How Much Money Should You Bring On A Cruise?
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From the barista crafting a perfect morning latte to the steward tidying the cabin, each small gesture contributes significantly to the overall journey. Cash tips are a tangible way to express gratitude for these moments. Additionally, having a small reserve of cash for unexpected situations is wise. Emergencies, unplanned excursions, or even a spontaneous treat can arise, and being prepared ensures these situations don't disrupt the cruise experience. Excursions can get really expensive if you don’t do some pre-planning. When cruising it is totally possible to not take any excursions at all, I often do this and have no problems wandering around ports by myself.
Tipping
Port areas in tourist areas in the Caribbean and Bahamas are typically safe from violent crime, but petty crime like theft — or credit card fraud — could happen. So if you plan to pay for meals and entertainment with a card, there is the risk of being overcharged, charged twice, etc. This allows you to pay for any and all of your onboard charges using your room key rather than bringing extra cash. When you get off the cruise ship in port, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand for small purchases. Think of things like food from the snack bar at the beach, hair braiding or even souvenir items at a market. Unless you’re opposed to using a credit card, it’s a good idea to plan on paying for extra expenses with a combination of cash and your credit card.
How Much Cash Do Cruisers Typically Spend?
I’ve been over 50 cruises to date and in this post, I explore how much cash you should bring and what you will need to budget for. You’re welcome to use a credit or debit card to make purchases in ports of call whenever possible. However, you’ll want to make sure you’ve notified your bank that you will be out of the country. You won’t require cash for 99% of purchases on a cruise, whether specialty restaurants, cocktails, or souvenirs. Plus, you’re never required to make any extra purchases in the first place if you take advantage of the complimentary options available on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Many people budget about $100 a day, on average, but you’re better off figuring out what you’ll be likely to spend onboard. Things to consider and plan for include shore excursions, drinks and even tips for crew members. There are definitely small and bigger expenses to budget for on a cruise. There is, of course, the risk when traveling with cash, that it can be lost or stolen. Distracted in airports with lots of bags or busy checking your phone are all opportunities that pickpockets look for. On a recent cruise to Europe, we had the opportunity to visit the stunning Trevi Fountain.
All ports you visit in the Caribbean or Bahamas will accept U.S. dollars, so don’t worry about having to change over currency. Cruise lines now offer prepaid options for gratuities to your room steward and dining room waiters. Or you can wait until on the ship and they will be automatically charged to your account, with no need to pay with physical cash. If you go to any slot machine, you’re able to transfer money to the game via your onboard account, which is connected to your credit or debit card.
By following these simple yet effective strategies, cruisers can focus on what truly matters – enjoying their time at sea and exploring new destinations. Keeping cash secure while on a cruise doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and caution, vacationers can ensure that their finances are the least of their worries as they sail to their next adventure. Figuring out how much cash to allocate for tips can feel like navigating uncharted waters.
When will I need cash on a cruise ship?
Always ask before you are seated at a restaurant whether or not they take credit cards – most places in popular cruise port destinations in Mexico will take cards. Still, tipping etiquette can be confusing, especially in foreign countries. At Windstar Cruises, we’ll answer any questions you have about bringing money on board and help you determine the right amount to carry with you. We aim to help all our guests plan their cruises stress-free and enjoy every moment aboard our comfortable, uncrowded ships.
Onboard Experiences
In the U.S. (outside of a casino), any bills that you get out of an ATM will be common denominations that are usually easy to change – $5, $10, and $20. If you prepay your gratuities (approximately $15 USD per person, per day) and your shore excursions (approximately $ per person), your onboard expenses will be more manageable. If you want to show the cruise line a little appreciation by gambling in the casino, cash can be a nice thing to have as well. Yes, you can have it charged to your onboard account in most cases, but at least with cash you have a finite amount you are working with.
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Beyond this, depending on your needs, you may not need to spend any extra money onboard. Other items are really based on your own budget and preferences. You’ll also want cash for transportation, such as cab fare, if you haven’t booked a cruise line excursion. You can also book private tours with vendors in the cruise port. In this post, we’ll go over what to budget for on a cruise, as well as how much. This way, you can know how much cash to bring and what to expect.
Either way, handing over cash to your room service attendant is always appreciated. The very beginning of your cruise starts by carrying your luggage to the terminal. Porters will be waiting to help you with your luggage, and I always recommend letting them take your large bags for you, while you keep your carry-on. Well, here are a few reasons why I still pack a few dollars before my voyage, and why you might want to consider it too for your cruises. Haggling on prices at local markets is par for the course here — just make sure you know a few words of Spanish, and don't ask the vendor to go unreasonably low. Go back in time and discover the beauty, the mystery and the culture of the venerated Mayan people.
Sure, the food on the ship is paid for, but I’ve been to some amazing restaurants in port. In many cases, especially if you are traveling by bus, you will have to pay the driver in cash, so it’s always good to keep some of those small bills handy. Here is why I still include cash on my packing list before a cruise vacation. The first few are about tipping, but don’t ignore the rest of the list. Almost anything you can imagine that costs extra is charged to that onboard account. Things like drinks, items in the gift shops, and even haircuts are all charged to your room.
Some vendors or service providers may offer lower prices or incentives for cash transactions, which can help you save money during your cruise. Another benefit of carrying cash is the ability to set a budget for your expenses. By allocating a specific amount of cash for each day, you can easily keep track of your spending and avoid overspending.
If you're not a gambler, this won't be important, but plan to bring enough cash with you to use in the casino otherwise. While you are allowed to withdraw cash from the casino or ATM machine, there are fees for this service. It’s important to have cash on hand for some extras, such as tipping during excursions and you will most likely need cash for the casino. However, it’s always a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked due to suspected fraud. However, it’s important to note that using an ATM onboard may incur additional fees from both the cruise line and the card issuer. It is important to keep the Sail & Sign card with you at all times during the cruise, as it is essential for various onboard activities and services.
Areas like the Caribbean and Bahamas almost always accept U.S. dollars, so this makes it easy for small transactions as well. I often like to leave a cash tip in the cabin as well, along with a note of appreciation. Some cruisers like to buy gifts for their cabin steward, but it’s really all up to you. A common question from first-time cruisers is, “How much cash should I bring on my cruise? But for others, taking cash on a cruise isn’t even something they consider. And the best way to get to know these places is by arriving from the water.
Some credit cards now have perks with no foreign transaction fees. If you don’t have one of these cards it will be better to use cash when off the ship in port as well. One of the wonderful things about going on a cruise is a little thing called an onboard account. All the extra specialty dining venues, spa treatments, and excursions get charged to your account. I know how much I have, and unlike a credit card, I pay right away and know the precise amount it costs. With credit card purchases, you are at the mercy of the foreign exchange rates that day.
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