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You could sail on an entire cruise without needing any cash at all. One of the great things about cruises is that you can mostly avoid using again cash at all. If you just stayed on the ship at all times, you wouldn’t even need cash for anything. Guests are also given a 15% service charge for bar expenses and wine purchases.
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Still, it’s a good idea to have cash for the tip because you may not have the option to add a gratuity with your credit card. Although tipping is not expected in some countries, the standard amount ranges from 10% to 20% of your bill. If preferred though, you can certainly choose to use cash in most situations on a cruise - bars, spa, casino, excursions, shops, etc. Most cruise lines equip their cabins with a safe, an ideal spot to store cash when not in use. While it's tempting to keep all your money on you, segregating only what you'll need for the day offers peace of mind while you explore the ship or the day's port of call. By being mindful of these costs and planning accordingly, travelers can enjoy the luxuries and exclusive experiences offered onboard without the stress of unexpected expenses.
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While you can charge your Sail & Sign card with cash, using a credit card or debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM onboard may come with additional fees. Just don’t forget that cash tips are on top of the automatic gratuities that cruise lines charge. It’s a great way to thank the hard-working staff that makes cruise vacations so relaxing.
Determining the Tipping Amount
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Passengers are always free to give additional tips in cash for extraordinary service and for ancillary tours or excursions, but it’s not expected. Carrying too much cash on a cruise is probably not the best idea with the nerve-wracking possibility of losing it but at the same time, carrying too little might mean you’ll run out. Finding the right balance is key as cash access is limited on cruise ships. Some small-ships and river vessels don’t have ATMs at all, and while most ocean ships do, the transaction fees are typically double that of what you’d pay on land. Remember to keep your money and credit cards safe and secure in your stateroom safe. Only bring the amount of cash you think you’ll need, plus 1 credit card when you get off the ship in a cruise port.
If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get carried away with your spending. Hello, I'm Alison a Disney Cruise and Travel Blogger with over 40 cruises and more than 30 years of Disney travel experience. I share tips, reviews and videos so that you can have the best Disney travel experience. Always carry as small an amount of cash as you think you will need when you are visiting a cruise port.
Will I Need Cash on My First Day on the Cruise?
If you want to use WiFi during your cruise you do have to pay extra for this. The internet on cruise ships can sometimes be slow and is relatively expensive so I do try to avoid this where I can. Some cruise lines also have packages by the day or the entire cruise. You see, every cruise line now ties your room keycard to your onboard account. Once you are on the ship, you use this card just like a credit card to charge items to your account, which you pay at the end of your trip. But even gambling in the casino can be a cashless experience — and not just because you lose all your money!
If you use cash to fund your cruise account, there may be a limit on the amount of daily expenses that you will be permitted to incur. If you exceed that amount, you will be asked to provide additional funds for your account. You must pay any outstanding balance at the end of your cruise before leaving the ship. You can avoid some of the onboard expenses on a cruise, by booking these online before your cruise. Many cruisers like to prepay gratuities and even book shore excursions, so it’s less to think about, and pay, at the end of the cruise. The amount of money you should bring on a cruise depends on a few things, including your itinerary, budget and preferences.
Benefits of Bringing Cash on a Cruise
Cash is king for many small vendors in ports who may not accept credit cards. It's also handy for tipping and minor expenses where credit transactions aren't feasible. However, carrying too much cash poses security risks, and if lost or stolen, it's gone for good. Additionally, travelers need to manage exchange rates and may end up carrying currencies for multiple countries, complicating budget management.
Still others keep expenses to a minimum and try to save money while cruising. $15-$20 per person per day is typically what is added to your bill for gratuities on a cruise. Uncover the ultimate jungle tours and adventure traveling experiences throughout the Caribbean and South America.
In that scenario, you deposit money in advance with guest services. You still use your cruise card to make purchases, but the amounts are essentially debited against the balance on your cruise account. If you take the amount of cash you usually carry around with you in everyday life, you should be fine. Even when you don’t want to use your cruise card to make a purchase (e.g, a pricey purchase in an onboard retail shop), you can use your regular credit cards.
In many regions, tips aren’t necessarily required but are seen as an extra thank you. In Italy, for example, tipping is not customary, but a nice to have for great service. If you are sailing out of Southampton and head into a local pub for a beer, your bartender won't expect a tip. Many restaurants and cafes will add a service charge to your bill (around 12.5%), which can be taken off if you want. Cruise staff work extremely hard, most working every day of the week during their contracts that can be 6 or 8 months.
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Popular beach activities like banana boat rides or renting some chairs with a bucket of beer often require cash. Alternatively, you can use credit or debit cards for most onboard purchases, and for any purchases made while in port, major credit cards are generally accepted. This can be done at banks, currency exchange offices, or even at the airport. While on board the cruise ship, we recommend leaving most of your cash in the safe inside your stateroom, along with important documents, passports, credit cards, IDs, and more. Another major cruise destination where dollars are widely accepted is Mexico. However, you will most likely not get a great exchange rate, so for small transactions, you may want to have some Mexican Pesos with you.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Whilst many costs are included on a cruise, there are some things that you will pay extra for. If so, make sure to consider if you’ll need cash for tolls and parking. Finding the perfect balance can seem tricky, but we’ll help you determine the right amount of money to bring on your cruise. Whether you're at a busy port or a shipboard bar, flashing a large amount of cash can attract unwanted attention. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep your cash out of sight until needed. You don’t have to buy the cruise lines Wi-Fi to use the Cruiseline’s App’s.
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