Cash For Shore Visits

[JB9302]

We are booked on 14 night cruise in May visiting Spain/Italy (Cunard Q720) , just wondering what cash me may be useful .

Was thinking of some dollars for on board if needed , and Euros for any shore excursions we may do in Spain/Italy.

Any guidance as to amount to budget for ?

 

Thanks

 

Julian

[Nitemare]

Credit or debit card will be more useful and with lower conversion fees than most exchange places

[AussieOmni]

Think about a number to budget. Then double it.

 

 

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[LondonTowner]

When we are in the Eurozone (about once a month) we take about 200 Euros in cash and CCs which make no charges for foreign transactions. Practically everywhere accepts CC.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

If you're getting USD to use only on board the ship, you don't need to. All of the charges to your account will be in USD, but if you want to tip someone (that's the only reason I ever need cash on board unless I go to the casino, which is rarely) they'll happily accept Euros for that.

 

As far as how much cash to take with you...since we don't know you and your spending or vacationing habits, any suggestions from us would be shots in the dark. Think back to your last vacation--how much spending money did you need for activities similar to what you plan to do in port? Think about that and then take some extra. Like previous posters, I take some cash but mostly use CCs.

[Cruisin'Christine]

Sounds like a great cruise you are going on! I think you are on the money, no pun intended, about taking some US dollars and Euros. The US dollars on the ship would only be used for tipping (for room service or if someone goes above and beyond and you want to tip over the automatic daily gratuity) and the casino (if you intend to use that). Everything else goes on your shipboard account. Tips for room service are usually just $1-2 each time. The casino money depends on your playing habits. I usually just play about $40 per cruise. For your stops, you will need Euros for any food you buy off the ship, souvenirs, entries to museums, etc. or for any private tours you arrange. I would allow a couple hundred Euros per stop, but that is really dependent on your plans at each stop and whether you are a shopper or not. Of course, you can use your credit card for most things too and the exchange rate will depend on the rate at the time. Have fun! It is always better to have too much money than too little. I typically keep my money in the room safe and only take out what I expect to need at each stop.

[Hlitner]

Keep in mind that ATMs are plentiful throughout Europe and give the best exchange rates. If you run low on Euros you can simply get some out of a machine. But its wise to notify your ATM issuing bank of your travel itinerary (in advance).

 

Hank

[JB9302]

Thanks for the replies and advice , before I asked the question I had in mind to take £100 worth of $ on board for use on ship if needed and about £300 worth of euros for ashore needs (no shopping) .

[jocap]

I don't think you really need to buy any $$; the minor tips you'll be paying- if you're paying gratuities up front- will be accepted in €€ or ££, as the ship home ports in Southampton. The only use for $$ is if you need cash for the casino.

For everyday spending, we buy €€ from the post office, and usually take more than we need.

If you plan to eat out, then it depends on whether you're having a full blown meal or just a slice of pizza or doing a tapas trail. Alcohol is relatively cheap in the Med; some people go back to the ship for a meal. Most things can be bought on a cc.

[LondonTowner]

I don't see why you need USD either. Take some cash in Euros and CCs as in my previous post.

[JB9302]

Thanks all for the advice .