Why I would want cash...

[Anita Latte]

We leave Saturday. Doing our final preparations, I'm trying to figure out how much cash, and what kind of bills, to bring.

 

5 nights on the Fascination out of Jacksonville. Ports are Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

 

So.

 

• Tipping porters at embarkation. Dollar bills or a fiver depending on bag count.
  
• Possible laundry needs on the ship. Lots of quarters.
  
• Possible bus ride in Nassau. Or jitney, they are called? Need to refresh memory on exact change for fare.
  
• Shopping money for HMC as I hear that any souvenirs there would be cash only, but all other needs (kayak rental for instance) could be S&S card? So a variety of bills for that.
  

 

What else?

 

We aren't doing the Cheers program...so gratuity would be included in our individual drink orders, yes? And our server would be the beneficiary of such?

 

Any other needs on board? Or in our ports?

 

This is our first family cruise without my parents as the experts organizing it!! I want to be prepared! Thanks for the help...

[bruadhin]

1. Additional tips to the staff.

2. Buying things in port. Not all vendors take credit cards, and you also avoid foreign transaction charges if your card charges those.

3. Emergencies. Things happen and when hundred or thousands of miles from home, a few hundred in cash can really get you out of a jam.

[sailor_jimc]

If you plan on going to the casino bring cash for that. You can avoid a 3% fee that way. If you are not planning on doing the casino, then the above reply covers its.

[MemphisFan]

that pretty much covers it I think. As someone else said, I'd plan for some extra mad money to cover issues.

 

Generally when we sail I plan the cash all out. How much we're tipping for bags (on/off ship, shuttle buses, cabs, etc...), tips on excursions, anything we know we're paying in cash (if anything), a small stipend for souvenirs (some bought with cards when possible), and then I bring some strictly for emergencies.

 

Have fun on the cruise. We're sailing on that one too, so we're finishing things up getting ready to leave Friday night to head that way.

[Ontario_Cruiser]

If you are planning on ordering room service, then some singles would be handy.

[wiskt]

We leave Saturday. Doing our final preparations, I'm trying to figure out how much cash, and what kind of bills, to bring.

 

I usually bring along some smaller bills upfront for the BAG PORTER, a substantial extra tip to a bartender I plan on using the rest of the cruise. (They'll remember you that way)

 

Then the rest you can bring LARGER BILLS or the safer Travelers check if you prefer. You can go to the Guest services desk (or Casino the night prior) before port days & they will gladly CASH DOWN the larger bills to smaller 5's & 1's. I'll always cash down to smaller bills when in port so I am not pulling out larger bills when bartering and spending in ports.

[evanAction]

HMC Trinket vendors are cash only? I thought the whole island was run off of S&S account?

[momof3cruisers]

Definitely some ones for room service. I generally find a bar waiter or two that I order with and tip them extra, but I usually just write in the extra amount on the charge slip.

[crusinpsychRN]

As others said, room service! The shrimp salad is really good. I ask for the bread on the side which they sometimes send toasted like garlic bread. The salads from room service are so fresh and yummy!

 

I usually tip $2 per order.

[ncovert]

Many of the others have said great ideas (and I might repeat some)

 

Room service, transfer, porters (a little 2 per bag plus another 5), and we always make sure to give our cabin steward a large tip at the start of the cruise (much like others suggest giving to bartenders)

 

Also like to have cash for port purchases and just in case situations. Having experienced traveling where CC may not be accepted (and yes there are places even in the US) it is always helpful to have a little backup.

[Anita Latte]

Gratuity isn't automatically added to room service? Good to know. I'm not sure that we'll order room service...never have and our room isn't a balcony...and 3 in the room...but maybe. This is the info I need.

 

What other staff would expect tips? We did the prepaid gratuities to avoid most needs for tipping...I'm very much a newbie, so I appreciate the help here.

 

I think the vast majority of HMC is S&S BUT...in my memory bank are a few reviews where people were surprised to see that there were locals selling things on the island and these were cash only. I'd have to look to find this info again...it just stuck in my head. Maybe someone else can chime in and verify.

