If you use cash for your account it can be less,   They will let you know when you are running low on funds and you will have to go and add more to the account.  If you have money left over they will refund it to you in a check or if you prefer just before you go to bed the last night you can go and cash out your account.

We used a credit card until a couple of years ago.We always had problems cause we used the card outside the US and they would put a hold on it. What a pain, use this to help you and use cash on your sail and sign

WILL197532:

We used a credit card until a couple of years ago.We always had problems cause we used the card outside the US and they would put a hold on it. What a pain, use this to help you and use cash on your sail and sign

There is a hold put on, whenever one uses "plastic" and the final total is initially not known.

This happens whenever you use "plastic" at restaurants (final tip is not known), gas pumps (you swipe your card before even pumping), hotels (they run it at check in), car rentals (they run it at pick up), etc.  And for each, the hold is for the maximum reasonable amount your final bill/total could possibly be.  The credit card company or bank is suppose to release the hold as soon as the final amount becomes known, but it seems some of them are kind of lax in following thru on this.

This isn't something odd or unusual that Carnival is doing.

It is just a recommended amount.  I find it easier to use cash and just put down what you think you will need.  If you don't drink and don't plan on buying much on the ship $100 per person should be enough and if you want to spend more you can always put more money on your account.  If you don't spend it all they will give you a check late on your last night that you can cash at the pursers desk or at your bank.  Hope this helps.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding. The hold was put on from the credit card company. I would have to call the company when i got to port and clear it for use. The best thing is if your going to use credit cards call ahead and let them know that you are going on vacation and you will use it.