruise is an excessive measure to deter customers from availing it.

Additionally, Gold level members receive a Gold VIFP pin on each sailing.

Platinum Tier – 75 to 199 Days At Sea

Upon reaching 75 points, you’ll move up to the Platinum Tier. Your Sail & Sign card will now be platinum colored, representing 75 to 199 points or days at sea.

This tier provides even more exclusive benefits, making your cruise experience even more enjoyable.

To sum it up, reaching the Platinum level grants you priority status from the moment you step onto the ship until the moment you disembark.

This is a significant advantage. Priority boarding enables you to board the ship faster than other passengers, allowing you to enjoy its amenities for a longer period on your first day.

Moreover, priority access to restaurant reservations ensures that you secure the best table times.

Diamond Tier – 200 Days or More At Sea

Finally, when you’ve spent 200 or more days at sea with Carnival, you’ll reach the highest tier – Diamond.

Your Sail & Sign card will now be diamond colored, and you’ll enjoy the best benefits and privileges available to VIFP Club members.

As a Diamond Tier member, your dedication and loyalty to Carnival are truly rewarded.

You get a complimentary cabin upgrade or the offer of free sailing for third and fourth passengers that come with achieving Diamond status. However, disappointingly this benefit is only available once.

Another noteworthy but one-time-only perk of Diamond status is a free meal for two at a specialty restaurant of your choosing.

Carnival Cruise Card Privileges

Exclusive Offers and Perks

As a member of Carnival’s VIFP Club, you’ll enjoy exclusive offers and perks that enhance your cruising experience.

As you move up through the different card colors, you’ll unlock even more benefits. The higher your tier, the more you’ll gain access to exceptional services and opportunities.

Keep an eye out for members-only promotions and join the VIFP Club today to start enjoying these advantages.

Discounts and Priority Services

Your Sail & Sign card makes your cruise smoother and more convenient. With it, you can enjoy various discounts and priority services on board. Carnival Cruise Line offers different card colors to help identify your level in their VIFP Club.

This means the more you cruise with Carnival, the more benefits you’ll be eligible for. For instance, higher-tiered members receive attractive discounts on spa treatments, internet packages, and shore excursions.

Plus, you’ll love the priority boarding, check-in, and embarkation processes that make your cruise experience even more seamless.

Onboard Benefits and Amenities

In addition to discounts and priority services, your card color signifies the onboard benefits and amenities that come with being a loyal Carnival cruiser.

Starting at the Blue tier, you’ll receive a complimentary welcome drink on your first day aboard.

As you progress to Red level, you’ll get a complimentary one-liter bottle of water in your cabin. The higher your tier gets, the more impressive your perks will become.

Each status level introduces new and exciting benefits to make your Carnival Cruise vacation truly memorable.

Remember to take the time to activate your VIFP Club membership at least eight weeks before your next sailing.

By doing so, you’ll ensure you receive the appropriate card color, reflecting your membership level and unlocking all the fabulous privileges that come with it.

Do I Earn Points For Booked Cruises?

Yes, you do earn points for booked cruises! As a member of Carnival’s VIFP Club, you’ll receive one VIFP Point for every day you’re at sea (aka cruise day).

This means that if you take a seven-night cruise, you’ll earn seven points.

You don’t have to worry about different earning levels for different cabin categories or types of bookings. It’s a simple one-to-one ratio – 1 VIFP Point equals 1 Cruise Day.

However, please note that certain charter sailings and nonrevenue fares may not earn you any points.

As you accumulate points, you’ll advance through the various levels of the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club:

Blue : Cruise Rookies
Red : 2-24 VIFP Points
Gold : 25-74 VIFP Points
Platinum : 75-199 VIFP Points
Diamond : 200+ VIFP Points

Your VIFP status will advance on your next cruise after reaching the required number of points.

The higher you go, the more benefits you’ll enjoy, such as priority boarding, complimentary laundry service, and more.

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

To find your Carnival VIFP number, head to the Carnival Cruise Line website and log in to your account. You have to use the email address associated with your cruises to ensure you see the correct information.

If you haven’t created an account yet, you’ll need to do so by providing your past booking details and setting up a username and password.

Once you’ve logged in, look for your name in the top right corner and click on it. This will take you to your VIFP profile page, where you can manage your account and cruise information. You’re one step away from finding your VIFP number now.

Here comes the fun part. Click on the “My Cruises” section of your profile. This is where you’ll see a list of your previous and upcoming cruises, as well as any associated points.

Take a moment to review your cruise history and, more importantly, locate your VIFP number. It should be displayed prominently on this page, near your name and current status.

If, for some reason, you’re unable to find your VIFP number on the website, there’s still an option to retrieve it.

You can call Carnival’s customer service and provide your booking history details. They’ll assist you in locating your VIFP number, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of those fantastic benefits.

Remember, your VIFP number is your ticket to unlocking a world of rewards and recognition within the Carnival family.

Do I Get Special Fares For Being A Member?

While there are no specific discounts or reduced fares tied directly to the VIFP Club membership, you can still reap various benefits that can enhance your overall cruise experience based on the club’s different tier levels.

First off, remember that joining the VIFP Club is free and membership never expires. As soon as you join, you start earning points for every Carnival cruise you take.

Over time, these points will help you climb the club’s tiers – starting at Blue, followed by Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels.

Each tier comes with its own set of perks, some of which can indeed help you save money.

For example, after you complete your first sailing, you’ll be able to take advantage of members-only promotions that offer better deals on select cruises.

One way to earn additional rewards and save on your future cruises is by using the Carnival World Mastercard.

This card allows you to earn FunPoints when making purchases. These points can be redeemed for statement credits towards your next cruise or towards any onboard expenses such as shore excursions.

In fact, using the card for a Carnival shore excursion earns you a 10% statement credit, saving you a bit on your travel activities.

While there might not be direct, across-the-board fare discounts for being a member, the rewards, offers, and benefits you can access through the VIFP Club and Carnival World Mastercard will undoubtedly help make your Carnival cruise experience more rewarding and budget-friendly.

What Kind Of Cruise Deals Will I Receive With The VIFP Program?

With the Carnival VIFP Club, you’ll experience a loyalty program that rewards you for your continued vacation adventures.

As you accumulate points, you’ll progress through various status levels, each with their own perks and benefits to enhance your cruising experience.

Upon joining the VIFP Club, you’ll automatically be placed at the Blue level, which kicks in the moment you step on board your first Carnival cruise.

As a Blue member, you’ll have access to member-only fares and promotions, making it easier for you to start planning your next ocean getaway.

Even as a newbie, it’s nice to know that you’re recognized from your very first sailing.

As you continue sailing with Carnival, you’ll earn more VIFP points and progress through the Red (second sailing to 24 points), Gold (25 to 74 points), Platinum (75 to 199 points), and finally, the Diamond level (200 or more points).

The higher your status, the better the vacation deals you’ll receive, such as discounts on future cruises, priority boarding, room upgrades, and more.

Keep in mind that the number of VIFP points you accumulate is determined by the number of days you sail. This means that each day you’re on a Carnival cruise counts toward your point total.

Therefore, longer cruises or frequent shorter getaways will both contribute to your VIFP status and bring you closer to unlocking more amazing deals and perks.

The more you sail, the better the deals get, enabling you to make the most of your time on board and enjoy your cruising experience to the fullest.

And don’t forget that these benefits apply to everyone in your family or party who cruises with Carnival, making it a fantastic way for all to share in the excitement of your well-deserved ocean adventures!

What If I Have A Past Cruise Without Points?

Sometimes, you might have cruised with Carnival before the VIFP Club was introduced or in the early days when the recognition program had not yet started tracking points.

In these cases, you may be wondering if you can still earn points for those past cruises to improve your membership tier and get better perks during your future voyages.

First, let’s clarify the rules about earning points. You earn VIFP Points for all qualifying Carnival cruises from March 9, 1972, onwards. Non-qualifying cruises include charter cruises and non-revenue cruises.

If you’ve found that a past cruise with Carnival is not reflected in your VIFP Club account, don’t worry.

You can still receive points for past cruises by providing proof of your cruise history with Carnival.

To do this, start gathering any documentation you may have from that specific sailing, such as boarding passes, reservation confirmations, or even photographs from the cruise.

If you have sailed with sister cruise lines, such as Princess, your travel agent may have secured past passenger rates that Carnival does not account for since they occurred before 1990.

After collecting the necessary proof, contact Carnival’s customer service team and request to add the missing points to your account.

Be prepared to share your documentation and be patient, as it might take some time for the team to update your account and allocate the appropriate points.

Once your past cruise points have been added to your VIFP Club account, your membership tier may be updated accordingly – Blue for your first sailing, Red for 2-24 points, Gold for 25-74 points, Platinum for 75-199 points, and Diamond for 200 or more points.

With every tier upgrade, you unlock new perks and benefits that will make your future cruise even more enjoyable.

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5 Things to Know About the Celebrity Cruises Credit Card

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Bank of America® issues two versions of the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature credit card, both of which have decent rewards for fans of Celebrity Cruises or its sister brand Royal Caribbean. However, neither card is a standout, even for those who frequently sail with those cruise lines.

For an annual fee, several general travel cards offer better rewards rates, higher point values for redemptions, travel protections and various travel-related credits.

Alternatively, there are general cash-back cards with no annual fees that earn rewards that can be redeemed for cash, which you can then put toward your next vacation.

Here’s what you need to know about the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature credit card.

» SEE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for cruises

1. There are two versions of the card

There are two versions of the Celebrity Cruises credit card, one with a $0 annual fee and the other that costs $69 a year. The latter card comes with perks that are absent in the $0-annual-fee version, including a $50 annual airfare discount, a one-time $300 discount on a cruise (if you meet the spending requirement), and a 10% discount on premium beverage packages and shore excursions.

Despite the difference in annual fee, both cards have the same rewards structure, baseline sign-up bonus and $0 foreign transaction fee.

2. Rewards are capped and expire

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Celebrity Cruises credit card earns 2 MyCruise points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Everything else earns 1 MyCruise point.

Rewards earned with the Celebrity Cruises card expire five years from the month the points were earned, and rewards are capped at 540,000 MyCruise points per calendar year. Given that the cap is so high, it’ll likely be irrelevant to most cardholders. Nevertheless, if you want a $0 -annual-fee travel card with fewer restrictions on rewards, consider something like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card . It earns an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, and those miles never expire. You can also use those miles toward a large variety of redemptions. Speaking of which ...

3. Rewards redemption is largely restricted to future cruises

Consumers who prefer to redeem credit card rewards for a direct deposit or statement credit should probably pass on the Celebrity Cruises card. With the exception of charitable donations, MyCruise points can be redeemed only for future travel on items such as cruises, stateroom upgrades and onboard credits.

A few other caveats to note regarding rewards redemption:

Cardholders must have at least 1,000 MyCruise points to redeem.

A cruise reservation and deposit are required to redeem points.

Points may be redeemed only toward travel on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Azamara cruise lines.

One MyCruise point is generally worth 1 cent, but it’s possible to get even more value per point with room upgrade redemptions.

4. The sign-up bonus is good

New cardholders will get 25,000 MyCruise points, equal to $250 in onboard credits, after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. A $1,000 spend threshold is higher than some other cards that may require only $500 worth of purchases to get the welcome offer, but a $250 credit is one of the better sign-up bonuses among $0-annual-fee cards.

5. There’s no break from interest

If you need to finance your travel costs with a credit card, the Celebrity Cruises card isn’t the best option because it doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR on purchases . As of this writing, both versions of the credit card had APRs that could range higher than 28%. That could get expensive if you're carrying a balance from month to month.

By contrast, the Discover it® Cash Back card has this intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.24%-28.24% Variable APR . It also earns direct cash back, meaning you can redeem your rewards toward whatever you like.

» SEE: Best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Cruise onboard credit: What it is, where to get it and how best to use it

Spend any time shopping for cruises online, and you'll likely come across the term "onboard credit," also known as OBC. Cruise lines and online travel agencies often promote it as a booking bonus. They might offer as little as $25 cruise onboard credit for booking an inside cabin on a short sailing and all the way up to thousands of dollars for booking suites on longer cruises or with luxury lines.

