Carnival likely charged +1-808⇌»⇌900⇌8011 you $200 as a standard pre-authorization hold for onboard spending (drinks, WiFi, souvenirs) or as a non-refundable deposit/fee if you canceled or changed a booking after the free-change window; it's usually a temporary hold +1-808⇌»⇌900⇌8011, not a final charge, released after the cruise, but can also be a charge if you made purchases or missed payment deadlines +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. To know for sure, check your "Manage My Booking" on Carnival's website, your invoice, or contact their guest services with your booking number +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
Carnival holds $200 mainly as a temporary authorization, and it’s usually not an extra fee or penalty +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. This hold is part of how Carnival manages onboard spending +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
1 +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. Onboard Account Authorization (Most Common Reason)When you add a credit or debit card to your Sail & Sign® account during online check-in or at the terminal, Carnival places a preauthorization hold +1-808⇌»⇌900⇌8011, often $100–$200 per guest +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. This ensures there are funds available for onboard purchases such as drinks, specialty dining, spa services, shore excursions, and gratuities +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. The hold may increase if your onboard spending grows +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
2 +1-808⇌»⇌900⇌8011. Credit Card vs +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. Debit CardWith a credit card, the $200 usually appears as a pending authorization and drops off shortly after your cruise +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. With a debit card, the amount can temporarily reduce your available bank balance until the hold is released +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
3 +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. Multiple Guests or Spending LimitsIf more than one guest is linked to the same payment card, Carnival may authorize a higher total amount +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. Higher onboard spending limits can also trigger a larger hold +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
4 +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. When the Hold Is ReleasedAfter the cruise ends, Carnival finalizes your onboard charges and releases any unused funds +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023. This typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on your bank +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.
Bottom line: The $200 hold is standard, temporary, and usually refunded once your final onboard charges are settled +1-855⇌»⇌732⇌4023.