Adventure of the Seas Cruise Reviews - Q&A

Royal Caribbean puts an initial hold of $ 100, then adds additional increments if $ 100, when you exceed the current hold amount. From the Royal Caribbean website: “Just like some land-based hotels, guests can expect to see an initial $100 pending charge or authorization on their credit card. This pending amount is used to secure funds for anticipated onboard purchases. Purchases made onboard over the initial $100 will generate additional holds. While the holds aren’t charges, they do reduce your available credit. Most holds are released by the time your cruise ends and final charges are settled; however, some may take up to 30 days. Royal Caribbean International® doesn’t control how long the holds remain, your bank or financial institution determines the duration of these holds. If you register a card and change to another card or cash during your sailing, you may still see holds on the original card.”

Answered by CruzeFan on July 08, 2022

I'm not aware of any hold they put on a card. They record the card number and it becomes part of your onboard account portfolio. The balance is charged to the card at the end of the cruise, unless cash or another payment is preferred and used on the last cruise day.

Answered by VAcruisenut on July 08, 2022

No hold. They want one in case you charge stuff onboard. If your bill is $0 then it won’t get charged at the end

Answered by Bertfish on July 08, 2022

Not sure of your cruise line; but if Royal Caribbean, they put holds on your card throughout the week depending on your spending. NEVER EVER EVER use a debit card.

Answered by TXatsea on July 08, 2022

Be aware that if you use a debit card( just like with hotels) the amount of hold will show that those funds are taken out of your account. When the hold is released, it depends on your bank, when you will have access to those funds again. With a credit card, it is usually just a pending charge, that eventually just disappears.

Answered by edgator on July 09, 2022

Secured credit cards and debit cards will all have the same hold placed on the card on your embarkation date, regardless if you actual have any charges to your cabin. If you change or add cards at the terminal or anytime while on board the old hold will remain on the first card then also be charged to any new card presented. Best bet to limit holds is to switch to a cash based account while doing physical check-in.

Answered by maryred on July 11, 2022

Never use a debit card, if you don't have a card that can handle the delayed release of holds and the charge, then I suggest using a cash account on board ship. It really is the best way to solve this problem.

Answered by Ricdalek on July 12, 2022