Getting cash on the ship

[sbaker]

Sailing on the Westerdam over Christmas. We're never quite sure how much cash to take, and usually take more than we need. If we should find ourselves needing more cash, is it possible to get cash from our credit card on the ship?

[donaldsc]

Many ships have ATM machines.

 

DON

[Bentleg]

Sailing on the Westerdam over Christmas. We're never quite sure how much cash to take, and usually take more than we need. If we should find ourselves needing more cash, is it possible to get cash from our credit card on the ship?

 

 

 

You have no need for cash on the ship. To get more cash I am fairly sure you can get a cash advance on your shipboard account, although there may be a commission charge.

 

If I need more cash I use my debit card at an ATM when ashore. I use a debit card on my bank account as I don't wish to pay the cash advance interest rate that applies if I use my credit card.

 

 

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[kazu]

The fee for a cash advance on board is a tad too hefty to suit me.

 

I either use an ATM for needed cash in port or, on board, since I use the casino anyways, I just charge extra in the one armed bandit (slot machine) to my on board account and when I cash out I have the needed cash for extra tips to crew or whatever else I may need it for.

 

Most HAL ships do not have ATM's on board.

[baggal]

You can go to the cashier in the casino, when it's open, and get cash which is charged to your onboard account. There's a fee involved, probably 5% (although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). So if you ask for $100 there will be a charge of $105 on you cabin's account.

 

 

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[catl331]

You can go to the cashier in the casino, when it's open, and get cash which is charged to your onboard account. There's a fee involved, probably 5% (although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). So if you ask for $100 there will be a charge of $105 on you cabin's account.

Unless it has changed recently, it's 3%. The front desk can also give the cash advance. The ATM on the Koningsdam charged a flat fee of $6.75, so for less than $210 it's better to take the cash advance ... if the W'dam even has an ATM yet. Or better still, use the slot-machine method Jacqui described.

[Essiesmom]

Do ATMs in Caribbean and Bahamanian ports give $US? EM

[catl331]

Do ATMs in Caribbean and Bahamanian ports give $US? EM

I would think only in USVI ports - St Thomas, St Croix, St John, etc. Once in Nassau I used an ATM that offered a choice, but when I chose US it gave me Bahamian anyway. French islands (Martinique, St Martin, etc) machines will give Euro. Edited December 20, 2017 by catl331

[drowelf]

The fee for a cash advance on board is a tad too hefty to suit me.

 

I either use an ATM for needed cash in port or, on board, since I use the casino anyways, I just charge extra in the one armed bandit (slot machine) to my on board account and when I cash out I have the needed cash for extra tips to crew or whatever else I may need it for.

 

This is absolute the best (free) way to get cash on the ship. Just add it to your room account via the slot machine, then you can either play a small amount or simply just go to the casino cage and cash out your card balance. Wa la no service fee cash USD in your hand.

 

The problem with on shore ATMs is that they generally only dispense native currency, at least in all the ports we frequent. We primarily cruise England/Europe/Mediterranean, so I can speak as to the availability of USD in Caribbean ports.

 

Also, always inform your home bank that you will be doing withdrawals at foreign ATMs so that your informed of any transaction/service/exchange fees associated with the withdrawal.

[Georgie562]

Many ships have ATM machines.

 

DON

 

Not correct. At least as far as Holland America goes.

 

Just back from the Maasdam and no ATM is available.

The only ship that has an ATM if i'm not mistaken is the Koni

[Georgie562]

Just back from the Maasdam and no ATM onboard.

 

I needed cash and had to get a cash advance from guest services which will cost you 3% of the amount your'e requesting.

 

It will show on your onboard account as a charge then later on overnight after the accounting team does the finances it will show as a credit. But you would already have the cash on hand.

[catl331]

Not correct. At least as far as Holland America goes.

 

Just back from the Maasdam and no ATM is available.

The only ship that has an ATM if i'm not mistaken is the Koni

While on the K-dam last Nov I was told that other ships would be getting them, starting with the N.A., but I don't know if that has happened yet.

[sail7seas]

While on the K-dam last Nov I was told that other ships would be getting them, starting with the N.A., but I don't know if that has happened yet.

 

 

 

 

How acccurate that is sometimes depends upon rank of perrson doing the telling. While I know stewards mean well and tthink they arre giving good information, it is often inaccuratte.

[catl331]

How acccurate that is sometimes depends upon rank of perrson doing the telling. While I know stewards mean well and tthink they arre giving good information, it is often inaccuratte.

It was a front desk lady.

[TAD2005]

St. Maarten (Dutch side) ATM's will dispense either US dollars or the local Guilders. On the French sire, your options are US $$$ or the Euro. Both sides have a $500 or $600 daily limit.

[knittinggirl]

We usually bring cash and put most of it in the safe. But our idea of large amounts of cash may be pocket change for others.

 

We like to book our shore excursions on the ship and have only one bill to pay.

 

On our last cruise, I didn't have enough tipping money, and tried to trade for $50 in ones to tip the crew, and they gave me $20.

 

I still don't know what to do about tipping. I feel either way too cheap or a fool. Depending on the tips. We had to stop the room service waiters from dashing out the door and forgetting their tip.

 

If you change money, the ship will do it. I changed it back when I was done with that country and had them apply it to our ship bill.

 

 

One other thing, we also tipped porters, bell men, and also for wheelchair employees in the port and the airport. So that also must be included in your cash from home. Just bring a stack of ones. I have the tip ready, or I'll forget.

[Dr.Dobro]

The front desk will cash US$ travelers checks with no fee. AAA members can get the travelers checks without fees at AAA offices.

 

We have a Fidelity ATM card that we use to get local currency at ATMs. No foreign transaction fee, but there is a 1% surcharge.

[TAD2005]

On a recent Med/TA cruise, we got a supply of Euros in one of the ports, but we thought we would need more, so we purchased an additional 200 Euros from the front desk. The buy rate and commission were not too bad. When we finally left Cadiz for the 8 sea days to FLL, we realized we still had over 200 Euros left. Very poor planning on our part. So, I went to the front desk to apply those extra 200 Euros to our cabin account. We were shocked at the very poor sell rate we got. We lost a bunch on the sell back. Moral of the story..... plan ahead !!!

[navybankerteacher]

Considering the hassle and annoying proprietary ATM charges, it makes sense to bring a couple of/few hundred dollars more than you expect to need (in large bills, which you can easily change in the casino).