But what exactly is onboard credit, and what can you do with it once you have it? Find out here if cruise onboard credit is a perk you can use on your next sailing.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is onboard credit?

Onboard credit is free money you can use to buy things on your cruise ship. It's a financial credit to your shipboard account; the amount of your onboard credit will be deducted from your final bill of purchases made on board during your cruise.

If you've never cruised, know that a cruise ship is a cashless society. You don't use credit cards, either. Instead, the cruise line opens a charge account for every passenger on embarkation day. You will either connect the account to a credit or debit card or pre-load it with a cash payment.

Your onboard account is how you pay for almost everything you need that isn't included in your cruise fare or wasn't paid for in advance. That includes store purchases, bar drinks, spa and salon treatments, fitness classes, and shore excursions. The same cruise keycard that opens your cabin door also functions as a shipboard credit card. Hand it over to the bartender or salesperson to bill a purchase to your onboard account.

Most cruise lines place no restrictions on the use of onboard credit; if you can bill it to your account, you can cover the cost with your cruise onboard credit. A few don't allow OBC use in the casino or to pay for crew gratuities. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer specific onboard credits, limited to one type of purchase. For example, NCL's "shore excursion credits" can only be used to purchase tours.

In most cases, onboard credit is nonrefundable. If you don't use it up on your current cruise, you neither get paid out in cash nor can you roll it over to your next cruise.

How do you get onboard credit?

Cruise travelers have several ways to acquire onboard credit; some are easier than others.

Booking bonuses

Onboard credit is a popular booking bonus , offered during a cruise sale instead of (or in conjunction with) price drops, reduced deposits and other free perks.

Cruise lines that regularly post booking bonus offers of onboard credit include most of the popular big-ship lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises , plus more luxurious lines, such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Some lines offer extra onboard credit for first responders and members of the military .

Travel agents, both online and in person, often have onboard credits at their disposal to use as booking bonuses, as well. Sometimes, the amounts they hand out are larger than what the cruise lines are offering. I booked an Alaska cruise recently through United Cruises and got $50 OBC; the cruise line was offering $25 for the same cabin.

The sales agents on board your cruise also have onboard credit booking bonuses to hand out, almost always in amounts larger than you'll find elsewhere. If you are loving the cruise you're on, it pays to book the next one while you're still on board .

Price drops

Once you've paid for your cruise in full, some lines will offer you a refund in the form of onboard credit if you notify them that the price of your cabin category dropped. This isn't quite the same as free spending money since you already spent it on your cruise. But it's fun to have a little of that money back to use for extras instead of the base fare. It happens more often than you might think. Your travel agent might already be watching those fares for you; if not, you should be doing it yourself.

For some cruise lines, having you share your enthusiasm for their brand with your friends is reason enough to send a bit of OBC your way. Windstar Cruises , for example, offers both you and friends you refer $100 each in onboard credit once they pay in full for a cruise.

Credit cards

If your favorite cruise line has a cobranded credit card , check to see if it offers onboard credit, either as a sign-up bonus or as one of the points redemption options. Celebrity Cruises' and Royal Caribbean's branded Bank of America Visa Signature cards both feature My Cruise Points redemptions for onboard credit. Sign-up bonus points are frequently advertised on the cruise line websites. The cards have no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.

The information for the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

When things go wrong on board

Cruise lines don't always get everything right. Maybe your air conditioning wasn't working for a few days during your cruise. Maybe you were supposed to have an unobstructed view, but your cabin faced a lifeboat. If you can document the problem and politely inform guest services, chances are good they'll offer you compensation in the form of onboard credit — either for the current cruise or a future one.

Stockholder onboard credit offers

If you have done your research and decided to purchase cruise line stock, know that some lines offer onboard credit to shareholders each time they cruise, with certain restrictions. One of those restrictions is usually a minimum number of shares; another is that you might not be allowed to earn both your stockholder OBC and booking bonuses on the same cruise, only the option with the highest value.

Related: Do you own cruise line stocks? You could get onboard perks

What's the best way to use onboard credit?

Now that you have the basics, let's dig into some uses of onboard credit and how to squeeze the most out of those transactions.

But first, a note: Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean allow passengers to use onboard credit to pay for pre-cruise purchases. However, that's typically only promotional credit directly from the cruise line, not bonus credit issued by third parties like travel agents. MSC Cruises , Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line do not accept OBC for most pre-cruise purchases.

If your cruise line only accepts OBC once you're on board a ship, you might need to decide between paying cash for discounted pre-cruise purchases and saving your OBC for other onboard spending, or skipping the discount and advance purchase to use your credit on a specific package or tour once you board. Note that there are certain cruise activities you should book in advance if you don't want to miss out.

Additional restrictions might apply to the use of onboard credit, so always read the terms of any onboard credit offer before you accept it.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

Wi-Fi is expensive on a cruise compared to your home internet plan. That fact alone makes it a great use for onboard credit. The basic advice for onboard Wi-Fi is if you know you'll need it for the entire cruise, buy a pre-cruise package when prices are a few dollars cheaper per day. Apply your onboard credit to the pre-cruise purchase, and your savings have multiplied.

Here's an example: Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi for a full-cruise package is $21.25 per day for one device if you buy it before midnight the day before your ship sails. Buy it on board, and the cost is $25 per day for one device. On a four-night cruise, a pre-cruise Wi-Fi package is $85. If you happen to have $50 of onboard credit, that's a fantastic use of it. You'll get Wi-Fi for only $35 of your own money.

Drinks and beverage packages

Getting the most out of your onboard credit when it comes to drinks depends on what kind of drinker you are. Don't think only in terms of beer, wine and cocktails. On a cruise, you'll also have to pay for specialty coffees, sodas, smoothies, nonalcoholic cocktails and bottled water.

If you don't plan on purchasing many drinks, consider using your onboard credit for a fun splurge like an occasional poolside beverage, a bottle of wine at dinner, or a mixology class or cocktail tasting.

Cruisers who plan on buying multiple drinks a day will save by purchasing an inclusive beverage package . If you've got onboard credit and your cruise line allows it, use the OBC to buy the package pre-cruise when it's on sale.

Related: Best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Spa and salon treatments

Relaxing treatments at a cruise ship spa are tops on many cruisers' splurge lists, which makes them worthy of onboard credit use. Sometimes, adding a massage, facial or manicure to your cruise plans makes the whole trip even more special. If your cruise allows pre-cruise spa purchases, the prices might be slightly lower. Also look for first-day and port-day specials to stretch your OBC further. These will usually be posted in each day's ship highlights, or you can always call or visit the spa to ask for specials.

Specialty restaurant meals and dining packages

On some ships, the paid specialty restaurants are what add the wow factor to the overall food experience on board. That fact alone makes them a good way to spend onboard credit.

If a multinight package is available, that might lower your cost, as would a pre-cruise purchase where available. Otherwise, book your specialty meals as soon as possible after boarding because prime times disappear quickly. You can do this via the cruise line's app (if there is one), at the restaurants of your choice or at stations set up on embarkation day specifically so you can make dining reservations throughout the ship.

Onboard charges for specialty dining usually show up at the end of your meal, rather than when you make reservations. That's important to know so you can budget your OBC accordingly.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Shore excursions and activities

Shore excursions offered by the cruise line are a terrific use of onboard credit. In some ports, you'll have plenty of options, even after you board the ship. I've seen people in line at the shore excursion desk booking tours as the ship arrives in port.

The best use of your onboard credit would be an advance purchase at a discounted price on cruise lines that offer that option. When that's not possible, it's best to book and pay for the excursions that matter most to you, leaving OBC purchases for the tours you could live without.

For instance, if salmon fishing is what you've dreamed of doing in Alaska, don't wait until you can use onboard credit on embarkation day. You probably won't find any availability because Alaska excursions like that often fill up months in advance. Save that credit for something else.

In addition to shore excursions, some ships and even some private islands owned by the cruise line have attractions that aren't included in the cruise fare, from private cabanas to escape rooms. Hello, onboard credit. It's rare to find deals on these kinds of extras, but it never hurts to ask. The strongest possibilities are port-day specials for onboard activities like thermal suite passes or thrill rides that come with a charge.

Shopping and souvenirs

Onboard shopping and professional portraits let you bring back tangible mementos from your cruise vacation. If the credit is there, and you really want a new scarf, or one of the formal night photos is the best one of you and your partner in years, use that OBC to treat yourself. Check the daily newsletter or even shop signage for special offers to reduce your costs a tiny bit.

Necessities and practicalities

Unless you pay tips in advance, most cruise lines add a daily gratuity amount to your cabin account during the cruise. It's something you'll pay one way or another, so using OBC to cover the expense makes sense on ships where it's allowed. Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line specifically state that onboard credit cannot be used to pay for service charges and gratuities.

I also know people who have used their onboard credit for laundry or dry cleaning . Who cares if cruise line laundry prices are high when you're using free money? It's especially smart to do this if you will end up paying for laundry or dry cleaning once you get home (and if you're on a ship where drinks or tips are included).

I also know a guy who got his hair cut on board using OBC, saving him the cost of his next haircut at home. Smooth move.

Casino play

You usually can fund your casino play with OBC — but watch out. Some cruise lines put restrictions on using OBC in the casino (Holland America bans it outright) or charge a convenience fee for using your onboard account for funds at the gaming tables.

Slot machines will generally accept a transfer from your account without fees. When you have finished playing, your winnings will be paid out as a credit slip which you take either to a machine or the cashier for actual money.

If you're going to gamble on board, please play responsibly. Here's what I did recently with $50 in onboard credit that did not involve risking any of my own money. I found a slot machine with a minimum play of 25 cents. I was comfortable playing $1.25 at a time, which meant I had 40 plays before my original $50 was used up. Once those 40 plays were done, I was playing with my winnings, not my OBC. I chose to cash out at that point, and happily walked away with $52. Plus, I earned points in the cruise line's casino loyalty program .

Related: I earned a 'free' cruise in a ship casino — here's what it cost, plus tips for getting comped

Bottom line

Onboard credit is money in your account to do with almost whatever you wish. The more you collect in your account, the more you have available to spend or play with. You can think of it as a license to do something you wouldn't do if you were paying or a way to reduce your anticipated vacation bill by using it to cover costs you already planned to incur.

Either way, you should always keep your eye out for onboard credit offers when booking a cruise, or ask your travel agent or cruise line if they have OBC to hand out to thank you for your business.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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How Do You Pay on a Cruise – Onboard Purchases Explained

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Are you wondering about how to pay on a cruise for onboard purchases and spending? As a new cruiser, this can definitely be confusing.

When you book your cruise, your cruise fare, taxes and port fees a re all included . However, once onboard, there are other expenses to be aware of. Cruises are a cash free environment but they are not all inclusive.

Which raises the question…

How Do You Pay on a Cruise?

On a cruise, passengers pay for onboard purchases and services with their cruise card. Since cruise ships are cashless environments, their cruise card is connected to their onboard account. Guests set up this up prior to boarding by entering their payment information on the cruise line website or cruise planner.

In this post, I go over when you pay on a cruise and frequently asked questions that new cruisers have about how cruise ship charges and payments work.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When Do You Pay on a Cruise?

To book a cruise, a deposit is required to hold the reservation. Final payment is usually due 70-120 days before the cruise. Other expenses like gratuities and shore excursions can be pre-paid before a cruise. Once onboard, all purchases and services will be charged prior to disembarking.

Monthly Payment Plan

While most people pay for their cruises using a credit card, there are options with some cruise lines where you can divide those payments into monthly instalments.

As you book your cruise, you may see monthly payment options. Carnival Cruise Line has Carnival EasyPay, as long as you book your cruise least 5 months in advance with a deposit.

Princess Cruises, allows you to budget your vacation with the Princess EZpay cruise payment plan.

While those cruise lines offer an instalment plan directly on their websites, other cruise lines such Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise lines use a finance company called UpLift , which allows you to make monthly payments on your cruise.

This method of diving up payments is becoming more common, so check with your cruise line or travel agent for more information.

