Bringing cash on board...

[COREYATMN]

Merry Christmas!     I have not cruised for a few years, but in the past the purser was able to break US hundred dollar bills down to smaller bills.    Is this service still available?

[Diver2014]

yes

[Thrak]

Often when we want smaller bills we are only allowed ten $1 bills as so many people want $1 bills for drink tips, going ashore, etc. In general there is not an issue with changing $100 bills for smaller denominations. If you want more than ten $1 bills for some reason just go on a few different days and get your "allotment" each time.

[paul929207]

We do it most cruises.

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes they have tons O cash.

[FLCruise7]

You can also get change for large bills in the casino.

[eagletwo]

On our cruise in August on the CB, on day 5 the customer service desk had trouble changing a $100 bill. Casino had no problem. 

[satxdiver]

Like others we bring a fist full of $1 bills for tips and small bills for use off the ship.  I have gone to the PSD to get bills changed but they sometimes do not have a lot of small bills.  

[OCruisers]

We take $100 bills which we get broken down as needed.  

We also take some smaller bills to use until we get on the ship for porters, etc.  

 

[Times Prince]

Like some others, I go to a bank beforehand to get an assortment of denominations for cash.  That saves the problem of being on an excursion and finding I only had large denominations available for a tip for a deserving (but not THAT much) guide.

[satxdiver]

I have gone to the PSD to change a $50 note into ones, fives and tens for use on shore.  They have told me they have a limited amount of USD on hand and I would have to reduce the amount of change I was seeking.  It would be interesting if I were to present a $100 note to be changed.  

 

I have carried large sums of USD on group trips (not cruises) as part of my duties.  I did not carry it in my billfold but rather had a secure bag to place it in.  I never accessed it in public of course and did not have a problem but sleeping with it was a pain.  Today I never carry anything more than $40 or so in my billfold and the rest in a shoulder bag that is somewhat secure placing it in the safe as soon as possible.

[Ep010835]

11 hours ago, satxdiver said:

I have gone to the PSD to change a $50 note into ones, fives and tens for use on shore.  They have told me they have a limited amount of USD on hand and I would have to reduce the amount of change I was seeking.  It would be interesting if I were to present a $100 note to be changed.  

This experience kinda shoots down the "I'll bring along a wad of 100's and get change on board" argument. Still, I wonder about being able to do so in the casino. 

 

Today I never carry anything more than $40 or so in my billfold and the rest in a shoulder bag that is somewhat secure placing it in the safe as soon as possible.

Hmmmm, money shoulder bag. Now that's interesting. Is this a concealed rig of some sort?  Never heard of one until now. I've always carried excess cash in a money belt.