How much actual cash to carry?

[02bthere]

No doubt this is posted somewhere; but I can't locate it. For a seven day cruise how much actual cash would you carry; how much in travelers checks? I do not want to use my credit card or ATM card due to fees charged and the info about cash in casinos states 3% surcharge. Also, would cash be secure in room safe? Thanks for any suggestions.

[nparmelee]

This is always highly subjective, your ship charges will be in US$ and I recommend using a credit card for those just so you can dispute charges if need be. Depending on the line and ship, tips can be charged to your account, we usually take some cash to give for tips for service above and beyond. Some folks have had issues with safes, we haven't, but there are have been some issues. There is an ATM on some ships, think it was the usual $2 fee on our last cruise.

 

You need to figure out how much cash you may need for each port and go from there. It really depends on what you expect to be doing, some people will spend very little, others will spend quite a bit more. If you plan on any big purchases in the ports, it would be a good idea to use a credit card there and just adjust your budget for the fee.

[serene56]

Like Nadine posted-- it depends on your spending habits.

I dont have the credit cards and must rely on cash. My debit card has a daily limit of 200.00 so tahts no good for a cruise. Calling the bank to get it turned off is now a hassle to remember to turn it back on when i get back.

Carnival has fuinship dolalrs that I can buy. And I found that I can place cash ahead of time on Princess through my travel agent-- so that s money I dont have to carry.

You will need money to pay for your cabs/tips tip for porters that take care of your luggage.

Money to spend in your ports.

Casino

Room service tipping.

[trish1c]

I prefer the security of Traveler's checks & credit cards, but whenever I travel I usually bring between $200-$300 in cash. Remember small bills are better. Yes you can keep the cash in your room safe.

[mared1]

No doubt this is posted somewhere; but I can't locate it. For a seven day cruise how much actual cash would you carry; how much in travelers checks? I do not want to use my credit card or ATM card due to fees charged and the info about cash in casinos states 3% surcharge. Also, would cash be secure in room safe? Thanks for any suggestions.

Most cabins have safes that you can put your cash in - or you can lock it in a suitcase but than have to carry the key or hide is someplace in the room.

The amount you take will depend on what you are thinking of buying - especially in ports. I usually figure $70 a day in port for each of us (we don't buy expensive jewelry) - and since we don't gamble we don't need cash for that. I end up taking more than we need - usually $1000 in cash - alot in smaller bills and $1000 in travelers checks - this amount covers our hotels, food and entertainment pre and post cruise - we spend anywhere from 4-7days pre and post cruise usually. If we were just cruising for 7 days, I would probably take $500 in cash.

[mrsfuzzmo]

We don't use travelers checks. I find them too much trouble. We usually will carry $1000 cash between the two of us, generally $300 in smaller bills and $700 in larger. We do keep it in the cabin safe. Never had a problem. We pay for all of our excursions, and onboard expenses with a credit card. We will each take $100 on shore with us plus a credit card. Any large (over $100) purchase onshore goes on the credit card as well. This would be for a 7 day cruise. We don't always spend it all, but it's nice to know you have the extra cash if you need it.

 

Mrsfuzzmo

[Cathy p]

I always go with them. You never know if some idiot is going to rob you. I can see getting back my $1000 from the checks, however, I don't think money can be returned. Besides I don't want to flash any money around. I would rather everyone think I am poor, which after the casino I normally am.lol We never carry more than $100 with us. Enough for tips and little extra's otherwise I use my credit card.

[02bthere]

Thanks for the insights and suggestions; you all make very good points and that's what I needed to figure out what to do. Again, thanks.

 

 

Life is short, eat dessert first.

[caribbean dreams]

The most amount of cash i always spend is the darn taxi's, they are expensive and non ship excursions you will aslo need cash.

We usually bring $900 cash in mostly small bills, if you don't have exact change sometimes the locals try to give you your change back in their currency.

Our daughters usually bring about $250ea.