How much cash to take?

Hi All,

We are cruising for the first time this weekend (Carnival Princess Pride Mexican Rivieria)! How much cash is recommended to take? I've heard all the on board ATM's run out early in the week. What about travellers checks - are they recommended?

I appreciate your replies!

tthomp

Everything related to the ship will be billed to the Sign & Sail account, so items you buy on board, including drinks are all just charged to your account (put on the credit card you give them when you first get on board).

In fact, other than maybe the casino, cash is not used on Carnival or most other lines anymore. You'll need cash for the usual travel expense like parking, cab fare, etc. Other than that, it's up to you.

Most people bring what they want for shopping in the ports, or eating/drinking when off the ship. You'll also need cash if you decide to book tours on your own.

I do NOT recommend using the shipboard ATM machine. Since it is connected to banks via a satellite link there can be lots of problems with it being down. On one cruise it never worked the entire trip we were on. The services fees are also very high.

We always take travellers checks and the pursers desk on the ship will gladly cash them for you. That way you have access to plenty of money and it's safe and, if you don't use them on your trip you can return the money to your bank account, etc. easily.

By the way, you can also use them in most ports to purchase large ticket items like jewelry, etc. :) :)

We've always used the ships ATM's with no problems. Never experienced one running out of cash or breaking down. You can always get cash from ATMs at most ports as well. ;)

If I may, can I ask if you are taking along enough cash to pay for your onboard account for the week? I'm not trying to be nosy, just would like to give a more accurate answer to your question. If you are just interested in pocket money, the amount would be a much lower number than if you are settling your onboard account with cash. A good starting point would be around $100 per person, per adult.

We like to stay within a reasonable budget on our cruises, but like to have enough so we can enjoy our time and splurge a bit. To keep these charges off the credit card, we take along what we think we will spend in travellers checks. We open our onboard account with a credit card, then settle with the travelers checks on the last day. Any additional charges for the last night can ride on our credit card, it's usually just for a few drinks. The pursers desk will gladly cash a travelers check so you can have some cash in your pocket when in port.

A fair budget for average drinkers (3 each per day) would be around $35 per day, bottle of wine with dinner around $25-40, depending on wine.

Massage or facial around $75-100, we do maybe one each sometime during the week.

Excursions, tough to call, depending on your tastes, anywhere from $15 - $300 per person.

Casino, Bingo, shopping, souvenirs, that is all up to you. So, now you can see why it is so hard a question to answer. Some people don't drink at all, some spend hours in the casino, some buy jewelry. It's a fairly sure bet that you will need twice the amount you have budgeted.