I once found that I couldn't make a purchase in Argentina, I didn't have enough pesos, I didn't want to use my Visa card due to fees, I offered USD but the exchange rate they wanted was horrible, so I walked out. The next day, they saw me walking past and offered me a much better rate. It was too late, I had found another shop.
I would say not.
On our recent Noordam cruise to NZ they were not included in the fare, we paid them separately. You can prepay these if you wish by going into your cruise manager.
We use an ATM in a bank if we need some cash for some countries like the US, Canada, UK or Europe. For developing countries we tend to not worry about cash or most likely they take another currency like USD, Euro or AUD.
For PNG, we got some Kina in Alatou from the ATM by the supermarket and bank which was our first stop.
For me the cruise is itinerary pricing and timing, the cruiseline and ship are secondary considerations .
For us, if there is a pick between several lines due to having the same itinerary and similar pricing and timings, Princess is a good line to use and the Majestic is a nice ship, we have some status that may help sway us that way.
Definitely lock it in.
As Julie, and Geoff will be getting debarking from the Diamond, perhaps a catch up, coffee and/ or brunch, at City Extra circular quay, may work.
Lyle, I am thinking we meet at Circular Quay around 11am on the 20th, take the ferry and cruise to Manly, mini harbour cruise, have some lunch there, return back in the arvo. Others could come along as well if they want.