Today we are going to unlock the wonders of that Carnival Sail and Sign Card: the magic card that fuels your fun while at sea.
We love sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines – they epitomize the family vacation. Each voyage is a treasure trove of learning and adventure.
After each trip, I often think, ‘I should share this or that with everyone!’ Usually, it is something we learned about an item that will affect everyone’s trip. So, today rather than thinking about it, I am updating this article and sharing tips about the essential Carnival Sail and Sign card.
Why? Well for anyone headed to board their floating vacation, you’ll want to understand what the Carnival Sail and Sign card is, how it works for you, and how you can keep up with the transaction!
*Article updated 3/2024
Table of Contents
1. What is a Carnival Sail and Sign Card on Carnival Cruises?
The Sail and Sign card is your all-in-one access card on a Carnival Cruise. It functions as your room key, identity verification, and payment method for on-board transactions. You always want to have it with you and as great it as it is, it’s also dangerous if you overspend.
The Carnival sail and sign card is attached to a credit card (yours) and can be used for purchase throughout the ship and to book those excursions.
2. Why is a Carnival Sail and Sign Card Important?
This card is essential as it streamlines your cruise experience. You won’t need to carry cash or other forms of ID while on the ship and cruising, making your vacation more convenient and secure.
With every swipe, you are spending money on the Credit card of choice that you linked to the Carnival Sail and Sign Card and it allows you to simply pay for things without pulling out your credit card.
3. Where Do I Get My Carnival Sail and Sign Card?
You’ll receive your Sail and Sign card at the start of your cruise during check-in. It’s activated immediately, so you can start using it right away.
4. Can I Watch My Balance On The Carnival Sail and Sign Card?
Absolutely. You can monitor your spending via the Carnival HUB app, or by using the Sail & Sign kiosks located around the ship.
5. Do I Have a Spending Limit on My Carnival Sail and Sign Card?
Your spending limit generally correlates with the method of payment you’ve linked to the card, such as a credit card or cash deposit.
6. What’s the Best Way To Keep The Carnival Sail and Sign Card on Me?
Currently, there is not an app that replaces the physical card, so carrying it with you is still necessary.
- Lanyards are popular for keeping your Sail and Sign card easily accessible.
- Phone wallets are also an easy way to keep your Carnival sail and sign card accessible.
7. How Do I Keep Others from Using It? (Security)
First, you need to keep it on your person so don’t set it down. As I shared above, wear it on a lanyard or keep it on a magnetic phone wallet.
Next, the Carnival Sail and Sign card is linked to your photo for security. Only you should be able to use it, as your picture will appear for verification whenever the card is used.
8. Tips for Using Your Carnival Sail and Sign Card
- Keep it Secure: Always have your card with you and ensure it’s stored safely.
- Track Spending Regularly: Use the Carnival HUB app or onboard kiosks to keep an eye on your expenses.
- Take Advantage of Loyalty Perks: If you’re a part of the VIFP program, your card color indicates your status and available perks.
9. Understanding Cruise Cash for Your Carnival Sail & Sign Card
A notable update to the Carnival Sail & Sign card system is the introduction of Cruise Cash. This feature allows guests to add prepaid credit to their Sail & Sign accounts, simplifying transactions on board. It’s applicable for various onboard charges, including gratuities and taxes.
Cruise Cash is valid for a single voyage, with a limit of $500 per cabin. It’s a convenient way to manage your expenses without worrying about carrying cash.
However, keep in mind that Cruise Cash is non-refundable, and any unused amount at the end of your cruise will be forfeited. This modern approach to onboard spending underscores Carnival’s commitment to a seamless, worry-free cruise experience.
10. Top Uses Of The Carnival Sail and Sign Card
What do you use that Carnival Sail and Sign Card For?
- Room Access: Functions as your cabin key.
- Identity Verification: Used for personal identification on the ship.
- Onboard Purchases: For all transactions onboard, including dining, shopping, and activities.(anything NOT included in your cruise purchase)
- Shore Excursions: Used to manage and pay for off-ship activities.
- Onboard Services: Access to services like spa treatments, specialty dining, or casino credits.
Other Uses of The Carnival Sail and Sign Card
When you first get your card issued, your photo is taken, while it is not on the card itself, when it is entered or swiped through the system, your photo appears and whoever is serving you, taking your order, selling you items, or setting you off the ship is looking to see if you match that photo.
When you go to get off the ship at the different ports of call, your card is swiped as you leave the Gangway, you have to have it ready. When you get back on the ship, you have the card out again and it is swiped and your identity is once again verified.
Casino & The Carnival Sail & Sign Card
In the Casino, your S&S card, the more you use your card in the Casino, the more free drinks you earn and other great incentives as well. We used our card in the Casino, and while pictures were not allowed, I can tell you it is super easy to start burning through money.
I sat down and started at the Penny Slot, and began winning. Pretty much you just program how much you want to have to gamble with, it charges your card, and then you insert your card into the game of choice and play until you run out of money and replenish your funds.
It was a fun time of course until I lost. I started out winning, $1.40 at a time, and some lady thought I was a stitch for getting excited over winning pennies, but I felt it was better than losing them.
That horse came in and I gradually lost, but all is well, at least I got to play slots! P.S. You can also use the Carnival Sail and Sign card to buy those scratch-and-win cards, they are super fun!
The Carnival Sail And Sign Card and The Medical Center
Need a medical supply from the Medical Center? Just stop in and request what you need and it will be placed on your Carnival Sail & Sign Card!
Things happen like sunburn and headaches and there is a medical center onboard the ship.
11. Check Your Carnival Sail and Sign Card At The Onboard Kiosk
You will find that people do check their balances often to keep their budgets in check. After all, the Card is a cashless card so you will want to see what you have been spending to keep track right?
It’s easy to overuse the card and not really think about how much you are spending. Use the Sail and Sign kiosk to keep track. Did I mention you can print your balance and it is very up-to-the-minute?
12. Important Things To Know About Your Carnival Sail & Sign Card
- You can activate your Carnival Sail and Sign card online at Carnival(dot Com) prior to boarding
- Depending on the length of the cruise an auto hold of about $200 will be placed on your credit card
- Each transaction will create another hold on your account
- Using a Debit Card? The hold will remain throughout the trip.
- There’s an entire list of Credit Card options you can use with Carnival.
- Cruise gratuities will be placed on the card as well unless you prepaid those
Time To Set Sail With Your Carnival Sail and Sign Card
As we anchor our discussion on the Carnival Sail and Sign Card, remember it’s your key to a seamless and exhilarating adventure at sea.
From sipping cocktails to exploring exotic locales, this card turns your cruise into a hassle-free experience. Did I miss a tip or trick that you’ve found invaluable?
Or do you have a story where your Sail and Sign Card was a lifesaver? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below – your advice could be the beacon for fellow cruisers navigating their way through a Carnival cruise. Let’s keep this conversation flowing as we all set sail towards our next sun-soaked adventure!~Dana XO
I was a hosted guest on the Carnival Cruise line, opinions and stories are my own.
About Dana
An award-winning travel writer, I’m your go-to guide for uncovering the best in every destination. My passion is to explore, experience, and share gems from around the world, offering insights and tips to inspire and assist in planning your adventures. Every share is a tried-and-true slice of my journey, tailored to elevate yours.