How much cash would you bring?

[chrysalis]

If she runs out and needs more cash, she can go to the cashier's window in the casino to get more. They will just add it to her on-board account. There is a minimal service fee for this -- 1 or 2%. HTH!

 

actually, the service charge is 3%.....

[kosmo]

actually, the service charge is 3%.....

 

My bad ... you're correct. Worth it to me though ... $1.50 on a $50 withdrawal, which is cheaper than most ATM's that charge. Of course, I only "needed" to do it once though. HTH!

 

Debbie

[lois1112]

sounds like a trend, but I also pay off my credit cards every month.

Like Largin I bring $100 a day (cash) I use it when I go ashore (I don't take alot of ships excursions as a rule) and I do love to go to the casino at night after dinner. I always bring lots of cash home...but I feel it is better to have it then to be short.

[Kambird]

Thanks Cosmo, for that tip. But couldn't she also go to the Purser's desk and get cash for a traveller's check?

 

Cindy, those were my thoughts, too. From my experience last year I felt that cash was the best option at those ports. I don't know about Belize, but I would guess the same holds true for that port, as well.

 

Hey - aren't you and I going on the same March 11th Grand cruise? Can't wait....

 

Kam

[fnewman]

We seldom take more than $200 for a 7 day cruise - mostly for Misc. tips. Everything else goes on AMEX or to a lesser extent, Visa. However, if you are plannign to take the advice of many and arrange your own excursions on shore, then cash would generally be needed for that. If I have any left at the end of the cruise, I DON'T put it on our shipboard account as that would reduce the miles I get for using the AMEX.

[Ula]

One thing to think about with Cash vs Credit Card is some countries prefer Cash. Canada you could just use a card. Mexico like our last cruise, those little shops with the little touristy stuff like cash and exact change.

I do not worry about taking cash on a cruise, the rooms have a safe. I lock most of it up and pull if going to port or to make a donation at the casino. I have been known to drop 20.00 at the casino. I actually prefer watching the people having fun there.

The ship itself I never carry cash during the day. It is not needed. Travelling I do split cash between my husband and I. That is safest. But we are older and since he is the male, I make him pay for everything. When we get home I always say, I just do not know what you do with all your money. A family joke.

[cactusrose]

Websailor and I also pay all of our credit cards off every month (we do not "revolve" as they say in the industry but rather are "convenience users"). We love to use the bank's money, we also use different credit cards based on their statement cycle date to maximize the float we get ... LOL since I work for the largest bank in this country.

 

We take maybe $200 - 300 in cash on a typical cruise. We tend to use our credit cards for all of our purchases, even used them when we went to Tahiti because the banks get a better exchange rate than you could get at your local bank getting CFPs.

 

I retired from one of the largest banks in the country (38 years). I wonder if we are talking about the same bank? We take about $100 per day in cash or Travlers Checks but usually bring most of it home. It we are in a country that doesn't recognize US dollars I use an ATM on shore to get cash (I have an account with a net based bank only for this purpose as they don't charge those outrageous fees that the big US banks do). Everything else goes on one of two cards. I have a Costco AmEx that give cash back (3% for travel and 2% for Restuarants) and a VISA that give miles. I hardly every carry cash anymore.

[FlyingRev]

Remember the old saying, "Take half as many clothes and twice the amount of cash you think you need."

 

Generally it is pretty accurate. :)

[sunshine426]

Slightly off topic, but wondering if I will need to change money into peso's or do most of the Mexican port of calls prefer american dollars?

[scootepie66]

We had no problem using American dollars in the ports we visited, Belize and Mexico.

[Cindy]

 

Hey - aren't you and I going on the same March 11th Grand cruise? Can't wait....

 

Kam

 

You betcha!:D Five weeks from right now we'll be at a sailaway party!:cool:

[susyls]

I pay our credit cards off every month, too.

And I take 100.00 a day cash and bring most of it home. I take 200.00 in 2.00 bills for tipping. They are fun!

[Kambird]

You betcha!:D Five weeks from right now we'll be at a sailaway party!:cool:

 

Can't WAIT!!!:cool:

[Douglase]

Our first cruise (7 day cruise) we spent $2500. Since we have become wiser, at least bring $1000-$1500 for the cruise. ENJOY!!!!

[jennew]

He is the man with the cash