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Bringing cash provides the flexibility to pay for local services, set a budget, and take advantage of any cash-only discounts or tipping opportunities. However, it’s crucial to manage and secure your cash effectively by dividing it into different locations and utilizing the cabin safe. Each time you make a purchase, from specialty dining to duty free shopping, your account will be charged. At the end of the cruise, it can either be payed automatically with your credit card on the account, or in cash at guest services.
Tipping
A lot of taxis will prefer cash as well, even if technically they can accept other forms of payment. Some of the bigger taxi services that you can book at the cruise port will accept credit cards, but that can come with a small risk. I have a friend who booked one of these and had some credit card issues afterward, so do your homework ahead of time. You probably won’t need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.
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Credit card usage simply isn’t as widespread as it is in the United States. To avoid currency confusion, especially if you’re traveling to multiple countries on one cruise, we recommend using a credit or debit card to make purchases in port whenever possible. 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.
Are You Paying For Your Onboard Expenses In Cash?
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In such cases, having cash can provide peace of mind knowing that you have a means to make purchases or give tips without any hassle. How much cash to bring really depends on you and your habits. You use cash in the casino and you can also use cash for additional tips on the ship, but otherwise, the ship is cashless.
Slot machines accept cash or a pre-loaded casino card, which can be loaded with cash at the casino cage. 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. Your cruise fare will include accommodation, some entertainment and on-board activities (pool, gym, etc.), plus food in the buffets and main dining halls.
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Do Cruise Ships Have ATMs?
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. Our tour guide strenuously cautioned us about opening our wallets at the fountain in search of a coin to toss for good luck. He said the pickpockets are some of the best in the world, dressed so well, you won't even notice them swapping your money. Technically, on the all-inclusive lines, you could go the entire trip without opening your wallet at all!
Staff tips
The Sail & Sign card is linked to the passenger’s onboard account, which is created upon check-in and linked to a credit or debit card. This allows passengers to make purchases onboard the ship without having to carry cash. Your cruise fare covers basic meals, drinks and entertainment.
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If you're going somewhere that takes U.S. dollars, withdraw money before you board, as ship ATMs are notorious for exorbitant surcharges. As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Depending on your cruise line, gratuities may be automatically charged to your onboard account every day. These charges are given to the wait staff, cabin stewards and other crew members who serve you during your voyage.
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 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.
(This could be cash you brought with you or cash from an ATM.) Even if you are not planning any significant shopping, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. Or where you need to buy something and the merchant won’t take credit cards. Also, if you are doing a shore excursion, you should have cash for any tips that you may want to hand out (tour guide, cabana attendant, etc.). The amount of cash you’ll need to bring depends on where you go and whether you plan to go shopping or try new restaurants while you’re in port.
It’s important to note that cruise ship ATMs charge hefty fees to withdraw cash (usually around $7). It’s smart to set a gambling budget ahead of time to ensure you don’t overspend in the excitement of the moment. Remember, onboard ATMs have hefty fees, and it’s far better to bring what you need rather than withdraw more onboard. But if you like to tip when you receive exceptional service, consider carrying extra cash to show your appreciation to the service staff. Consider your stateroom attendant, main dining room servers, porters, and tour operators. Generally, most guests should bring between $100-$125 in cash per day.
Cruises from Europe and Australia will still use the US dollar as the official onboard currency, but you should make purchases in port with the destination’s local currency. If cruising from Australia to the South Pacific, Australian dollars are widely accepted. 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.
This can be particularly useful for those who prefer to have a clear understanding of their daily expenditure. Almost all cruise lines include food in the main dining room and buffet so it isn’t necessary to pay extra for any of these. Most cruise lines do have the option to pay in cash but this is usually a little more tricky. You may be required to load your cruise account with money at the start of the cruise which is returned to you at the end of the cruise.
