You could always withdraw local currency from ATMs when you arrive, and some cruise ships offer a Bureau de Change and ATMs onboard. Most ships offer a currency conversion programme on major credit cards or, alternatively, your card issuer will convert currency for you.

In 2026, you generally do not need to convert physical cash for use on a cruise ship, but you should have some local currency for your time in port. Almost all modern cruise lines operate on a "cashless" system on board; you link a credit card or a set amount of cash to your "SeaPass" or "OceanMedallion," and all onboard purchases—from drinks to gift shop items—are charged to that account. However, once you step off the ship in a foreign port, having a small amount of local currency is essential for small purchases like street food, local bus fares, or tips for tour guides, as many small vendors do not accept credit cards or U.S. Dollars. A "pro-tip" is to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for larger port purchases to get the best exchange rate. While the guest services desk on the ship can often exchange small amounts of currency, their rates are usually much worse than what you would get at an ATM on land. For 2026 travelers, a mix of a travel-friendly credit card and a small "emergency" stash of local cash is the best way to handle finances on a multi-country cruise.