Bonnie pills (where to get them) and money questions

[CaddyB123]

We have three hundred cash on us right now. We are taking our credit cards. So a few questions: Can I pay for with my credit card at the end (for tips and our onboard tab?). Do the islands take american credit cards, or just cash? We are probably going to make a big purchase (DH's lost ring, go DH) in Jamaica. Should I head back to the bank. Are their cash stations on the ship or islands.

 

Also, should I purchase Bonnie tonight, or do they have it on the ship (and is it costly).

 

Thanks!

[sea-cruise]

We have three hundred cash on us right now. We are taking our credit cards. So a few questions: Can I pay for with my credit card at the end (for tips and our onboard tab?). Do the islands take american credit cards, or just cash? We are probably going to make a big purchase (DH's lost ring, go DH) in Jamaica. Should I head back to the bank. Are their cash stations on the ship or islands.

 

Also, should I purchase Bonnie tonight, or do they have it on the ship (and is it costly).

 

Thanks!

 

Get the Bonine before you leave. Buy it in any pharmacy, CVS, Walgreen's, or grocery store. The ship only has dramamine as far as I know.

You will show a credit card before you board the ship, they will give you plastic ship's seapass card and all your purchases will go on it. You can put the tips on your credit card as well. You will get a form to fill out for that (about 3 days before the cruise ends) in your cabin. All of your on-board purchases will be on your credit card. You can get more cash onboard. You can go to the casino and get cash, and put it on your credit card/seapass card. They won't know or care if you're putting the twenties into a slot machine or not. Most islands take our credit cards.

[brn2crz]

Ok.....Now...we all love Bonnie on these boards...But I am sure even as knowledgable she is,she does not have her own pill....(just kidding)

 

I am sure you mean Bonine....You can get some on ship,.at the pursers desk....but if you are thinking you need it eveyday,I would bring your own.

Non drowsy drammamine,as those on the ship knock me out!!!

 

 

You can pay your tips in cash if you want,figure on about 10 pp per day..plus,porters bev servers ,kids club workers, and many others at your own discretion.

You can put your tips on your seapass,and it will be paid by whatever CC you register with.Or you can remove them and pay them in cash..You have instructions on board how to do this.

 

I never ever ever use a credit card in a port...I can understand you may want to make a large purchase....But I would call all of my CC companies at let them know where you are going...they can note your account...Sometimes cc companies will not approve these out of country purchases without talking to you first,but also....put a limit or something on what you are going to spend...There are many stories of CC numbers being stolen in other countries (yes I know,in the US also.) but much harder to deal with when its in a 3rd world country)

I know also,its scarey dealing with cash in port.....So...Whatever you are more comfortable with...But ...seriously...If you need it to make a large purchase,just make sure you communicate with your CC company

 

Have a great time....

[brn2crz]

Also,the ships do have ATMs...at about 5 dollar charge....But I would do that easily before I would use it on the Islands ATM.....

[cb at sea]

Not all foreign merchants will take credit cards--especially in the "straw markets". Larger store will.

Bring more cash than what you've planned. Go on to the bank. If you don't spend it, you can put it back! Easy!

Most stuff will go on your card, but better safe than sorry!

[Sheffie]

Getting cash from the ship's casino doesn't incur any extra charges, and can be a life saver to get cash for the islands. (I only put big purchases on my credit card onshore.) Just be aware that the casinos are not open when the ship is in port.

 

Have a fabulous cruise!

[Sue L]

If you need cash, go to the casino and put it on your seapass card, there is no charge this way like there is at the atm. Just make sure you do it the night before you get into port because the casino is closed while in port. Also bring small bills on to the islands for taxis, etc.

 

Sue

[Rala]

Most drug store chains (ie. CVS, Walgreens, ETC.) have there own version of Bonine. It works just as well and is about half the price. The active ingredient you are looking for is meclazine. Enjoy your cruise!

[irishnyc]

I wouldn't even bother with that much cash, unless you plan to spend a lot in straw market type places. Bring enough to cover your tips if you don't want to charge those, and a little extra. Last cruise I only brought enough cash to take a cab home from the airport, and $40 spending cash -- and that was $30 too much for me!

