Cruising in 4 days!!

[Darlene.Gina]

Hey everyone! I'm leaving in a few days and I am wondering how much cash I should bring with me. I do have my credit card linked, so how much cash do I actually need including tips.. thank you ;)

[imlulu]

Every person is different as your personal preferences and choices make a difference plus your ports. I would bring ones for tips(porters, taxis) and then for stuff in ports. We use our credit card for pretty miuch everything and are driving to NYC.

 

Have fun! We loved the Miracle.

[firefly333]

Tips are charged at $10 pp per day to your onboard account.

 

Cash tips for porters, room service, shuttle drivers, and I bring small bills for bartering in the ports.

 

I dont use a credit card in the ports, just me, but the laws in the US dont cover foreign countries. (I worked in disputes for Amex, so Im sure, I know the laws).

 

Are you going on a private excursion.. Id bring cash.. and for shopping of course. I bring $100 per port, but others may bring more or less. If I dont spend it, its still in my pocket going home.

[evandbob]

Hey everyone! I'm leaving in a few days and I am wondering how much cash I should bring with me. I do have my credit card linked, so how much cash do I actually need including tips.. thank you ;)

 

 

I usually bring about $50/day for whatever.......excursion tips, a little shopping, food/water while in port, just in case $$$ if something goes wrong while in port, mostly off ship expenses. On ship expenses just go against my S&S card, and that includes wait & cabin staff tips, casino, flowers, etc.

 

Enjoy your cruise! Are you leaving from NY? It's great going down the Hudson, the skyline can be so beautiful, then the Statue of Liberty and sailing under the Verrazano! I see you're from Queens.

[smurfm69]

I never use a credit card in the ports either. I do enough research on here to find out how much my excursions will cost and also try to factor in money for lunch in the ports if it's not included in the excursion. I also like to have some smaller bills,( 1's and 5's), for taxi fares. And of course I try to bring a bunch of one dollar bills for tipping for room service on the ship and for places in the ports. Do you plan on gambling in the casino? We have a big can that we put loose change in and just let it build up. Before the cruise, we cash it in and that's our casino money. Hope this helps and hope you have a great cruise.

[Darlene.Gina]

Thank you all for answering so quickly! Yes, the BF and I are leaving out of NY and are super excited. I am a little nervous to use cc on the island because I heard that I could get a heafty fee if I use the card international, so I will definately be shying away from that. We probably will check out the casino, however hubby and I aren't too fond of the gambling scene. We are more worried about going over out cc limits with the alcohol! Lol, this is our first time cruising so we need to enjoy it somehow!!!

 

Again, thank you all. You all have been very helpful!!

[girlscruise2011]

If you are that concerned about going over your limits, you could always pay down your bill with some cash throughout the trip at the pursers desk. This way you don't come home to a hefty credit card bill.

[redlef]

Thank you all for answering so quickly! Yes, the BF and I are leaving out of NY and are super excited. I am a little nervous to use cc on the island because I heard that I could get a heafty fee if I use the card international, so I will definately be shying away from that. We probably will check out the casino, however hubby and I aren't too fond of the gambling scene. We are more worried about going over out cc limits with the alcohol! Lol, this is our first time cruising so we need to enjoy it somehow!!!

 

Again, thank you all. You all have been very helpful!!

 

You're going with your BF & hubby? :)

[huxlemo]

We bring $300 cash no matter how long the cruise and we never have used it all.

[lillian marie]

I'd bring $ 25-$50 for extra tips in ones and fives for room service, porters, and tour guides. I'd also bring cash for trinkets, t shirts or whatever you plan to buy from small shops and vendors in ports of call. If you use your sign and sail card-linked to a credit card your $10 a day tips and ship costs will simply go on your credit card. I only use my credit card in ports of call at major merchants, Diamonds International, Effy etc. so I bring an extra $50- $100 or more for gifts-trinkets to bring home for friends and family. I have found good buys for t shirts, towels and other CCL labelled stuff in the CCL gift shop on board the ship on the last sea day and those purchases go to my s&s card-credit card. I've done 20 plus cruises and the gift shop t shirts are of a decent quality so I usually buy those for gifts. I usually tuck $100 in extra twenties in my wallet too and will tip more for exceptional service for the waiters and room stewards.

[andersonrm]

What is Carnival's policy on traveler's checks? I know it's a bit old school, but on RCI we are able to cash unlimited traveler's checks at Guest Relations. We preferred that over carrying a large amount of cash. I did a quick search on Carnival's website, but couldn't find an answer. Thanks!

[Darlene.Gina]

You're going with your BF & hubby? :)

 

LOL! He's my BF but were might as well married.

[crusinpsychRN]

If you park it can be cash only in some places.

Porter's $1-2 per bag.

Room service also $1-2.

 

Call your credit card company and let them know you'll be out of the country or you might have trouble with your card.

[marshhawk]

You said that you would spend alot on drinks-beware they are expensive, and you will still have a wonderful time without the buzz, espeically if this is your first cruise. Alot of people over imbibe on the first day, are sick as dogs, for two days, and think they are sea sick. They aren't seasick, they are hung over.:eek::D

[RunsWithFlyingDolphins]

I always bring about $50 in 1's and 5's for room service, taxis and porters. I bring about $100 per port in cash (depending on where I go). And $200 for my waiters and room stewards.