Money for cruise/costs onboard

[btobey]

I have two separate but related questions. First of all, I'd like to get a general idea of how much cash DH and I will need for our 2-week Panama Canal Cruise on Amsterdam. I realize that the onboard account covers most of the things on the ship--do we need cash for on-board tipping? I'm sure we'll need tax for transportation in ports--what else?

 

The other question I have is about what types of things on-board carry a surcharge. The main ones that I'm aware of are drinks, the Pinnacle Grill, and use of the spa/gym. What else?

 

I've cruised before, but it's been awhile, plus DH and I are new to HAL. Answers to the above as well as any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

[O2B@C]

The basic service charge (or "auto-tip") of $10/pp/pd is charged to your onboard account, so you don't need cash for that. You will need cash for room service tips ($2 to $5 or so per delivery) and "extra" end-of-voyage tips to your room steward and dining room staff, should you choose to dispense same.

 

Tips on drinks (including Explorations Lounge coffee drinks as well as alcohol and sodas) will be automatically included in the receipt you sign to charge them to your onboard account. However, if you want to tip a little extra, you'll need cash - there's no line on the receipt to write in more. Pinnacle Grill tipping is done in cash.

 

The spa costs extra (charged to onboard account), as do classes and training sessions in the gym, but the gym itself is free.

 

Other things that cost money, besides what you listed, are some activities such as cooking classes and wine tastings. But there are also many free activities, and the entertainment (shows, music, movies) is free. Of course, gambling in the casino and buying stuff in the shops costs $$. Since I didn't do either of those things, I'm not sure if you can charge them to your onboard account. Someone else can advise you on that, I'm sure.

 

How much cash you will need depends a lot on your activities and spending habits, so it's hard to give an estimate. If feasible for you, I suggest bringing traveler's checks in an amount well in excess of what you estimate you will need, but not cashing them until needed. You can cash them at the front desk (or Neptune Lounge, if in a full suite) for no fee. Sure, you will lose (or pay) interest on the cash you have tied up in them, but it won't be a high enough amount for a long enough time to add up to much, and it's worth it for the convenience and peace of mind. If there's some left over when you get home, just redeposit it into your bank account.

 

Enjoy your cruise! I hope to do that itinerary someday myself. Oh - and happy anniversary! We just celebrated our 20th with a HAL cruise - a great way to do it!

[navybankerteacher]

I have two separate but related questions. First of all, I'd like to get a general idea of how much cash DH and I will need for our 2-week Panama Canal Cruise on Amsterdam. I realize that the onboard account covers most of the things on the ship--do we need cash for on-board tipping? I'm sure we'll need tax for transportation in ports--what else?

 

The other question I have is about what types of things on-board carry a surcharge. The main ones that I'm aware of are drinks, the Pinnacle Grill, and use of the spa/gym. What else?

 

I've cruised before, but it's been awhile, plus DH and I are new to HAL. Answers to the above as well as any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

1)Internet service will cost if you want to keep in touch - buy a block of minutes rather than pay 75 cents per minute.

2)Specialty coffee, if you are so inclined.

3)The casino - of course, with luck, you could make money.

4)If you use room service you should consider cash tip - perhaps $2 or $3

for morning coffee - $5 for a full meal.

 

Other than these, you should be OK.

[sail7seas]

Yours are good questions but very difficult to answer. Everyone spends at different levels so it is hard to say how much cash YOU would want/need.

 

All tipping (except for the service charge automatically charged to your shipboard account) is in cash on HAL ships. You might 'guestimate' how much you think you would be apt to tip over and above to determine how much tip money you wish to have with you.

 

You may well want cash for taxis and incidentals ashore. While you could charge most purchases ashore to your credit card, you may want small bills for inexpensive purchases... trinkets, small craft pieces etc Perhaps you want cash for a light lunch ashore, to rent a chair/umbrella at a beach on one of the islands, to tip a doorman at a hotel to get you a taxi back to the ship....things of that sort. It's always good to have a few dollars in your pocket 'just in case' as they say.

 

There is no charge for basic use of the gym. If you wish to use any of the exercise machines, you are free to go at anytime during the hours published. There is a charge for certain classes but those charges go on your shipboard account.

 

All bar drinks and soft drinks are extra charge, bingo, gambling, art auction, photos, excursions, Pinnacle, coffee at Explorations Cafe are some that have an extra charge.

 

A Panama Canal cruise on Amsterdam is sure to be terrific. Hope you have a GREAT time and will post some comments about it when you return.

 

 

 

 

[Susie51]

Two weeks ago my extended family of four adults did a 7 day Carib. cruise. The four of us pooled our money for tips ect. $350 is what we took and we came back with a little under $100. On the ship we did not use the casino or bar service and only used room service once. We tipped room steward, waiter and asst. waiter, head waiter and the hostess in the dining room extra. We tipped everyone who handled our luggage.

