How much cash should I bring to Carnival?

Guests must deposit cash (USD currency only) or Traveler's Checks (USD currency only) at Guest Services on the first day of the cruise. The following minimum cash deposits are recommended: 2 - 4 day cruise: $100 USD per person. 5 - 8 day cruise: $200 USD per person.



People Also Ask

We recommend bringing around $100-200 in cash with you on a port day. This should provide enough money for transportation, food, and small souvenirs in port.

MORE DETAILS

Guests must deposit cash (USD currency only) or Traveler's Checks (USD currency only) at Guest Services on the first day of the cruise. The following minimum cash deposits are recommended: 2 - 4 day cruise: $100 USD per person. 5 - 8 day cruise: $200 USD per person.

MORE DETAILS

In addition to security, it's also helpful to have cash as some places — such as smaller souvenir shops or taxi cabs — don't accept credit cards. Credit card usage simply isn't as widespread as it is in the United States.

MORE DETAILS

Sail & Sign® is Carnival's cashless on board credit program, which allows guests to charge onboard purchases and gratuities directly to a personal account for convenience. The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for all money transactions on board as cash will not be an accepted form of payment.

MORE DETAILS

Prices for cocktails on cruise ships usually run about $10-14 per drink, before gratuity. So expect to spend about $12 to $16.50 per beverage when gratuity is added. Here is a sample menu from a recent Carnival cruise to give you an idea of what's offered.

MORE DETAILS

For our guests' convenience, Automatic Teller Machines are located on the Promenade Deck or Mezzanine Deck. There is a $6.50 fee per transaction for this service. Fee Notification: The operator of the ATM will charge a fee for a cash withdrawal.

MORE DETAILS

Carnival conducts security safety scanning of all luggage and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and disposed of and no compensation will be given.

MORE DETAILS

On cruises of 6 days or longer, no more than two bags, per person. Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds and, when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high, by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked.

MORE DETAILS

While water, juice, and tea are usually free on a cruise, you often have to go to the ship's restaurants to get them. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic drinks like sodas cost extra (usually around $2-3 per serving), so bringing those on with you when allowed can save you a decent amount.

MORE DETAILS

What drinks are free of charge?
  1. Water. Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. ...
  2. Flavored water. Some cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean drink package provides their passengers with several options of flavored waters to choose from. ...
  3. Lemonade. ...
  4. Tea and coffee. ...
  5. Hot chocolate. ...
  6. Milk. ...
  7. Fruit juices.


MORE DETAILS

“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.

MORE DETAILS

“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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Debit card This method of payment is not recommended. If you use a debit card, a request for pre-authorization will be made by the cruise line to ensure the availability of funds. This request will freeze the pre-authorized amount for up to 30 days.

MORE DETAILS

General Cruise Cash provides an immediate credit to a guest's Sail & Sign account. This credit is good for any charge made to their account including taxes and gratuity charges.

MORE DETAILS

On embarkation day, an initial bank hold of up to $200 (depending on cruise length) is placed on all credit card and debit card accounts to verify that the card is valid: 2 - 6 day cruise: $100 USD for each stateroom charged using the same credit card or debit card.

MORE DETAILS

Carnival operates on a cashless credit program on board which allows you to charge all your services, gratuities and purchases during your cruise to your stateroom. All locations on board will accept your Sail & Sign card (onboard expense account) for payment; the casino will also accept cash.

MORE DETAILS