credit cards

Life on board the Sinfonia is effectively like living in a `cashless society'. The only items that can - and must - be paid in cash are the baby sitting services and the casino if utilized along with shore excursions if the charge is not added to your bill.

In keeping with the generally adopted practice of most major cruise lines, you will be given a `Cruise Card' at the time of check-in. This card acts as both your ID for getting on and off the vessel, and is also used when making purchases on board.

Once on board you will need to `activate' your card, and to do so you will need to visit the `Cruise Card Office' on board, and there leave a cash deposit to be offset against expenses which you will incur when using your `Cruise Card' for making purchases on board.

Although not recommended, you are able to activate your Cruise Card at the Cruise Card Office by making use of your own Credit Card.

Should you elect to activate your cruise card by means of your credit card, it is very important to note the following.

Again in keeping with the general practice adopted internationally, your card will be `swiped' for an anticipated amount that would normally be expected on a cruise of the duration of that on which you are booked. This pre-authorisation amount is approximately US Dollars $250.

This pre-authorisation is not a real debit and the amount is `blocked' on your credit card for the period of 7 working days. After this period has lapsed your bank automatically releases the pre-authorisation amount. The only amount that will be debited to your credit card will be the amount that corresponds with the invoice signed prior to disembarkation.

If you activated your Cruise Card with a credit card, at the end of your cruise 2 (two) copies of your bill will be placed in your cabin on the last night of the cruise. If you are satisfied with the charges reflected therein, sign one copy of your bill and leave it at the Reception desk before disembarking. (If you have any queries please approach the Cruise Card Office before arriving in port).

It may turn out that the amount originally anticipated was in excess of your final expenditure on board.

It is important to be aware that the final `accounting' of each cruise is sent to the head office of MSC Cruises in Naples and any queries after disembarkation with regards to credit cards will be sent to MSC head office.

Should you have any concerns about this, we highly recommend you use CASH - either US Dollars or Rand to activate your Cruise Card.

We wish you an enjoyable cruise on the Sinfonia - the staff of both MSC Cruises and local representives are on board to ensure that this will be a truly memorable holiday.