What is Carnival's Sign & Sail program and how does it work?

From the Carnival FAQ page at:
http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Sail_And_Sign_On_Board_Account.aspx.
Carnival could update this information without notice.

Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program which allows guests to charge purchases directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise.

Registration will take place on sailing day at embarkation or on board at the Information Desk. The completed application form (included in the cruise documents) must be submitted along with a 1) credit card, 2) U.S. currency, or 3) traveler's checks.

Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests on a booking (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

The Guest Services Desk can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.

All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration. For those guests who put down a cash deposit, if there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, the guest will receive the overpayment in the form of a check attached to their detailed statement on the final morning of the cruise.

Please remember, you're always welcome to make a cash payment toward your final balance (even if you put a credit card down) at any time during the cruise.

Any inquiries regarding a Sail & Sign Account made after the cruise, need to be referred to the Guest Relations Department 800 438-6744 ext 71551for researching.

Note:

• The American Express "Persona Select" is not an acceptable credit card.
• Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.
• Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa card.
• A guest traveling without his/her parents cannot use the parents' credit card even with the parents' written permission
• The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card issuing bank.
• Upon completion of the Sail & Sign Application Form, the cardholder agrees to pay for the individuals indicated on the form; it is not necessary for these individuals to be booked in the same room as the cardholder.

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for any onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

For Simple Man Cruise, $200 per guest is used as a deposit and placed as a hold on the credit card when the Sail & Sign Account is opened.