[Hypo]

You can buy generic Bonine (meclizine) at Wal Mart for about $11.00 for a bottle of 100. The pharmacy keeps it behind the counter so ask the pharmacist for it.

 

Hypo

[SA Traveler]

Less drowsy dramamine and bonine are the same thing and the generic (meclizine sp?) at Walgreens, Walmart or CVS is much cheaper than the brand. Definitely buy it before you go.

[Cruzin' Daddy]

My wife and I always bring a pretty substantial amount of money when we cruise, and we typically come home with a substantial amount of money (although, this cruise aboard the Grandeur will only be our second cruise).

 

We don't drink alcohol, so we don't have a huge bar bill. The only charges that are usually on our bill are our tips, BONGO (yes, I called it BONGO because I have yet to win anything ;) ), and maybe a spa visit.

 

For us, cruises are sort of like "all-inclusive" vacations. Unless you plan on doing loads of shopping in port, you really don't need tons of money to go on a cruise.

 

I would be very careful about using a credit card in port though! If something were to happen, it would be pretty difficult to get things rectified. Also, most credit card companies charge an additional fee for "international transactions". Just something to think about!

 

Oh, forgot the mention...whatever cash you have, make sure you have LOTS of small bills. I can't tell you how many times I went to a shop in Montego Bay, and the cashiers would always tell me, "Sorry, I don't have any change!". You know, if we are talking like a dollar or two...no big deal. Most times they would owe me anywhere from $13-$18! I just leave the item.

 

It was a lesson learned for me...TAKE LOTS OF $1 BILLS!!!!!!

[aqhacruiser]

We have three hundred cash on us right now. We are taking our credit cards. So a few questions: Can I pay for with my credit card at the end (for tips and our onboard tab?). Do the islands take american credit cards, or just cash? We are probably going to make a big purchase (DH's lost ring, go DH) in Jamaica. Should I head back to the bank. Are their cash stations on the ship or islands.

 

Also, should I purchase Bonnie tonight, or do they have it on the ship (and is it costly).

 

Thanks!

 

A word about credit cards. I know Bermuda merchants do not accept Discover as I was told it's considered an American card only. I have no idea about the other islands. They did take Visa and Mastercard so I would stick with them or American Express. Not every merchant takes credit cards so keep that in mind also. On the ship merchants will take your Seapass card and you can pay the total purchases made onboard with your credit card. ATM's are often out of cash and you may have to wait for them to be refilled but you can go to the casino to get cash. On the Explorer they did not offer Bonine and I gave a box to one of my tablemates as the pills from the ship or the wrist band they sold her did not work. The Bonine did work for her and you can get it in any pharmacy just ask where the motion sickness meds are. Make sure you take it a few hours before you board if you think you may have a problem and follow the directions on the package. I bring more cash than we would need but I do have it just in case and bring most of it back home with me. If you enjoy the casino you will need cash for that. Just about all basic items you would need, OTC meds, toothpaste, suntan lotion, shampoo, etc are more expensive on the ship than you would pay at home and choices are very limited so I suggest you buy those things at home and bring with you Don't forget to bring cash for the porters and cash to tip for room service! Have a great cruise!:) Don't forget to call your credit card company and tell them you will be out of the country so they do not freeze your account thinking your card may be stolen!

[jules815]

From what I remember, you could buy Bonine in the General Store on board, however, I'm sure it's more expensive there.

 

For our cruise I bought Bonine at either Target or Walmart; and it was their generic store brand. Since it's a preventative, I would begin taking it the night before you sail at bedtime, and then continue right thru your cruise. If it makes you a little sleepy, it's no biggie because you're sleeping anyway. I felt no drowsy side effects during the day or any side effects for that matter, and yes, I drank with it too.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

[Rala]

I have found that I do not have to take the Bonine ahead of time to prevent motion sickness. At the first sign of "yucky feeling" I take one and within 30 mins. or so, I am feeling fine. Maybe it is all in my head, but it has worked numerous times for me!

 

Hope you have a great cruise!