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Planning a cruise involves more than choosing a ship and itinerary. You also need to know how you can pay for the cruise itself and how onboard purchases will be charged.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) accepts several payment options, but the methods available can differ between booking your cruise and paying for expenses onboard. NCL's current information says major credit cards can be used for onboard accounts, while cash can also be used with an advance deposit. Debit cards are accepted for onboard accounts, but NCL specifically warns about authorization holds and does not recommend them for this purpose.
This guide explains the main Norwegian Cruise Line payment methods, how onboard accounts work, what happens when you use a debit card, whether cash is accepted, and what travelers should know about currency and authorization holds.
Norwegian Cruise Line accepts different payment methods depending on what you are paying for.
For onboard expenses, NCL currently lists:
All onboard purchases are charged through your onboard account rather than being paid directly with cash or a card each time you make a purchase.
For cruise reservations, accepted card types can depend on the market and booking terms. NCL's U.S. terms state that payment is required at booking and provide a payment/deposit schedule, while NCL's UK terms specifically list American Express, Mastercard and Visa for booking payments.
Because payment rules can vary by country, booking channel, sailing and fare, it is important to check the payment terms shown for your particular reservation.
NCL lists several major credit card networks for onboard expenses.
These include:
Visa is accepted for establishing an onboard account. You can register the card during check-in and use the account for eligible purchases during the cruise.
Mastercard is also listed among the accepted cards for onboard expenses.
American Express is accepted for onboard account payments and is also specifically listed in some NCL booking terms.
Discover is included among the card options listed by NCL for onboard expenses.
JCB is another card network listed by NCL for onboard account payments.
Diners Club is also listed by NCL as an accepted onboard payment card.
Important: The card networks listed for onboard expenses should not automatically be assumed to apply to every booking or every country. Booking payment rules may be different from onboard payment rules.
Yes. NCL allows debit cards for onboard accounts, but the cruise line does not recommend using a debit card for this purpose.
The reason is authorization holds.
When a debit card is registered, NCL may place authorization holds based on onboard spending. These holds can temporarily reduce the money available in your bank account. NCL states that some debit-card holds can remain for up to 30 days after the cruise ends.
This can be important if you need access to your checking-account balance immediately after your cruise.
Suppose you have a limited balance in your bank account. A series of authorization holds could temporarily make some of that money unavailable.
That may affect:
NCL also states that it is not responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on debit-card accounts.
For this reason, travelers who have a suitable credit card may prefer using a credit card for their onboard account.
Yes. Cash can be used to settle an onboard account, but NCL operates a system in which onboard purchases are charged to your onboard account.
If you choose cash, you make an advance deposit against your expected onboard spending. NCL's current guidance gives suggested deposit amounts based on cruise length.
The suggested amounts are:
| Cruise length | Suggested cash deposit |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 nights | US$150 per person |
| 7 nights | US$300 per person |
| 8 nights or longer | US$450 per person |
NCL notes that these amounts are subject to change.
You can add more money to the account if necessary. However, if your spending reaches the amount deposited, further onboard charges may be restricted until additional funds are provided.
If you deposit more cash than you spend, NCL states that excess funds can be refunded at the end of the cruise, with refunds made on the day of disembarkation under its cash-account procedures.
NCL's published onboard payment information allows cash or traveler's checks as part of its cash-deposit procedures. Its general cruise-preparation information also says travelers' checks and major credit cards are accepted in ports visited, subject to the policies of the individual businesses.
If you plan to use traveler's checks, bring appropriate identification because NCL states that identification is required when cashing them.
However, personal checks are different. NCL states that personal checks are not accepted and cannot be cashed onboard.
The currency used onboard NCL ships is the U.S. dollar.
This is important for international travelers. If your card or bank account is denominated in another currency, your financial institution may convert the transaction into your home currency.
Depending on your bank or card issuer, foreign-exchange or international transaction fees may also apply. NCL's terms note that financial institutions may charge foreign-exchange transaction fees on onboard accounts payable in U.S. dollars.
It can be useful.
Your purchases onboard are handled through your NCL onboard account, but spending ashore is different. NCL recommends carrying some local currency when visiting foreign ports, although major credit cards are commonly accepted in many shops and restaurants.
The payment options at a port business are controlled by that individual business, not Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL uses an onboard account to manage your shipboard spending.
Instead of paying separately every time you purchase something, eligible expenses are added to your account. These may include purchases such as:
You establish your payment method during check-in. NCL then uses the onboard account to track your expenses throughout the voyage.
Your onboard spending can also be reviewed through NCL's digital tools. NCL says guests can view payments and credits in detail through its app while onboard.
Not necessarily.
NCL explains that when you register a credit card for your onboard account, an initial authorization is obtained. Additional authorizations can occur during the cruise as your onboard spending increases.
The authorization is different from the final charge.
NCL states that the credit card is generally charged when the onboard account is settled at the end of the cruise. Authorization holds can appear as pending transactions and temporarily reduce your available credit.
NCL's current FAQ states that the maximum initial authorization amount for credit and debit cards is US$300. Additional holds may be placed during the cruise based on onboard expenditure.
The exact release timing for authorization holds depends on the card-issuing bank. NCL notes that the timing is outside its control.
Yes. NCL says that guests who want to change their onboard payment method should visit Guest Services or the Onboard Credit desk.