Pre Cruise Online Purchases

A good way to avoid having a huge bill at the end of your cruise is to make purchases online, before your cruise. Many cruisers pre-book their shore excursions, beverage package, specialty dining and spa treatments on the cruise website before their cruise.

Not only is this more convenient, but cruise lines will often offer these pre-cruise purchases at a discount.

Many cruisers also choose to pre-pay their gratuities before their cruise as well, which avoids these charges once onboard the cruise ship.

Related: 27 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know

Setting Up Your Payment Method for Onboard Purchases

While your cruise fare and other pre-cruise purchases can be paid in advance, you’ll have to set up a payment method for purchases you make once onboard your cruise ship.

Cruise lines have a convenient cashless system, where your cruise card will be used both as a key card for your stateroom and as way to pay for onboard purchases and services.

Setting up your method of payment for your onboard account is easy. Prior to your cruise, when doing your online check-in, you will asked to provide your credit card information or establish another method of payment like a debit card or cash.

Even if you provide a credit card for your onboard account, you can always settle your account or pay crew gratuities with cash at the end of the cruise if you like.

Tip: You can keep an eye on your account, including any charges made during your cruise on the cruise line app or by going to guest services. Make sure to verify that all charges are correct before disembarking your cruise ship on the last day.

Related: 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Do You Need Cash on a Cruise?

Since cruise ships have a cashless onboard system, passengers will not be needing cash once onboard. However, many cruise passengers may still choose use cash in certain circumstances. Cash can be used in the casino, for tips and in cruise ports of call for taxis and small purchases.

How Much Cash Should You Bring on a Cruise?

While it’s not necessary to bring cash on a cruise, it may be handy to have some cash on hand for spending money in cruise ports as well as for tips. Although passengers don’t typically use cash onboard the cruise, cash is very commonly used in ports of call, for taxi’s, souvenirs, meals and drinks.

Related: How Much Spending Money Should You Bring on a Cruise?

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Are There ATM’s On a Cruise?

Yes, there are ATM’s onboard a cruise. Although cash isn’t the main form of payment onboard a cruise, certain passengers prefer to carry cash. Typically there are only 1-2 ATM’s on a cruise ship located near the casino or guest services.

Is Food Free on a Cruise?

On most cruises, the food in the main dining room , all you can eat buffet and a few restaurants onboard are free, or included, with your cruise fare. However, specialty restaurants, which offer an alternative dining experience, usually cost extra. Generally, cruisers are satisfied with the food included onboard a cruise.

Tip: If you choose to eat in your cabin, 24hr room service is available. In some cases, there may be an additional charge depending on the cruise line .

What Food is Included on a Cruise (meals, snacks & drinks)
What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise?
Can You Take Food Off a Cruise Ship While in Port?

Is Alcohol Free on a Cruise?

Most cruise lines do not include free alcoholic drinks on their cruise ships. However, some cruise lines offer guests the ability to book a beverage package either as a perk at the time of booking, or add on a drink package at an additional cost.

Luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn Cruise Line and Viking Ocean Cruises include alcoholic drinks in their cruise fare.

Tip: If you plan on drinking alcohol throughout your vacation, purchasing the beverage package online before your cruise is the best value!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks Explained
Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages: What’s Included and is it Worth it?
Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

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Final Thoughts on How Do You Pay on a Cruise

Well there it is, everything you need to know about paying on a cruise!

If this is your first cruise, how to pay for your cruise and onboard purchases might be confusing. However, once onboard, you’ll appreciate how a cashless cruise makes the vacation experience a lot more enjoyable.

In this post, I went over how to pay on a cruise and answered frequently asked questions that new cruisers have regarding paying on a cruise.

Do you like to pre-pay cruise purchases or pay once onboard? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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Sail & Sign® is Carnival's cashless on board credit program, which allows guests to charge onboard purchases and gratuities directly to a personal account for convenience. The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for all money transactions on board as cash will not be an accepted form of payment . General information along with program details and funding can be found below. Personalized Sail & Sign cards are provided to all guests (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship. Guest Services can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise. In addition, guests can view their balance update at a Sail & Sign kiosk and Carnival's HUB app. We accept the following forms of payment to open a Sail & Sign account: Credit Cards / Debit Cards - Cash / Traveler's Checks

Sail & Sign Account Opened with a Credit Card or Debit Card

Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account on Carnival.com, My Cruise Manager, Online Check-in prior to their cruise or on the first day of the cruise at embarkation.
2 - 6 day cruise: $100 USD for each stateroom charged using the same credit card or debit card
7 days or longer: $200 USD for each stateroom charged using the same credit card or debit card
If the guest replaces a credit card or debit card previously used, the hold will remain on the account during the cruise and will remain on the account for one or more days after the cruise depending on the issuing bank's hold policy, limiting access to funds.
If a credit card is presented, this will reduce the amount available on the credit card for other purchases.
If a debit/check-cashing card is presented, the hold will restrict the available cash in the checking account.
On the day the cruise returns, Carnival immediately settles the guest's account with their bank for the total amount of their onboard expenses. Holds will remain on the account for one or more days depending on the issuing bank's hold policy, limiting access to funds.
For Debit Card Holders, if using this form of payment, the bank will process the final total spent on the guest's Sail & Sign account plus retain the bank holds processed, per the bank policy.
The bank is responsible for releasing any pending holds from the guest's account.
Please Note: Carnival is not able to expedite the release of bank holds. The guest will need to contact their bank for assistance.
Visa Card and Visa Gift Card
MasterCard and MasterCard Gift Card
An ATM/Debit Cashing Card may be used as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa Card.
The Discover Card and Discover Gift Card
American Express Car d and the Carnival Corporation Reward Card from American Express
Diner's Club and Diner's Club Gift Card
JCB Car d only

Note: Gift Cards may also be referred to as 'secured' or 'pre-loaded' credit cards or 'Travel Funds Card'.

Unacceptable Cards

Gift Cards and Travel Funds Cards issued by: American Express and Optima
Keychain (mini) credit cards
The American Express 'Persona Select'
ATM/Debit Cashing Card other than those registered by MasterCard or Visa Card.

Sail & Sign Account Opened with Cash or Traveler's Checks

Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account on Carnival.com, My Cruise Manager, Online Check-in, or on the first day of the cruise at embarkation.
2 - 4 day cruise: $100 USD per person
5 - 8 day cruise: $200 USD per person
9 days or longer: $350 USD per person
Guests may add additional cash to their account by visiting the Guest Services desk on board.

Please Note: If you need to change or confirm your initial payment option, g o to Carnival.com and click on Manage My Booking. Log in and access Online Check-in, Onboard Expenses:

If changing credit card number or debit card number, use DELETE feature and add new credit card or debit card information.
If changing from cash to credit card/debit card or vice versa, use DELETE feature and change your payment preference.
The completed 'Letter of Authorization for Use of a Credit Card by Third Party' form - the signature on the letter of authorization must match the signature on the back of the credit card.
A legible copy of the credit card with signature (both sides, front and back). It is not required for guests to carry the physical credit card with them on board.
A legible copy of the non-sailing individual's government issued photo identification (ID) showing the signature (for example, a Driver's License).

Refundable ov erages on a guest's Sail and Sign account will be refunded back in the same form of payment as was made for the initial deposit on the Sail & Sign account.

Credit Card: If guests use a credit card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be credited back to the original credit card account.
Debit Card: if guests use a bank debit card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be credited back to the original debit card account.
Carnival Gift Card: If guests use a Carnival Gift Card for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages will be refunded in the form of a new Carnival Gift Card.
Cash Deposits: If guests use cash for their Sail & Sign deposit, any refundable overages greater than $10 USD will be refunded via check mailed within 7 days after the cruise to the guest's home address on file. Overages less than $10 USD will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital® (excluding the Carnival Spirit® and Carnival Splendor® in Australia). This will be communicated on board during the Debarkation Talk and posted in the daily 'Fun Times'. If a guest wishes to have the full overage in cash, they may retrieve it from one of the Sail & Sign Kiosks or the Guest Services Desk. Refund checks will be reconciled by our shore side Refund Accounting team and distributed via PNC Bank (JPM Chase Bank for Carnival Spirit® and Carnival Splendor® Australia guests).
The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card-issuing bank.
Each onboard expense account must have a designated account owner.
The account owner may choose to authorize additional guests on his or her account. The maximum number of guests per account is 15.
A guest may only be activated on one account.
Every guest must be a member of an account in order to obtain a complete Online Check-in status.
Account owners must be at least 18 years of age at the time of sailing and will be automatically assigned charging privileges to the account.
Minors must have an account. The account owner has the option to set spending limits or not allow charging privileges to their account. This can be set-up during Online Check-in or on board at the Guest Services Desk.
Cruise service gratuities will be charged to the account unless they are prepaid.
The amount charged to the account for service gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.
If the credit/debit card method of payment is selected, charges incurred by those authorized will be billed to the credit/debit account entered.
Actual credit/debit cards must be present at the time of embarkation.
You can use your Sail and Sign® Card or Folio in lieu of cash or a credit card for your transactions with various participating Vendors. The term Vendor may include, but is not limited to, shops, stores, concessionaires, excursion providers, stands, markets, restaurants, and other third parties engaged in providing goods, services, food, beverages and entertainment to Carnival’s Guests while ashore at certain ports of call owned, operated or managed by Carnival or its Affiliates. Affiliate means any Carnival Corporation affiliated legal entity purchasing goods or services from a Vendor if other than Carnival.
When you use your Sail and Sign® Card or Folio, you are agreeing to buy the good or services indicated in the transaction from Carnival or its Affiliates and that you will pay the amounts indicated on your Sail and Sign® Folio in accordance with the discussion below regarding payment of your final statement.
Your Sail and Sign® Folio serves as your receipt for the goods and services you have purchased from Carnival or its Affiliates.
In the event that your purchase is from an Affiliate of Carnival, you understand that Carnival is acting as such Affiliate’s agent only in collecting payment from you and that your payment to Carnival satisfies your obligation to such Affiliate.
The cardholder is responsible for amended charges discovered after the authorized guest(s) disembark the vessel.
Carnival will not be held responsible for any bank imposed overage or insufficient funds charges on debit/check cashing cards or credit cards.
Any inquiries regarding your Sail & Sign account after your cruise, please contact Guest Care at [email protected] with a detailed email and include pertinent cruise information (guest name, ship, cruise departure date, booking number, stateroom number). If you are requesting an itemized statement, please fill out our form located on the footer of Carnival.com (under Customer Service), Post-Cruise Inquiries.

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Answers others found helpful.

Sail & Sign Kiosk
Cash Advance on Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Cruise Cash Program
Check Cashing / Traveler’s Checks

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Cruises are a special type of vacation.

It is a whole different way to travel, and comes with its own quirks and nuances that you have to master. Having now traveled on many cruises myself now, I always joke that there needs to be a Cruising 101 course offered on cruise ships for first-timers.

One of the often confusing parts of cruising is how payments are handled on the ship. Between specialty dinners, beverage packages, gift shop purchases, excursions, and more, how do cruises in 2019 handle these payments?

Cruises are also a great opportunity for earning bonus points on your favorite credit card. I’ll explain everything you need to know about payments on cruise ships, including which cards are our favorites for using on board.

How Do Credit Card Purchases Work on Board a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ships now are entirely cashless. This means that while they are eager to get you to book a massage at the spa, or purchase a fancy bottle of wine with dinner, they never accept cash for any of these purchases.

In fact, they don’t even take credit cards or debit cards in the traditional sense. Instead, all charges are placed to an “onboard account.”

What Purchases Go On My Onboard Account

Everything other than your initial cruise reservation can be placed on an onboard account. This includes standard fees and taxes that are unavoidable, gratuities, and all other onboard purchases.

All of the following purchases are the types of things you can expect to get charged to your onboard account:

Taxes, fees, and port expenses
Gratuities & tips
Shore excursions
Spa experiences
Specialty dining
Beverage packages and/or individual drink purchases
Casino credits
Gift shop purchases
Internet or phone packages

Basically, everything you do will simply be placed on your onboard account. Most cruise lines will call this a “stateroom account” or “billing it to your stateroom”.

But how does it work exactly?