 

Hadn't even thought about there being a casino on board. Would cash also be used for Bingo?

[Anita Latte]

HMC Trinket vendors are cash only? I thought the whole island was run off of S&S account?

 

Source:

http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/halfmooncay.html#.VBCJHvmwJ8M

 

"Half Moon Cay is Holland America's own private island in the Bahamas; when it's not being used by Holland America, Carnival's ships make port here. Despite all appearances to the contrary, the cay really is a deserted island, save for a caretaker staff of 10 to 20 Holland America workers who live here year round. The locals who sell arts, crafts, souvenirs and knickknacks in the straw market reside on nearby Eleuthera Island, and commute to Half Moon Cay whenever a ship comes into port.

 

Just remember to bring your Sign & Sail Card (Carnival) or your Stateroom Key Card (Holland America) to pay for your drinks, souvenirs, equipment rentals and last-minute excursions. And if you plan on shopping for some straw goods, bring cash."

Edited September 10, 2014 by Anita Latte

[FlaMommy75]

I usually go to the bank and ask for 50 $1 bills (and then I always feel the need to tell them it is for a cruise :p). That way we have them for porters and also room service. We usually order room service every morning. Also, it is nice to have a bunch of small bills handy when we are in port.

Have a great cruise :)

[bruadhin]

Gratuity isn't automatically added to room service? Good to know. I'm not sure that we'll order room service...never have and our room isn't a balcony...and 3 in the room...but maybe. This is the info I need.

 

What other staff would expect tips? We did the prepaid gratuities to avoid most needs for tipping...I'm very much a newbie, so I appreciate the help here.

 

I think the vast majority of HMC is S&S BUT...in my memory bank are a few reviews where people were surprised to see that there were locals selling things on the island and these were cash only. I'd have to look to find this info again...it just stuck in my head. Maybe someone else can chime in and verify.

 

Hadn't even thought about there being a casino on board. Would cash also be used for Bingo?

 

Many people, myself included, often give additional tips above and beyond the automatic tips to room stewards, dining room waiters, etc. It does depend on the service, but some go way above and beyond. They are just phenomenal and definitely appreciate the additional tip.

 

The bingo would be charged to your S&S card. If you use your S&S card for that and the slots, it may be treated as a cash advance by your card company. I wouldn't know as I've never done it, although I don't think so as I seem to recall the S&S bill just being one large bill on the card.

 

Also, this is your first cruise, you don't know what you don't know. I highly recommend taking cash above and beyond what you think. You can always put it back in the bank when you get home. But getting that cash when you need it may prove more difficult and/or expensive than you anticipated.

[Anita Latte]

Many people, myself included, often give additional tips above and beyond the automatic tips to room stewards, dining room waiters, etc. It does depend on the service, but some go way above and beyond. They are just phenomenal and definitely appreciate the additional tip.

 

The bingo would be charged to your S&S card. If you use your S&S card for that and the slots, it may be treated as a cash advance by your card company. I wouldn't know as I've never done it, although I don't think so as I seem to recall the S&S bill just being one large bill on the card.

 

Also, this is your first cruise, you don't know what you don't know. I highly recommend taking cash above and beyond what you think. You can always put it back in the bank when you get home. But getting that cash when you need it may prove more difficult and/or expensive than you anticipated.

 

Mostly true...it isn't our first cruise...just the first one where we are responsible for the bill! LOL.

 

I respect the idea that we could always return the cash to the bank...I know myself well enough to admit that this has been a problem on prior vacations. It's one reason why I don't mind dealing with consequences for certain emergencies...but otherwise trying to be prepared. I need to limit the cash on handle to what is really necessary.

 

And maybe I don't truly understand the safe system? From what I read...any magnetic strip will open that thing? It's not a code you enter? What the heck? Doesn't seem too safe in the safe...

[OCruisers]

While you don't have to tip extra for room service, most people do.

Be sure to take at least several hundred dollars extra in case something unexpected happens.

Have a great cruise! :)

[ryansmith18]

I usually go to the bank and ask for 50 $1 bills (and then I always feel the need to tell them it is for a cruise :p).

