How much cash are you taking & why?

[neatokimmo]

I am taking a budget trip with my mom in Sept. Our basic total (taxis in port, lunches off ship, a little bit of casino money, 2 sets of tips, and a foo foo dinner drink every night) comes out to $345 for our sail in sign.

 

For your trip, I see two sets of taxis, one in cozumel ($10-20 each way) and another to 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman ($15 RT?). The bottle he wants will be $20, your purse will be $10. Add in lunches in all three places and it's about $60. Plus tips and you come out to $285.

 

But the big difference between my number and your number is that I have a CC with a huge limit and I can spend more if something happened. I wouldn't be comfortable not having emergency cash/credit with me regardless whether I spend it or not.

 

Question too - how are you getting to port? Driving and parking? Parking is expensive, $10-15 a day. If you are flying you'll need a taxi to the ship. We have our parking and driving expenses worked into the beach portion of our adventure.

[CoupleFromKY]

Ah, I was afraid of this.... I am freaking out that we do not have enough $$ to make this cruise happen. :-( The cruise itself is paid for but there is so much other stuff to think about. I just don't know if we have the cash for it!!! (We don't have a credit card.)

 

Hey Guys Everything is paid for and you have 300 dollars! Me and DW are going on our first with our 18 yr old DD and 19 yr old DS On a 5 day with 2 stops out of New Orleans. We are taking about 100 each cash. More if we have it at departure time lol. But 2 weeks out it looks like about 400 total for all 4 of us. And yes we dont believe in credit cards or payments of any kind. Thanks Dave Ramsey! We will also take 100 dollars for tips in ONES.We have prepaid everything that we could ahead of time ie, rental car, hotel, Excursion in Costa Maya and prepaid gratuities. Parking in New orleans terminal will be 70 dolarls extra.We already started our plans for smuggling some booze onboard. I premixed tequila in the margarita mix bottle! Vodka and other clear goodies in water bottles.Thanks CC members LOL. Bringing our own 12 pack of sodas. :D Have Fun and dont worry about the money or the people whipping it out on how much they spent before!:rolleyes: Mike and Dana

[okgirl]

For a week long cruise I usually take about $100/day. I like to spend time in the Casino and most times I've been pretty lucky. I play only the slots (usually quarters) and I put $20 in each machine. Once I've played 20 worth of pulls I cash out unless that machine is paying well. To make a long story short, at the end of the day any of my winnings get taken to pay against my S&S account and lately I've been able to leave the ship with only a couple hundred dollars on my account. We don't do many shore excursions through the ship, but we do usually have a hefty bar tab to deal with plus one evening in the supper club.

[c_renee]

Everyone keeps mentioning taxis in port, but isn’t transportation included if the excursions are booked through the ship (which I am just assuming the OP did since it is already paid for)? I sure hope so because that is what I am counting on for our own trip.

To the OP. I think $300 will be fine on the ship and in port, especially if you prepaid tips. It might be tight, but if you don’t drink, gamble, go to the spa or buy a million photos, you should be fine. I haven’t been on Carnival before, but on my cruise last fall, my account ended up being less than $150 and I took yoga classes, visited the spa and got a soda card.

However, do you have your pre- and post-cruise arrangements taken care of? That is turning out to be a bigger a chunk of change than I expected at first.

[CruiseQueen13]

For a 7 day we take about $1500. For our last one a 12 day - we took $2100. I never want to run out. We alway have AX but, still - like having the cash.

[crystalblue0610]

I always thought people at least took $1000:confused:

 

So I guess the better question is how much money do you put on your S&S card.

 

For us we put cash on the S&S cards because we didn't want it backed by a credit card and then come home and something is off and we're overcharged and so forth. Considering how many people were overcharged for lots of stuff on the Conquest and they had to straighten it out at the Purser's putting cash down was much better for us

 

I'm very careful when it comes to credit cards....I don't just swip that thing everywhere....I still like cash especially in ports

[Wennfred]

I always thought people at least took $1000:confused:

 

So I guess the better question is how much money do you put on your S&S card.

 

 

We take from 800 to 1000 cash with us, we do not put any on our S&S account since its on a Credit Card.

 

We usually fly in one or two days in advance so that cash will be used for food and shopping etc.

 

 

Fred

[deborah grimes]

One other helpful hint, Have the cabin person take the goodies out of your refrigerator. They can add up! The $ for their snakes is unreal. DEB

[deborah grimes]

Sorry, I ment SNACKS. DEB

[crystalblue0610]

One other helpful hint, Have the cabin person take the goodies out of your refrigerator. They can add up! The $ for their snakes is unreal. DEB

 

Our steward never got rid of them even though we told him to over and over so we just put them on the floor in the space where that little stool is on the counter and at the end we just put the stuff back

[bakechef]

I always thought people at least took $1000:confused:

 

So I guess the better question is how much money do you put on your S&S card.

