Why did Carnival charge me $100 before my cruise?

That $100 Pre-Cruise Charge from Carnival: What You Need to Know

Planning a Carnival cruise is exciting, but sometimes the financial details can be confusing. One common source of pre-cruise anxiety is the mysterious $100 (or $200 for longer cruises) pre-authorization hold that appears on your credit card or bank account. Don’t panic – this isn’t an extra charge; it’s a temporary hold designed to ensure your onboard account is ready for action.

Think of this $100 as a placeholder. Carnival needs to verify your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds before your voyage begins. This pre-authorization is a standard industry practice, not unique to Carnival, and serves a crucial function: it prevents issues arising from insufficient funds should you decide to indulge in onboard activities or purchases.

How the System Works:

The $100 hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge. It doesn’t actually deduct the money from your account. Instead, it places a hold on those funds, making them temporarily unavailable. This differs from a real charge, which permanently reduces your account balance.

As you enjoy your cruise, Carnival will add further temporary holds to your account as you incur expenses – purchases from the onboard shops, spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and even gratuities. These holds, along with the initial $100, will fluctuate throughout the cruise based on your spending.

What Happens After the Cruise?

Once your cruise concludes, Carnival will process your final onboard account statement. This statement will reflect all your actual expenses. Your bank will then release the initial pre-authorization hold, and any subsequent holds, adjusting your available balance accordingly. The final amount charged will accurately reflect your total onboard spending.

Why the Varying Amounts ($100 or $200)?

The difference in pre-authorization amounts ($100 vs. $200) is primarily based on the length of your cruise. Longer cruises naturally present more opportunities for onboard spending, hence the higher initial hold. This ensures sufficient funds are reserved to cover potential expenses.

What if I see a different amount?

While $100 or $200 is the standard, minor variations might occur depending on your specific booking and payment method. If you notice a significant discrepancy, it’s best to contact Carnival customer service directly for clarification. They can quickly access your account details and explain any unusual activity.

In short, the $100 (or $200) pre-authorization hold from Carnival is a precautionary measure designed to smooth the process of managing your onboard account. It’s temporary, and the final charge will accurately reflect your actual spending. Understanding this process will eliminate the surprise and allow you to enjoy your cruise without unnecessary financial anxieties.