Do you need to bring cash?

We are taking the Norwegian Star from L.A. to Mexico. Do we need to bring any U.S. or Mexican cash? Does the casino on board only take cash!

All charges on board including casino go on your cruise account, and all Mexican port stops the stores and vendors take US currency and many stores and restaurants take credit cards be sure to call your credit card company and they will note on your account you will be traveling to Mexico so your card does not get declined!

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We are taking the Norwegian Star from L.A. to Mexico. Do we need to bring any U.S. or Mexican cash? Does the casino on board only take cash!

Bring cash for the casino. If you charge to your room you'll pay a 3% fee.

If you are going to buy inexpensive souvenirs in ports it's a good idea to bring small bills in US money

You can use USA dollars in Mexico.

You'll need cash for the porters.

Bring cash for unexpected purchases.

Bring cash for emergencies.

We always bring more then we think we need.

Keith

I usually take $50 to $100 off the ship every time we are in port. Rarely do I spend more that $10 or $15

You can use USA dollars in Mexico.

 

You'll need cash for the porters.

 

Bring cash for unexpected purchases.

 

Bring cash for emergencies.

 

We always bring more then we think we need.

 

Keith

And cash for extra tips to ship staff who gave extra service to you over the cruise. Could be your cabin steward who brings ice to your room more times than normal or a bar tender who gets to you first or tops off the drinks. For us it’s a one time thank you.

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Whether you NEED cash or not, you should always have some on you! There's a safe in the cabin to store any valuables. You really don't need cash ON the ship, except for room service tips, if you use that. Everything else can be signed for, and will go on your account. Ashore, your ports will accept USD....and having a reasonable amount makes life easier...you don't want to charge a soda or bottle of water, or some little "knick knack". And yes...the casino uses cash on all lines (some let you put your gambling money on your account, but that's a bad idea, IMO!)...and cash you're willing to lose (which is the most likely outcome) is the way to gamble.

While it isn't mandatory, it's nice to give the person who brings your room service order (if you decide to use it) a couple of dollars when they deliver it. You also may want to give a tip to your room steward (they can make your vacation GREAT).

Yes, in the casino, you can charge the cash advance to your room but it does usually carry a 3% fee. We always bring cash for the casino (also, it's easier to tell yourself "when it's gone, I'm done").

Have a great cruise!

If you are doing any excursions you may want to tip your guide if you feel him/her worthy. I can about guarantee they will mention it.

Great advices, thanks. This will be our first cruise and I am trying to have the correct information in order to have a great time. We are planning on have add cash to our sign & sail. I cannot buy the Cheers package, since I will be the only one drinking. Do any one have an idea of how much I should add? We are going on Carnival Vista 4-1-18.

Great advices, thanks. This will be our first cruise and I am trying to have the correct information in order to have a great time. We are planning on have add cash to our sign & sail. I cannot buy the Cheers package, since I will be the only one drinking. Do any one have an idea of how much I should add? We are going on Carnival Vista 4-1-18.

Tula - Carnival recommends $200 per person to start with. This is a recommendation, though.

Gratuities of $12.95 per day per person will be added to your S&S account, if you haven't prepaid them, so plan for that. Otherwise, it really depends on your spending habits. Average around $10 for drinks, photos are expensive (average $25 or so each), bingo, gambling, specialty dining, etc. I normally calculate what I think we will spend and put that amount on my S&S. I also bring the same amount to have in reserve should we overspend (which is likely to happen on vacation). You can always add more cash to your account throughout the cruise, if you need to, by going to Guest Services or using the kiosk on board.

Whether you NEED cash or not, you should always have some on you! There's a safe in the cabin to store any valuables. You really don't need cash ON the ship, except for room service tips, if you use that. Everything else can be signed for, and will go on your account. Ashore, your ports will accept USD....and having a reasonable amount makes life easier...you don't want to charge a soda or bottle of water, or some little "knick knack". And yes...the casino uses cash on all lines (some let you put your gambling money on your account, but that's a bad idea, IMO!)...and cash you're willing to lose (which is the most likely outcome) is the way to gamble.

Today I charged $.43 at Chick-Fil-A. I had a gift card to cover the majority of my bill but ended up needing 43 cents. Yep, it was charged. I never carry cash for any reason. On a cruise however I do go to the bank and get a little cash for the porters and my excursion operators that only accept cash.

It's ALWAYS best to have some "Walking Around" Money! (y)

Next time I cruise, I won't take any cash with me. I will just hand the porter my credit card for the tip and see if my luggage actually makes it to my cabin

You don't need to bring a ton of small bills -- like ones for Mexico.

The front desk can make change for you.

We always bring a goodly amount of cash mostly in case of emergency--maybe $500 to $800 or more,depending on length of cruise, etc.

But, we spend very little of it. We take maybe $50 into most ports, mostly for souvenirs--we buy fewer of those every year-- a drink or sometimes a meal. If we know we will be finding a tour at the dock we take more. And most independent tours we book require the balance to be paid in cash, although some take credit cards. Also money for tips after tours.

If we are booking lots of independent tours ahead of time, I allot the amount needed for the tours and tips into individual envelopes marked with pertinent info for that tour on the front, so it is easy to do the day of.

Almost all ports in the Caribbean and Mexico take US dollars. A few places want new looking bills and will reject really old, dirty wrinkled ones.

On board about the only thing we use money for is tips for room service, which we hardly ever do, and an extra tip at the end for the room steward, if he was good. Most of our cash comes right back with us.