 

For us we put cash on the S&S cards because we didn't want it backed by a credit card and then come home and something is off and we're overcharged and so forth. Considering how many people were overcharged for lots of stuff on the Conquest and they had to straighten it out at the Purser's putting cash down was much better for us

 

I'm very careful when it comes to credit cards....I don't just swip that thing everywhere....I still like cash especially in ports

 

Not flaming here, but with your logic, the S&S account will not be inaccurate if you use cash? What if you lose a wallet in port, cash cannot be replaced.

 

If you are disciplined, and don't spend more than you can pay off when you get home, a credit card is far safer. With a major credit card you are never responsible for fraudulent charges, if it is stolen your safe.

 

Not trying to promote debt here (credit does not equal debt), just giving an opinion. I would rather not carry much cash in port, just enough for tips, why make yourself a target for crime.

 

JMHO

 

MAC

[Cruiser from MS]

On my first cruise on the Conquest two years ago we took $300.00 a each. I allowed myself $100.00 per island and that was plenty. On my next cruise I tried to do the same thing and it worked again. Good luck and have a great cruise no matter how much money you spend it will be great because you are on a cruise.....:)

[Icantdrv55]

Not Realistic, you will go through those 300.00 in 3 days.

 

Gratuities 70.00 per person and youre down to $230.00

 

Cruise Portaits on formal night: 70.00, down to $160.00

 

Bingo, one card for 20.00, down to 140.00

 

Pre-Cruise food, 40.00, down to 100.00

 

Tipping Excursion Tour Guides, Pier Porters, Room Service, taxi's etc. 50.00, down to 50.00

 

Port Gifts and ship Gift Shopt items: 50.00, down to Zero Balance.

 

$300.00 will go fast, I recommend 500.00 that way you are not pinching and you can buy what ever you want and enjoy your cruise vacation.

 

 

If this is your first Cruise, double what you are taking, If you have cruise already then 500.00 is doable.

 

Fred

 

Fred,

Your math for the tips is off. The tips would actually take them down to $160. The portraits and the bingo are not a necessity. Spending $90 on that would be the last thing on my list if I were them. The other items you listed are a pretty good base to go by. I would agree that $500 would be a little better for them if it is at all possible.

 

On our last cruise(7 day) we took around $800, plus we used a credit card in several places and for our S&S card. The pictures on the ship added up, but I don't think we'll buy as many as we did on this cruise for our next one. That covered us for two days in Long Beach plus the cruise. The money we took covered our excursions, souvenirs and any food we bought off ship.

 

On our upcoming 8 day cruise. I'll probably again use the credit card for S&S. I have one excursion already paid for and need to bring cash for 2 of them. Including those two excursions(approx. $400) we'll probably bring a total of $900 with us.

[scout leader]

It is a good idea to remember that Carnival puts a hold on the credit card you use for your Ship and Sign card. It varies by cruise but ours was $250 per person on the card. The hold is released a few weeks after the cruise. Keep this in mind if you plan to use your card in port or for transfers. Be aware of your credit limit or use a different card.

[scout leader]

LOL yep there are lots of ideas here.

 

We don't plan to gamble, or drink, but souvenier wise, my husband wants a bottle of liquor and I want a cool purse. Other than that, we plan on lying on beaches, and doing a whole lotta nothing. We like windowshopping and sight seeing, people watching.

 

Our excursions are already paid for, and we're taking our own soft drinks on board.

 

I appreciate all the different views and BTDT experience... really $300 is all we have... lol so that better work!!! But now i Have a whole slew of questions about the sail and sign cards... lol

When your sodas run out try a trick my girls and I used. We each brought large mouth water bottles and filled them with ice and drinks in the lido deck food court. We used tea, Coffee, capachino, hot chocolate, lemonade, mashed fresh fruit, melted frozen yogurt and Ice cream and fruit juice from breakfast. We made it a challenge to come up with new combinations ALL FREE! It made it easier to pass up the pretty FooFoo drinks offered all day on deck. We worked too hard selling those cookies to spend it on beverages.

[Mrsg324]

We always bring at least 1000 cash for a 7 night & use a CC for sign & sail purchases. We came home with a few hundred in cash last time but still had over 1K on the card. We bought way too many photos, a few souveniers, a couple hundred at the bar and our tips.

