How much to bring

On our last cruise we used the ATM on the ship and they charged us like $6 for the transaction (I don't think it mattered how much cash we got). We didn't think it was unfair for having the convenience of having the ATM there. Someone has to maintain the thing and keep is stocked. It is a great convenience and much better, for us, than carrying a bunch of cash in our pockets.

The cost was less than one of the drinks.

Tom

I don't know the fees or bank, but I do know that they are out of order more than you might expect. In other words, I would not depend on them as my only source of cash.

I haven't read all the postings, but this is what I do.

I have my credit card, as well as I went to the bank and got about $50 in $1.00 bills, as well as some $10.00. This way I can use this money from the time I go to the airport, to paying vendors, and Taxi's that might take us around, instead of a tour guide, until we go back home. I find for me, about $100 in bills like this, generally works. As the others have said, it depends upon where your going, and what your going to do. I always bring additional cash, for just in case, but the $1.00 and $10.00 are the ones I use at the vendors.

We figure out how much our pre & post cruise taxis will be. We have one home to airport/ airport to hotel then the same in reverse. We keep this cash separate in our safe when we board.

We also have to provide tips for room service, drinks, shore excursions, bell hops, etc.

We prepay most shore excursions through the cruise line, but bring extra cash if the excursion description mentions shopping.

We take mixed bills.

Anyone have recent experience with ship ATMs? What bank, transaction fee charged by the machine? I realize my own bank may charge a fee as well.

Last week on the Oasis the ATM fee was $6.50. I took out $300 just so I'd feel better about the fee. Made the cost of the cash 2.2% rather than 6.5% for $100. Turned out I probably could have survived without it but I was worried because I had to use $200 cash for transportation in Jamaica and wasn't sure I'd have enough for Cozumel.

It wasn't a bank ATM so I don't think anybody is immune from the fee unless your institution reimburses it to you.

Yea, when you ask a question like this, since no one here knows you or your habits, you will get answers all over the place.

From $50 to $1000 a week. Not sure how anyone can get by with $50 for a week - one short taxi ride costs more than $50.

Even with prepaying everything possible, there are many in port items I would never use a credit card to pay, so adequate cash is a must. And why skimp on cash making it necessary to use an ATM. Use the safe !

I take along enough cash to cover my anticipated needs, however I also carry along a prepaid debit card for any unexpected post cruise expenses.

Hi everyone,

 

I am trying to figure out how much cash to bring on our trip. We are taking a taxi from the hotel to the port so, with that in mind (and an average of $20 taxi fare), how much cash and in what denominations should we bring? Also, if we run out, is there anywhere on the ship that we can add money to our account then withdraw without penalty? I think We did that at the casino, but I wasn't sure if this would fall under the 5% fee.

 

TIA!

I make an envelop for each port and put cash in for the amount of any private excursions we have booked plus a tip or necessary cash for cabs if taking one instead of an excursion (I research each port online to determine approximate amount needed for cabs) and then add an "allowance" for shopping and food if applicable. I buy very little food on shore.

Anyone have recent experience with ship ATMs? What bank, transaction fee charged by the machine? I realize my own bank may charge a fee as well.

On Adventure in January 2016, the bank was BB&T and the fee was $6. Here is a link to the bank's map with locations of branch offices https://www.bbt.com/locator/search.page which are mostly in the Eastern US & Texas.

In my case, I actually have a BB&T card, but left it at home & took my BofA card. Oh well, I'll know next time (by which time they'll probably have changed banks!)

That can be a big "if" depending on where you are....and certainly the ATM onboard will charge you a fee ;)

Capital One, no foreign transaction fees, ATM fees reimbursed up to to $30 per rmonth.