 

Ha, yeah I always get some really funny looks from the bank tellers when I ask for a bunch of 1s.

 

"It's not for a strip club, I promise!"

 

"Oh I would hope not, because this is not nearly enough if it is!"

[bruadhin]

Mostly true...it isn't our first cruise...just the first one where we are responsible for the bill! LOL.

 

I respect the idea that we could always return the cash to the bank...I know myself well enough to admit that this has been a problem on prior vacations. It's one reason why I don't mind dealing with consequences for certain emergencies...but otherwise trying to be prepared. I need to limit the cash on handle to what is really necessary.

 

And maybe I don't truly understand the safe system? From what I read...any magnetic strip will open that thing? It's not a code you enter? What the heck? Doesn't seem too safe in the safe...

 

I apologize, I thought you had said it was your first cruise.

 

The safe is keyed to the magnetic strip. You can use any card, but once you do only that card will open it, unless security/maintenance overrides it. When you go to close it again, you can use the same card as before or a different card, but again it will be coded to the card used to close it and that is the card that has to be used to open it.

[Anita Latte]

While you don't have to tip extra for room service, most people do.

Be sure to take at least several hundred dollars extra in case something unexpected happens.

Have a great cruise! :)

 

Thank you! I wonder what would happen that would require several hundred dollars? I don't have several hundred dollars. That sounds like half of what we are spending on this vacation! LOL. I know that the canned response would be that "anything could happen"...but seriously...what would happen that would require CASH.

 

I apologize, I thought you had said it was your first cruise.

 

The safe is keyed to the magnetic strip. You can use any card, but once you do only that card will open it, unless security/maintenance overrides it. When you go to close it again, you can use the same card as before or a different card, but again it will be coded to the card used to close it and that is the card that has to be used to open it.

 

First cruise without my parents along! :)

 

Thank you for explaining the safe...makes sense. Can you use your room key for the magnetic strip? Otherwise...what kind of card do you leave OUT of the safe?

[bruadhin]

 

First cruise without my parents along! :)

 

Thank you for explaining the safe...makes sense. Can you use your room key for the magnetic strip? Otherwise...what kind of card do you leave OUT of the safe?

 

I've always used a credit card. Although some people are saying the safe's as well as the light switch (some rooms have gone green and require your S&S card be in a slot to activate the electricity) can demagnetize them. If so, bring an old gift or S&S card.

[AmberCascades]

I don't know if you are just referring to the cruise part of your trip, but I always have to remind my dh that we need cash available to pay for transportation to and from the airport, and any incidentals we need on travel day (food at airport, etc.)

[Davey Wavey]

Thank you for explaining the safe...makes sense. Can you use your room key for the magnetic strip? Otherwise...what kind of card do you leave OUT of the safe?

 

You need some card, usually your room key, to be in the slot by the door to keep the lights on. You can pull your room key out of the light slot and the lights stay on for maybe 5 minutes and open your safe. Some people bring old S&S cards or any other magnetic card will do. Grab a pre-paid card or gift card from a Starbucks or gas station and don't activate it. Expired credit card. All kinds of possibilities.

[Anita Latte]

I don't know if you are just referring to the cruise part of your trip, but I always have to remind my dh that we need cash available to pay for transportation to and from the airport, and any incidentals we need on travel day (food at airport, etc.)

Good thoughts for anyone else reading the thread. For our trip, we are driving from the Atlanta area to Jacksonville, so no air travel this time.

[Anita Latte]

Good thoughts for anyone else reading the thread. For our trip, we are driving from the Atlanta area to Jacksonville, so no air travel this time.

OMG...how funny about the lights! Never been on Carnival before and somehow, in my research, I hadn't come across this before. That is so funny. It reminds me of the way the air conditioning works in some Disney resort hotels... Is this how the air conditioning works too...is that why there is all the fuss about room temperatures? Hmmm.

 

Adding card with magnetic strip to packing list...

[AmberCascades]

We always have our US cash in order, but then there's the last-minute dash to the ATM to make sure we've got enough Canadian money for the beginning and end of our trips. (That's not the most exciting part so that's probably why we don't think of it :)).