1st time cruiser - how much cash to take?

[Domrep122]

Hi! New to the forum, will be going on the Majesty next weekend and we're trying to get our ducks in a row before we leave. My question is how much cash should we bring for a 4 day/3 night cruise? Gratuities have been prepaid, we're actually using cash for the sea pass. 10 year old will be with us, and we decided against the beverage packages b/c we feel we'll be OK with what they already have on board. Push comes to shove, we'll get a soda.

 

We've already paid for the excursions...I think the only way we'll use cash is for the taxi from the port to Atlantis which last I checked was $4 per person, so that's roughly $25 there round trip. We're not interested in purchasing anything to be honest. Am I missing anything here? My biggest concern is Atlantis, how does this work? What do we bring? Do we use cash to pay for food or? At that point, I think we'll have breakfast on the ship and just lunch at Atlantis.

 

All tips/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[klfrodo]

Do you have a credit card backup for medical emergencies or any last minute major expenses (flight delays, hotels, meals, meds, etc.)

 

Some people get by with $100

Some people can't get by for less that a couple of grand.

 

This is completely your call

[kelkel2]

So you will be using cash for your cruise card and for your purchases in the port? I would bring maybe at least $300-$400 depending on your spending habits. I don't know how much you drink and how much you would be charging for that, but I like to bring more than enough to cover myself. We tip extra any time we order a room service meal or snack as I do think those people get left out of the included gratuities.

With gratuities pre-paid you don't have too much to charge depending on how much you purchase on the ship. That's totally up to you. Will your child want something from the gift shop? Will you want to purchase photos? All things to consider.

In the ports I like to use cash for taxis as well and bring several $1's and $5's with me for that purpose. I think as long as you have small bills you will be ok. In foreign ports, the do not like to always make change for larger American Bills. That includes $20's. Just an Fyi for when you go to the bank. I always go to the bank before my cruise and ask for a deposit and have it broken down into small bills.

 

Edited to say, we bring $300-400 for a 7-8 night cruise and that's just for cash in ports but we use a credit card on the ship as our payment method.

I HIGHLY suggest you do not leave home without a credit card. If something were to happen you would need something other than a little bit of cash.

Edited August 28, 2015 by kelkel2

[Domrep122]

Do you have a credit card backup for medical emergencies or any last minute major expenses (flight delays, hotels, meals, meds, etc.)

 

Some people get by with $100

Some people can't get by for less that a couple of grand.

 

This is completely your call

 

Yes, we'll be bringing credits and such, just in case. From what I've read here, there's a free buffet lunch (or its included in the package at least) at CocoCay. I guess I'm more worried about Atlantis and the prices? Can we charge lockers and food to our seapass account?

[klfrodo]

I guess I'm more worried about Atlantis and the prices? Can we charge lockers and food to our seapass account?

 

No

Any activities, foods or drinks purchased at Atlantis are cash or credit.

[Keith1010]

I would bring a few hundred dollars because anytime you travel I would have some cash with you but on the ship you will really not need cash other than for the porters who collect your luggage at the pier.

 

Keith

[ladygal4.4]

For a meal and drink, plan on 10 per person. I "think" refills are free for soft drinks. I remember seeing open coke fountains there.

 

You'll want a locker for your valuables, because The water park is HUMONGOUS and you won't be able to carry much.

 

When leaving Atlantis, have something dry to sit on. The taxis fuss if you're wet. And the 4 dollar price is if you take a group taxi, they'll try to upcharge you if they take just your family.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Domrep122]

So you will be using cash for your cruise card and for your purchases in the port? I would bring maybe at least $300-$400 depending on your spending habits. I don't know how much you drink and how much you would be charging for that, but I like to bring more than enough to cover myself. We tip extra any time we order a room service meal or snack as I do think those people get left out of the included gratuities.

With gratuities pre-paid you don't have too much to charge depending on how much you purchase on the ship. That's totally up to you. Will your child want something from the gift shop? Will you want to purchase photos? All things to consider.

In the ports I like to use cash for taxis as well and bring several $1's and $5's with me for that purpose. I think as long as you have small bills you will be ok. In foreign ports, the do not like to always make change for larger American Bills. That includes $20's. Just an Fyi for when you go to the bank. I always go to the bank before my cruise and ask for a deposit and have it broken down into small bills.

 

Edited to say, we bring $300-400 for a 7-8 night cruise and that's just for cash in ports but we use a credit card on the ship as our payment method.

I HIGHLY suggest you do not leave home without a credit card. If something were to happen you would need something other than a little bit of cash.

 

I probably won't be drinking. It's my niece's 10th birthday, and it's a family trip so I'll stick to juices and soda. :) Truthfully, I don't think we will be spending much of anything on photos and such.

 

So based on what I've researched: it's potentially $4 per person for a taxi or a shuttle with the rest of the ship. $7 for a locker, plus food ($10 per person), we're looking at roughly $70-75 total for Atlantis? Do I have that right?

[sgmamabear]

We were in Atlantis in June. 4 gatorades, fries, a side of chicken tenders, and two wraps ran over $60.

[Domrep122]

We were in Atlantis in June. 4 gatorades, fries, a side of chicken tenders, and two wraps ran over $60.

 

:eek: How were the portions?

[cb at sea]

Almost everywhere will take a credit card....so bring one! You never know when you may need funds in an emergency.

 

We bring MUCH more money than we plan on spending....it's good to have it, if you need it. I'd figure about $150 per day, at least. Your bank will let you redeposit it, if you don't need it all!

[sgmamabear]

:eek: How were the portions?

 

 

It made for a decent light lunch for the four of us. The wraps were similar in size to the ones I get at Trader Joes. The chicken tenders only had 4 I think. And it was a small order of fries. The gatorades were $4-5 each. So that's where a huge chunk of the money went. I still loved atlantis and would go back in a heartbeat! Just plan on $100 and maybe you'll have change to donate to their casino on your way out!

[maywell]

Bring a minimum of about $25 to 200 a port day that's not a cruise line private island - That should cover lunch, cab rides (if you didn't buy a transfer / excursion from the cruise line), some souvenirs, maybe a rental of a lounge chair/ umbrella.