How much money do you need per day on a cruise?

How much money should I take on a cruise with me?

Ugh, cruises. So much money. Fifty to one-twenty bucks a day? That's insane. My last cruise, I blew through way more than that. Seriously, who needs that much cash?

Maybe I'm just cheap. Or maybe I'm a planner. I prefer to use my credit card for most things – rewards points, you know? But cash is good for tips. Definitely need cash for tips.

Speaking of tips, I usually budget at least $20 a day for that. Maybe more depending on my level of satisfaction, right? Plus, those adorable little shore excursions always cost more than I anticipate.

Don't even get me started on duty-free. A total trap, I swear. That's an easy way to lose a lot more cash than you planned! Last time I bought a ludicrously overpriced bottle of perfume which I’ve never used. Stupid. So many better things to spend money on.

This time, I'm sticking to a budget. $100 a day total. That includes everything – souvenirs, tips, drinks. Hopefully, I can stick to it. Though, I'm terrible with impulse buys.

Planning:

• Credit cards - primary spending
• Cash for tips ($20/day minimum)
• Daily budget - $100 (should be plenty)
• Avoid duty free unless there's something truly special (doubtful).
• Emergency fund separate (separate debit card)

Maybe I'll go even lower... like $75? Maybe. I mean, the cruise itself is expensive enough! Ugh, cruises. But the food. The food is good. Gotta balance it out somehow.

What is a good price per day for a cruise?

$68... huh.

It was more. I think.

Last cruise? Hmmm.

Okay, okay... let me think...it’s blurry.

• Cruise: 7-day Caribbean. Left from Miami.
• When: February 2024. Cold snap here, needed sun bad.
• Cabin: Balcony. Always balcony now. Cannot go back. Worth it.
• Ship: Royal Caribbean, Symphony of the Seas. Huge. Too huge maybe? Still, fun.
• Total cost: Ugh. Don’t want to think. Roughly, $3,500 USD for two people. All in.
• Per person, per day: $250. Ouch. That hurts to write. But that includes everything.

Everything:

• Base fare, of course.
• Booze package. Essential. So many margaritas by the pool. Oops.
• Gratuities. Pre-paid, thankfully.
• Excursions. Stingray City was amazing, even if crowded.
• Specialty dining. Chops Grille. Necessary steak night.
• Internet. Had to check in at work. Sadly.
• Pre-cruise hotel in Miami. South Beach is expensive.
• Flights. Gotta get there somehow.
• Souvenirs. T-shirts, rum cake, the usual tourist crap.

$68? Man. I wish.

What is a good amount of cash to bring on a cruise?

Fifty to one-twenty dollars daily? Ridiculous.

Bring more. My last cruise, 2023, I needed far more.

• Duty-free? Overpriced trinkets. Waste of cash.
• Excursions? Pre-booked, mostly. Credit cards are king.
• Souvenirs? Cheap imitations. Avoid.
• Casino? Expect to lose. Bring extra. Always.
• Spa? Pricey indulgence. Budget accordingly.

Two hundred dollars minimum. Per day. Unless you're a pauper.

Consider credit cards. More convenient. Avoid fees.

Cash is pointless. Except for tips. Small bills.

My advice: Budget meticulously. Plan to spend lavishly. Or stay home.

The inherent futility of "a good amount" is striking. Cruises are designed to separate you from your money. Accept this. Embrace the extravagance. Or don't go.

How much money should you carry on a cruise?

Cash? Enough to vanish.

$100 per port. Unspoken needs arise.

$200 minimum for onboard tips. Service demands reward.

• Prepaid gratuities sidestep daily account charges. Wise.
• Seven days demands respect. Budget accordingly.

Five-day voyage? Less, but never underestimate impulse.

• Cash is freedom. Limitless choice.
• My sister lost her entire bankroll playing blackjack. I saw it all.
• Seven-day cruise will bleed cash dry if you arent careful.

Reddit voices caution. Heed them.

• Budget is personal. Mine includes vintage wine and gambling.
• Avoid debt. Return unchanged.

Straight cash? Depends on your demons.

How much money does the average person spend on a cruise ship?