Setting Up Your Stateroom Account

When you first arrive on the ship, each passenger is checked in and sets up a stateroom account before they go on the ship. You will be asked for a credit or debit card to use for all purchases on board. This will be the default card that all these purchases are charged to.

This whole process is pretty easy. It is often a quick scan of your card to set up your account. After that, you will receive a key card and allowed to board the ship. This key card is really the only thing you need to keep with you while you are on the ship. It will get you into your cabin (your room) like the key card given to you at a hotel. But it is also what everyone will ask for whenever you make a purchase on the ship.

Some new cruise ships are moving away from key cards in favor of wristbands. But like the key cards, you use the wristband for all purchases and to get into your cabin. So they work exactly the same.

At this point, you can forget about your wallet completely. Lock it into the safe in your cabin and enjoy a cashless experience onboard. The only time you need your wallet is if you go ashore.

Use Your Key Card Like Your Credit Card

Throughout your cruise, any additional purchases that you decide to make will be charged to your stateroom account. These charges are not passed directly onto your credit card, but will be summed up at the end of your trip and charged to the credit card you have on file.

So whether it’s at the gift shop or buying a bottle of wine at dinner, you can always just hand them your key card for anything on board. It’s the only form of payment cruise ships accept now.

Card Pre-Authorizations Add Up Quickly

If there is one part that concerns people during their cruise, it is seeing huge pre-authorization charges on their credit card. Unfortunately, this is just a part of cruising. But if you call up ahead of time, you can learn what to expect for the cruise line you are sailing with to make sure you have a credit limit to sustain the pre-authorizations.

Expect to see a large authorization when you first board the ship . The cruise line does this to ensure that there is a reasonable (in their eyes) available balance on the card. The exact amount varies by cruise line, but it is usually a flat $300 to $500, plus the anticipated amount of “taxes, fees, and port expenses” that was provided before you booked your cruise.

Again, this is just a pre-authorization, and not an actual charge. If you don’t end up spending anything extra during your cruise, then that amount will be released at the end of your trip.

Every night, any charges you made to your stateroom will be added to that amount as another pre-authorization. The idea is that usually, they are authorizing a few hundred more dollars each night than you have accrued in charges. But only the actual amount you spend will be charged to your card at the end of the trip.

One Card Per Guest (For the Most Part)

In order to keep things simple, the cruise lines usually only allow you to have 1 credit card on file per guest. This makes things easy if you are traveling with someone and you want to keep your individual charges separate. Even for 2 guests in the same cabin, each of your key cards will be linked to their own credit card.

Partners who want to share expenses can let the cruise line know that they wish to allow all guests in a cabin to charge to the same stateroom account and thus, the same card.

If you want to split up your own charges across multiple cards, then this is more complicated. You can only have 1 card linked at a time, so you will need to wait until you reach the desired amount on one card and then visit guest services to settle the amount on your card and switch over to a new card. This is a bit of a pain but could be useful if you wanted to split expenses across multiple cards to prevent hitting credit limits or to spread your point earning (or meet minimum spend!).

What Should You Expect After Your Trip Is Over?

Throughout your cruise, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your stateroom account. You can see all of your current charges by visiting the guest services counter and asking for a printout. A lot of cruise ships even have an automated kiosk that displays all of your current charges. Many cruise lines are now even offering near-instant account management through your stateroom TV or a mobile app available on the ship.

Just like how you watch your credit card statement, keep an eye on your stateroom account. Mistakes are common and are easy to fix, especially if caught early. For example, you might have a beverage package but accidentally got charged for a drink that should have been covered. This happens all the time and the guest services counter is always very accommodating at fixing the charges, especially when you bring it up quickly.

At the end of the cruise, you want to do one final check of your account before you disembark. The earlier you can settle everything, the better. That’s because lines at guest services get extremely long during the final night before disembarkation.

Within a few days of your trip ending, you will see the final charge posting to your card on file. This is the sum of all your charges throughout your cruise, offset by any credits you might have gotten onboard.

What Does The Final Charge Look Like?

The final charge will come as one lump sum of all your accrued charges during the voyage, minus any onboard credits you received. The charge usually happens a few days after you disembark.

If you are sailing on an American cruise line, then the charge will always show up as an American charge. So you usually don’t need to worry about notifying your credit card company of any foreign transactions.

This is even true on cruises I have done that start and end in other countries. The charge will always be placed back at where the cruise line is based out of. So even on cruises where we sailed around Asia or Europe, the charge is always an American charge, assuming you were sailing on an American cruise line like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Disney Cruises, and so on.

What is the Best Credit Card to Use While Cruising?

Cruise line charges are considered travel expenses to the credit card companies. Banks have built a special merchant category code just for cruise lines, so the charge is always specifically noted as a cruise line. However looking at the fine print, all major banks consider cruise line purchases to qualify as travel expenses for credit card bonus points.

I can personally attest that Chase counts cruise line purchases under their travel category. I know that AMEX does too. I usually put my Chase Sapphire Reserve card on file for all purchases and earn 3X Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on cruise ships .

What is cool is that everything you purchase through the cruise line is considered a travel purchase. This includes dinners, entertainment, excursions, and even the port taxes and gratuities. Since it is all charged as a single travel purchase, you earn travel bonus points for everything!

This makes any of our favorite travel cards a good option to use as your credit card with the cruise line:

Chase Sapphire Reserve : Because it earns 3X Ultimate Rewards points on travel
Citi Premier Card : Because it earns 3X ThankYou points on travel

Both of these cards also have no foreign transaction fees, which make them a good option if you decide to go on shore and buy something.

Bottom Line

Cruise Ship purchases can be confusing for newcomers. But once you understand the basics of how it works, it can be a great way to earn a ton of bonus points towards more free travel in the future.

Remember that you will need to set up a credit card on file before you board the ship. Every purchase you make onboard will go towards a stateroom account that will ultimately charge your card on file at the conclusion of the trip.

Expect a large pre-authorization charge when your trip starts. Each night, the pre-authorization is expanded to cover additional charges you incurred that day. The final will be summed up (minus any onboard spending credits you might have received) and charged to your card within a few days of disembarkation.

The charges come as an American-based purchase in the travel category. This makes any great travel card a good candidate for using as your onboard credit card, because you can qualify for bonus points within the travel category.

Which card do you put on file while cruising?

Alex Curtis

Contributor

Alex Curtis is a contributor to Million Mile Secrets, he covers topics on points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel.

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Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)

At this point, it’s beyond the debate of taking a cruise without bringing a phone. Phones are so much more than a simple device to call or text. Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more.

And on the cruise ship they do all that, plus they are useful for the cruise line’s app, which features schedules, maps, and more, all right on your phone.

Of course, while it’s a good idea to put the phone down for a while and enjoy your vacation, it’s also reasonable to wonder if your cell phone will work on a cruise.

The good news? Yes, you can use your phone on a cruise . This includes major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian and more.

The bad news? It might be expensive, and there are several details you need to know about how your phone uses cell service at sea — or the shipboard wi-fi — before you get started.

Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about using your phone to call, text, and browse the web. In addition, we’ve added some specifics for certain cruise lines.

One thing to keep in mind is that internet and cell phone service are regularly being updated on modern cruise ships . As time goes on, you can expect your access to improve.

In This Article...

How to Use Your Phone on a Cruise

First things first, you have to understand that there are no cell towers in the middle of the sea. Meanwhile, even the strongest cell towers with the best range in perfect conditions can only extend about 30-45 miles. In other words, after the first hour or two of your cruise, you’ll be too far away to pick up any reliable cell signal.

So what do you do in the middle of the water?

To use your cell phone on your cruise, you have two options — either connect to the ship’s cellular service or connect to the ship’s wi-fi . Both will cost you extra.

Cellular Service on Ships For traditional cell service, today’s modern cruise ships use providers such as “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services”.

For the vast majority of plans, these services are considered international roaming plans by your cell phone company, and you will be charged accordingly for use. That said, if you want to (or need to), you can simply make a phone call or send a text as you would back home — you’ll just be charged significantly more than usual.

Keep in mind that sometimes data service isn’t available through this method. For data, you’re better off using a wi-fi plan (discussed below).

Cell providers offer packages you help cruisers better budget. For example, AT&T offers a couple of cruise ship packages, starting at $50 for a package of minutes and texting. Other carriers will have something similar.

Just be warned of high prices. On AT&T’s $60 plan, it includes only 100 minutes of phone calls, and a $1 per minute overage cost.

In other words, if you use the ship’s cellular service, it’s considered international roaming and will cost you quite a bit of money. This applies to any carrier you have.

Luckily, there is a cheaper way to use your cell phone on the ship — wi-fi.

Cruise ships have cellular service that you can connect to. However, it’s usually considered international roaming and means you’ll be charged high rates to access.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone on Ships (Recommended) You likely know that instead of using a cell signal, you can hook your phone up to wi-fi and use the internet to make calls, send texts, and surf the web. Some apps like WhatsApp also let you make calls, chat, and even chat via video. You can use these features while a cruise ship.

Today’s cruise ships all come equipped with wi-fi, but there is a charge for passengers to use it. For example, Carnival offers three levels of service — Social (~$15 per day), Value (~$20 per day), and Premium (~$21 per day) — which all offer different speeds and access.

Wi-fi allows you to connect just like you were at home. This includes doing things like making calls from within communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, texting, and surfing the web.

Just like at home, you can hook up to the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone as normal. Just keep in mind that you will want to ensure any calls you make are over wi-fi or else they will be considered international roaming calls if connected over the ship’s cellular service. (For that reason, we suggest setting your phone to airplane mode once you get on the ship and then just connect through wi-fi.)

One other thing to know is that different cruise lines and even different ships within a cruise line may offer different online experiences. Some ships are updated with the latest technology while others can have slower service or more limited options of what you can do regarding video calling or streaming.

More details on specific ship wi-fi plans are featured later in this article.

Read more about using internet/wi-fi on a cruise

We’d recommend accessing the ship’s wi-fi with your phone to use it as you would back home. This gives you the ability to access the internet, send messages, use apps, and even make calls with some plans/cruise lines.

Using Your Phone in a Port of Call

While most of your time is spent on the ship, there will be large chunks of the day spent in port. You might wondering about using your phone during this portion of your cruise.

Cellular Service in Ports of Call In port (and off of the ship’s cellular or wi-fi service), you phone will work just as if you had taken a flight to another country. That is to say you will be reliant on international cellular services.

The good news? Cell phone companies offer short-term international plans that are surprisingly affordable and provide calls, texts, and data.

In addition, many companies — such as T-Mobile — include calling in Mexico and Canada (home to several popular cruise ports) automatically in their plans. You can use the phone exactly as you would at home for no extra charge.

Below, we’ve charted out the cost for some international plans offered by cell phone companies. Remember that these prices could change, so you’ll want to contact your provider before heading out on your cruise.

You can read more about international service from the major carriers below:

https://www.att.com/international/day-pass/
https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/travel-pass/
https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans

Understand that this is only for service while onshore in a port. When you are on the ship and in the middle of the ocean, you will need to use the ship’s wi-fi or cellular service. It may be worth it to use just one service or another instead of paying for both during your cruise.

When in port, you’ll be connecting to international towers. Phone companies have international plans (sometimes you can simply pay for a single day pass) that allow you access just as you would have at home.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone in Port Want to save some money? Then you may be able to skip dealing with international plans altogether and just connect to wi-fi hotspots in port. In fact, it may even be free.

To be sure, your wi-fi plan from the ship won’t work in port (unless you are at a private island; sometimes ships extend service to their islands.) But many ports of call offer wi-fi service.

Sometimes there is service sold that will cover the port area. Other times spots like restaurants or shops will offer free wi-fi service to customers as a perk for shopping there.

Either way, it’s a cheaper and easier way of using your phone in port if you are fine with having access on a more limited basis.

Many ports have wi-fi service at shops or restaurants that can get you access while you’re there. It’s an easy way to check in back home if you don’t need constant access.

Using Your Phone on a Carnival Cruise

As mentioned above, we recommend using the ship’s wi-fi to use your phone . This will allow you to make calls (you may have to use an app like WhatsApp to do so), send messages, email, and browse the web.

