What currency should I take on a Caribbean cruise?

All ports you visit in the Caribbean or Bahamas will accept U.S. dollars, so don't worry about having to change over currency. 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.



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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.

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As US Dollars are so widely used across the Caribbean, a secure currency card can be really handy for your holiday spends. Simply load it with dollars before you go and you can top up while you're travelling, withdraw money from cash machines and make contactless payments.

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We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

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Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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There are limited currency conversion options onboard, however we do accept most major currencies and convert them to US dollars with applicable conversion rates, and at a limit of $950 USD per person per day. There are not always exchange facilities available or open in the ports. Was this content helpful?

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Tips & Gratuities While some cruise lines include tips in your fare, on some lines it isn't mandatory if you aren't satisfied with their service. Generally though, most cruise lines where gratuities aren't included, we suggest tipping $10 to $15 per day per passenger.

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Onboard currency depends on the cruise line with which you're sailing. If it's an American cruise line, the onboard currency will be the dollar; if you're sailing a European line, expect the onboard currency to be the euro. It's always best to check with your line before boarding.

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The time when you'll need the most cash on a cruise vacation is when you're in port. Whether in Mexico, St. Maarten, Italy, or Vanuatu, having cash is recommended. Although cards are widely accepted, you may still encounter establishments that do not accept card payments.

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A: All of Royal Caribbean International ships operate on a cashless system, meaning your boarding card, (also known as your SeaPass card), will be used as a charge card to make all onboard purchases.

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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. Cruise Cash is valid for a single voyage and cannot be transferred to future bookings.

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Cash is also a good option if you want to tip some workers extra for service that warrants it. If you've dined in mostly one spot every night of the cruise, you might want to give tips to especially attentive waitstaff on the last evening of the cruise.

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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.

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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.

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