Why did Carnival cruise charge me twice?

Why Did Carnival Cruise Charge Me Twice?

Getting a Carnival cruise statement showing duplicate charges can be confusing and unsettling. While it might seem like a billing error, the double (or multiple) charges often result from a crucial step in the booking process: pre-authorizations.

Carnival, like many cruise lines and online retailers, employs pre-authorizations to secure payment. This system temporarily blocks funds on your credit card to cover estimated expenses. This estimated amount might include not only the cruise fare but also anticipated charges for onboard purchases, gratuities, and any other pre-booked services. Crucially, these holds are temporary.

The pre-authorization process often shows up as multiple charges on your statement. Your card is blocked for the estimated total, and these holds are displayed as individual charges. These temporary holds can appear as multiple transactions, potentially misleading passengers into thinking they’ve been overcharged.

Importantly, these temporary charges are not final. They are simply a way to ensure Carnival has the funds available to cover your expected expenses. Once all onboard purchases and final charges are settled, the pre-authorization will release the actual final total, leaving a single, correct charge on your statement, reflecting the total amount you owe.

Don’t panic if you see multiple charges on your Carnival statement. Check your statement for details about pre-authorization holds. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact Carnival customer service. They can confirm the status of these pre-authorizations and explain the final settlement process. Crucially, this will help clarify any discrepancies and reassure you that the final amount is correct.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-authorizations: Temporary blocks of funds on your card to cover estimated expenses.
• Multiple charges: Pre-authorizations often appear as multiple charges on your statement.
• Temporary holds: These charges are not permanent and will resolve after final settlement.
• Final settlement: Once all onboard expenses are finalized, the pre-authorization will release the final cost.
• Contact customer service: If you have concerns, contact Carnival for clarification.