To access Carnival’s wi-fi, you’ll have to sign up for one of three packages :

Social (~$15 per day) — Offers access to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and more. It also provides access to airline sites. However, it doesn’t include access to most of the web, nor does it support in-app calling, streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube), or Skype.

Value ($20 per day) — Offers everything in the Social package, with the addition of popular news, weather, banking, finance, and entertainment sites. However, it still doesn’t allow streaming or Skype/FaceTime calling.

Premium (~$21 per day) — Offers the fastest speeds on the ship and full web access. While Carnival’s website says this plan doesn’t support video streaming (outside Netflix) or FaceTime calls, we’ve personally done both with this plan. If you are a heavy phone user on your cruise or want to make video calls, then you’ll likely want the Premium package.

You can purchase a plan at a discount before your cruise starts or you can simply purchase when you are on the ship. Note that shipboard prices are higher than what’s shown here.

Read more about Carnival’s internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Just like with Carnival and other major cruise lines, we think you’ll be best off connecting to the ship’s wi-fi in order to use your phone on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The cruise line offers VOOM internet access across its fleet, which is touted as one of the fastest wi-fi services of any major cruise line. With it, you can hook up your phone to wi-fi and make calls (via wi-fi), text, use apps, and browse the web.

Prices are not set in stone, but vary between around $15-25 a day. Discounts are available for ordering online ahead of time.

Read more about Royal Caribbean’s Internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Norwegian Cruise

Norwegian offers two different levels of wi-fi access on their ships that allow you to connect with your phone. From there, you can use wi-fi to send messages, talk, and send email to keep in touch.

First is the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package ($30 per day) that includes access to things like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, along with the rest of the web. This includes apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime, allowing you to keep in touch. However, it doesn’t allow streaming services.

Second, there is the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package ($40 per day), giving you full access to the web and streaming services — including YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix. With this level of service, making calls, sending texts, and video chats are no issue.

You can read more about NCL’s internet service here .

Using Your Phone on Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Others)

As you can see, the easiest way to use your phone on a cruise is to use it to connect to the ship’s wi-fi. While we’ve spelled out more details for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, this method will work on any ship you sail.

Through the wi-fi offered on your cruise ship, you should be able to connect and use your phone just as you would on land. This includes web browsing, messaging, and calls through wi-fi. Just keep in mind that you might have to upgrade to the highest-tier service in order to get full benefits of the internet like streaming and video calls. In our experience, lower-tier wi-fi plans are slower, meaning choppier connections on things like video calls.

Have more questions about using your phone on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hey Tanner: Thanks for the great article. We are going on Norwegian to the Panama Canal. My cruise buddy has Verizon and wants to make a voice call to her husband. He does not know how to use WhatsApp or FaceTime. Can they make regular voice calls using the ships Wi-fi? We understand that she can call him from ports with her Verizon Travel Pass, but she is concerned about sea days. Thanks!

Typically phones have a “call over wi-fi” setting. I’ve used it before and it worked well, but usually I use Facetime to call back home.

Tanner – I will going on a Norwegian cruise and would like to use WhatsApp for audit calls. I don’t need to make any viedo calls. Can I get by with the Unlimited plan or do I need the Unlimited Plus?

My advice is to always go with the fastest plan just because in general speeds are slower on cruises (getting better in some cases with Starlink).

But it looks like voice calls don’t require that much bandwidth. My suggestion is if you only want access for these calls, then opt for the cheaper plan and test it out. If it’s not enough, then you can always upgrade.

Tanner, my brother in – law just started his job on a cruise ship – they are provided only 5 gigabytes per month for phone use – he uses what’s app – what can advise him to do to get more gigabytes ? Approximate cost ?

I’ll be perfectly honest: the Royal Caribbean cruise was fantastic except for the beverage package issue, gratuity, and the cell service/internet packages. For the price of the cruise, surely you could include water, tea, coffee, and fountain soda. Those are cheap! I did know ahead of time that 18% gratuity was added to everything, yet for some reason I bought the gratuity package. Then would forget and add tip above the 18% plus the gratuity package. I know I’m responsible, but still felt taken advantage of. AT&T charged me 100.00 within 3-4 hours (started before we even left port). Then cut off service to “protect” me. So I pay another 100.00 for their “international data plan”- which is NOT 10.00 a day. Then I pay 75.00 for better internet speed through Royal. Guess what- 275.00 and I STILL couldn’t use my phone half of the time. I felt nickeled and dimed to death between just getting a bottle of water and checking my work email. And now that I’m home, my phone has ZERO internet. Sigh. FYI: This was my first cruise, but I did research the best I could ahead of time. I didn’t even think about the cell issue. But really- RC is first class.

Do you know if you can get reception on the ship from an island nearby if you are docked at a tender port, or is that still too far away? I have a virtual doctor visit the day I’m in Grand Cayman that I really don’t want to cancel and I would rather use my international phone plan then waste my limited ship wifi minutes.

We’re traveling on Cunard next month. Their website says that even if a phone is in airplane mode but connected to the ship wifi, voice call charges will still be incurred by the cell provider. That doesn’t make sense. Are they just saying that to protect their “assests”?

Never heard that before. I’d likely just take them at their word and plan around it.

If I purchase the cruise plan through AT&Tfor 100$ Do I still have to purchase the wifi on princess as well?

Does regular wi-fi calling (Not WhatsApp) work on Carnival social plan?

That I don’t know. I haven’t personally tested it.

I have straight talk, would I still be able to call or txt since it’s a pay as I go an each month. We will be on Carnival Horizon in October.

Well at sea you won’t have service, but you can hook up to the wi-fi and use your phone that way.

If I purchase the International Plan on Verizon, will it connect to the ship’s tower? I am going on Carnival Horizon in March 2023 to the southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Dominican Republic). If I’m signing up and paying for this plan, I want to make sure I actually have coverage my entire cruise (on and off the ship). Can you help?

I’m not sure how the service works on the ship (I personally use wi-fi). You’ll need to contact your carrier to ask as it’s their plan.

GOING TO BAHAMAS AND ORLANDO FLORIDA. WHEN IN FLORIDA AND I AM OFF THE SHIP CAN I USE THE PHONE TO CALL AND TEXT WITHOUT BEING CHARGED MORE THAN MY NORMAL BILL. I WONT BE ON THE SHIP USING THE PHONE ONLY FOR PICTURES. I AM GOING ON NCL AND I AM A VERIZON CUSTOMER

Depends on your plan, but likely not. Most of the time, however, you can get a short-term international plan for cheap:

https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/

everyone gives info for making calls, etc. what about getting calls???? have a disabled son and I need contact with him each morning around 6 am Central. how do I arrange that?

The best idea we can suggest is to sign up for the Internet package and use a program like WhatsApp to talk.

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How to earn the most points and perks when you book a cruise

P erhaps you're a cruise lover who wants to spend less on travel by using points and miles. Or, maybe you're an avid points collector looking to book your first cruise vacation. Either way, you're likely wondering how to leverage your points stash, credit cards and loyalty status to get the most value from your cruise booking.

You might assume your best bet is to save cash by booking a cruise using points and miles , but this method does not always yield the most advantageous redemption options. A better bet would be to use your cruise booking to earn you things like more points and miles, status or even free onboard perks.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here is our expert advice on the most effective strategies for maximizing the rewards from your cruise bookings.

Pay with a travel credit card to earn extra points and miles

You will generally get the most out of your cruise booking by using the expense as an opportunity to earn points and miles toward a future trip, rather than by redeeming points for a free or discounted sailing.

In most cases, cruise purchases are coded as a travel expense by your credit card. A good strategy for maximizing your cruise purchase is to pay for your sailing with a travel credit card that earns more than 1% or 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases.

Once on board, your basic expenses will be covered as part of your cruise booking — including meals in select restaurants and entertainment — but there always will be some opportunities to splurge. You'll need to register a credit card with your cruise ship to pay for drinks and cocktails, meals at one of the fancier restaurants on board, shore excursions and spa treatments.

Again, you'll earn the most points on your onboard expenses by paying with a credit card that offers extra incentives for a broad range of travel purchases. Check out TPG's best credit cards for cruises to find the one that works for you.

To get you started, here is a quick reference chart of the current best credit cards for general travel-related expenses and their earning rate with TPG's valuation on travel purchases:

The information for the American Express Green Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn airline or hotel elite status

A large purchase, such as a cruise booking, is also a great way to get closer to airline or hotel elite status if you use a cobranded airline or hotel credit card that contributes to your stash of elite-qualifying points.

For example, American Airlines bases its elite status on AAdvantage Loyalty Points accrued through multiple channels, including purchases made with its cobranded credit card. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) earns 1 AAdvantage Loyalty Point per dollar spent. So, by paying for a $10,000 cruise on the card, you'd earn 10,000 Loyalty Points, a quarter of the 40,000 Loyalty Points needed for entry-level AAdvantage Gold status .

Similarly, most cobranded United MileagePlus credit cards let you earn 25 Premier qualifying points for every $500 you spend toward the PQP and Premier qualifying flight requirements for United Airlines Premier status . The United Quest Card and the United Club Infinite Card earn 2 miles per dollar and up to 6,000 and 8,000 PQPs, respectively. So, by paying for your cruise fare on either of these cards, you could earn redeemable miles and PQPs toward status.

Finally, Delta's credit cards earn 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases, but starting Jan. 1, 2024, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent. As a cardholder, you'll earn 2,500 MQDs per calendar year.

On the hotel side, the World of Hyatt Credit Card earns 2 World of Hyatt points per dollar spent on travel and two qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card. You'll also earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. A large cruise purchase can put you on track for both of those bonuses.

Also, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card earns 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on travel and an elite-qualifying night for every $5,000 you spend on the card. Spend $35,000 on the card in a calendar year, and you'll receive Gold Elite status .

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Meet a sign-up bonus

Even if you only earn 1% or 1 mile per dollar spent on travel purchases, you can still use your cruise fare to earn a welcome bonus. If you have a big cruise expense coming up, consider applying for a new credit card so your payment not only earns you redeemable points but also helps to meet the minimum spend requirement to earn the large welcome bonus.

As a new cardholder of The Platinum Card® from American Express , for example, you'll earn 80,000 points (worth $1,600 at TPG's valuations) after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your card within the first six months of card membership. One high-end cruise could get you all the way to that bonus with one purchase.

Refer to this post for the best credit card offers currently available.

Final payment is typically due three months prior to sailing, so you might be able to meet the spend minimum and receive the welcome bonus points in time to book flights or hotels for travel before or after your cruise. (Alternatively, you could pay the full cruise fare early.) This allows you to leverage your points for additional travel expenses that would otherwise require out-of-pocket expenses.

Or, you can save those points to use on flights and hotels for a subsequent cruise or vacation.

Related: Last-minute cruises: Should you book the deal?

Get extra cruise perks through credit card offers

Booking a cruise with the right credit card can earn you more than points. When you book through your credit card's portal, you might also be eligible for extra perks or discounts on your vacation at sea.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express , you're eligible for additional perks and benefits under the Amex Cruise Privileges Program .

Whether you pay in cash or use your Membership Rewards points to defray your cruise expenses, you'll receive up to $300 in cabin credit on cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line , Holland America Line , Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International .

Additional Amex Platinum perks vary by cruise line. While Amex doesn't generally publish its official benefits, reports indicate that previous benefits included a $200 shore excursion credit on Crystal and a bottle of premium Champagne or wine on Royal Caribbean.

Additionally, American Express frequently provides rewarding Amex Offers on cruises. Earlier this year, for instance, Amex offered a bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spent $1,000 or more on a Royal Caribbean voyage.

The number of bonus points, 20,000, is quite substantial. With our current valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, these 20,000 points would be worth $400 based on our evaluation. That means if you use an American Express card to spend $1,000 on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you receive 40% of that amount back in Membership Rewards points.

It's worth noting that these offers are targeted, meaning they are not available to every cardholder. Additionally, you must enroll in the specific Amex Offer to take advantage of it.

There are a few other considerations as well. Cardmembers can only enroll in the offer using one American Express card, and it is essential to review and adhere to the terms and conditions to receive the bonus points.

