Cash for what on board?

[ParrotHeadFL]

In the Welcome Aboard brochure, Carnival says that you should bring "a reasonable amount of U.S. currency for limited use on board", and that "most of your onboard purchases can be made to our Sail & Sign account."

 

My question is, what expenses on board would I *not* be able to charge to my S&S account? I'm planning on cash tips for room service and a cash tip to our steward up front to hopefully grease the wheels. But other than that, I figured I wouldn't need any cash on board...

[Cruising89143]

Bingo and casino are the main things. You can get money on your sail n sign card for the use in the casino but there is a 3% service charge to do so. Small bills for tipping if you use room service.

[ParrotHeadFL]

Thanks! I figure I won't spend much time with either bingo or the casino, so I should be fine.

[kujobie]

Gambling and tips for room service are about it. Of course you would also need cash for cab fare and tips in ports as well.

[ParrotHeadFL]

Yeah, I've got cash for the ports. Divided up into envelopes so that I'll have exact change to pay the remaining balance on my excursions!

[IBEEMOM]

Sounds as if you are all set. American dollars can also be spent in most of the ports in the Caribbean too.

[mohavemommy]

one more thing, if you use it.... the arcade needs cash only.

[tef43]

You *may* charge bingo cards to your S&S as well.

[betsyrossapk]

The OP is correct about 3% charge for cash for the Casino, but we just got back off the Inspiration & charged Bingo twice on our Sail & Sign & was not charged an add'l 3% .

[tef43]

The OP is correct about 3% charge for cash for the Casino, but we just got back off the Inspiration & charged Bingo twice on our Sail & Sign & was not charged an add'l 3% .

:confused: Who said you would be? The 3% surcharge is for cash advances in the casino only.

 

Depending on the dollar amount desired, it may be to your advantage to get cash from the casino as opposed to using the ATM's on board (assuming they had not run out of cash yet).

[robsvacation]

Sometimes the artists bring CD's of their work to sell after their shows. If you like an artist enough those are cash only. Tips for room service are best in cash (a couple of bucks is fine) When you arrive you tip the baggage handlers $2/bag, I'd have that prepared and ready to go. After a shore tour, even one you've charged to your onboard account, it's customary to tip the driver and the guide so have it ready (they won't have change) If you want to tip a special crew member extra cash is handy (eg, if you want to tip a bar waiter alot on the first day "to take care of you" cash is needed) Bingo is cash or a long line at the front if you want to use your S&S card. On the last morning all purchases (Photo, etc) are cash. And of course if you're not using a credit card to start your onboard account bring a wheel-barrel of money!

 

Basically, $40 in one dollar bills is really handy to have around (If thick on the first day)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

$2 per bag ? --- I am holding firm at $1 per bag... assuming they are cordial and attentive... though I will also tip the employee bringing our bags to the room - if we are there when they come by. They seem to work harder than the porters...

 

We will have 7 or 8 pieces of luggage - so they will make a reasonable amount to haul our luggage a few feet....

 

 

Tom

[GoinCruisin]

I also tip $1 per bag...

 

Also, I have used my S&S card the last morning to buy photos... no problems :D

[LornaT]

Don't forget the Self Service Laundry............you'll need quarters that can be exchanged/bought from the Casino.

[coevan]

We always tip or cabin steward $20.00 on the first day. We request our ice bucket to always be filled and extra pillows, and have never been dissappointed. A few extra tip bucks for bartenders and cocktail servers go a long way. The crew will respond to your minimal generosity.

[CTMak]

I agree with Coevan: a few extra bucks here and there goes a long way. Before dinner, for example, I like to have a martini or two at the bar on the Promenade deck while my wife finishes dressing and just watch the people go by. The first night I give the bartender up front $10-$15, mention to him that most evenings I will be there before dinner, and I like my Grey Goose 'tinis. For the rest of the week as I sit down he is bringing over my cocktail, welcoming me by name, and smiling broadly.

 

I enjoy that.

 

 

CTMak