How much cash to bring...first timer

[shellnpete]

My credit card is ready to roll, but how much cash do I really need on hand? Are there ATM's on board? I know I will need lots $1 and $5 for tipping, and cab fare from the hotel to pier and back. Other than that, any suggestions?? It's not a matter of trying to "get off cheap", simply want to be prepared.

[hstrybuf]

Some ships have ATM's but they have been known to run out of money before the end of the cruise. Depending on your spending habits, you can allow +/- $100 a day. That's only a rough estimate. If you plan to shop ashore using cash, tip in cash for things like bar service and room service, play bingo etc. then you'll need an amount that will cover those expenses. And it's always better to have a little extra than not enough.

[DHADEN]

DON'T PAY ATM FEES. You can go to the casino with your room card and get cash. They charge it to your room and you pay it with credit card (and get points if your card does that) at the end of the cruise.

 

Where are you going? Some ports are better to shop with Cash, and some ports I would only use credit card. Your shopping habits will determine the amount needed. At the airport and for luggage, I usually take 20 or so $2 bills. As for the ship and tipping while on board, you won't need any. (just get it from the casino as needed)

 

Hope This Helps.

[jd10367]

It really does depend on what you plan on doing. With the Seapass card, almost everything goes on it (even tips for drinks at the bars). Even in the casino, you can go to the cashier and take money out on the Seapass card instead of using an ATM.

 

The only thing you need cash on board for is to tip Room Service, the Windjammer staff (I always left $2, just like I would at a self-serve buffet restaurant, since they cleaned up the plates and would bring drink refills), the porter on the first and last day if you don't carry your own bags, and to add money to the tip envelopes if you charge tips to your Seapass but want to bring extra. I brought a roll of 50 ones, and it was plenty.

 

Now, on shore, that's another story. I used my credit card in Key West, but I don't think I would've used it in Cozumel or Belize. I didn't buy anything in Belize. In Cozumel, we used cash for the taxis and for food and drink at Paradise Beach (the day came to about $50). So, if you plan on doing a lot on shore, then you need more money.

[bplazo]

I agree with the above poster do not use the atm's. Last week on the Serenade I just went to the casino and put it on my seapass card. Just a note, I purchased travelers checks and when I tried to use some at one of the ports the clerk refused to cash them (my signature is not always the same). Also, guest services said signature did not match and didnt want to cash them either. That was one of the reasons why I had to get cash from the casino.