Traveler's Checks...

[wanderlustessence]

Experienced cruisers, help! :) We are not taking a credit card and are concerned about using our debit card for our SeaPasses. My questions are:

 

Can someone explain to me how traveler's checks would work during our 4-day cruise to the Bahamas? I would imagine we could choose to put "X" amount of dollars in the form of traveler's check on our SeaPass accounts, correct? Is it best to have cash while in port rather than using the traveler's checks or a Visa debit card (restaraunts, stores, etc.)? In order to have cash while in the ports (at the very least for tipping, transport, etc.), can we cash our traveler's checks at the pursor's desk?

 

We're just trying to come up with a smart, safe way to travel. We will have a strict, though generous, budget that we can use and will not be taking a credit card since we don't have them any longer. We can use our Visa debit card, but I'm thinking traveler's checks might be safer in more ways than one. If we choose to take our budget in traveler's checks, should we leave the debit card at home? Maybe we should bring it for our hotel, gas, and such expenses?

 

Words of wisdom please?

[ckrobyn]

Travellers cheques worked perfectly for us on the cruise. They are sold at your bank in pre-determined denominations. We cashed them at the casino whenever we felt like it. Keep in mind that the Casino is not open while you are in Port, so plan ahead! I'm sure there are other places to cash them onboard, but we only used the casino cashier....

 

Travellers cheques are considered cash. You will need I.D to cash them....our sea pass was all we needed, but we had our credit card attached to the sea pass. Not sure if you would need additional I.D. because you are not going to be using a credit card?

[dlbutler5]

We just use our debit card, some shore establishments won't take TC's. The line has a limit of how much you can cash a day in checks but I don't know if that includes travelers checks. We live in Va Beach and they a a real hassle to use here and it is the states.

[springtxbill]

There is no limit on the traveler's checks in a day. Be sure to take some small bills with you to tip the porters, etc before you get on the ship and can cash the checks.

[byefairwind]

Purser's desk will also cash traveler's checks and they are open in port.

[wanderlustessence]

Thank you for your replies. :) I believe we will be able to get free traveler's checks through hubby's AAA membership. We will make sure to carry a photo ID with us, just in case we need it to cash the checks. We'll also make sure to carry cash for tipping porter's, etc. That is actually already on my ever-growing packing list! ;)

 

Other than the casino, does anyone know where else we can cash traveler's checks, like the pursor's desk perhaps?

[3redheads]

Another option is the AMEX Travel Funds Card. Here's the link:

 

 

http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp?a=2000

 

We used this and it was much better than traveler's checks.

 

Kim

[dms_cruisers04]

AAA offers a Visa card that is similar. Costs less and there is no wait to get it. It won't have your name on it and you have to be a AAA member to get one, but it's a thought too.

 

DEBIT CARD - since it doesn't look like anyone on this thread has mentioned it yet. There are two major issues with debit cards - 1) the cruiseline will likely want to place a hold on the card at embarkation. If there are not additional funds available or if your bank can't/won't remove the hold after a day, you might have issues with accessing your funds. 2) Using it in port you are at the risk of fraud and unlike a credit card, it would take longer to straighten your account out and get your funds back. HTH

[stillfrantic]

I will also say I would NOT travel without a credit card.....what if you get hurt while in a foreign country? Even if you have trip insurance you have to pay for the medical evacuation, if needed, before you can be picked up. You can put it on a credit card and work it out with insurance later. I understand wanting to be debt free but I would not be able to bear someone in my family denied medical care because I didn't have $50,000 in my checking account to put on my debit card.

[wanderlustessence]

byefairwind: Oops! I was posting a question while you were answering it! :o Glad to know the pursor's desk will cash traveler's checks.

 

3redheads: I actually had saved the link to the American Express Vacation Card awhile back. Thank you for the reminder.

 

dms_cruisers04: I'm glad to hear about AAA's Visa card and will look into that as well. We will not be using our debit card on the ship or in port for the very reasons you stated.

 

stillfrantic: We wouldn't have the option of a $50,000 credit limit on a credit card even if we wanted it, though I understand your concerns.

 

Thanks for all your replies! :)