Is it necessary to carry cash???

[WalkThaFreekinPlank]

Once again I have more question before I depart on my first cruise.

 

Question, Is there any reason to carry cash with me on board? If so what would be acceptable amount for a 7 day cruise for 2?

[Butterbean1000]

I always carry cash for tipping. You'll need it for room service, maybe extra for your cabin steward or a favorite bar tender. Be sure to stock on singles and fives.

 

Enjoy your cruise. :cool:

[*Mach*]

Tips... it's an excellent idea to tip the porters who take your checked bags a couple bucks per bag and it's pretty much customary to tip the room service folks a buck per item ordered.

You'll also likely eventually need a cab somewhere... they pretty much only take cash...

:)

[fliprcruzr]

Once again I have more question before I depart on my first cruise.

 

Question, Is there any reason to carry cash with me on board? If so what would be acceptable amount for a 7 day cruise for 2?

 

yes, if you are going to use Room service, cash is used for tipping the room service staff. An extra buck or two on deck during the day can make sure you see a server often. We were on deck 12 Valor, no staff around, until someone gave a tip, they remembered there were a hundred people on our side.

 

Casino and arcades for sure (can't believe I forgot that!)

 

If you ever get OFF the ship, cash is king.

 

And of course, you need cash for tipping the porters, baggage handlers etc on your way to and from the ship.

[VIQT]

Everything everyone else said, plus you have to donate . . . I mean try your hand at the Vault game in the Casino. It's cash only and it's really fun to watch. My husband donated $5 :) Someone won the iPad2 and $500 on my cruise two weeks ago.

[parrothead74]

Cash for the casino. Not completely necessary as you can draw it out through a slot machine against your sign and sail, but there is a nominal charge for that transaction.

[KenMo]

We take cash because we don't use cards in port.

 

We divide it and each carry 1/2 until we get on the ship. Then it goes in the safe. We only take out what we think we will need for the port.

[maldenmusic]

We always take cash for the reasons mentioned above. We keep it locked in our safe when not in use :D

[Ksea1961]

Cash for parking, tips, Arcade, Port days and Casino! Im taking about $700 for a party of 3 for a 7 day cruise.

[WalkThaFreekinPlank]

You guys are great! We are not much of gamblers but would definetly give it a whirl.

 

2k should be plenty then. How safe is the tourist ports anyways??

[geoherb]

I would not carry that much cash. Most ports in the Caribbean are safe. The violent crimes I've read about have happened to people who were there on longer vacations, not those there just for a day on a cruise.

[*Mach*]

You guys are great! We are not much of gamblers but would definetly give it a whirl.

 

2k should be plenty then. How safe is the tourist ports anyways??

 

 

There have been EXTREMELY isolated instances of crime on tourists on the islands. There is crime there, like everywhere, but it's much like it is here... local against local...

:)

[kicia]

We take very little cash with us and only enough for extra tips and a little for taxis We use credit cards everywhere and that is the safest way to buy anything since you're protected by the credit card company. If the cash is stolen, it is gone. If a credit card is stolen or compromised, you're OK. We just had our cc number stolen and we're in Orlando. There is no charge if you use your sign and sail card at the slot machines.

[tikimon]

Yes Cash is King! :D;)

 

Da Dollar Talks and da BS walks :p

[skittl1321]

No, we never carry cash while onboard the ship. We bring cash with us on the vacation- we tip the porters, we spend money in ports, small amounts of cash usually use our CC- but on the ship, it never leaves our room (so we do also tip the room service attendants). No reason to bring it with you anywhere.

 

(Note- I don't drink, nor order soda, so I don't tip bartenders. It is up to you if you want to tip beyond the 15% added to all orders anyway)