How much money is recommended for a cruise?

What is a good amount of money to take on a cruise?

Okay, so cruises, right? Fifty to one-twenty bucks a day? Nah, that’s lowballing it, I think. Depends hugely on what you’re into. My last cruise, to the Bahamas in 2024, I def spent way more. Like, a lot more.

Seriously. Think about it:

• Shore excursions: Those can be pricey! Snorkeling trips, jet ski rentals… they add up quick. That’s easily $100+ per excursion.
• Souvenirs: You’re gonna wanna buy stuff! Little trinkets, maybe a nice piece of art. Don’t under estimate this!
• Drinks: Cruises are notorious for expensive drinks. Cocktails, beer… everythin’s inflated. Budget accordingly! It’s insane!

I’d say, minimum $150 a day, probably more like $200-250, depending. Especially if you plan on gambling. My cousin lost a ton in the casino last year! She was seriously upset about it, lost like 500 bucks, on a 3 day trip. Crazy, right? You really gotta plan to have a lot more than 50 dollars a day. For real.

It’s also worth considering that you’ll likely need to cover tips for your cabin steward and waiters and stuff. So add that on top. Also gratuities are usually included but you may want extra for great service. You know, a little extra for those who go above and beyond.

I’d err on the side of caution and bring more than you think you’ll need. Better to have extra and come home with some cash, than to run out and be stressed. You dont want that.

How much does the average person spend on a cruise?

Ugh, cruises. My sister, Sarah, dragged me on one last summer – July, to be exact. Caribbean. Royal Caribbean. $2000. That’s what I spent. Not including the endless flow of overpriced margaritas. Seriously, they’re like, $18 a pop. I mean, ridiculous.

The ship itself, wow. Massive. Like a floating city. But crowded. Too crowded. Felt claustrophobic at times. And the food? Eh. Buffet was okay, but the fancier restaurants? Overrated and overpriced.

I wish I’d saved the money. I should have gone backpacking through Southeast Asia instead. $2000 could have gotten me months of travel. That’s what I’m thinking now, anyway. I really regret it. The beach days were nice, I guess. But the whole experience? A total rip-off. It’s a luxury experience, not worth it.

• Cost: My cruise cost $2,000 (July 2024)
• Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
• Destination: Caribbean
• Duration: Seven Days
• Biggest regrets: Overpriced drinks, overall cost versus value, crowded ship.
• Positives: Beach days, ship size (ironically)

How much money for a 4 day cruise?

Four-day cruise? $500-$5000+. Seriously.

• Budget lines: Interior cabins, expect low hundreds.
• Luxury: Suites? Thousands. Easily.
• Timing: Book early. Prices fluctuate wildly. My last trip cost $1200. July. Caribbean.

Factors: Ship size matters. Destination. Cabin location. All crucial. A balcony? Premium.

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

Ugh, that time on the Navigator of the Seas, 2023. Needed cash for the casino. Stupid ship ATM ate my card. Total panic. Sweating.

Seriously, mid-cruise, stuck. Royal Caribbean. What a mess. Customer service line forever. Finally got it sorted.

Used my backup card at the casino cashier. Lesson learned. Cash is king. Small bills too. Tipping. Shore excursions. Little shops.

• Casino cashier: Best option after my ATM fiasco.
• Bring cash from home: Avoid ATM fees altogether. Definitely worth it.
• Ship’s ATM: Last resort. Risky. Just saying.

My bad. Didn’t bring enough cash. Always bring enough. So annoying dealing with that. Never again. Miami to Cozumel. Should’ve been relaxing. So dumb.

Ship ATMs are predatory. Fees. High exchange rates. Ridiculous. Just avoid. Seriously. Bring USD.

• USD: Accepted everywhere on the ship.
• Credit card for onboard purchases: Convenient. But not for cash.
• Prepaid travel card: Another good idea. Just in case.

