How much spending money should you bring on a cruise?

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

Cruising and Cash: Optimal Strategies

ATMs onboard are indeed convenient, but rarely the best option. They usually charge hefty fees; I once paid $10 on a seven-day cruise, ouch!

Consider these alternatives, offering better value:

• Credit Cards: Your primary method. Most establishments onboard accept major credit cards. Reward programs can offset expenses. This is what I do.

• Debit Cards: Useful for smaller purchases, but again, be mindful of foreign transaction fees. These vary wildly. Check your bank’s policies before sailing.

• Onboard Credit: Pre-purchasing cruise credits offers potential discounts, but carefully scrutinize the terms – they aren’t always beneficial.

Cash is less practical. While acceptable, its use is limited compared to other options. Carrying large sums onboard feels, well, risky, don’t you think?

A few more thoughts: The cruise line’s website or app should list accepted payment methods. Planning ahead always saves hassle. My last cruise – on the Voyager of the Seas in 2024 – made it crystal clear what forms of payment they accepted.

Prioritize credit/debit cards for ease and cost-effectiveness. But cash has its place. For tips, small purchases in port, and those unexpected moments, a little cash is never a bad idea. This is a universally applicable principle, really.

Should you bring cash or card on a cruise?

Cash vs. Card on a Cruise? Dude, it’s 2024, not the Dark Ages!

Cash is king (or queen, let’s be inclusive) for tips. Seriously, those cabin stewards work harder than a one-legged cat in a sandbox. Think of it as their performance bonus, like paying a cover band to actually sound good.

Cards are fine for onboard purchases. They’ll probably charge that directly to your room. Like a fancy hotel…but on water. With slightly better views. Maybe.

Ports of call are a mixed bag. Some places take plastic like it’s going out of style, others prefer the green stuff. It’s like trying to figure out which bathroom stall is actually clean – you gotta risk it sometimes.

My recommendation? Pack some cash, like enough for a small country’s ransom…okay, maybe not that much. But enough for daily tips and souvenirs from those funky little shops. Plus, you never know when you’ll need to bribe the captain for that extra slice of cheesecake.

• Pro-Cash: Tipping, quirky shore excursions, avoiding transaction fees, bribery.
• Pro-Card: Convenient, easy tracking of shipboard expenses, less chance of losing everything.

Think of it like this: cash is your trusty sidearm; cards are your fancy, easily-lost laser pistol. Carry both. You’re basically James Bond, on a boat. Without the martini. Unless you bring your own, then rock on!

Do I need local currency on a cruise?

Local currency on a cruise? Hmm, likely yes, but picture this: You’re a modern-day Magellan sailing into exotic ports, not a pauper washing ashore.

A bit of local moolah is wise. Ships sometimes play banker, but their exchange rates? Let’s just say they’re not feeling charitable. Think Vegas odds!

• Foreign Exchange service onboard: Convenient, yes. Fiscally sound? Ehh…doubtful.
• Port terminals: Possibly. But who wants to waste precious mojito-sipping time haggling over euros?

Cards are king, agreed. Safer than stashing cash in your socks. Unless, of course, you’re into that vintage spy vibe. But remember, not everywhere loves plastic.

Consider this: That charming street vendor selling hand-painted seashells probably prefers real money. It’s like trying to pay your grandma with Bitcoin—bless her heart, she won’t get it.

Me? I usually bring enough for an ice cream and a questionable souvenir. Just in case. You know, to maintain my “eccentric tourist” reputation. So worth it!