should I take bulk cash for islands or use ship atm?

[kpvb88]

I want to have plenty of cash for ports, but I hear the atms on ships run out mid-cruise. I am getting on allure this sun, yaaaa, should I take my cash and store in safe or count on atm??? thanks!!!

[Sadie cruiser]

Take cash or traveler's checks and cash them at guest services. I wouldn't give the vendors at the ports your credit card unless it is a ship recommended store.

[ddonalds]

I would plan on using the ATMs on shore. I never had a problem getting money there.

[kpvb88]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't realize I could get American cash at island ATMs.

[cruisekap]

Hi,

 

We used the ATM on the ship and I believe it had a wopping $7.50 service charge. We ran out of cash faster than we thought and had no choice. Of course, when I got home I found cash in my wallet that I forgot about. No wonder my DH was looking at me like I was throwing money overboard ;)It was locked away safely in the cabin safe. LOL

[CasaSmith]

Not all ATMS give you US Dollars when you are in other countries. It depends where you are at. It normally gives you the currency of the country you are in.

 

Just FYI.

[cruisegirl1]

You can cash a check on board, if you have proper ID and the check is from an American Bank. I think the limit is $200 per person per cruise. No fees!

 

M

[travelpeon]

Is it the route that includes St. Thomas? If so, as a US VI, their currency is USD and ATMs should spit out USD. A bit of googling reveals Chase is on both St. Thomas and St. John.

 

Take a mix of cash, emergency funds, and alert your credit card/atm that you might use them overseas. In case the credit card or atm route fails you (or they put a hold due to "fraudulent" transactions from your vacation) you will still have cash. I'm pretty sure the porter doesn't take credit cards but maybe they take certified diamonds or genuine rolexes ;)

 

The last backup option might be to get a cash advance from the casino. They'll draw funds from a credit card + 3%, I believe. There are some frequent flier/points/credit card benefits you could get with a casino cash advance but if you want to keep it simple, I'd only use this as a backup when ATMs aren't working out.