How much cash?

[CarolinaCruzr]

My DH and I are leaving next week on our first cruise and we're not sure how much cash to carry. We will have our credit cards with us, but the tour operators we are booked with want us to pay cash on arrival. So, we're unsure how much cash we should carry. Should we use travelers checks instead? Help, please!:eek:

[on board]

It all depends on your preference, we always take one CC, plus we take several hundred dollars in singles and ones to tip. We then figure about 100.00 per day per person just in case we want something. I really don't like to pay with my CC on some of the Islands. Cash carries a little more clout! You can do TC but they cost you to get plus sometimes you don't get American money back for change.

I hope this helps. Have a safe fun cruise!

[JanineM]

We normally carry about $300 in cash, but usually bring most of it home. We only use cash for room service tips onboard, plus a few small purchases in different ports. If we're buying anything worth more than about $20, I use a credit card.

 

If you find you need more cash during the cruise, some lines allow you to get cash in the casino. And depending where you are traveling, you may be able to find cash machines ashore.

[memphislonghorn]

Hi. I'm going on my 2nd cruise in Jan. I will take about $600 cash. You need $50 tip (for a 5 day cruise). I figure $100 for bar tab (thats $20 a day), $40-$50 for both port days, plus casino cash, and any sodas or items from the gift shop. Enjoy your cruise!

[2Cruise4Ever]

We always bring both cash and TC's. You can cash them on board at the Pursur's Desk. We usually figure about $100 per person per day for everything. About 1/3 of that is alcohol. $140 for tips ($10 per person, per day) on a 7 day. Oh, and lots of singles for the porters (usually $2 per bag) and the tour operators and cabs. Then, we always buy alcohol in port to bring home. And, we always pick up some souveniers; and do some shore excursions. Oh, and of course, we gamble. We usually never carry more than $500 in cash. And, the rest is traveller's checks. The only thing we use our credit card for is the on board account.

 

Happy Sailing!

[POOHISME2]

Another thing you should figure in is if your cabin has use of a concierge or buttler. We give cash tips ranging from $50- to $150 to each depending on length of cruise and how much we used their services.

 

And dont forget about the porters, uts usually about $2- per bag.

[Happy ks]

My DH and I are leaving next week on our first cruise and we're not sure how much cash to carry. We will have our credit cards with us, but the tour operators we are booked with want us to pay cash on arrival. So, we're unsure how much cash we should carry. Should we use travelers checks instead? Help, please!:eek:

 

If you don't feel safe carrying cash, you can certainly carry travelers checks. Like others have said, you can cash them at the pursers desk with no problem. If you take enough for your tour operators and cash them as needed, plus a small amount for incidentals and tips along the way, you'll be fine.

 

Check with your bank or other financial institution, I know ours does not charge if there is just one signature for travelers checks. I don't really want all of our expenses going on a credit card, the month after a cruise getting a bill for it can be brutal.

[lougee1043]

plus we take several hundred dollars in singles and ones to tip.

 

isnt that an awful lot of singles to carry - especially since you can get change at the front desk or casino ------------just my opinion but if you are going to give someone a 5 as a tip isnt it easier to peel off one bill rather then five----