Where do you need cash?

[MaureenR]

I was wondering specifically where you needed cash on the cruise, if anywhere? We are traveling on the CB, eastern itinerary. I know we will need some tip money, (outside of what is charged daily) Can you use Visa/ MC for most things on the islands or should we bring cash/travelers checks.

I am not a big fan of carrying a lot of cash, so I would like to limit bringing it.

Thanks,

Maureen

[FireBadge1]

The only money you need onboard is for extra tipping should you choose to do so. The Islands will take 'ANY KIND OF PAYMENT!'

You must be getting ready for the 19th.....................we are too!!!:o :D :p

[Cindy2]

For taxis (to the ship, around the islands, etc.), tips for taxis, tour guides, etc. To purchase items ashore not in a regular shop like tee shirt vendors, hair braiding, renting jet skis, drinks. Things like that. Sometimes I'm just not comfortable using my credit card.

[Tom O.]

Well you don't need cash onboard, you don't even need to carry a credit card around, everything is charged to your room. I also like to give small cash tips if I have room service. Once in port, most places take credit cards, but you may find some item you want to buy from a vender, who is just walking around and you will need some cash. But this sort of thing is pretty cheap and so you won't need much. Also if you buy drinks, snacks, etc on land, cash may be needed. If you take a taxi or hire an independent tour at the pier, cash will be needed.

I would bring whatever amount of cash you think you need to each port and leave the rest locked in your room safe.

[willysgrandma]

Unless you want to tip extra, or you like to gamble, you don't need cash. If you go to the CAsino, you can use cash there.

 

Many of the islands won't let you use a credit card for purchases under $20 and if you take cabs, you will need cash for that. So I would absolutely bring a few hundred dollars with me for that.

[Genessa]

we like to go the the beaches when we are on the islands, not shopping, so I usually take just cash with me - enough for the cabs, plus a little extra...and have forgotten a couple of times about rentals for chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, fish food, tip for the guy who sets up the chair and umbrella, etc.

 

Now, I bring a credit card with me to leave a deposit for the chairs, etc. - most of the beaches are set up for that, but also bring at least $100 with me, in smallish bills.

 

Also, if you are taking some excursions, they take your photo or video. I prefer to pay in cash then, too. For instance, we had our photo taken at the Mayan ruins in Tulum, at Stingray City "swimming" with the stingrays, and swimming with the dolphins.

[serene56]

Some vendors on the ports will tell you they dont have change for that 20 dollar bill....take small bills-- 1, 5 and 10s

 

I dont feel comfortable using a CC on the ports unless its for a huge purchase.

[Pam in CA]

I bring some cash and about $250 in traveler's checks for a 2-week cruise and almost always come home with most of the traveler's checks unused. The only cruise I've used a lot of cash for was my Sea Princess cruise this past summer when I booked a limo to/from the ship and several independent tours, and it was cheaper to pay in cash than with credit card.

[Wildcatter]

Take a lot of small bills. No one ever has change in cabs, at restaurants or at vendor stalls. Or they give you change in their native currency, which is great if you know what the heck they are giving you back. Probably slugs and you wouldn't know the difference.

 

I went to a McDonald's in Aruba and asked for my change in U.S. currency instead of Aruba money. They told me that was their policy, although their registers were stuffed with U.S. currency from all the cruiseship passengers in town. Go figure. That franchisee is probably making a fortune off the exchange float!

[chrysalis]

Take a lot of small bills. No one ever has change in cabs, at restaurants or at vendor stalls. Or they give you change in their native currency, which is great if you know what the heck they are giving you back. Probably slugs and you wouldn't know the difference.

 

I went to a McDonald's in Aruba and asked for my change in U.S. currency instead of Aruba money. They told me that was their policy, although their registers were stuffed with U.S. currency from all the cruiseship passengers in town. Go figure. That franchisee is probably making a fortune off the exchange float!

 

.....and would you expect them to keep UK Pence so they can make change when a P&O ship comes into town, and German Marks when a German ship comes into town....and the list goes on?

 

.....a narrow point of view, by chance?

[MaureenR]

:)

Thanks for all the informative responses!

 

Maureen

[Tina G]

Do take lots of small bills. If you are taking any Princess excursions, you should tip the guide. Take a lot of quarters of you plan to do laundry on the ship. Most ships have coin operated machines and soap venders, and somehow the change machine is usually broken!:(

[2cruzzzzers]

Can we not swipe our cards at the ship's laundromat?

[serene56]

Can we not swipe our cards at the ship's laundromat?

 

No-- they are coin operated machines. You can get change at the pursers office or the casino.