What's the best way to get cash when you are on a Princess cruise?

[Nightowl11]

My Bank doesn't carry travelers checks anymore so does Princess cash personal checks at the pursers desk? What is the best way to get cash on the ship without incurring any fees?

[Colo Cruiser]

No, they quit taking personal checks years ago.

Best to take cash with you or find an atm ashore.

Atm onboard charges high fees.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Colo Cruiser

[Pam in CA]

My Bank doesn't carry travelers checks anymore so does Princess cash personal checks at the pursers desk? What is the best way to get cash on the ship without incurring any fees?

No personal checks but they will cash traveler's checks (if you can find a bank that issues them.) I bring a few new, crisp $50's that I tuck away in a safe place and get change when/if I need it.

[Anniesails]

another way to get cash on board without incurring any fees is to buy Casino Credit , then cash it in at the big Cashier's Cage in the casino for cash. No fees incurred, can also do this with your Princess Visa if you have one and you will get 2x the points.

[Coral]

I still bring Travelers Checks. You may want to check with AAA if you belong with them or possible get an account with a bank that still carries Travelers Cheques. It is still the easiest way for me to get cash on a cruise with out bringing a ton of cash.

[IdahoCruises]

Where to get travelers checks:

 

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travelers-checks-24544.html

[Nightowl11]

Do they charge a fee to cash the travelers checks at the purser's desk? I just called Princess and the rep told me that they do. That doesn't sound right to me.

 

How do you buy casino credit without any fees? Do you just go to the cashier in the casino? Does it get charged as a purchase or a cash advance on your shipboard account? Does your credit card charge the fees then?

[Colo Cruiser]

Do they charge a fee to cash the travelers checks at the purser's desk? I just called Princess and the rep told me that they do. That doesn't sound right to me.

 

No they do not, they are like cash.

You could call 2 more times and get 2 more answers. :rolleyes:

[waltd]

If you are lucky enough to have a Credit Union some will reimburse you for the ATM fees. Mine does so I just use the ATM on board.

[beg3yrs]

How do you buy casino credit without any fees? Do you just go to the cashier in the casino? Does it get charged as a purchase or a cash advance on your shipboard account? Does your credit card charge the fees then?

 

You can purchase casino credit before your cruise by calling Princess. They'll charge a credit card but it's not a cash advance so no worries. You could also charge a debit card as well.

 

You can also add money to your casino account while on board. It's charged to your folio and again, it is not a cash advance.

 

You can then withdraw cash from your account at the casino cashier. Be aware it is closed when in ports so you won't have access all the time. Also, for the funds you charge to your onboard folio, if you don't play a little bit on the slots, the casino will realize you're using them as a fee-free cash advance and lock your account. You then have to grovel to the casino manager to get things released.

 

I suppose in some ways, the cost of a little bit of slot action could be considered a fee. Hey, you might win (good luck with that).

[caribill]

How do you buy casino credit without any fees? Do you just go to the cashier in the casino? Does it get charged as a purchase or a cash advance on your shipboard account? Does your credit card charge the fees then?

 

You can only buy the casino credit before the cruise. It will be a regular charge to your credit card. Just call Princess to do it.

 

Be sure to get all of your cash before the casino cashier closes the last evening of the cruise.

[Posaune]

I would answer..... it depends....... it depends on where you are cruising. In many foreign ports an ATM onshore would be the best answer.

[OCruisers]

The easy way it to take more cash than you think you'll need and lock it in your cabin safe when you get on the ship. :D

LuLu

[Potstech]

I cannot speak for others but I have not found a need to have that much cash with me. I do most of my shopping with a credit card that has no attachment to any bank information and the bank is alerted when I am on a cruise or travelling. They know my spending habits so they will not approve a large purchase on it. I do not think I have used more than 150 on a cruise and most of that was for meals and cab fares to get to the ship.

[mr green]

Princess might advise you to try playing the slots, in the faint hope of you might get the cash that you require.:rolleyes:

 

john

[Coral]

I cannot speak for others but I have not found a need to have that much cash with me. I do most of my shopping with a credit card that has no attachment to any bank information and the bank is alerted when I am on a cruise or travelling. They know my spending habits so they will not approve a large purchase on it. I do not think I have used more than 150 on a cruise and most of that was for meals and cab fares to get to the ship.

 

I usually use some of the travelers cheques to get cash to get for the trip home.

[waltd]

Travelers checks are getting harder and harder to cash and for that reason I stay away from them now. One is security issues for retailers accepting them. This has meant that many businesses no longer accept them. In much of Europe and Asia, the checks are no longer widely accepted and can not easily be cashed, even at the banks that issue the checks. I think it's still best to use a credit card.

[paul929207]

If you are getting cash from an ATM, many will dispense that country's currency, not US$