This can be useful if, for example, you initially register a card but later decide to settle the account using another permitted payment method.
It is a good idea to make changes before the end of the cruise rather than waiting until the final moment.
Do not confuse paying for the cruise reservation with settling onboard expenses.
NCL's current general terms require payment according to the applicable deposit and final-payment schedule. The exact accepted payment methods can depend on the market in which the reservation is made.
For example, NCL's UK terms specify American Express, Mastercard and Visa for direct booking payments.
The cash-deposit system described by NCL is primarily an onboard account payment method, rather than evidence that cash can be used to book every NCL cruise.
If you are booking from a particular country, check the payment options displayed during the booking process or the terms applicable to your reservation.
They can be.
Norwegian Cruise Line operates in multiple markets, and its booking terms can differ depending on where the reservation is made. For example, NCL publishes separate terms for different regions, while its onboard FAQ provides a broader list of accepted card networks.
Therefore, travelers should distinguish between:
These are not necessarily identical.
NCL's terms advise against using debit cards for onboard accounts because authorization holds can affect available funds. Its Australia/New Zealand guest contract specifically also advises against debit and prepaid debit cards for onboard accounts.
If you are considering a prepaid card, verify that it meets NCL's current requirements for your sailing and market before relying on it as your primary onboard payment method.
No. NCL's onboard expense information states that personal checks are not accepted and cannot be cashed onboard.
Therefore, do not plan to use a personal check as your backup payment method.
A credit card, another permitted card, or an appropriate cash-deposit arrangement is more suitable for managing onboard expenses.
Your choice depends on how you prefer to manage your money.
A credit card can be convenient because NCL supports several major card networks for onboard accounts. However, you should still have enough available credit to accommodate authorization holds during the voyage.
Cash can be used by establishing a cash deposit for your onboard account. This can help you maintain a specific spending limit, but you need to monitor the remaining balance.
Understand that authorization holds can temporarily reduce the money available in your bank account. NCL specifically recommends against using a debit card for the onboard folio.
Before departure, consider bringing:
This is particularly useful for international travelers whose home currency is not the U.S. dollar.
| Payment method | Onboard use | Important point |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Yes | Used to establish onboard account |
| Mastercard | Yes | Accepted for onboard expenses |
| American Express | Yes | Listed by NCL |
| Discover | Yes | Listed for onboard expenses |
| JCB | Yes | Listed for onboard expenses |
| Diners Club | Yes | Listed for onboard expenses |
| Debit card | Yes | NCL does not recommend it because of holds |
| Cash | Yes | Advance deposit required |
| Traveler's checks | Yes, under applicable procedures | Identification may be required |
| Personal checks | No | Not accepted or cashed onboard |
The onboard options above are based on NCL's current published payment information; booking-payment options can vary by market and reservation terms.
Make sure your card is active and has enough available credit for both your expected purchases and temporary authorization holds.
If your bank normally requires travel notifications, follow its procedures before your cruise.
A second card can be useful if your primary card is lost, blocked or declined.
Because NCL warns that holds can remain for up to 30 days, avoid relying on a debit account that you will immediately need after returning home.
Review your charges during the cruise so you can identify unexpected transactions while there is still time to ask Guest Services about them.
NCL uses U.S. dollars onboard, so international travelers should understand how their bank handles foreign-currency transactions.
Do not assume that the payment methods available onboard are exactly the same as those available when booking your cruise. NCL's terms can differ by market.
For onboard expenses, NCL lists Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB and Diners Club. Booking payment options may vary according to the country and applicable booking terms.
Yes, debit cards can be used for onboard accounts, but NCL does not recommend them because multiple authorization holds may affect available funds. Some holds can remain for up to 30 days after the cruise.
Yes. You can establish your onboard account using a cash deposit. NCL publishes suggested deposit amounts based on cruise length, which are subject to change.
No. NCL states that personal checks are not accepted and cannot be cashed onboard.
The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.
NCL uses authorization holds during the cruise, while the onboard account is generally settled at the end of the cruise. Additional authorizations can occur as spending increases.
NCL states that the maximum initial authorization for credit and debit cards is US$300. Additional holds may be made based on onboard spending.
Yes. NCL directs guests to Guest Services or the Onboard Credit desk to change their onboard payment method.
Do not assume that the onboard cash-deposit policy applies to cruise reservations. Booking payment methods depend on the applicable market and booking terms. NCL's current terms specify the applicable deposit and final-payment requirements.
NCL specifically recommends against using a debit card because authorization holds can restrict access to funds. Travelers using a credit card should also make sure they have sufficient available credit for temporary holds.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several ways to manage onboard payments, including major credit cards, debit cards and cash-based onboard accounts. NCL currently lists Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB and Diners Club for onboard expenses, while cash can be used through an advance deposit arrangement.
The biggest point to remember is that onboard payment methods and cruise-booking payment methods are not necessarily the same. Booking requirements can vary by country and reservation terms, so check the conditions attached to your specific cruise.
For onboard spending, pay particular attention to authorization holds. NCL does not recommend using debit cards for onboard accounts because holds can temporarily reduce available funds, potentially continuing after the cruise.
For most travelers, the most important preparation is simple: understand your booking's payment terms, bring a reliable payment method and backup, monitor your onboard account, and allow for temporary authorization holds. This can make managing expenses much easier throughout your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation.
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