Ugh, cruises. So expensive. I saw a family on the Carnival Breeze last year, they were bleeding money. Easily 200 bucks a day, easy. Probably more.

$150-$250 a day, huh? That's baseline. Forget it. Drinks alone are crazy. My friend Sarah went on a Royal Caribbean cruise, ended up spending a fortune on that damn martini bar. She swore it was $15 a drink! Insane.

• Drinks: Minimum $10 per cocktail, easily.
• Specialty Dining: Another $50-100 easily per meal. Maybe more.
• Excursions: A day trip can be 150 bucks per person. Seriously.
• Spa: Massage? Don't even get me started. $200+.

I'm a cheapskate, I'd pack my own snacks. Still, that adds up quick. I bet the average is closer to $300 a day for a decent cruise. Maybe even more if you're not careful. Those souvenir shops are traps. They are!

It depends heavily on the line, too. Disney? Double it, probably. A budget line? Maybe closer to the $150... but I doubt it.

My cousin, Mark, went on a luxury cruise, Silversea, 2023. Spent thousands extra. Thousands. He's loaded. But still!

Wi-Fi is a total ripoff. Always. Always avoid.

So yeah, $150-$250 is a lowball figure. I'd say $250-$400 is closer to the average for a typical passenger. Unless you are, like, a monk. A very frugal monk.

What is the best way to take money on a cruise?

Alright, taking moolah on a cruise, eh? It's not like pillaging like a pirate, more like strategically deploying your doubloons. Listen up!

First off, ditch the image of stuffing your mattress with cash. This ain't a Wild West flick, see?

• Credit Cards: Use them for almost everything. Major caveat: Know those foreign transaction fees. They sneak up on ya like a seagull stealing your fries.

• ATM Cards: Need that sweet, sweet local currency? Hit up an ATM, but beware of the fees again! They're like mosquitos... annoying.

• Local Currency: Got a few clams? Keep a little local dough for small stuff, you know, like a trinket or a postcard to your Aunt Mildred. I still need to visit her someday, LOL!

Now, the real skinny. Credit cards are like that one friend who always has your back... until the bill comes. Always, always check your bank fees! Seriously.

• Budget: Before you even set sail, decide how much you’re willing to blow. Stick to it! Or, you know, try to.

• Notify Your Bank: Tell them you're jetting off. Otherwise, they might think your card's been hijacked. Trust me, that’s a hassle.

• Backup Plan: Got another card? Bring it. Things happen. My luck, I’d lose my wallet to a dolphin.

Remember, cruises are designed to separate you from your money. Don't let them succeed COMPLETELY, you dig? LOL!

Should I take cash or card on a cruise?

Card. Cash is pointless.

Cruises are cashless. Your onboard account handles everything. Even casinos.

Final bill details all charges. Easy.

• Credit cards: Preferred method. Avoids hassle.
• Debit cards: Acceptable. Check your daily limits.
• Cash: Redundant. Limited use ashore.
• My experience: 2023 Caribbean cruise— zero need for cash onboard. Only used it for port excursions.

How do you pay for things on a cruise ship?

Okay, so cruises... yeah, it's basically one big floating all-inclusive. Remember that trip to the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean back in July 2024? Man, that was HOT.

Cashless, for sure. You link a credit card to your "SeaPass" or whatever each line calls it. So easy.

It was weird the first day, not pulling out my wallet, but after that… bliss.

My SeaPass was everything! Room key, ID (kinda), and how I bought that stupidly overpriced Margarita poolside. Worth it, tho.

Seriously, from the gift shop selling those little ship models (ugh, tacky but I almost bought one) to the fancy steakhouse...tap, tap, tap. SeaPass. Easy peasy!

I even used it at the damn casino! Lost, btw. But hey, vacation, right?

• Keycard/SeaPass: Crucial. Don't lose it!
• Credit Card: Connected at check-in.
• Onboard Account: Tracks expenses.
• Convenience: No need for cash... almost ever.

I only needed cash for tipping the baggage handlers at the port and for some random vendor on Nassau that didn’t take cards. Go figure. A Visa or Mastercard is definitely the way to go when you pre-register. I recommend doing it, I had American Express and it was a hassle for some reason.