Personal Check Cashing Policy

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

Does anyone know the updated policy for Princess with regard to cashing personal checks. This fall, RCCL allowed one check up to $250 plus another with an AE card for up to $200. We don't want to carry cash for all the private tours we've booked.

[Toto2Kansas]

Does anyone know the updated policy for Princess with regard to cashing personal checks. This fall, RCCL allowed one check up to $250 plus another with an AE card for up to $200. We don't want to carry cash for all the private tours we've booked.

 

Princess no longer cashs personal check onboard. Travelers checks yes, but not personal checks. Sorry!

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

Thanks Toto2Kansas, Guess we'll get some travelers checks!

[Colo Cruiser]

Cashless Cruising

 

One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to sign for all your expenses and have them charged to your stateroom. An itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom prior to disembarkation. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Passenger Services/Purser's Desk to settle your account. We accept U.S., Canadian, British and Euro currencies, and traveler's checks. Express/Optima®, Diners Club/Carte Blanche®, Discover® Network, the JCB Card®, MasterCard® and Visa® are also accepted. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Purser's staff at the beginning of the cruise.

Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® cardholders earn DOUBLE Princess points on all Princess purchases.

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

The check cashing is to pay for private tours booked independently...not anything affiliated with Princess.

[Pam in CA]

The check cashing is to pay for private tours booked independently...not anything affiliated with Princess.

Your best bet is to either bring traveler's checks, which you can cash onboard, or a debit card that you can use to obtain cash. Don't count on the ship's ATM to obtain cash as it has to be able to access the Internet to do so and sometimes, the ship is out of satellite range or the Internet is down. I always have about $200 in traveler's checks with me for "just in case" and I've brought the same traveler's checks on the last four cruises. :)

[Colo Cruiser]

The check cashing is to pay for private tours booked independently...not anything affiliated with Princess.

 

Then you would probably have to ask the individual tour company if they would take you check. :)

[Toto2Kansas]

Then you would probably have to ask the individual tour company if they would take you check. :)

 

Which isn't going to happen I am afraid. :( Many don't even accept credit cards, we have found most private tours are cash only.

[Colo Cruiser]

Which isn't going to happen I am afraid. :( Many don't even accept credit cards, we have found most private tours are cash only.

 

 

I was only thinking if the tour was booked months in advance and paid then.

[swom]

I have an excursion planned and asked the operator if I could pay by check in advance instead of charging my credit card and she said yes. As long as it was 40 days out, I could send a check and I plan of doing just that.

[Pam in CA]

I was only thinking if the tour was booked months in advance and paid then.

Yeah, but I don't think anyone would pre-pay a tour, particularly if there wasn't a 100% refund policy in case the ship doesn't make the port or is delayed.

[coo359a2]

You can also call Princess and "gift" yourself with casiono credits that can be turned in at the casino for cash. There is no service fee charged when getting cash from this type of "gift". There will be cards in your cabin showing how much cash you have for casino credits. They are the same type cards you get when your TA gives you a gift of wine or pictures. I charge the amount I gift to myself on my Princess Visa card and get double reward points. I use this cash for private tour payments without having to buy traveler's checks.

[BurBunny]

Your best bet is to either bring traveler's checks, which you can cash onboard, or a debit card that you can use to obtain cash. Don't count on the ship's ATM to obtain cash as it has to be able to access the Internet to do so and sometimes, the ship is out of satellite range or the Internet is down. I always have about $200 in traveler's checks with me for "just in case" and I've brought the same traveler's checks on the last four cruises. :)

 

I keep at least one American Express traveler's check with me when I travel, but not for emergency funds. One little-known benefit of AmEx checks is that if you have them, you are eligible to receive traveler's assistance from AmEx should you need it (passport replacement assistance, emergency cash, etc.)

[robgvic]

If you take cash you can always put it in the safe in the room

[caribill]

If you take cash you can always put it in the safe in the room

 

 

That is after you make it to the ship and still have the cash.

[JetJock_YHZ]

As mentioned above, the casino credit is the way to go. We have done this before and will be doing it again on our next cruise. No service charges, cash them as you need them, and any excess can go in your stateroom safe (or into a slot machine on your last night).

 

Cheers!

 

Carl

[Colo Cruiser]

The check cashing is to pay for private tours booked independently...not anything affiliated with Princess.

 

 

But you asked what their check cashing policy was? ;)

[Colo Cruiser]

Yeah, but I don't think anyone would pre-pay a tour, particularly if there wasn't a 100% refund policy in case the ship doesn't make the port or is delayed.

 

 

Yeah but, I don't try to guess what they will do. :)

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

I asked about Princess' policy because we didn't want to carry enough cash with us for all the private tours we had arranged. Travelers checks seem to be the right solution for us. Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Packman1000]

I asked about Princess' policy because we didn't want to carry enough cash with us for all the private tours we had arranged. Travelers checks seem to be the right solution for us. Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

Can anyone tell me where to get traveler's checks these days? I tried my bank. They sent me to AAA. Struck out in both places. Everyone just says that prepaid debit cards are used and traveler's checks are no longer widely accepted, but the private tours won't take debit cards - right?

[Colo Cruiser]

Can anyone tell me where to get traveler's checks these days? I tried my bank. They sent me to AAA. Struck out in both places. Everyone just says that prepaid debit cards are used and traveler's checks are no longer widely accepted, but the private tours won't take debit cards - right?

 

 

Credit Unions have them.

How about King Soopers?

[Toto2Kansas]

Can anyone tell me where to get traveler's checks these days? I tried my bank. They sent me to AAA. Struck out in both places. Everyone just says that prepaid debit cards are used and traveler's checks are no longer widely accepted, but the private tours won't take debit cards - right?

 

Try another bank. Ours stopped selling them many years ago also. Find the largest bank in your area and give them a call. No, private tour operators also won't usually take debit cards either.

 

Remember, if all else fails, send yourself casino credits which you can cash out in the casino. A little more work than just cashing a TC but it's still a way around the problem. Best of luck!

[coo359a2]

I found it took less time to cash out the casino credits than when I did the traveller's checks. Never had a line at the casino cashier's office. Plus I like those double points you can get on the Princess Visa when you charge the casino credits.