Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how much money to bring on a cruise.
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A credit card keeps a record of your spending and is safer than carrying money. Plus, many businesses accept credit cards, especially in popular port cities. Cash can come in handy if you plan to travel in more isolated areas, want to tip a server or don't want to use a credit card for small purchases.
The amount of money you should bring on a cruise depends on a few things, including your itinerary, budget and preferences. Many people budget about $100 a day, on average, but you're better off figuring out what you'll be likely to spend onboard.
So to cut a short story even shorter, whether visiting for a day off a cruise or taking a short break on one island, the best currency for the Caribbean is the US dollar. You shouldn't need any of the local currency.
You are certainly welcome to bring cash to enjoy your vacation experience. There are ATM services onboard and limited currency conversion services. There is a withdrawal fee to use the ATMs onboard.
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.
In most cases, you can simply explain that you do not have a credit card and they'll come back to you with a Plan B (they want your money so there will definitely be a Plan B). Never use a debit card on a cruise.
When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.
Spending anything after embarkation is up to you, as the only things not included on any cruise line would be shopping, souvenirs, spa treatments and casino gambling. For these things, you'll need to bring some additional money.
Paying gratuities and tipping the staff aboard a cruise ship is not compulsory but is considered the right thing to do. Cruise Tipping is a gesture of goodwill to reflect your gratitude for the service provided and to say a big “Thank You” to the crew members.
If you want to manage your budget more effectively, it's a good idea to prepay your gratuities for your Princess cruise. The only time you would be better off waiting is if you want to use any onboard credit towards the gratuity amount.
Most slot machines will just take your cruise card, but some will also take cash. Very few cruise ship casinos are cash-only but a few do exist. (Windstar and Silversea are examples.)
Cruise ships have cellular service that you can connect to. However, it's usually considered international roaming and means you'll be charged high rates to access. You likely know that instead of using a cell signal, you can hook your phone up to wi-fi and use the Internet to make calls, send texts, and surf the web.
How do I pay for purchases onboard? All onboard purchases are paid for using your cruise card, which doubles as your room key. This card is set up before boarding and serves as your ID to get on and off the ship, provides you access to your cabin and makes for easy swiping when you decide you need a pina colada.
Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship.
You have choices when it comes to checking your bags on a cruise. Usually, you can check your large luggage during boarding, and it will be delivered to your stateroom. However, that can take a few hours, so you'll want to keep carry-on luggage that includes items such as a swimsuit and sunscreen with you.
Yes, cruise ships have brigs, which is the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, including a cruise ship. The term comes from the word brigantine, which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals.
Generally, cruise lines recommend you bring two pieces of luggage per person at a maximum weight of 50 pounds as well as a small carry-on bag, with dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9.
Royal Caribbean only lets you order one drink at a time with your drink package. Even though you can get your fill of drinks, you can't order multiples at once.
No, all packages are for single guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people. Our Deluxe Beverage Package Policy requires all guests wishing to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package or the Deluxe Beverage Package and Internet (Sip + Stream) to do so for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.