Is cash or card better on a cruise?

Is cash or card better on a cruise? We highly recommend paying for anything OFF of the ship in cash. Port areas in tourist areas in the Caribbean and Bahamas are typically safe from violent crime, but petty crime like theft — or credit card fraud — could happen.

Do I need cash on a cruise ship?

There is no need for cash. The same goes for most gratuities. Cruise lines now offer prepaid options for gratuities to your room steward and dining room waiters. So you can pay them before you even get on the ship.

Do you tip bartenders on a cruise?

How Much to Tip Cruise Bartenders. Bar service has an automatic gratuity applied on the check (usually 15%). As we said above, though, if you're planning to frequent the same onboard bar (like the ever-popular pool bar), an upfront tip of $10 to $20 just might mean faster service and perfectly crafted cocktails.

Do you tip on a cruise if gratuity is included?

Similarly, if you're on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected.

Should I take cash or credit card on a cruise?

You will most likely need cash while you're off the ship, especially in foreign ports. Not only can it save you money in foreign transaction fees that most credit card companies charge, but if you're traveling to certain parts of the world, you may encounter places where credit cards aren't accepted.

How many bags do I need for a 7 day cruise?

To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person if you're travelling on a cruise of 3-5 nights, and to no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer.

What is the best amount of days for a cruise?

What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

How do you get freebies on a cruise ship?

Should I put my cruise on a credit card?

“I always want you to pay for a cruise with a credit card, never with a debit card,” Clark says. Aside from the better consumer protections credit cards offer, Clark points to another reason why you'd want to use a credit card to pay for your cruise.

What payment method is the best to use in cruise?

Can you withdraw cash on a cruise ship?

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.

How much do you tip housekeeping on a 7 day cruise?

According to the results of my three polls: 61% tip their stateroom attendant an additional $20–$40 per couple per week, 26% tip $40–$70, and 13% tip an additional $70–$140.

How much extra should I tip my cabin steward on a cruise?

There aren't any hard-and-fast guidelines for this type of tip since it's contingent on your experience, but $25 to $40 on behalf of a couple roughly works out to an extra $2 to $3 per person, per day, for a seven-night cruise.

Is it better to pay gratuities before or after cruise?

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.

What do you tip on a 7 day cruise?

Note that the amount should be tabulated for each individual in your party—don't try to tip once per couple or group. So if you're planning to go on a 7-day cruise, expect to give a total of between $112 and $161 per person in gratuities. Don't forget to factor those charges into your overall vacation budget.

What is the best currency to take on a Caribbean cruise?

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.

Can you opt out of gratuity on cruise?

When a cruise line adds gratuities to your cruise fare, you can usually ask for them to be removed. You would just need to visit the Guest Services desk and explain your decision, and the cruise line will remove them for you. You may be asked for your reasoning.

How much do you tip for shore excursions?

How much you tip on cruise excursions is entirely up to you, but a suggested starting price is $3 per person for a half-day tour and $6 per person for a full-day tour for the guide and $1 to $2 for the bus driver. You can, of course, increase that amount based on your experience on the excursion.

Do you tip if gratuity is included all inclusive?

With gratuities included, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to tip or not, and if you do decide to, they can be tipped the amount that feels right to you based on the service you received. Under no circumstances, however, should you ever feel pressured to tip in an All Inclusive resort.