Payments on cruise ships have virtually fully gone digital, however there are nonetheless just a few conditions the place money turns out to be useful. Knowing how a lot money to carry on a cruise will help you intend your trip funds and keep away from pesky ATM charges alongside the way in which.
Here’s what it’s best to find out about money on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Do I want money on a cruise ship?
Cash is never required on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as all funds onboard are made through your SeaPass account. Prior to your cruise, you’ll join your onboard account with a credit score or debit card, and all funds will probably be charged to that card on the finish of the cruise.
You received’t require money for 99% of purchases on a cruise, whether or not specialty eating places, cocktails, or souvenirs. Plus, you’re by no means required to make any further purchases within the first place in case you benefit from the complimentary choices accessible on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
When will I want money on a cruise ship?
Although money isn’t required for onboard purchases, there are just a few situations the place you’ll wish to have money accessible.
Tipping crew members
Something you’ll need money for on a Royal Caribbean cruise are any further suggestions you give to crew members.
While you pay every day gratuities earlier than your cruise ($16 per particular person, per day in most staterooms), many cruisers like to present one thing further. Whether $2 to a bartender, $20 to your waiter, or $50 to your stateroom attendant, it’s widespread to tip crew members further for wonderful service.
Tipping further shouldn’t be obligatory, and there’s no proper or improper quantity to present a crew member. Some company could carry $200 further for gratuities whereas others could carry $50.
Having small payments helpful is useful in case you plan to tip crew members all through your crusing.
Port days
The time if you’ll want probably the most money on a cruise trip is if you’re in port. Whether in Mexico, St. Maarten, Italy, or Vanuatu, having money is advisable. Although playing cards are broadly accepted, you should still encounter institutions that don’t settle for card funds.
And when you don’t want to go to a port with $1000 in your pockets, you’ll wish to be sure you manage to pay for to account for bills all through the day.
Depending on what you intend to do in port, you would possibly want money for the next:
- Taxis
- Restaurants and cafes
- Museum entrance charges
- Beach chair leases
- Souvenirs
We advocate bringing round $100-200 in money with you on a port day. This ought to present sufficient cash for transportation, meals, and small souvenirs in port.
Can I take advantage of my bank card whereas in port?
You’re welcome to make use of a credit score or debit card to make purchases in ports of name each time attainable. However, you’ll wish to be sure you’ve notified your financial institution that you may be in another country.
If you haven’t notified your financial institution, they may often ship you a fraud alert or briefly freeze your card.
How to get money in your cruise ship
If you forgot to carry money in your cruise, there are just a few methods to get it as soon as onboard.
First is the ATM. All ships have not less than one ATM onboard, which is often situated within the Royal Promenade or Centrum. ATMs often cost a $5-6 price per transaction.
Depending in your financial institution, the ATM transaction price could also be waived. If you wish to keep away from any ATM costs, although, you’ll be able to theoretically take cash out through the on line casino.
If you go to any slot machine, you’re in a position to switch cash to the sport through your onboard account, which is related to your credit score or debit card.
If you switch cash to the slot machine and instantly money out, you’ll be able to take your cashout slip to the on line casino cage and obtain the listed quantity in money.
Which foreign money do I want on a cruise?
Which foreign money it’s best to carry with you on a cruise will depend on your departure port and itinerary.
If you’re crusing from the United States to the Caribbean, US {dollars} are broadly accepted in well-liked cruise ports. You can select to pay in native foreign money, too, however acquiring cash in 3+ currencies earlier than a cruise shouldn’t be obligatory.
You’ll typically obtain change again in native foreign money even when paying with USD. If you purchase a $5 memento with a $20 invoice in Mexico, for instance, you’ll obtain change in Mexican pesos.
Cruises from Europe and Australia will nonetheless use the US greenback because the official onboard foreign money, however it’s best to make purchases in port with the vacation spot’s native foreign money. If cruising from Australia to the South Pacific, Australian {dollars} are broadly accepted.
To keep away from foreign money confusion, particularly in case you’re touring to a number of nations on one cruise, we advocate utilizing a credit score or debit card to make purchases in port each time attainable.