I recently booked a Celebrity Cruise when I was offered a 35,000-point bonus for spending $1,000 on my American Express® Gold Card . Since my mom had the same offer on her Amex Gold, I called Celebrity to split the payment for the cruise between the two cards. To get 72,000 Amex points for a $2,000 cruise is a fantastic maximization strategy.

Other credit cards don't offer cruisers nearly as many perks as the Amex Platinum does. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve does offer an annual $300 statement credit toward any travel-related purchase, including cruise bookings, made through its booking portal.

Book cruises via an airline portal for extra miles

Several airlines allow you to earn bonus miles by booking cruises via their websites. Airline-affiliated online cruise sellers include United Cruises , American Airlines Cruises and Delta SkyMiles Cruises .

The cruises we priced out via United Cruises were largely the same price as booking directly with the cruise lines. The only difference is that you would earn bonus United miles per dollar spent for booking via the United site.

On our Royal Caribbean cruise booking test, United credit card holders can earn up to 10 miles per dollar spent on the cruise cabin's base rate for booking via the airline's cruise portal. These increased accruals are only for balcony and suite rooms. Your United Cruises earnings are capped at 60,000 MileagePlus miles per purchase, and there's a one-time bonus of 2,500 miles per cruise booking.

You'll also earn 1 or 2 miles per dollar more by paying for the cruise on your cobranded United MileagePlus credit card . Or, double dip by paying with any credit card that gives you extra points for travel purchases.

Remember that these bookings are considered third-party purchases, so cruise lines are not obligated or might not be inclined to allow you to make changes.

For this Celebrity sailing for a family of two, that could mean picking up 6,580 United MileagePlus miles, valued by TPG at around $95.

Plus, travelers with United elite status receive extra onboard perks when booking through United Cruises. Bonuses vary by cruise line and are based on your elite status tier, but you could get anything from relaxing spa treatments to complimentary wine to up to $300 to spend on board.

Related: Get up to 200,000 AAdvantage bonus miles with this limited-time cruise offer

Use casino loyalty to get perks and free cruises

Your casino loyalty status can also earn you cruise perks. If you have status with MGM Rewards , for example, you might have access to cruise perks or even free cruises.

Gold members and above are eligible for onboard credit on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises , plus a welcome amenity and an entertainment tour. You will need to validate your loyalty status with the cruise line prior to departure to access your perks.

Even better, once you hit Platinum status with MGM, you can book one free cruise annually with either of the sister cruise lines. To book your free cruise, you'll need to contact the MGM Rewards elite reservations department.

The terms indicate that you must earn Platinum or Noir status by gameplay to get the free cruise.

Related: 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Leverage Marriott's cruise partnership to earn points and status

Most cruise lines have their own loyalty programs that are exclusively focused on onboard perks when sailing that line. However, one cruise line is connected to a hotel loyalty program, so a direct booking will earn you points usable outside the cruise world.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This allows members to earn and redeem points on Ritz-Carlton cruises and enjoy various perks associated with elite status during their voyages.

When booking through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you will earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every dollar spent on the cruise fare. Your cruise fare will contribute toward the $23,000 spending requirement for Marriott's Ambassador Elite status . Additionally, you will earn elite nights for your cruises.

Buy cruise gift cards strategically to earn more points

You can use credit cards strategically to maximize earnings on your cruise purchases, beyond extra points for travel purchases. One way is by purchasing gift cards.

Some cruise lines offer gift cards for sale at retailers such as grocery stores and office supply stores. Depending on which credit cards are in your wallet, you might be able to earn more points per dollar when picking up cruise (or Disney) gift cards .

For example, with a card like the American Express® Gold Card , you can earn 4 points per dollar spent at groceries at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in a calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Use this card to purchase cruise gift cards at your preferred grocery store, and you will effectively categorize your cruise expenses as grocery purchases. In this way, you can accumulate more credit card points than if you paid for your cruise purchase with a card that only gives double points for travel purchases.

Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs

Bottom line

Paying for a cruise can be a significant purchase. You'll definitely want to get the most bang for your buck in points, miles, status advancement or perks when you pay that bill.

When it's time to plan your next cruise, choose the strategy or strategies that make sense based on the credit cards and loyalty status you have (or wish to have). Even if you're not getting a free cruise this time around, smart spending decisions will maximize the value you get from this purchase to discount or ease your travel in the future.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Carnival Cruise Lines

How does the Sail & Sign card work?

By abismom04 , July 9, 2007 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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crusinmama06

You fill out the info online before you board about who can charge what to your credit card. And if you choose, when you board you can put cash on your account.

Then while you are on the ship EVERYTHING goes on the card except the casino (and even THAT CAN go on you card but you can use cash as well)

Sp pictures, shopping, drinks, added excursions...all on the card.

Then early on the last morning a statement will be slid under your cabin door. If you agree with the charges you do nothing and it will all go on the credit card on file.

Use your sign and sail card like a credit card on the ship for all of your purchases - drinks, excursions, souvenirs, etc. On the last evening of the cruise, they will hang a statement on your door giving you the total. This total is then billed to the credit card you registered at embarkation unless you put down a cash deposit.

SheriNtexas

They issue one to you when you check in at the pier and it will also be your key into your room! Your prepaid tips are added to this as well as anything you buy onboard-pictures, items from the shops, drinks, etc. You only need cash to tip room service and if you use cash in the casino. Everything is billed to your S&S card. On Conquest, you can check your bill on the tv. You have to have it when you leave the ship and when you get back on.

It also makes a GREAT souvinier once your trip is over!! I have mine from each of my cruises!! It also will list your table # for the dining room, and which dining room you will be in!

If I am on a 4 day cruise with 4 people do I have to put $400 cash deposit if I want to use cash?

off topic but can you use cash in the arcade or do the kids have to use the sail and sign for that too?

Can you change your prepaid gratuity amount that is charged if you want to tip in cash instead??

A four day cruise requires a $150 deposit per person.

Other than tips, the ship doesn't accept cash for anything else right?

Can you get a statement more than just at the end of the ship to better keep track of what's been spent (since we'll be putting a cash deposit down.) We don't have a credit card so it'll have to be linked to our debit card and I would like to avoid $$ coming out of our bank account.

A four day cruise requires a $150 deposit per person. David

The Carnival website says that 2-4 day cruises are $100 deposit for the sail and sign:confused:

What does this mean??

And we're 2 people on a 7 day cruise... ????

Other than tips, the ship doesn't accept cash for anything else right? Can you get a statement more than just at the end of the ship to better keep track of what's been spent (since we'll be putting a cash deposit down.) We don't have a credit card so it'll have to be linked to our debit card and I would like to avoid $$ coming out of our bank account.

You can keep track of spending with the menu on the tv. Just follow directions and it will show your purchases.

What does this mean?? And we're 2 people on a 7 day cruise... ????

this is from the carnival website

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for an onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

The following dollar amounts, per guest, are used as a deposit and placed as a hold on the credit card when the Sail & Sign Account is opened:

2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp

5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp

9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

You can mosey on over to the Front Desk anytime and inquire as to your balance....they will gladly print out your account anytime you would like to review it.

The purposes of using credit cards instead of cash, and initiating automatic tipping, are to relieve the long lines at the Front Desk. Who wants to spend 10-15 minutes every day of their "vacation" standing in line at the "bank"?

Also, your debit card must have a "VISA" or other logo on it, or it won't be accepted. Also, the ship may put a "hold" on the funds, based on what your credit limit is.

Why wouldn't you want to use these timesaving conveniences?

Sorry, I misread the Carnival brochure I was looking at the cruise deposit, not the Sail and Sign deposit.

I found the sign and sail card info on the carnival website... so I have a better understanding, lol.

We're planning to put up a cash deposit... but I couldn't tell from the website if it was still $200 pp on the 5-8 day cruises or if it's whatever amount we want??

If I don't go over the amount I put down as a deposit I won't have to go to the front desk at all.

That is why I am using cash

I often wondered if we were the only ones that did this...now I know that we're not! Agree that they make cool souvenirs..

I found the sign and sail card info on the carnival website... so I have a better understanding, lol. We're planning to put up a cash deposit... but I couldn't tell from the website if it was still $200 pp on the 5-8 day cruises or if it's whatever amount we want??

I hate to tell you this, but you may be screwed.

From your other thread that you started you indicated that you wanted to use cash. You also stated that you only had a grand total of $300. Now you say you want to use a Debit Card. That's even worse

For a 7 day cruise you need to put down $200 per person as a deposit for your S&S account. That's $400 for 2 people. (Your already over your limitof $300.)

Now, if you use your Debit Card, Carnival is going to run your card and put a $400 HOLD on you checking account. That automatically freezes $400 in your checking...CAN'T BE TOUCHED. Then at the end of the cruise, Carnival will debit from your account the total amount of your S&S charges,,,,,let's say you charge a total of $275 on your S&S. The $400 is still frozen. They deduct $275 from your account?????

The $400 that they HOLD, probably won't be released back to you until about a week after you return.....

Alot of things are not adding up here. You only have $300 set aside for spending money. It's going to cost $400 just to get on the ship. $275 to get off the ship, then the $400 will be released a week later.

Of that $300,,,$140 goes for tips = $160 spending money...

If I am reading the website correctly (which I am not sure I am) if you do not want to put up a debit card, you can put a cash deposit instead and they will alert you if your balance gets below a certain amount and you are free to put more $$ on the card.

My question in that last post was wondering the same deposit amounts applied $200 PP which would make sense and I could get the additional $100 from somewhere rather than use my debit card.

From your other thread that you started you indicated that you wanted to use cash. You also stated that you only had a grand total of $300. Now you say you want to use a Debit Card. That's even worse

When I said "it'll have to be linked to my debit card" I didn't mean I wanted it to - I meant since we don't have a credit card that would have been the next option but we don't want to do that b/c we don't want $$ coming out of the bank account - exactly the bad situation you described was what we wanted to avoid, b/c we are on a more strict budget, I don't want a $400 hold for over a week after we get back. Well, who does? lol

Instead of the final charges going to the credit card on file, can I pay off our balance in cash instead?

I don't really want to do put down a $200.00 cash deposit per person. We are light drinkers and we plan to book our excursions through private companies.

With gratuties, I anticipate that we will most likely spend maybe $250 between the both of us. And since we are Canadian, I can get cash at a better exchange rate then using our credit card.

When I said "it'll have to be linked to my debit card" I didn't mean I wanted it to - I meant since we don't have a credit card that would have been the next option but we don't want to do that b/c we don't want $$ coming out of the bank account - exactly the bad situation you described was what we wanted to avoid, b/c we are on a more strict budget, I don't want a $400 hold for over a week after we get back. Well, who does? lol :D

Yes, If you could come up with an additional $100 cash, and then just put up the $200 per person deposit, you would be better off.

Pay close attention (daily) to your account balances. They (Carnival) sometimes make mistakes like all of us and put charges to the wrong accounts. Also when your balance gets low (don't know what that magic number is) they will page you to the pursers desk and request more funds be deposited. If you have none available, they will close your account.

If you still have funds available on the last night, go down to the pursers desk and ask to close out your account. They will provide you with either a check or with cash of your remaining balance.

Instead of the final charges going to the credit card on file, can I pay off our balance in cash instead? I don't really want to do put down a $200.00 cash deposit per person. We are light drinkers and we plan to book our excursions through private companies. With gratuties, I anticipate that we will most likely spend maybe $250 between the both of us. And since we are Canadian, I can get cash at a better exchange rate then using our credit card.

I'm also wondering about this. We'll use a credit card linked to our S&S card, but also bring cash for souvenirs and other stuff we'll buy when on an island. If we have cash left at the end of the cruise, can we use it to pay part of our S&S account? Since we also are Canadians, we would prefer spending all our US money while on the cruise, not bring some back, although we could use it on another trip. :rolleyes:

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11 replies to this topic

I would think that you will still have to pay the high charges that come with using the maritime network while at sea. Won't the ships internet be sufficient?

You could shop around for travel sims that give you better prices than your home provider while roaming at sea but I am unaware of any sim or esim that specializes in maritime.