Navigator of the Seas. Never forget that ATM. Deck 5, I think. Near the Schooner Bar. Ugh. Just ugh.

Do I need local currency on a cruise?

Local currency…a shimmering thought. A whispered necessity, drifting like ocean mist. Do I need it?

Onboard, the hum of exchange…foreign whispers promising trinkets. Ships harbor hidden treasures of currency, maybe?

Port terminals, fleeting glimpses. Exchange booths, beacons in a sea of faces.

Cards, sleek and modern. Safe passage for my fleeting funds. Credit cards are the safest.

Currency.

Ah, currency. The rustle of paper, the clink of metal. A tangible link to land, to markets teeming with exotic fruits, to laughter echoing in sun-drenched squares. Yes, maybe just a touch.

• Currency onboard? The ship may have it, a convenience store for wanderlust.
• Port exchanges? Perhaps a chance encounter, a gamble on rates.
• Cards are best? For security, absolutely, undoubtedly.
• Do I really need it? A coin for a fountain, a tip for a smile, it does have a certain charm.

Remember that cafe in Lisbon? The warm bread…the old man with the accordion. Card wouldn’t have felt right there. Some situations just demand the real thing.

Currency…it echoes, still.

How much do cruises cost on average?

$109 Bahamas, four nights. Interior. Crazy. $101,199?! Suite. Entry-level. What even is entry-level at that price? My last cruise… balcony… Alaska… $2,500. 2024. Worth it. Saw whales. Glaciers. Drank way too much. Free drinks package. Should I do that again? Expensive though. Inside cabins are a rip-off. Claustrophobic. No view. But cheap. Hmm. Pros and cons. Need a vacation. Badly. Mediterranean next? Always book excursions beforehand. Cheaper. Or is it? Ship excursions are convenient. But pricey. Ugh. So many choices. Look for deals in November/December. Wave season. Is that still a thing? Probably. Travel agent… forgot her name. Gotta find her card. Consider repositioning cruises. Across the Atlantic. Longer trips. Lower per-day cost. Solo traveler discounts. Wish they had more of those. Food… cruise food is good. Too good. Gained 5 pounds last time. Need to hit the gym. Before the next cruise. Definitely. Check for hidden fees. Gratuities. Drinks. Specialty dining. Wifi. Adds up. Fast. Bring cash for tips. Room steward. Waiters. Bartenders. So much to think about. Just book it already.

• Bahamas: Short, cheap getaway.
• Alaska: Scenery. Wildlife. Expensive.
• Mediterranean: History. Culture. Food.
• Repositioning Cruises: Long trips. Good value.
• Wave Season (Nov/Dec): Deals and discounts.

Should you bring cash or card on a cruise?

Cash is king, especially for gratuities. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a crisp bill to enhance your cruise experience. Your cabin steward, for example – they deserve it! Plus, some port-side vendors, especially smaller, local businesses, prefer cash. Think charming little shops in hidden alleys; they might not have the latest Square reader. It’s the little things that make a difference, you know? You’ll feel better knowing you have enough cash in hand.

Onboard purchases? That’s all handled through your room account, making things convenient. Most major credit and debit cards work in most ports now. But having a little pocket money provides a backup. It’s always a good idea to have some flexibility.

Key takeaway: A balanced approach is best. A card covers most larger purchases, and having cash provides flexibility and ensures you can properly tip excellent service personnel. Life’s too short to be inconvenienced by a lack of cash. My cruise to the Caribbean last year taught me this the hard way.

• Cash: Essential for gratuities and smaller port shops.
• Card: Convenient for larger onboard and port purchases.
• Consider: Currency exchange rates. Get the best deal before you go!

I prefer to carry about $500-$700 USD in cash, personally, for a 7-day cruise. That’s just me, though. Your needs vary depending on the length of your cruise and what you like to buy. Remember, always keep some in a secure location! I even use a money belt, because I am paranoid. Don’t be like me; be responsible.