Cash, Credit... other?

[gail t]

First time cruiser here... 7 day cruise... Rhapsody at Sea 12/12/04... getting closer every minute!! I was wondering, do you need cash (travelers checks) for anything? DH and I were talking the other day and I mentioned getting travelers checks before we leave and he said why?? He is thinking with the Sea Pass (I think that's what it is called) and our credit card that we will need minimal cash... Any advise from the "pros" out there???

 

as always... thanks bunches!!!

 

gail t:p

[serene56]

Cash for casinos? Tips.

 

cash for tips- (i take a stack of 1$$ bills) (dont forget room service) Also tips at the end of the week will total 70 bucks a person. (royal doesnt add this to your sign and sail card- you have to let them know to do this.

 

tips for the porters that take your luggage. taxi fare to the pier from the airport (tip too)

private excursions you will take...tipping cab drivers--taxi fee

 

Bingo.

taxi and tip for your trip back to the airport after your cruise.

 

All others are on your sign and sail card.

[pvangordon]

Generally you shouldn't need cash for the ship. Just about everything can be charged to your ship account and settled up at the end with a credit card on file. Some people like cash for gratuities (either on the spot or for the standard tips given to key positions such as your cabin steward at the end of the trip), but it's not necessary. Most, if not all, of these tips can be signed for.

 

Where you will need cash and possibly traveler's checks are for the ports. Not sure where you're going, but if you're doing shopping or shore excursions, bring cash. I felt horrible when I realized I didn't have any to tip a great tour guide and I couldn't do it after the fact through the ship.

 

As mentioned above, cash is good for taxis or other transportation, as well as tips for baggage handlers at the airport and port (they run independently of the cruiseline). Finally, don't forget things like snacks and magazines at the airport - the things you usually don't think about when you're planning for your trip.