What is the best thing to take on cruise? Cash or travelers checks or should we just use credit cards?

Question

going on carnival to cozumel and cayman

Answer 1

Well, you won't need any cash whatsoever while on the ship. That's one of the best things about cruising. You're issued a little plastic card that doubles as your identification, your room key, and your charge card. It is your life while onboard. You will be asked to back it with a credit card before you embark.

As for onshore funds, the best thing is to simply use your credit card. That way you get the exact rate of exchange when you purchase something and you don't have to fool with getting your money changed over. A major credit card is very handy. You may want to inform them of your travel plans before you leave. I've had friends take a card and make a major purchase like expensive jewelry on vacation. A huge charge came through on their card and the credit card company put a hold on their card because they thought the card might have been stolen. Great that the credit card company was looking out for them, but trouble when the card kept declining while on vacation.

Whatever you decide, you'll have a fantastic time.

Answer 2

Credit card is a good start for the onboard account. Then I would recomend some money in the ships currency (usually usd) and some local money for the shore excursions. Johan

Answer 3

where are you cruising to?  Most destinations accept travelers checks and credit cards...some places(Jamaica for example) like to have you exchange and use their money, but a lot of the little stores will accept cash.....best check for where you are going....theres not enough room in answers to tell you all there is to know.......good luck and bon voyage...

Answer 4

I've been on 2 cruises in the past year.

Bring some cash.  There are things you will want to buy from locals or street vender's.  Small bills are helpful.   Don't expect everyone to have change in US Dollars but ask if they do so you don't run out of the smaller bills.  Also any local purchases are easier with cash.  DH and I tool the local buses in Acapulco for about 50 cents each, while many cruise passengers were taking taxis for $20. each way.  

A credit card will suit most other needs and wants.  The cruise ship will let you put anything you purchase on board, including  any land excursions endorsed by the cruise line on your room account.  

You may like to have some cash for the casino.  

Usual tips on board are about $10.00 per person per day.  5 days = $50 X 2 people $100.00.   If you are giving cash you might like to have small envelopes ready to divvy it up otherwise you can have add the tip onto your room.

Cruise lines are different. but the stateroom account can add up quickly.  Check your running balance on the closed circuit TV.  Be a bit cautious so that you won't faint when you get the final amount.  Consider whether you really want a massage on board and a few more extras here and there?   Or would you prefer to cruise again soon?

Have a great time,  God Bless You,  ;-)

Answer 5

This many sound like a cop-out, but is actually a good rule as I've used it before; Take credit cards for your main purchases (including putting your Sail and Sign account on your credit card instead of making a debit account with cash or travelers checks - if this is your first cruise, you are ask how you want to pay for your purchases and expenses on the ship at registration. You will receive a Sail and Sign that is used as your cabin key (on newer ships, older ships have a seperate key card) and also to make purchases on the ship (anything you get on the ship, drinks, suveniors, etc.). If you used a credit card, your account is then charged the amount you spent at the end of the cruise. If you gave cash or travelers checks to make a debit account, you can only spend what is in your account and before spending more you have to go to the Pursors Desk and add cash to your account. NOTHING is paid for on the ship with a credit card in the traditional way. Also, you are charged a gratuity amount of $10 per day on your account.

Now, you will want to bring a small amount of cash to pay for incidentals while on shore at the ports and to tip (if you wish to tip) some on the ship. Take some travelers checks to also use for some shore purchases that might be big so you don't have to carry large amounts of cash. Keep in mind that credit cards are used and accepted just like anywhere else so lots of your purchases on shore can be bought safely with your credit card.

Limit the cash ($200-$300) as credit cards and travelers checks are safer. And put what you don't think you'll really need in the your cabin safe when going on shore (every Carnival ship has in-cabin safes that open and close with a credit card (your credit card, not the ships))