As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips. Fifty to a hundred dollars a day should be enough to cover small purchases, tips and snacks at each port.

For a 7-day cruise in 2026, most of your spending is handled via your onboard account (linked to a credit card), but carrying physical cash is still essential for off-ship activities and extra-mile tips. A safe estimate for a mid-range traveler is $300 to $500 in cash per person. This covers small-denomination bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping porters, tour guides, and exceptional room stewards, as well as spending money for local markets, street food, and independent shore excursions where credit cards may not be accepted. While many Caribbean ports accept U.S. dollars, having cash ensures you aren't stuck if a terminal goes down. Onboard, the casino is one of the few places you'll need physical cash, unless you prefer to charge it to your room. If you plan to do heavy shopping or high-stakes gambling, you should adjust this figure upward, but for most, $400 provides a comfortable buffer for a week at sea.