1st timer, 5 day to Progresso & Cozumel. how much cash should I bring?

[geekjitsu]

this is my first cruise (bringing my girlfriend), I did the pre-tip option online but I've ready many posts about still tipping in cash here and there (basically any time we have to interact with the crew?). We've prebooked 2 excursions (1 in each port, both have an open beer bar at the end) and we're not expecting to buy anything from the gift shops, etc. So what else should I be expecting to spend cash on? How much should I bring if we're trying to keep everything else on the cheapish side?

 

Thanks in advance.

[tommie594]

It really depends... some people can go cheap and spend next to nothing.... others like to blow and go all the time....

 

Our first cruise the wife and I spent a lot.. :D Way more than I expected.... The last 2 we have not spent as much....

 

Just got back from a 4 day with the wife and 2 kids, and besides the shore excursion in Cozumel, SNUBA, and the tips on board, we really only spent about $100 on board...

 

1 picture ~ $20

 

I had one drink, wife had about 3. ~$35

 

Wife used the internet cafe to "talk" to her mom ~ $10

 

Wife bought one of the large bottles of water on the ship ~ $5

 

And I don't remember the rest right now :rolleyes:

 

We did spend some while we were in Cozumel... about $30 for the underwater pics from SNUBA, a $20 tip for the SNUBA instructor, money for lunch and shopping in Cozumel... about $200 total

 

We ended up spending

 

$100 on the ship

$160 for on board tips (4 days, 4 people, $10 each per day)

$220 for SNUBA shore excursion 3 x SNUBA 1 x snorkel

$200 in Cozumel, tip for SNUBA, Pics for SNUBA, lunch and shopping.

$850 for cruise tickets

$35 to park for 4 days.

 

Don't know if any of that helps you or not.... just trying to pass on information.... pics, casino and alcohol on board is where the $$$ is spent...

 

I took $300 cash with me this past time... and used my CC for sail and sign..

[EZLUCAS]

You can get by with very little cash. Have your credit card on your sign and sail card. If you go on a Carnival Excursion, it will be added to your sign & sail, you can have all ship purchases placed on your card. Just remember that it is all added to your credit card when you leave. If you go into town ie Progresso/Cozumel, you will need cash for taxi and anything you buy. I would carry at lrast $300 minimum!

ez

[PenguinLife]

It depends on the person, if you have prebooked tours, remember to bring cash for tips for the tour operators, you will probably also want to buy some souvenirs. In my limited experience the tours in progresso tend to include stops where you can buy local arts and craft, often at a much lower price than in Cozumel, these include such things as hand woven Panama style hats, blankets, hammocks, as well as questionable quality jewelry, etc. In general I would say a budget of $50 per person, per port would be good, and allow you to tip, and bring back a few items as well as cover unexpected expenses, like soft drinks, etc..

 

Ike

[hillbillycruisers]

Another good idea is to be sure you carry $$$ in small amounts...ones...fives...tens, etc. Its easier for tipping, and when paying for smaller purchases. Some on here have mentioned vendors balking at making change, and while we have never had this problem, it just seems easier to have exact amounts.:)

[h_blond2]

It will vary from person to person, but I usually bring about $300 cash with me. Everything that you will buy on the ship will go on your Sail and Sign card, so no need for money on the ship, except for tips (if you choose to do so) and the casino (again, if you choose to go to the casino). In port, I'm not a big spender...mostly shot glasses, bags and t-shirts are what I buy. It really just depends on what you are doing in port and what you will want to buy.

[Leeroy-Jenkins]

this is my first cruise (bringing my girlfriend), how much should i bring if we're trying to keep everything else on the cheapish side?

 

$250