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.

While modern 2026 cruise ships operate on a almost entirely cashless system—where your room key or wearable wristband acts as your "high-fidelity" credit card for all onboard purchases—carrying a small amount of cash is still highly recommended. On the ship, your "folio" account handles everything from drinks at the bar to specialty dining and spa treatments. However, cash is essential for personal tipping of baggage handlers at the pier, room stewards, or particularly helpful waitstaff who you wish to reward beyond the standard daily gratuities. More importantly, you will need cash for your time in port. While major tourist shops in the Caribbean or Mediterranean accept cards, local taxis, small souvenir stalls, and street food vendors often require the local currency or small denominations of US dollars. Carrying roughly $20 to $50 per person in small bills for each port day ensures you can navigate the local culture without the "high-fidelity" frustration of looking for an ATM in an unfamiliar city.