There is an app you should look at and read reviews of on the internet. It is called airalo

Is there a reason you can't)don't want to use the services from the cell provider you're already with? Do they not cover usage in the US? At sea, I'd stick to the onboard internet WiFi access if you really need to access internet or make internet calls (WhatsApp or FB messenger or such)..

Hi Yarramar,

Yashvardhan Singh posted a video for Sim4Crew

HOW I GET HIGH SPEED INTERNET ON SHIP! SECRET REVEALED

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6miVXNU-u0&ab_channel=YashvardhanSingh

Does anyone use it before?

Correct me if I am wrong but there is no sim card or app that allows you to connect to the ship's system and bypass the ship's exorbitant rate.

The provider of the actual internet/cellular service, while at sea, is found 22,000 miles up in the sky. The ship connects to the satellite and resell that connection to you- at a profit.

Anson, saw the video. The title is quite misleading. When I read it on your post, I thought that it meant getting high speed internet WHILE ON the ship. Intrigued, I went to the Youtube video and all the poster is doing is promoting a sim card that has a yearly validity. BUT you have to use it at port or on land. It is not and never meant to connect to the ship's system.

The only advantage, if you ask me, is that the sim is valid for a long time ( per the video- 365 days) and for technologically challenged users, easy to activate (as it is already pre activated). But mind you, the rates are NOT cheap.

For pay as you go rates, I plugged in " I am in the USA and want to call the USA. " Voice per minute is $ 0.80 SMS is $0.20. And data is $0.10/ megabyte.

Sim4crew is really, in my opinion, no different from other multi-country sim cards.

Between Airalo and Sim4crew, I would choose Airalo.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Joe - the OP specifically asks about an eSim to use aboard

"does anyone know which esim card we can use ON BOARD?"

There are global SIM, and various cell providers like Google Fi who work in over 200+ countries without anything additional. Quick search of the internet brings up various options.

Personally, I'm a Google Fi fan and user, as I don't have to find SIMs, check coverage, etc. Of course, aboard is a different story. Connect to Cellular at Sea, regardless of provider, and pay the price..

My son just told me about Maois global but we need an unlocked device. My ATT charges me $10 a day and $5 roaming. That would’ve cost us $450 compared to $45 visiting Italy for 30 days. Hope that helps. My son told me that the company is smaller so traffic is better but I’m not sure.

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U.S. Passport Card Vs. Book

It's a big decision: Should you get a passport card or passport book when preparing for a cruise? Your decision will likely come down to factors like passport cost, how frequently you travel, if international flights are involved and where you plan to sail. To make sure you don’t run into any headaches on your next cruise, we’re breaking down the difference between a passport book and card.

What Is a Passport Card?

The purpose of a U.S. passport card is to allow U.S. citizens to travel by land or sea to Mexico, Canada, over a dozen Caribbean Island nations and Bermuda. Think of them as a passport lite. Passport cards do not allow you to travel by air to any foreign destination, and cannot be used to enter a majority of the world’s countries. They are more conveniently sized than a passport book -- about the size of a driver's license, which makes them easy to fit into your wallet and carry with you. Passport cards have been issued by the U.S. Department of State since 2008.

Related: How to Solve the Most Common Pre-Cruise Problems

What's the Difference Between a Passport Book and Card?

The most important difference between U.S. passport books and passport cards is that passport cards are not valid for international air travel; they're only acceptable for land and sea border crossings between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. You cannot use a passport card on cruises from international homeports. (These rules do not apply to cruises roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the island is a U.S. territory; a government-issued photo ID and copy of your birth certificate would suffice.)

Even on a closed-loop sailing out of the U.S. , if you're forced to disembark unexpectedly, need to fly home from a foreign port and only have a U.S. passport card, you can expect delays getting home. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel -- by air, sea or land.

In addition to offering different levels of travel flexibility, price is also a major difference between a U.S. passport book and passport card.

How Much Does a Passport Cost? What Does the Passport Card Cost?

New U.S. passport books cost $165 for adults and $145 for minors, while passport cards are only $65 for adults and $50 for minors in 2022. In other words, new passport cards cost less than half of a new passport book. When it comes time to renew, cards cost $30 as opposed to $130 for passport books. Always check with the U.S. Department of State for the most recent passport book and card costs.

Related: Do Kids Need a Passport to Cruise?

Are There Similarities Between a Passport Card and Book?

While international travel flexibility and cost are both important differences between a passport book and card, there are similarities. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Either type of passport can be used on closed-loop sailings that call at foreign ports but depart and return to the U.S. Without either document, you’d need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identification (such as a driver's license).

Both passport cards and books are also acceptable on shore excursions -- such as day trips to Anguilla from St. Maarten -- that require you to show ID because you will be crossing a land or sea border into a foreign country.

Tip: During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin's safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency.

Do I Need to Get a Passport Book and Card?

You don't need to get both a passport card and book. In fact, doing so would mean spending more money than is necessary. A U.S. passport book provides all of the benefits as a passport card, but also works as identification to enter nearly every other country on Earth (not just those in North America and the Caribbean).

If you only have a U.S. passport card and plan on visiting countries outside of North American and the Caribbean , you'll have to purchase a passport book. In that case, you'll wind up having both (and spending more cash).

Related: What to Pack for a Cruise: A Beginner's Guide

U.S. Passport Card Vs. Book: Which Is Right For You?

For travelers on tight budgets, who cruise roundtrip from the U.S. and don't plan to leave the country by air, it can be cost efficient and convenient to carry a U.S. passport card. A passport card also could be useful for Alaska cruises, as long as all border crossings into Canada are done by land or sea.

But if you have the money to spare or anticipate traveling more frequently (and internationally), a passport book is always the best choice. In addition to being mandatory for air travel, it can offer peace of mind for emergencies. You never know when you might need to get off the ship because of an injury or illness, and arranging an unexpected flight home is much easier with a passport in hand.

Watch CBS News

How to make solar eclipse glasses, cereal box viewers and pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 show safely

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 12:08 PM EDT / CBS News

If you can't get your hands on a pair of solar eclipse glasses, experts say there are still ways to enjoy the event safely.

There are also unsafe alternatives, including wearing your normal sunglasses — or even stacking two or three.

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

So what can you use? Here's what doctors suggest:

How to make your own eclipse-safe glasses at home

If you don't have the traditional solar eclipse glasses, Brinton said you can also look through No. 14 welder's glasses (for people who may have access) or aluminized mylar plastic sheets.

Just like with traditional solar eclipse glasses, Brinton said it's important to make sure the material you're viewing through is fully intact.

"Make sure that there are no scratches or damage," he said.

How make a pinhole projector for safe eclipse viewing

No glasses? Indirect viewing is another way to enjoy the eclipse without damaging your eyes.

Brinton said there are several ways to indirectly view the event, including a homemade pinhole projector. Here's how to make one:

Put a small pinhole into a piece of paper
Face away from the sun, holding the paper out so the sunlight hits it
Watch the pinhole projection of the sun on the ground (or on a second piece of paper you hold underneath), seeing it go from a complete circle gradually disappearing

"If you're in the path of totality, of course it completely disappears." Brinton said. "That's an indirect way of viewing it that is appropriate."

How to make an eclipse viewer from a cereal box

If you want to make your indirect viewing tool a bit more elaborate, you can make an eclipse viewer with a few more materials around the house. Here's how:

Find a small box (popular options are cereal and shoe boxes)
Cut two openings at the bottom of the box
Using tape, cover one of the openings with a piece of paper or aluminum foil punctured with a small pinhole
Face away from the sun, allowing the light to hit the pinhole
Looking through the remaining opening to the inside of the box, watch as the sun projection goes from a complete circle to an eclipse

Need a visual? CBS Pittsburgh meteoroligist Ray Petelin demonstrated an easy step-by-step on how to make a cereal box pinhole viewer, which you can watch below.

Doctors share how to make sure your eclipse viewers are safe

"Theoretically, since you are not looking directly to the sun during the eclipse or partial eclipse, (eclipse viewers) should be safe," said Dr. Yehia Hashad, an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb. "However, having said that, it's implementation that sometimes makes us worry."

Are your eclipse glasses safe? Here's how to know if they'll really protect your eyes during the total solar eclipse .

Why? Sometimes people have a small peek at the sun in order to adjust the box or pinhole in the right direction, he said. This can be especially common with children, who may not understand the consequences of looking at the eclipse.

"This is what makes us sometimes conservative about this method," said Hashad. "We always worry, unless you are supervising the implementation of this, especially with children since they are very vulnerable to these types of situations."

Why do you need a special viewer for the total solar eclipse?

Eye protection during the eclipse is important to prevent eye damage.

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damaged but damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. "As an ophthalmologist, I have seen patients who have so-called eclipse or solar retinopathy."

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes.

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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Forgot to get solar eclipse glasses? Here's how to DIY a viewer with household items

By now, everyone has heard that the rare 2024 total solar eclipse is coming – and it's got people excited.

While cities brace for traffic, schools brace for absences and space enthusiasts are planning parties, the glasses that enable safe viewing of the eclipse have become something of a hot commodity.

Peeking directly at the eclipse before it reaches totality without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage, experts have warned, making glasses a necessity for safe viewing. But, as the day approaches, they may become harder to find .

Luckily, people who didn't manage to get their hands on glasses are not completely down and out. There are other safe ways to view the eclipse, say experts, and a lot of them only require a little bit of craftiness and items you can find lying around the house.

Here are a few DIY eclipse viewers you can make at home.

As a reminder, none of these options allow you to look directly at the eclipse: you need special eclipse glasses for that.

Solar eclipse guide: When is the 2024 total solar eclipse? Your guide to glasses, forecast, where to watch.

NASA's DIY cereal box viewer

This NASA project uses components you almost certainly already have at home. Using a cereal box, cardboard, foil, paper, scissors and tape or glue, you can put together this projection eclipse viewer.

As always, NASA advises not to look directly into the sun using this tool.

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer:

Get an empty, clean cereal box.
Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

How to use the DIY viewer :

The finished box should be held with the pin-hole side facing the sun. It may take a little practice pointing the box.
With your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun, about ½ cm in diameter can be seen projected on the white paper inside the box.

Watch the demo here:

The Planetary Society DIY paper viewer

While the Planetary Society also offers instructions for box or projector viewers that are more "fancy," as they put it, it doesn't get easier than their simple pinhole paper projector.

To make it, you only need two index cards (3-by-5 or A6 or A7 size) or small paper plates for each person and basic pushpins. Simply use the pushpin to punch a small hole close to the middle of one of the cards and you're done.

Another super easy version that requires no crafting? A kitchen colander. An ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse in the same way as other projector viewers; the colander's circular holes project crescent images of the sun onto the ground.

To make the "fancier" version, you'll need 2 index cards (larger, 5-by-7 or A5 cards work better for this) or small paper plates for each person, a pencil, pushpins and a towel, sweatshirt, blanket, flattened corrugated cardboard box, carpet, or other soft substrate to place underneath card during pin pushing.

To make the fancier version:

Draw a simple design on a card. The lines should not be too close together
Place the card on top of something soft (blanket, towel, etc)
Using the push pin, make small holes along your design lines. Not too close together – about 5 millimeters (1/4 inch) apart.

To use it, you'll again want to avoid looking directly at the sun:

Go to your eclipse observing spot and make sure you can see the shadow of your head and shoulders clearly.
Hold up the card with the hole on top of your shoulder so that you can see the shadow of the card above the shadow of your shoulder.
Now hold up the other card and make sure you can see its shadow, too.
Move the second card and watch how its shadow moves. Keeping the card in front of you, move its shadow until the second card's shadow overlaps the first card's shadow.
Now look at the second card. You should see a dot on the card for every hole you punched. Those dots are actually images of the sun.

Cardboard or paper tube eclipse viewer

Sticking with the theme of using items you can easily find around the house, tube viewers can be made using cardboard tubes from household items like paper towels or toilet paper rolls. You can also use thick cardstock rolled up and taped to make your own tube.

