Cash/travelers checks to bring?

[Andrea1970]

Going on 7day cruise and wondering how much cash/travelers checks to bring.

 

We don't buy lots of souvenirs, but some certainly. I'm thinking most of our $ will be for a few excursions off the boat (that we don't book through the ship) maybe a few taxis, and misc spending (not big drinkers, either).

 

I was thinking $100 cash right off the bat (60 tens, 40 ones) and then $3-400 for travelers checks to be cashed at the pursers office. I know the off-ship tour we want to do is like $170ish for the whole family.

 

Opinions?

[tankersbabe]

Hubby and I are planning on $500-600 total for our seven day. Includes two excursions, Nick and Noras, and drinks, and any photos....Our tips are prepaid, so that is done.

 

We don't buy much in port...just a few trinkets here and there. Not big spenders there...and we don't use the casino except to drop a nickel here and there.

 

We'll probably carry $50 in ones for porter tips, room service tips, and taxi fees.

 

I'm going to get $700 in Travellers checks...cash about $50 when we go into port each time if we need to, and use the remaining to pay off the S&S at the end.

 

Stef

[Tmeister]

On a recent trip overseas to Europe, we found it very difficult to use traveller's checks. Everyone wanted plastic instead, both in shops and in banks. Since the Caribbean is not as technologically advanced as Europe, cash is a good idea, but don't bet on being able to use traveller's checks for purchases, and you may find it difficult to find a bank willing to cash them. The purser's desk is your best bet for that purpose. There are usually ATM's in major ports and on ships as well.

 

In terms of dollar amounts, the two of us probably spend $500 in cash in a 7-day cruise, largely for souvenirs, gifts and clothing and for a few cab rides/excursions not associated with the ship. Anything bought on the ship goes on your account.

[Ehpride]

Tmeister, where did you travel in Europe? I'm going to Germany and Czech Republic this spring and am wondering if I should bring any traveler's checks at all. My professor said that they probably wouldn't be accepted in a lot of places and that ATM/Debit cards would work better. Do you agree?

[debbie9703]

I usually bring travelers checks but most of the time I end up bringing most of them home.It is easier using cash or credit cards. I used a TC in St Martin and my signature was not exactly the same. The store clerk had me sign again about 2 extra times saying the bank might give her a hard time. In all the confusion, I don't even think I got my change back! My next cruise in July I am only bringing cash and credit cards. I will just keep most of the cash is the safe and take out as needed.

 

I also went to Italy last year and used credit cards and cash.We were advised that that would be the easiest. I did end up having to go to the atm several times.

[odis]

I usually take equal parts of TC and cash. In port, I use cash and if I need to, cash a TC at the pursers desk. If I have TC left over, I use them to pay down the S&S on the last full day

[deerby27]

I have taken $500.00 in travelers checks on the last several cruises and have always brought them back home. I usually plan on loosing in the casino, but I have been winning.

[mnsawyer]

We always take traveler's check since taking all kinds of cash isn't a good idea sometimes. We just cash them at the purser's desk every day we are in port. No problems. We'll take around $1000 but will be doing a pre-cruise. Never spend that much but always like to be sure we have enough. We too, pay off our sail and sign account before we leave. Our credit cards have been used enough!!

[Tmeister]

We traveled in Germany and Holland, and had a lot of trouble finding a bank to take traveler's checks, even in huge tourist areas. Leave the money in your bank account and use your ATM card, especially in Germany. I don't know what you're likely to encounter in the Czech Republic, but I think they'd be sufficiently modern that you could find an ATM in a city.

[zydecocruiser]

Are these traveler's checks in dollars or euros?

 

If you have an Amex card, you can cash a check for up to $250 with an Amex card at the purser's office (at least as of last year).