Can you carry cash on a cruise?

Our rule of thumb is that you should simply budget as much cash as you would for any other vacation, when in port. On the ship, however, you'll need far less. The good news is that if you bring too much cash, you can always put it back into your account when you return home.



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You probably won't need much actual cash while onboard, as many cruise lines will just charge purchases to your account. Even ship casinos these days have cashless credit systems. On nearly all cruises, passengers are given an itemized bill at the end of the trip listing all charged expenses.

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Never have anything in your back pockets, as this makes it very easy for pickpockets to target you. Some prefer to have fanny packs in leu of a crossbody during their shore excursions, which can be a great solution for carrying valuables and keeping money in a safe place.

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You will most likely need cash while you're off the ship, especially in foreign ports. Not only can it save you money in foreign transaction fees that most credit card companies charge, but if you're traveling to certain parts of the world, you may encounter places where credit cards aren't accepted.

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The answer to this question varies a lot by person, their travel habits, spending preferences, length of the cruise and destination. Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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In conclusion, yes, cruise lines do check your luggage. Remember to review the company's policy on luggage before packing your bags, and enjoy your cruise vacation with peace of mind.

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There aren't any hard-and-fast guidelines for this type of tip since it's contingent on your experience, but $25 to $40 on behalf of a couple roughly works out to an extra $2 to $3 per person, per day, for a seven-night cruise.

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Onboard currency depends on the cruise line with which you're sailing. If it's an American cruise line, the onboard currency will be the dollar; if you're sailing a European line, expect the onboard currency to be the euro. It's always best to check with your line before boarding.

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As for your person, you will go through a metal detector. We have yet to go through a port that has the body scanners that have caused so much controversy at airports. This means you can keep things in your pockets, as long as is isn't metal. You also do not have to remove belts or shoes.

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Most slot machines will just take your cruise card, but some will also take cash. Very few cruise ship casinos are cash-only but a few do exist. (Windstar and Silversea are examples.)

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Bring your favorite water bottle with you that can keep your beverage cool all day (we love HydroFlask and Swell bottles). The cruise water at the buffet is perfectly safe to drink. If you don't like the taste, throw a lemon or a few strawberries into it.

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“Any extra cash tips you give a waiter is kept by them and shared only with their assistant waiter who also served you directly.” This means that all staff members get that extra monetary recognition through the automatic gratuities, whether pre-paid or added to guests' accounts during the cruise.

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Cruise ships have cellular service that you can connect to. However, it's usually considered international roaming and means you'll be charged high rates to access. You likely know that instead of using a cell signal, you can hook your phone up to wi-fi and use the Internet to make calls, send texts, and surf the web.

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How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise: 8 Tips to Know
  1. Be Brave and Get Onstage for Free Prizes. ...
  2. A Spa Tour Just Might Come With Free Perks. ...
  3. Proving Your Cruise Line Loyalty for Free Stuff. ...
  4. Score Freebies Shopping on Your Cruise. ...
  5. Win Prizes at Onboard Trivia and Other Games. ...
  6. Attend an Art Auction for Free Bubbles.


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So how much money do you need? The answer to this question varies a lot by person, their travel habits, spending preferences, length of the cruise and destination. Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences.

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Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival has one of the loosest beverage policies of all cruise lines, allowing each guest to carry on a maximum of 12 sealed 12 oz. cans or cartons of a non-alcoholic beverage (e.g., sodas, juices, milk, or sparkling water) – a policy that most cruise lines have eliminated.

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Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property (including luggage) aboard the vessel; however, for your comfort and convenience, it is recommended that you limit the number of pieces you take. Each guest has the option to carry their luggage on board or check-in luggage prior to boarding.

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In most cases, you can simply explain that you do not have a credit card and they'll come back to you with a Plan B (they want your money so there will definitely be a Plan B). Never use a debit card on a cruise.

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