Cash

[gandoratze42]

Hi -

 

I'm getting ready to head out on our cruise this coming Saturday on the Escape. I realized I should bring some cash, but I'm trying to decide how much. I know I'll be tipping (porter for luggage, some extra to the room steward, a bartender here and there - we have UBP). I'm trying to see how much I should think about for anything else including excursions. We are doing ABI beach, Jost V Dyke, and Blue Lagoon. Wondering if I can count on using my credit card for food and drinks while on excursions, or should I plan for cash all the way? I am guessing some for guides, servers, and rentals on the beach? If anyone has a good rule of thumb, or advice that'd be great. I realize everyone will be a little different, but I'm hoping someone has some helpful thoughts. Also, I don't think I'd gamble much, maybe $100 for that. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Cruisin&Relaxin]

As far as ship tips, when I cross paths with someone I want to tip I take a photo of their name badge explaining I need their name to leave a tip on a voucher. Then when convenient I go to guest services and put their tip on my account under there name. Totally cashless and I can give them a copy of the voucher as well. I tip my butler, concierge, servers, bartenders and room steward this way.

[boatseller]

As far as ship tips, when I cross paths with someone I want to tip I take a photo of their name badge explaining I need their name to leave a tip on a voucher. Then when convenient I go to guest services and put their tip on my account under there name. Totally cashless and I can give them a copy of the voucher as well. I tip my butler, concierge, servers, bartenders and room steward this way.

 

Whoa! Really? I had no idea you could do that. That's totally awesome.

[acharris1]

So if you're in the Haven, do you just go to the concierge to put your butler's tip on your onboard account and get your voucher?

 

Also, for tips to bartenders, can't you just write it on the receipt and it'll be charged to your onboard account?

[negn]

When traveling I usually use 1 credit card I have a low limit on and make sure I contact credit card company prior. Have only had 1 episode when its been hacked but as its only for travel not a problem and resolved quickly. If it was on credit card I'd be using for other travel expenses may have been cancelled till new card arrived.

[Coastalbreezes]

So if you're in the Haven, do you just go to the concierge to put your butler's tip on your onboard account and get your voucher? Go to Guest Services and they will take care of it for you.

 

Also, for tips to bartenders, can't you just write it on the receipt and it'll be charged to your onboard account? Yes

 

I also bring about $20-$30 in ones to tip out bartenders and also casino drink servers. Cash is king!

 

Tracy

[acharris1]

Thanks, Tracy. I'm been compiling ones for our trip. I'm up to $43. [emoji2]

 

 

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[ChitownKaye]

I take about $100 in singles, lots of 5's and a some 10's. I put them in the safe and use what I need. Then I take home anything left and put it i envelopes for the next trip. I use 20's for room steward. We don't have a butler - yet!

[gandoratze42]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[BirdTravels]

Whoa! Really? I had no idea you could do that. That's totally awesome.

 

Cash is better. Your generosity becomes a smaller tip when it becomes taxable income on a paycheck through guest services.

[cb at sea]

We would NEVER carry small bills...too bulky! We usually bring about $1500 for a week....we seldom spend it all, but if you need it...you will have it! Large bills are much easier to carry and the ship can break them down as needed. Bring about $20 in smaller bills to get you to the ship (tips for cab, porter...) and then store your cash in the safe.

[LrgPizza]

I also bring about $20-$30 in ones to tip out bartenders and also casino drink servers. Cash is king!

 

Tracy

 

Thanks, Tracy. I'm been compiling ones for our trip. I'm up to $43. [emoji2]

 

I take about $100 in singles, lots of 5's and a some 10's. I put them in the safe and use what I need. Then I take home anything left and put it i envelopes for the next trip. I use 20's for room steward. We don't have a butler - yet!

 

I used to bring a lot of ones. Then I discovered the handy bill breaker machine in the casino, so now I save myself the bulk and just break bills on the ship as needed.

Edited July 13, 2016 by LrgPizza

[acharris1]

Genius!!

 

 

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[sid_9169]

I always bring enough cash to cover everything I need, and then some... (And just bring whats left over back) Never, ever used my credit card in port...

[4Suzyq]

Wish I'd read about the bill breaker before my trip to the bank!

[BrandoMan13]

I personally like bringing a bunch of singles for tipping. This way if there is an issue with the bill breaker or no way to get small bills where I am, I'll have them. You stick them in the carry on and put them in the safe once you're settled. Then I dip into them as the trip goes on.

 

I personally dont see the burden of having singles that some others seem to have.

[Warm Breezes]

Our rule of thumb on any vacation is to take $100 cash per day. Most of this cash comes from my credit card rewards points that I cash in shortly before we vacation. Over half of it usually comes back with us and goes into the bank to pay off the credit card. Which we pay in full every month. We pay for our purchases on our S&S card, pre/post cruise hotels and meals, rental cars, parking, prepaid excursions, the cruise itself, and air plane tickets with our credit card. Love racking up those rewards points on things I would normally purchase anyways. We pay cash for any gambling, port souvenirs, any non prepaid excursions, tips, and taxi's. It's just easier to use cash for these types of things.