If on other occasions we have talked about How to pay on board a cruise ship, on this occasion we will focus in detail on the payment methods that can be used on ships Costa Cruises. This way you can plan your budget and choose the best option for you.
How does the Costa Card work on board?
Upon boarding the ship, each passenger receives a personal Costa card. This card is essential during the cruise, as it works as a cabin key, personal identifier and, most importantly, as a payment method for all additional purchases and services on board.
Every time you make a purchase in the boutiques, pay for a drink at the bar or book an excursion, the amount will be charged directly to the account linked to your cabin. The only place on board where the card cannot be used is in the casino, as cash bets remain the norm in that area.
Payment methods on board Costa Cruises
There are several payment methods you can use on your cruise account. Here are the most common ones:
Payment by credit or debit card
- To pay by card, it is necessary to register it in the system within the first few days. 48 hours after boarding.
- Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
- Payments made with the Costa card will be automatically charged to the linked bank account at the end of the cruise.
Cash payment
- If you prefer to pay in cash, you must make a minimum deposit of 150 euros or 150 dollars per passenger at the start of the cruise.
- The deposit amount may vary depending on the anticipated expenses and the duration of the trip.
- If at the end of the cruise there is leftover money on the passenger's account, the excess amount will be refunded in cash on the day of disembarkation.
Bank checks
- Costa Cruises also accepts bank checks issued by Italian banks.
- The maximum amount allowed per check is 2.500 Euros.
- It is advisable to check with the company before travelling to ensure that this option is still valid.
What expenses can be made on board with the Costa card?
The Costa card allows you to pay for multiple services and products on board the ship. These include:
- Consumption in restaurants and bars: All drinks and meals outside the contracted package will be charged to the passenger's account.
- Excursions and activities: Booking guided tours at the destinations on the itinerary can also be managed through the card.
- Internet access: If you want to stay connected, you can hire internet packages and pay for them with the card.
- Shopping in duty-free stores: Gifts, souvenirs and exclusive items available in the boutiques are paid for using the Costa Card.
- Spa and beauty treatments: Relaxation and wellness treatments can also be added to the final bill.
How do I receive the final account?
Before disembarking, Costa Cruises gives each passenger a detailed account statement with all purchases and consumption made during the trip. This report shows the charges applied to the cabin account and allows for any discrepancies to be verified.
If payment was made by credit card, the positions are automatically deducted. If cash has been used, the passenger must go to reception to make payment of the outstanding balance or receive a refund of the remaining money.
Can I pay in cash during the cruise?
For security reasons, It is not possible to pay in cash in shops or restaurants of the cruise. However, passengers may deposit cash into their account at the beginning of the trip to cover their expenses during the crossing.
The currency exchanges must be made before boarding, as the cruise does not always have a currency exchange service.
Tips for managing expenses on board
- Before boarding, check if your credit card has international purchases activated to avoid problems with charges.
- Check which services are included in the cruise package hired to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Keep constant control of the expenses reviewing the account in the passenger service area.
- If you are traveling in a group or with your family, coordinate a joint budget to ensure that expenses are organized.
Understanding how they work payment methods aboard Costa Cruises will allow you to fully enjoy your trip without financial worries. Remember to follow these tips and choose the best payment option according to your needs.
