Why is there a hold on my credit card after the first payment was charged on board?

At check-in, the credit/debit card is swiped, and an initial approval amount is obtained with your authorization signature. The maximum initial credit/debit card pre-authorization amount (hold) is $300.00 USD for all cruises. During embarkation, when your credit card is swiped, an initial approval amount is charged. Throughout the cruise, incremental holds will be placed as needed based on your daily spending.

The credit card is not charged until the end of the cruise. Holds will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking/debit account. The timing of authorization hold releases to your account is entirely up to the issuing bank and beyond Norwegian Cruise Line’s control. The total amount of the onboard account will be charged (settled) only at the end of the cruise. Generally, this will show as one payment on your credit card statement unless there were multiple payments made throughout the cruise, such as for last minute purchases on disembarkation morning or late mini-bar charges.