 

I may have read wrong but I thought Carnival required you to put a certain amount on each card.

[CoupleFromKY]

Here is info from Carnivals FAQ section on Sail and Sign. Also you can search CC for sail and sign and cash for more info from cruisers. Mike

 

What is Sail & Sign?

Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program which allows guests to charge purchases directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise.

 

Registration will take place on sailing day at embarkation or on board at the Information Desk. The completed application form (included in the cruise documents) must be submitted along with a 1) credit card, 2) U.S. currency, or 3) traveler's checks.

 

Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests on a booking (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

 

The Information Desk can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.

 

All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration. For those guests who put down a cash deposit, if there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, the guest will receive the overpayment in the form of a check attached to their detailed statement on the final morning of the cruise.

 

Any inqiries regarding a Sail & Sign Account made after the cruise, need to be referred to the Guest Relations Department (71551) for researching.

 

Deposit with a Credit Card

Credit Cards are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. The following credit cards are accepted:

 

• Visa

• MasterCard

• Discover® Network

• American Express

Note:

• The American Express "Persona Select" is not an acceptable credit card.

• Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.

• Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa card.

• A guest traveling without his/her parents cannot use the parents' credit card even with the parents' written permission

• The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card issuing bank.

• Upon completion of the Sail & Sign Application Form, the cardholder agrees to pay for the individuals indicated on the form; it is not necessary for these individuals to be booked in the same room as the cardholder.

Important Note: A hold will be placed on the credit card or checking account debit card at the beginning of the cruise as a deposit for an onboard purchases. This will reduce the amount of available credit on the credit card or restrict the availability of cash in the checking account. The hold will be released and actual charges will be billed at the end of the cruise.

The following dollar amounts, per guest, are used as a deposit and placed as a hold on the credit card when the Sail & Sign Account is opened:

 

2-4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp

5-8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp

9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

 

Deposit with U.S. Currency or Traveler's Checks

U.S. Currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.

 

 

Uses for the Sail & Sign Card The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for the following; cash will not be an accepted form of payment:

Beverage purchases: A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to the bill which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received.

Shore excursion tours

In-room calling charges

Infirmary charges

Valet laundry charges

Photo purchases: On debarkation day, cash is only accepted.

Video service

Gift Shops

Steiner's spa and salon

Formality Shop (flowers; tuxedo; chocolates)

European Cafe (specialty coffees and pastries)

Supper Club

Camp Carnival babysitting fees

Gratuities for shipboard staff for ships with "Reverse Gratuity" program.

Note: Ships with the traditional gratuity program must be paid with cash.

Casino: to purchase chips for the tables and coins for the slot machines.

Note: Cash is also accepted in the casino.

BOARDING CARD

Your Sail & Sign Card will serve as your Boarding Card. This card identifies you as a Carnival guest and must be carried with you along with picture identification when you go ashore. Because the ship is closed to the public while docked at the various ports-of-call, you’ll have to show your Sail & Sign Card and picture I.D. to the officer on duty in order to return on board.

[ilovecruises1972]

I wouldnt worry have a great time. Me & Dh on our first cruise were also on a budget but we did it and came home with money. We put down $700 on sail & sign card cash. we just keep any eye out on the account when we got back to our room. Our last cruise my dad came and we put a $1000 down and still came home with $300.But this was funny our family who also came spent $200 for 2 for 7days they put enough for the tips and the rest was for them so i think they came with $500 and thats was enough for them, and came home with money too.lol

Your on a budget so you know what you got to do. But i agree with the others try for $500 but if not dont worry about it. just remeber that $140 comes right off if you didnt pay ahead for tips

Happy Cruising and Enjoy

[Minn.cruisers]

Resurrecting the thread.

We prepaid our gratuities (just paid it with our cruise to our travel agent).

That was 1 less thing to worry about having money for while on our vacation.

We had about 3 drinks each a day (myself and DH) Usually one at dinner when back from our excursions, then 1 at show, and brought 1 to our stateroom to enjoy on the balcony and watch the night sky. Drinks run about $6 each, and usually signed on a $1 per drink tip, on the S&S card. Brought water for on port and excursions...some excursions have lunch and bevefrages included...ours did not, so we were glad we brougt water along, or money to get some along the way. Bring some cash to spend on stuff at port. There will always be a few things you will want. Keep to a budget, so you will have money for all days of the cruise.

