I am going on a Carnival Cruise in a week and I was just wondering how much money I should bring?

Question

Also, i heard that credit cards aren't accepted!!! Is that true? What else is included in the cruise? Food? Drinks? Any advice would be great! Thanx

Answer 1

The way it works is this.  When you board the ship they will set up an on-board cruise account for you and each person in your cabin.  You will have to give them a charge card to establish this account or make arrangements to pay cash.  They give you a cruise card that serves as your cabin key, pass to get on and off the ship and charge card for anything you buy on ship.  So once you board the ship things are pretty much cashless.   I generally take just about $200 cash on my 7 day cruises and that's more than enough cash.  If you buy any thing big in a port you can use your credit card.

Each person gets a separate account but you can have all of the charges combined on one charge card or do them separately.  My wife and I always do them separately, so when she buys me a drink she's paying.  Then at the end of your cruise everything that you have bought on ship including souvenirs, photos, tours, etc, plus gratuities is charged to your credit card.

All cruises are all pretty much "all inclusive". When you purchase a cruise it includes your cabin, all meals on ship including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and 24/7 free room service. It also includes all entertainment on ship and free use of all facilities on ship except the spa. You can use the pools hot tubs, gymnasium, sports equipment and all other facilities and equipment free of charge. All ships charge for spa service like massages, hair and nail appointments, and yoga lessons. Some ships also charge a fee for certain services like the pool table, the bowling alley, or for special restaurants not included in your normal cruise price (there may be a $10 to $20 per person gratuity/service fee).

Coffee, tea, milk, juices, punch, iced teas are included but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and a 15% gratuity will be added to each check each time you order a drink.

Then you will have to pay for anything you buy on ship like photos or souvenirs and any tours you book from the ship. And lastly you will pay a $10 per day per per gratuity at the end of the cruise. The only mandatory of all of these charges is the gratuity. So after you pay for your cruise the only other charge will be the gratuities.

Most of your bill at the end of the cruise will be gratuities and drinks.

Answer 2

Food is included except some resturants that you have to make reservations. Nonalcholic drinks are included. You can do a fun pass which is going through customs early and they ask for your credit cart number for any charges. You will be issued an account card meaning if you do drink alchole then you pay at the end as well as your tips which is 10 per day per person. Dont know how much you drink but estimate 130. Most of the entertainment is included as far as shows and parties the casino,spa, and bingo all cost money. You also have excursions that are extra but you can have a great time shoping.  So I would estimate 300 for spending so thats 500 total have a great time.

Answer 3

First of all WHY are you going on Carnival,, Beware of changing prices, They do accept credit cards when you check in and then you will use your Ship and Sail cards for all purchases on board the ship. You can then settle that bill with the credit card you checked in with. Carry as much cash as you can afford to spend. I take about $5K in cash and always come home with some money. Of coarse the credit card has $5k + on it as well. But what the h**l you are on Vacation.

Answer 4

Drinks are not included but if you go to the bar as soon as you get there you can purchase a drink card for I believe $20.00 and it is good for soft drinks during the cruise.  

Credit Cards are accepted but be careful because it is very easy to stack up the bills.  

Remember that liquor is cheaper to bring home from the ship but they limit the amount you can buy but it is not taxed.

Book your expositions as soon as you get on the ship because the book up faster than you think.

Take a large bag for shopping when you stop.  And a comfortable pair of shoes.  Our feet ached so bad when we got back the first night.

The ships usually give classes on what to expect at port of call.  Be sure to go to them.  

And the shows are great.

Have fun I know we did.

Money....take double what you thought you needed...lol

Answer 5

I would not take more that $300.00 in cash!  You can use the keycard for all purchases (alcohol, spa treatments, ect), but it does rack up very quickly!  My husband and I only went on two excursions (low price) and didn't buy any suviniers or bottleled alchohol.  We racked up almost $1,000.00 with all our drinks, and the tips for each person each day.  Don't forget about cash for the casino part if you are interested!

Answer 6

Credit cards are REQUIRED, but only to open an on board account.  You use this card to "pay" for all your drinks, gift shop items, sponsored shore excursions, anything on the boat itself, and at the end of the cruise, they charge your credit card the total amount you spent while on board.

As far as cash, I suggest $100 per adult/per day /for each day in port, to have enough for taxi fares, on shore meals, and cheap tourist gifts.