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 cruise ships are largely "cashless" environments, you absolutely still need money for your voyage, primarily in the form of a credit card linked to your onboard account. Once you board, all your purchases—including specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, and gift shop items—are charged to your "SeaPass" or "MagicBand" and settled at the end of the trip. However, you should still carry a small amount of physical cash for specific purposes. This includes tipping for room service, porters, and tour guides in port, as well as for small purchases at local "off-the-grid" markets where cards aren't accepted. Additionally, most cruise ship casinos only take cash for chips, and for some cruise lines, the "standard" daily gratuities (often around $15-$20 per person per day) are automatically added to your bill, though you can adjust them. In 2026, many high-end lines are moving toward a more "all-inclusive" model where drinks and Wi-Fi are included, but you should always budget for the "extras" that can easily double the cost of your base fare.