Wad of Cash?

[bwohlgemuth]

Hello All, newbie cruising on July 5th on the Glory.

 

We have a group of 20 (six adults, 14 kids) going to a variety of locales. I am trying to pull together various tours (such as Bernard on St. Maarten and possibly something on St. Thomas).

 

Here's the thing, I'm probably going to be the one paying for these (or at least temporarily financing these excursions) for the week. I know Bernard wants cash only, and so do a few of the other operators. I know the boat have ATM's, but I have heard the fees are outrageous. I also am concerned my little ATM from my bank will go belly up since it's international travel and they can rarely be counted on.

 

Does Carnival have something where I can give them the wad of cash to

get out later or something similar? I hate to throw $2k into a wall safe or have it get lost during security screening....

[Tbay-eh]

Hello All, newbie cruising on July 5th on the Glory.

 

We have a group of 20 (six adults, 14 kids) going to a variety of locales. I am trying to pull together various tours (such as Bernard on St. Maarten and possibly something on St. Thomas).

 

Here's the thing, I'm probably going to be the one paying for these (or at least temporarily financing these excursions) for the week. I know Bernard wants cash only, and so do a few of the other operators. I know the boat have ATM's, but I have heard the fees are outrageous. I also am concerned my little ATM from my bank will go belly up since it's international travel and they can rarely be counted on.

 

Does Carnival have something where I can give them the wad of cash to

get out later or something similar? I hate to throw $2k into a wall safe or have it get lost during security screening....

 

 

:cool: I get traveller cheques ($2000.00) and would cash them in at the casino at no charge when needed. I believe the pursers desk will also cash them at no charge. I get them free from my bank or you may have to pay a nominal fee (well worth it) and yes, keep them in your safe. Just remember to keep a list of the numbers in a separate place. Hope this helps you out. Cindy:cool:

[falconfan]

I agree 110% with Cindy! Travelers Cheques are the way to go. The pursers desk will cash them for free. Also vendors in the ports will accept them and typically give you your change in US dollars.

[trock]

I belong to a little credit union and used my ATM in Bermuda, Canada and other ports...

 

Never a problem...

[BigDfromTN]

Hello All, newbie cruising on July 5th on the Glory.

 

We have a group of 20 (six adults, 14 kids) going to a variety of locales. I am trying to pull together various tours (such as Bernard on St. Maarten and possibly something on St. Thomas).

 

Here's the thing, I'm probably going to be the one paying for these (or at least temporarily financing these excursions) for the week. I know Bernard wants cash only, and so do a few of the other operators. I know the boat have ATM's, but I have heard the fees are outrageous. I also am concerned my little ATM from my bank will go belly up since it's international travel and they can rarely be counted on.

 

Does Carnival have something where I can give them the wad of cash to

get out later or something similar? I hate to throw $2k into a wall safe or have it get lost during security screening....

 

If you have an extra bed, you could hire me to come along and handle that cash! Me and Cash get along REAL good.

 

On the serious side, contact Bernard and see if he will take Travlers Checks, if not get some anyway and cash them at the Casino.

[stsomewhere]

We took $2000 in cash. We had no problem. Dh took some and I took some.

We needed for excursion that only took cash. We did not have time to go to atm before tour. It eased our minds to know that we did not have to search of a bank.

[jhayman]

I hate to throw $2k into a wall safe or have it get lost during security screening....

 

Why would you be afraid to put the money in the safe in your cabin?

[joepeka]

We always take cash and have used the cabin safe without any worries or problems so far.

[jayscore]

We bring half cash, half TC's. It works out well for S&S and the rest.

[rpclmc]

My dad has used Traveler's checks when he travels (not cruise related travel) and lately had nothing but problems cashing them. Banks didn't want to deal with them unless he had an account there, some places wouldn't even take them (I think it was Walmart or Walgreens, etc).

 

Are there problems like that on the cruises with the checks? Just asking that because of his recent problems and wanted to give the OP a heads up on that.

 

I was told by the banks that dad tried to cash them at, thieves ruined that one for us also. Just like all the other difficulties we run into with our regular checks and credit cards.

 

Sorry to be a downer about it, just didn't want the OP to get stuck. I have heard that on some ships, you can actually take some cash out on your S&S card in the casino. We haven't done this, but that might be an option also.

 

I haven't had problems with the in room safe. I have kept my wedding ring and some expensive jewerly, plus cash and credit cards in it. That is also where I keep my passports and id's when not using them.

[yeahbaby]

if you're a member of aaa you can get travelers checks at no charge.

[Molly BPOE]

If you want to do Sonny Liston's tour on St. Thomas, he has you pay in advance using PayPal. If you cancel at leaset 48 hrs in advance, he will give you a full refund.

[GoinCruisin]

My dad has used Traveler's checks when he travels (not cruise related travel) and lately had nothing but problems cashing them. Banks didn't want to deal with them unless he had an account there, some places wouldn't even take them (I think it was Walmart or Walgreens, etc).

 

Are there problems like that on the cruises with the checks? Just asking that because of his recent problems and wanted to give the OP a heads up on that.

 

I was told by the banks that dad tried to cash them at, thieves ruined that one for us also. Just like all the other difficulties we run into with our regular checks and credit cards.

 

Sorry to be a downer about it, just didn't want the OP to get stuck. I have heard that on some ships, you can actually take some cash out on your S&S card in the casino. We haven't done this, but that might be an option also.

 

I haven't had problems with the in room safe. I have kept my wedding ring and some expensive jewerly, plus cash and credit cards in it. That is also where I keep my passports and id's when not using them.

 

No problems on the ship.... but yes, banks will generally not take them unless you are a member there, but you can always go to your personal bank and cash them there right? But you will have no problem cashing them on the ship, you may however have problems with them in port, many don't want to take them.

[Wennfred]

I take from 800-1200 and leave it in an envelope in the safe, never had worries, as for security screening I think you have to be packing over $10,000 before the sirens go off.

 

Fred

[cruiselover999]

if you're a member of aaa you can get travelers checks at no charge.

 

 

That's true, but only $1000. After that, you have to pay. I just use my credit card, especially in foreign countries. You get the best rate of exchange. I also take cash for excursions that don't take CC, and for tips, etc. Never had a problem with the safe!:D

[ladycaveat]

We bring half cash, half TC's. It works out well for S&S and the rest.

 

That's exactly what I've always done and I've never had a problem . . .

[jayscore]

I never thought about the exchnge rate as far as CC's go! Good point!