 

If you buy things in the shops, it is added to your on board account, as well as shore excursions.

 

Have a great cruise!

[DFD1]

All on board expenditures except for the casino and any tipping in excess of that added to your account will be charged to your account and paid at the end of your cruise either in cash, debit, or credit card.

 

Out of pocket cash will probably go mostly for off-ship activities such as taxi's, meals on shore, souveniers (sp), shopping and the like. Most on-shore shopping in stores or shops can be done with plastic. Street vendors, on the other hand, usually require cash.

 

One of the things we like about cruising is the fact that one does not need to go 'round with a wad of cash all the time. After many years of cruising, we often spend very little actual cash. Maybe $100 or $150 a week.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

[btobey]

Thanks everyone for the responses so far! I do realize that exact amounts of money needed will vary from person to person, but I just wanted a reminder of what some of our expenses would be, so these posts have been very helpful. If you can think of anything else HAL charges for, please let me know. I have been on cruises in the past, but the first 4 were 17+ years ago, and it seems like the cruise lines have added in a lot of new charges since then!

[dakrewser]

You'll also be able to get cash at almost all ports with an ATM card...

 

And cash is available (for a service charge) at the purser's desk and in the casino.

[Jsipes]

Not much to spend $$ onboard, everything is on account.......just extra tips and gambling money. So if you don't gamble, and don't tip extra....you don't need any onboard $$$ Stili i always take at least $1000 us, PLUS A HUNDRED IN ONES....for breakfast delivery tips, etc. And you never know when you will need some cash. There is a secure safe in every room, so no need to worry:D

[btobey]

Regarding gambling--we're not big gamblers, but in case we do want to play the slots a bit, can I just bring rolls of quarters along?

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

 

For what's it's worth for a 'ten dayer' I'll take $500 cash. Usually $100 in singles (crisp new 'guy's) for tipping room stewards, baggage handlers, postcards and various do-dad's at ports that accept the USD. The rest is fives, tens & twentys for tipping the crew the last night of the cruise, for shore incidentals, and the obligatory airport bar tab. We usually bring home at least a hundred bucks or so that goes right back into the next vacation fund.

 

And as mentioned by prior posts, ATM's are available in all ports. Needless to say, we take our debit cards, Amex and a spare Visa for those establishments not honoring Amex.

 

Have a Great Cruise!

 

Bon Voyage & Good Health!

Bob:)

[MarieBr]

I have two separate but related questions. First of all, I'd like to get a general idea of how much cash DH and I will need for our 2-week Panama Canal Cruise on Amsterdam. I realize that the onboard account covers most of the things on the ship--do we need cash for on-board tipping? I'm sure we'll need tax for transportation in ports--what else?

 

The other question I have is about what types of things on-board carry a surcharge. The main ones that I'm aware of are drinks, the Pinnacle Grill, and use of the spa/gym. What else?

 

I've cruised before, but it's been awhile, plus DH and I are new to HAL. Answers to the above as well as any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a charge for Bingo cards and how much?

[O2B@C]

Regarding gambling--we're not big gamblers, but in case we do want to play the slots a bit, can I just bring rolls of quarters along?

 

I don't think you need to lug along those heavy coin rolls. I can't speak from experience, but logically, I'm sure the casino will be more than pleased to let you trade in your paper money for whatever currency you need in order to feed the machines of your choosing!:D

[navybankerteacher]

Regarding gambling--we're not big gamblers, but in case we do want to play the slots a bit, can I just bring rolls of quarters along?

The slots will not take quarters -- they accept tokens the same size as quarters -- you feed in a bill $1, $5, $10 - whatever - andthen play till you've spent it all -- or (if you're smart) you cash out, and urn inhtte okens at the cashier for cash.

[jrzebird]

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a charge for Bingo cards and how much?

 

 

Yes, there is, but I didn't play on this last cruise, and really don't recall how much they were last year. I think the one big bingo game was $10.00 for one card and $20.00 for 3 cards. And, Bingo was the one exception where they took cash. They would also take your room card and put it on your account, but there was also a cash line.

 

You can not use cash in the gift shop, even if that's your choice.

[jtl513]

Regarding gambling--we're not big gamblers, but in case we do want to play the slots a bit, can I just bring rolls of quarters along?

As mentioned, the slots do not take quarters. There is just one type of machine in the casino that will take quarters. It is a little hard to describe if you've never seen one, but it has a number of paddles that push inserted coins forward on two shelf levels, and if you're lucky some may drop off the front edge into the pay-out bin. What people are attempting to win there are other prizes, like a $50 or $100 wad of $1 bills. You can also use the tokens there, but most people use quarters they get from the change machine next to it.

[july123]

Hello, We just got off the Zuiderdam on Sat. 1-26. The cost of a set if bingo cards including extra bonus bingo was $33. Hope this helps?

[Taxguy7]

Don't forget small cash amonts fortour tips, taxis, beer on shore, etc.