Below we’ll walk through how cruise lines handle onboard purchases, why debit cards can sometimes cause problems, and the best ways to pay while you’re cruising. We’ll also share helpful tips to keep your money safe and your trip smooth.
How Cruise Lines Handle Onboard Purchases
Nearly all cruise lines use a cashless system on board. That means you won’t pay with a physical card or cash for most purchases during the cruise. Instead, you’ll receive a cruise card or use a mobile app that connects to your onboard account. Every drink, gift shop item, or activity gets charged to that account.
To open your account, you must link a form of payment—usually a credit card or debit card. At the end of the cruise, the cruise line charges the total balance to your card. But there’s one important detail travelers often miss: Most cruise lines place temporary holds on your card throughout the trip.
These holds help make sure you can pay your final bill. They function like hotel or rental car holds, but they typically happen daily, and the amounts can add up quickly, sometimes as much as $100 per day, depending on the cruise line.
Why Debit Cards Can Cause Problems
When you use a debit card for your cruise account, the temporary holds placed by the cruise line pull directly from your checking account, reducing your available balance. These held funds remain inaccessible until the hold is released, which may not happen until several days after you return home. Additionally, many banks may automatically flag overseas transactions as suspicious if you haven’t told them ahead of time that you’ll be traveling.
This can create issues such as:
- Not having enough available funds for other vacation expenses
- Declined transactions even when your bank balance is high
- Stress and confusion as you attempt to distinguish between real charges and temporary holds
The Best Payment Options for a Cruise
Below are four smart payment methods that can help you avoid problems and enjoy your trip with peace of mind:
1. Credit Card: A credit card is often the best way to pay on a cruise. Temporary holds impact your credit limit rather than your checking account, so your actual cash stays available. However, you’ll still want to manage your balance carefully. Some cards may charge foreign transaction fees, so it’s smart to check before you sail. Credit cards also typically provide strong fraud protections, and many offer rewards as well.
2. Prepaid Travel Card: A prepaid travel card can be helpful if you want to stick to a set budget and avoid overdrawing your checking account. Since the card is preloaded, it limits how much you can spend (or lose if the card is lost). However, daily holds can still tie up part of your balance, and some prepaid cards come with reload fees or service charges. For this reason, it’s best to load more money than you think you’ll need to avoid declined payments mid cruise. It’s important to note that some cruise lines don’t allow you to use a prepaid card for your cruise account, so be sure to check your cruise line’s policy before departure.
3. Cash: Cruise ships may be cashless, but ports are not. Having cash on hand helps with small purchases, tipping, transportation, food vendors, and markets—especially in areas with limited card acceptance. Cash is widely accepted and makes it easier to stay on budget, but remember that it must be kept secure and cannot be replaced if lost. Carrying only the amount needed for the day—and keeping it in a secure spot—is the safest approach. Be sure you know which currency is used at the ports you’ll be visiting, and order any necessary foreign currency ahead of your trip.
4. Cruise Account: Your “cruise card” or onboard digital account is often the main method for purchases on the ship. It keeps everything cashless and organized, and you can usually check your balance through the ship’s app to stay on top of your spending. The system is simple to use, but it can make overspending easy if you’re not monitoring your charges. As mentioned previously, your onboard account must be backed by a credit or debit card, and using a debit card could lead to issues with authorization holds.
Tips for Managing Money Safely on a Cruise
Here are a few simple ways to keep your spending predictable and secure:
- Use a credit card for your cruise account to avoid debit holds
- Check your cruise account balance daily
- Set a spending limit before your trip
- Carry small amounts of cash for ports and order foreign currency before your trip
- Store cards and cash securely in a room safe when not in use
- Call your bank before traveling so your purchases aren't flagged as fraud
Enjoy Your Cruise with Stress Free Spending
A cruise should be relaxing, not stressful—especially when it comes to your money. By understanding how onboard payments work, choosing the right cards, and planning ahead for ports, you can avoid payment issues and enjoy your vacation with confidence. If you’re getting ready for an upcoming cruise, BankFive is here to help. We offer credit card options that can support your travel plans, along with foreign currency services to prepare you for international ports. Stop by one of our branches in MA or RI or visit us online to make sure your finances are smooth sailing before you leave.