FIrst time cruiser - appreciate some help with questions! :)

[firstimercruiser]

Hi I'm a first time cruiser here and it's one week to my embarkation day and I really look forward to the experience with my family!

If I choose to change to a cash account onboard, will they still charge the $99 on-hold fee to my bank account which I have provided in the app? 

And when do I have to pay all the charges I incur, is it only on the last day of the cruise at the guest service area?

Thank you!

[Ampurp85]

Welcome

I believe they will only charge the $99 if you keep the card on file. 

If you pay cash, then the balance will be due the last full day of the cruise. However, you can make as many payments as you want along the length of the cruise. 

[rjac]

You will spend A LOT of time standing in line either the day before or day of disembarkation when paying in cash. Best and easiest way is to set up your on board account with a credit card. No standing in line. 

[DoomSlayer]

Agree that credit card is the way to go if you have one with a good available credit limit (points, consumer protections, etc...).  If you only have a debit card as the OP is alluding to, there can be significant holds placed on it that will not clear for a while.  You need to get with guest services as soon as possible once onboard to avoid these charges.  They process charges nightly in a batch process and you will want to get with them before the first one goes through.