Give or take, 3 drinks a day, but on seadays we usually would drink a little more, like at the casino....There is another money pit, so watch it. Don't use your seapass card in the machines...we didn't, and glad we didn't. We agreed to spend (lose) $20 a visit in the casino. We went to the casino 3 times, won a little and only spent back in what we won. Have to be disciplined. If you feel yourself losing it, get out of there. If you have alot to lose, enjoy yourself...lol.

I did win just under $500 in Bingo, so I think spending a little on the Bingo cards is an ok thing, you never know, you might win something. But be prepared to lose what you put in. It's a game and there are winners and losers, lol.

We started with $300 in our S&S card. Put the $ from Bingo in. Came home with money. So, we would have had to put more $ if not for the Bingo $. I think it's best to have enough $ along with you, better to have enough than not. We also spent alot on photos on the ship ( don't do that, a few will do), some at the ports but not alot just a few t-shirts, a hat in Cozumel and vanilla and coffee in Jamaica. Oh, and a few $1 XXX-beers in Coz too. Tipped a couple that danced at a local bar in Coz, we videotaped most of the dance so I thought we really should tip them. Things come up that cost money. Also paid for independent excursions at 2 ports that were held by credit card, (the excursion is less if paid in cash than if left on the credit card). But we planned ahead for those expenses and had the cash set aside (in envelopes set up at home) exclusively for them. I wasn't going to not have enough money to go on those !!!

But it's true, we all have different circumstances on our cruises, we spend differently. Keep track of expenses on the S&S card with the tv in your room, if you spend too much early on, you'll have less to spend on the last couple days of your cruise.

Ahh,... one of these days to have an unlimited credit card. :D .....:eek: !!!!

[CrystalWater]

Right now, my husband and I are taking $300 cash. Neither of us is a drinker, we're taking each a 12 pack of our own soda, our excursions are paid for.

 

Is the realistic? This is our first cruise, 7 night, 8 day (Conquest 9.30.07) and we have 3 ports of call.

 

Thoughts?

 

Personally, I don't think that is near enough. You will have extra tips to give out to room service, porters, then in ports there are items you will want to buy, what about the casino are you going to stay out of there? I honestly would bring more than that to be safe and/or at least bring several hundred more in traveler's checks for just in case that you can cash at the purser's desk. I bring so much more than that, but I also hit the casino. Many times I don't spend all that I bring and sometimes I do. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[CrystalWater]

Do I understand correctly that you can get cash from the casino at any time, and as often as you need, with no additional charge and it is counted as a purchase and not a cash advance on your credit card?

 

If this is true, I might feel better just getting cash as I need it, versus walking around with a huge wad of cash.

 

 

Thanks,

 

-AH

 

Yes, but they charge at least a 3% fee.

[TIMELMAN]

Hey we dont drink or gamble and we spent about 700 for 4 people on ship.Buy the soda card it willsave money. 200 of tis was are kids spending on souviners or gifts but hey it was the money save for 3 months before we go.

[Megnolia]

We took money out of the ATM on board several times. We really didn't know how much to budget, but weren't keen on carrying around hundreds of dollars of cash. The $1.50 or whatever service charge is really no big deal when it means you can relax and get money when you need it. At least for us.

[isleschick3]

What about bringing travelers checks?

[In2why]

Right now, my husband and I are taking $300 cash. Neither of us is a drinker, we're taking each a 12 pack of our own soda, our excursions are paid for.

 

Is the realistic? This is our first cruise, 7 night, 8 day (Conquest 9.30.07) and we have 3 ports of call.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

It is very doable if you want to do it. I do not carry any debt on a credit card, so for me the cash I have is the cash I spend. (although I put it on my card, I pay it off before the grace period) If anything be proud of your discipline. Decide on your priorities and stick to them. The only thing that isn't negotiable is the tips which will be a minimum of 140$ for the both of you and you have to also think of the baggage handlers (bribery to make sure you get your luggage) and room service. That leaves $150 for incidentals. Since your excursions are paid for that makes that easier. Take your own pictures and ask someone to take pictures of you and your partner. Most folks are happy to help. Don't buy the touristy crap for sale, and don't feel like you are missing out since most of it probably winds up in a drawer or someones junk pile sooner rather than later. Plus just think now you don't have to dust it. Stay out of the casino and away from bingo. Enjoy the free entertainment, and bring a mug so you can get a decent sized drink of tea, lemonaid and punch. If you do want a glass of wine or a drink the Captains reception serves free drinks and you can order what you want instead of off the trays, but factor in tips. Also make sure you bring a decent over the counter supply. You do not want to have to pay for pepto bismal or sunblock on the ship. I think you can have a fabulous time on your cruise without spending yourself into debt and decide what is important to you guys to spend on and act accordingly.