When I set up my set sail pass, I hear they put a hold on your card...how much is this for and does this mean if I have 700 in the bank and they put a 300 hold, I will only have 400 to spend? 

they do not do anything "with" your card until you board.  Holds are placed periodically..they generally start at about 200......when you get close to that they just increase it in 100 or so amounts.  The hold gets inconvenient after you are off the ship.  I once got stuck at an airport, and they put me up in a hotel.....even though the airline was footing the bill, the hotel wanted a card as a guarantee.....I only use prepaid cards, and I know I had almost 200 left on it after the cruise, but it would not let the hotel run it as a deposit for 50.  This info is for pre paid though....and others types may be different

hanna - For a 5-8Day Cruise, when you check-in at Cruise Terminal they will put a $200 per person hold on credit card. As your balance decreases, they'll put additional holds.  If you did not pre-pay Gratuities $10 per day per person and if you charge your excursions while on the ship, both can deplete your balance quickly!  You might be better off pre-pay your gratuities via TA/PVP on your credit card now, and book your excursions on-line which will go on your credit card now.  ken

I pre-paid everything that needs to be paid for (cruise, excursions,gratuities, drink coupons,etc.) I am only using cash on my S&S account.  I was told by the PVP that booked our cruise that $100.00 per person was good to put down on the S&S card.  We won't need much more than that because we aren't doing the spas and probably not buy but a couple pics. I plan on taking my own wine in my carry - on bag and also taking a case of cokes for the room.  I want to have a good time without spending so much money.  I've already spent enough paying for the trip & all of the above stuff I mentioned.  Yes, I might have a few drinks ,maybe a beer or two but not so many that I'll be spending more than what I put down on the S&S card.   I know their goal is for us to spend as much as possible, but some of us on on budgets and can't afford to do that.  I don't have to do spas, drink till I pass out to have fun!  Actually I hate the way I feel the next morning if I drink too much - I do want to remember our trip! 

Barb

If you use a debit card be careful for the charges that are taken off even before you leave Port Canaveral.  All of our gratituites and several other charges were taken off off my account before we left port and the very rude employees at the information desk said that couldn't have happened and they still added these charges to the ending balance. I guess the

best way is to pay wih cash for a sail and sign card. that way they can't cheat you.

So it is ok to take a case of coke in our luggage?

 bahama mama, as long as it can fit in a 12x12x12 cooler you will be fine.