Cruise Prep 101 - "Sail and Sign"

"Sail and Sign" Card - Key To Your Cruise

Over the years "Sail and Sign" cards have evolved from essentially a piece of paper with your information on it used in lieu of cash while aboard ship to the ones in use today that perform a variety of functions.

About Your "Sail and Sign" Card

This is the link directly to the official Carnival Cruise Line website: Carnival "Sail and Sign" Account Set-up FAQ.  This is good stuff and important information - take time to read it thoroughly!

Pre-authorized Holds Based on Charges to "Sail and Sign" Account

At Embarkation, the Carnival representative at check-in will "swipe" your credit/debit card and obtain an authorization from your credit/debit card issuing bank, credit union, or other financial entity.  At the same time a pre-authorized amount will be charged to your credit/debit card according to the length of your cruise (see FAQ for amounts).  As noted in the FAQ referenced above, the amount of the hold on your account reduces the amount available for purchases
You may also want to read what one guest; who didn't read about how "Sail and Sign" expense accounts are handled, failed to understand that it was her bank, not Carnival that delayed release of "pre-authorized holds" on her credit card Disgruntled Guest Regarding "Sail and Sign".
Each Carnival guest is provided a "Sail and Sign" card on Embarkation Day prior to boarding.  This card has a number of functions; some obvious, some not so obvious:

• Obvious

1. Cabin key (don't leave "home" without it)
2. Charging on-board expenses
3. Gratuities (unless prepaid at time of booking)
4. Shipboard medical services (if needed)
5. Donation to "Groove for St. Jude" (recommended)
6. Gaming in the casino and/or video arcade
7. Internet/Wi-Fi service
8. Charging on-board purchases
9. Bar service
10. Shore excursions
11. Gift shops/art auction
12. Specialty restaurants/Chef's Table
13. Spa/Salon/other "fee" venues

• Not So Obvious

1. Security
2. Accounting for guests movement on and off the ship
3. Assisting in preparing passenger manifest for presentation to authorities on departures and arrivals from various ports along the ship's itinerary
4. Identification (Proof of Age)
5. "Sail and Sign" cards are attached to a database with information related to each card including an image of the holder of the card.  This assists in preventing sale of alcoholic beverages to passengers under 21; or, playing in the casino if under 18.
6. Preventing Fraudulent Use

• Whenever a "Sail and Sign" card is presented to a Carnival employee, it is swiped through either a Security kiosk; a terminal at Guest Services; or, at a "point of sale" terminal for purchases.  An image of the holder appears on the screen confirming that the person presenting the card is the authorized user of that card.

Setting Up Your "Sail and Sign" Account

Be sure to read "Sail and Sign" Cards - Authorizing Charges to Account before setting up your account on-line.
On-line:  Nowadays most guests complete the check-in process on-line; it is fast, easy, and speeds up the physical check-in process on Embarkation Day.
When completing check-in on-line you will be setting up your "Sail and Sail" account at the same time.  Setting up the "Sail and Sign" account is a two-part process:  1) Check-in and providing information for on-board expenses; and 2) authorizing individuals charging privileges.IMPORTANT:  Setting up accounts for yourself and all others in your booking is required; authorizing charging privileges is a separate process within "Sail and Sail" set-up and should be carefully managed to avoid surprises later.

Authorizing Individuals Charging Privileges

Each guest in your booking must have an individual account (including minors); not every guest in the booking needs to be given charging privileges.
Additionally, you, as Account Owner, may authorize guests occupying up to two additional staterooms the privilege of charging expenses and purchases to your account.

Account Owner is responsible for all charges made to "Sail and Sign" card.

Before boarding your Carnival cruise ship, you and every member of your family or party are issued "Sail and Sign" cards.  With it in hand, there is no use for cash anywhere aboard ship during your cruise vacation except for extra tipping or play in the casino (see Cruise 101 - Gaming for more information).