To make one, you'll need a cardboard tube, white paper, aluminum foil, tape and a pushpin or something else sharp to poke a small hole. According to "Let's Talk Science," you can put this viewer together with these steps :

Trace the opening of the tube on a piece of white paper. Draw a slightly bigger circle around it. Cut around the bigger circle. Cut small slits to the inner circle.
Cut an opening near one end of the tube to make a viewing window.
Tape the paper circle to the end of the tube near the viewing window.
Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is a bit larger than the opening of the tube.
Poke a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil.
Tape the aluminum foil over the other opening of the tube.

How to use the viewer:

With your back to the sun, hold the tube parallel to the path of the sun. Look through the viewing hole. Move the viewer until a small white circle appears on the paper.

See an example below:

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USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

WASHINGTON — Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to get work-authorized individuals into the workforce, supporting the economies where they live.

“Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals. However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.”

This TFR aligns with an ongoing effort at USCIS to support employment authorized individuals’ access to work. USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

Reducing by half EAD processing times of individuals with pending green card applications from FY2021 to date,
Processing a record number of EAD applications in the past year, outpacing prior years,
Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals who were not accessing the process and provide on-the-ground intake support of applications,
Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median,
Extending EAD validity period for certain categories from 2 years to 5 years,
Streamlining the process for refugee EADs, and
Expanding online filing for EADs to asylum applications and parolees.

This temporary measure will apply to eligible applicants who timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The temporary final rule will also apply to eligible EAD renewal applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants – would be in danger of experiencing a lapse in their employment authorization, and approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted as a result of such a lapse. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend the length of parole.

Since May 12, 2023 to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011.

As part of this temporary final rule, USCIS is soliciting feedback from the public that would inform potential future regulatory action. For more information, visit our Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

For more information about USCIS, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Don't have eclipse glasses? Here's how to safely view the 2024 solar eclipse.

ASHEVILLE – Looking for eclipse glasses last-minute? From tree leaves to cereal boxes, here's a list of last-minute alternatives to protect your eyes.

For any readers who didn’t know, North Carolina won’t see a total solar eclipse today . While we aren’t in the path of totality, Asheville's maximum coverage at the time of the eclipse's peak will be 84.6%. The celestial event begins at 1:51 p.m., peaks at 3:09 p.m. and ends at 4:24 p.m. for a total time of two hours and 33 minutes.

Eye protection is crucial to a safe eclipse viewing experience, and regular sunglasses won't cut it. Special eclipse glasses are actually 100,000 times darker than the darkest pair of sunglasses – with just a few hours until the celestial event, here's a list of last-minute methods to protect your eyes if you didn't manage to hunt down officially-approved glasses.

Tree leaf projector

Spring has sprung in Asheville just in time for the 2024 solar eclipse. One of the simplest safe ways to observe the eclipse without officially-approved glasses is to stand under a tree and look to the ground. Sunlight will project mini eclipses onto the earth as light passes through gaps in the leaves.

This method allows you to track the eclipse from start to finish, and enjoy the natural beauty of the season while you're at it.

Colander projector

Another simple viewing method with similar results involves your kitchen colander . Allow sunlight to pass through the small holes in your colander to create tiny eclipses on the ground or a surface of your choice.

Make your own pinhole projector

With a pinhole projector, sunlight travels through the pinhole to create a small image of the sun. With this method, you can safely view the eclipse as a projection, no glasses needed.

To create a pinhole projector you'll need a piece of cardboard, something to cut it with, foil and tape. Cut an inch square in the middle of your cardboard, tape foil over the square and poke a small hole in the foil. Then simply angle the cardboard so the light travels through the hole and onto another piece of cardboard (or whatever surface you can find to get a clear image) to create a projection of the sun.

Find a few examples below of how to turn household objects into simple pinhole projectors.

Turn a cardboard box into a pinhole eclipse projector

This pinhole projector can be worn like a helmet. That means the first step is hunting down a cardboard box you can comfortably place over your head. Cut a square hole on one end of the box and tape the foil over it. Poke a small hole in the foil. On the opposite side, tape a piece of paper inside the box.

When you're ready, turn your back to the sun and place the box over your head. Angle the box so the light streams through the hole and projects onto the paper to view your pinhole projection of the eclipse.

Convert a cereal box into an eclipse viewer

This cereal box pinhole projector comes straight from NASA as a suggestion on how to view the eclipse. The materials you'll need are similar to those used in the other pinhole projectors listed here, except for the addition of an empty cereal box.

After ensuring you've removed the inner bag that contained the cereal, place a piece of white paper or cardboard at the bottom of the box. Cut both ends of the top, leaving just the center flaps. Tape the center to keep it closed. Cover one of the openings with foil and poke a small hole into the foil, leaving the other side open.

Once you've prepared your cereal box, turn away from the sun and angle the box so sunlight enters through the hole. Look into the box from the opening to view your projected image of the sun at the bottom of the box.

Shoebox eclipse projectors

One more pinhole projection method similar to the cereal box method uses a shoe box.

Follow roughly the same steps to create this pinhole projector. Cut a small hole on one end of the shoebox and tape foil over it, poke a small hole in the foil and tape a small piece of paper inside the shoebox on the other end.

You can cut a hole to look into either on the foil side or on the long side of the shoebox near the paper for a closer view. When you've finished these steps, close the shoebox and angle it so the sunlight passes through the pinhole, down the length of the shoebox and onto the paper. Take a look inside to see your projection of the eclipse.

How to use your hands to view the eclipse

Believe it or not, you can use your own two hands to create a pinhole projection similar to the ones created by the cardboard creations above.

Take both hands and overlap your fingers with one hand vertical and the other horizontal. Your fingers should cross over each other and form square gaps.

Angle your clasped hands so the sunlight hits them. Sunlight will pass through the gaps like pinholes, projecting mini eclipses onto the ground, or whatever surface you choose.

Can I still purchase eclipse glasses?

Many eclipse-watching events in WNC including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala Outdoor Center provide eclipse glasses to viewers: See previous reporting from the Citizen Times to check for last-minute availability.

As for stores in the area that carry eclipse glasses, many Walmart, Target and Lowe's locations advertise appropriate eyewear for around $2-$5. Just make sure the glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard, as stressed by the American Astronomical Society . And with only a few hours to go until the anticipated celestial event, you may want to check stock of individual stores before making the drive.

What not to do

Without proper eye protection, viewing an eclipse can seriously damage your vision. Remember: Eclipse glasses are roughly 100,000 times darker than the darkest pair of sunglasses. Scientists warn that severe damage can occur in minutes or seconds, and generally occurs without noticeable pain to warn you of the harm. This is especially true for children, who have underdeveloped lenses.

Here are a few final suggestions on how to make your viewing experience as safe as possible:

The only safe way to look directly at the sun is through glasses designed to do so.
If you're using eclipse glasses, make sure they are the correct ISO. Look for an ISO marking inside the glasses of ISO 12312-2. More information is available at science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety and eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/how-to-tell-if-viewers-are-safe .
Look down to put on the glasses before looking up at the eclipse. Look away before taking them off. Remind children to do that as well.
Consider practicing correct usage of eclipse glasses with your children during a pre-eclipse test run.

More: Will it be cloudy or clear for the eclipse in Asheville area? Will we be able to see it?

More: Protect little eyes during the eclipse

Iris Seaton is a trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

How to make a handmade solar eclipse view box if you can't find glasses

Homemade pinhole eclipse viewers an alternative to fancy glasses for viewing solar eclipse on april 8. only a sliver of michigan will be in the path of totality, when moon completely covers the sun..

Eclipses, like the total solar eclipse coming up today , are some of the sky's most spectacular shows. And there are multiple ways to view them safely.

It could be too late to find solar eclipse glasses at the last minute, though there are a few places you could try, such as retail stores and local libraries . But in the event that you don't have eclipse glasses, we have another idea for you: Your own eclipse viewer.

It takes a little creativity and a handful to household supplies to make your own pinhole box or pinhole projector, also known as a pinhole camera. Here's what to know about building your own eclipse viewer.

How to build your own eclipse viewer

One method simply involves two sheets of sturdy white paper, a cereal box and another sheet of paper. The other supplies you need: tape and aluminum foil, scissors, and a pin or thumbtack.

Here's how to make a pinhole viewer with a cereal box:

Trace a piece of white paper along the bottom of the box, making sure it will fit the bottom of the box, and tape or glue it into place it inside the box.
Seal the top of the box, then cut rectangular holes on the right and left sides of the top of the box.
Cut a piece of aluminum foil to cover the top left hole and tape in place. Make sure the foil is flat and not crinkled.
Poke a pinhole in the center of the foil.
During the eclipse, stand with the sun behind you, and look into the right hole at the top of the box and watch a projection of the eclipsed sun on the paper inside.

Here's another do-it-yourself option:

Cut a 1- to 2-inch rectangular hole in a white sheet of cardstock — paper that is sturdier than regular paper and thinner than cardboard (the kind used for business cards and postcards). A paper plate will do as well. Place a smooth piece of aluminum foil over the hole.
Flip the paper over, and use a pin or thumbtack to poke a small hole in the foil.
During the eclipse, place a second piece of cardstock, or paper plate, on the ground, and hold the piece with the aluminum foil above the paper, making sure the foil is facing up. Stand with the sun behind you and view the projected image on the cardstock. The farther apart the sheets of cardstock are from each other, the bigger the projected image will be.
You can also try putting the bottom piece of cardstock in a shadowed area, while holding the other piece in the sunlight.

Other ideas: Poke several holes in the foil to make shapes, patterns or other designs. Use various household items that have multiple small holes, such as a colander or steamer, and view the patterns they create, but make sure your back is to the sun.

And don't forget to grab a helper to take photos of your designs.

These projectors are known as pinhole cameras because the small hole you made acts like a tiny camera lens. Light from the sun enters the pinhole (or colander), gets focused and then projected to the other side of the hole. When the projected light reaches the surface, like the second sheet of cardstock, you can see the image that passed through the pinhole.

More: What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide.

Don't forget: it's not safe to look directly at the sun during the eclipse , and sunglasses don't provide protection. If you're using special glasses, make sure they meet the ISO standard 12312-2. NASA does not endorse specific eyewear for viewing the eclipse.

Source: NASA

Contact Jennifer Dixon: [email protected] .

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The carnival® world mastercard® EARN 25,000 FUNPOINTS – WORTH $250 TOWARD YOUR NEXT CRUISE PURCHASE 1 --> Earn 25,000 FunPoints® after spending $500 in the first 90 days, redeem for $250 toward your next cruise purchase 2

Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED!)

Carnival Cruise Card Color Basics

Understanding Different Colors

Card Color Tiers

Blue Tier – First-Time Cruisers

Red Tier – Second Cruise and Beyond

Gold Tier – 25 to 74 Days At Sea

Platinum Tier – 75 to 199 Days At Sea

Diamond Tier – 200 Days or More At Sea

Carnival Cruise Card Privileges

Exclusive Offers and Perks

Discounts and Priority Services

Onboard Benefits and Amenities

Do I Earn Points For Booked Cruises?

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

Do I Get Special Fares For Being A Member?

What Kind Of Cruise Deals Will I Receive With The VIFP Program?

What If I Have A Past Cruise Without Points?

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You’re our first priority. Every time.

5 Things to Know About the Celebrity Cruises Credit Card

1. There are two versions of the card

2. Rewards are capped and expire

3. Rewards redemption is largely restricted to future cruises

4. The sign-up bonus is good

5. There’s no break from interest

Find the right credit card for you.

Cruise onboard credit: What it is, where to get it and how best to use it

What is onboard credit?

How do you get onboard credit?

Booking bonuses

Price drops

Credit cards

When things go wrong on board

Stockholder onboard credit offers

What's the best way to use onboard credit?

Drinks and beverage packages

Spa and salon treatments

Specialty restaurant meals and dining packages

Shore excursions and activities

Shopping and souvenirs

Necessities and practicalities

Casino play

Bottom line

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How Do You Pay on a Cruise – Onboard Purchases Explained

How Do You Pay on a Cruise?

When Do You Pay on a Cruise?

Monthly Payment Plan

Pre Cruise Online Purchases

Setting Up Your Payment Method for Onboard Purchases

Do You Need Cash on a Cruise?

How Much Cash Should You Bring on a Cruise?

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner