How much cash??

[JanetScho]

We are leaving on our first cruise on January 29th.

How much US currency do you carry with you?

I know it would depend on how much you drink etc, but an idea would be helpful.

[pjsugg]

What you drink on board is charged. No cash allowed.

 

What you drink at each port or eat is on you.....along with spending money.

 

Now, do not forget gambling money, if you do so.

 

So you see, it can cost little to nothing or alot. Even cokes etc. cost on your charge account. But no cash other than your gambline and tips on board. For us that comes out to be a few$$$$$$$$$.

 

Patti

[tdebolt]

Last 7 day cruise I took about $300.. even gambling can go on shipboard credit if you want to. I think this was a good amount for tips at the terminal, any incidentals along the way and spending money in ports. We did OK at the casino and came back with cash in hand too!

[TamraQ]

I personally would allow around $100.00 per day ashore that you do not have ship's excursions planned (any day your on your own). I found that for most things ashore, cash was king. Cab fare to tourist sites or beaches, allow $25-35.00. Lounge chair and umbrella rentals usually cash to the owner of the

chairs, etc...Some of the little food stands, either roadside/beachside do not always take plastic- and if you are at one of the nice hotels that do, it is usually more expensive. Also American Express is not as widely accepted abroad, and mastercard is more common to find.

[Lou33]

We don't bring any cash other than what we happen to have in our pockets. When you need money, just go to the casino. They will give you all the cash you want and charge it to your account, along with all your other expenses.

 

There is no reason to use the ATM on the ship and there is no reason to buy travelers checks.

[fireguy091]

I agree with Lou. If you don't have aprobglem charging your cash the casino is a cash cow... :D

[illusion]

We have generally have taken enough cash so we don't need to use our Visa at all. When u check in you provide a Visa # for whatever limit u think u will need for all your purchases onboard. Say $1000. Then late the last night before we dock hubby goes down and pays our acct in cash. No Visa charges.

 

IMHO $1000-$1500. cash + Visa makes for a good trip. The 1st cruise is a real learning experience. You don't need to spend a lot of $$ to have a great time.

 

See ya soon. Jane.

[missyal]

You don't mention where you are going, but I'm guessing maybe Europe because you mention U.S. currency. If that is the case, I would suggest bringing a small amount of cash to cover taxi's/ porters, etc. Bring an ATM card and credit card. This way you can get local currency/Euros for a good exchange rate and not have to worry about carrying alot of cash. We did this and it worked out beautifully.

 

With that said, if you are not going to Europe--disregard the above:o

Missyal

[Fridaynightlights]

You won't regret bringing at least $100 in $1 bills. Very handy for drinks, tips on shore, etc.

[dkjretired]

I take very little cash and if needed take money from ATms on land or from the Casino. There is a big advantage to taking money from the Casino since the money taken out is put on your on-board account. If you put up a credit card with incentives (miles, etc.) for your on-board account, the charges are all sent in at once as a purchase not a cash advance. I took out my tips on my last cruise as well as cash for four and earned a lot of miles. I also take a lot of singles for tips and small purchases.

 

Also, I noticed you are going on the Century and US dollars are accepted in all the countries you will visit. No need for any other currency.

Don

[JanetScho]

Thanks so much for your replies.

 

This was most helpful.

Janet