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| It was Wednesday; the cruise vacation was halfway along. I was in my stateroom when I heard a knock at the door. I opened and noticed a uniformed officer of the cruise line. He said, "Mr. Anderson, I am sorry, but the credit card you provided to cover your onboard expenses has been declined. Do you have another card or cash? Please let the Purser's office know." I was dumbfounded. The credit card was current and had more than enough to cover my ship charges. Here I was in the middle of the ocean, far from cell service, and where my ship stateroom phone cost would be almost $8.00 per minute to call the credit card company. I was certain I would hear minutes of music on hold, while I waited for the right person. I provided the purser's office with another card and made sure I called the original card company the first opportunity I had. I came to find out that upon posting of charges from the cruise line and some Caribbean destinations, the anti-fraud unit became involved and promptly phoned my home to advise me. Of course, I was not at my home, so they suspended the card. That event, many years ago, was a rookie traveler's mistake, which I have not done since. I now ALWAYS call the credit card company a few days before I leave on vacation and make sure that I specify the cruise line/ hotel I am using, each destination that will be visited, including the destination airport. I also will get the credit card employee's name and assurances that (s)he notes our conversation in the history. I do this so if anyone should "flag" my account, they will be aware that I am in the areas. Debit cards provide their own set of issues. Many people do not realize that a debit VISA or MasterCard has daily withdrawal limits and use restrictions established by the issuing bank. During one of our Mediterranean Cruises, a friend of our's was commenting on how many different countries and ATM machines in Europe his card was rejected in. It became such a regular event, that we took a vacation shot of him getting turned town at an ATM in Italy. Always be sure to check with your bank before you leave on your trip. The Cruise Store is open Monday Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturdays 9am-1pm. Contact one of our cruise and vacation specialists at 413-525-9001, email us at Anderson@cruisestore.com, or visit us at www.cruisestore.com. Bon Voyage! |