European Cruises Question

We are going on our first European cruise from Venice to the Greek Islands. We will have some OBC in dollars from TA and Credit card. Are drinks on board billed in euros? :confused: What about the casino? Thanks

Ships work on American currency, even in Europe. However, we have often given out extra tips in euros because it seems easier for crew to use in port (they are happy to get dollars, however, if that's what you've got!)

No matter the itinerary of a Celebrity cruise "official" onboard currency is the American dollar.

I always get some Euros before I travel to Europe , some in small denominations.

Otherwise ,I use the ATM in Europe to get more. I only use USD on the ship for extra tips. Pay anything on my sea pass that is beyond OBC with my credit card.

Enjoy your first cruise to Europe. You will love the Greek islands!!!!!

We are going on our first European cruise from Venice to the Greek Islands. We will have some OBC in dollars from TA and Credit card. Are drinks on board billed in euros? :confused: What about the casino? Thanks

EVERYTHING on the ship...or through the cruise line...is in US Dollars...

You give them your credit card number and you have an onboard account--and everything you charge on the ship--drinks, shore excursions, purchases in the gift shops, casino, bingo, etc. is charged to your account in US Dollars...Your OBC is also credited to this account. At the end of the cruise, any debit balance is just posted as a charge to your credit card--in US Dollars...

Anything you purchase OFF the ship...stuff you buy while in port, port tours if purchased through private tour providers, meals in restaurants on land while in port...will be in LOCAL currency...In Italy and Greece, that would be Euros...For these, it is always good to have a little money in local currency...but, if you don't, ATMs are easy to find nowadays. Make sure your ATM card has a 4-digit PIN. There will be some sort of ATM access charge, so it costs more to withdraw smaller amounts. Credit cards are often the preferred way to purchase for tourists--most restaurants and larger shops will take them...but you might need local currency for small snacks, taxis or buses, small merchants, street markets, etc. Check with your credit card company to see if your card charges a "Foreign Transaction Fee"--this is an extra 2 or 3% surcharge they add to your credit card purchases. Some banks (Capital One, for example) do not charge these...and if your bank charges one, you might want to think about getting a new Visa card before you go.

Just a couple of other reminders...Always carry at least one credit card that your spouse or traveling partner doesn't carry. If one of you loses a card or has a wallet or purse stolen, you'll have to cancel any cards that person was carrying--so it really helps to have a different card. Always either xerox all your cards front and back or keep a list of credit card numbers and bank phone numbers--just in case you do have cards lost or wallet stolen. That way, you will be able to quickly contact them and report it.

Before leaving, call your bank/credit card companies and let them know when and where you will be. Otherwise, when several charges start showing up on your account in a foreign country, they put a hold on your card under their "early warning" system.

BTW, on the ship, you don't carry your wallet or money around with you. You lock it away in the safe in your cabin and only take it out when going off the ship at a port...And then, only take the cash you need for that day...leave the rest in your cabin safe. While on the ship, all you need is your cruise card.