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Many first-time cruisers make the mistake of overlooking the automatic gratuities. The automatic tips mean you don’t need to tip throughout the cruise. While the need for physical cash has lessened over the years, many cruisers still find it beneficial, especially for small transactions. Debit and credit cards make it easy to purchase in-store and online.
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This applies to whatever drinks you order in the dining room, specialty restaurants, or buffet restaurants,. In addition to the cost of the drink, you will also pay a mandatory service fee. Often this can be as much as 18%.It can soon add up if you enjoy wine, cocktails, beers, specialty coffees, sodas, and juices. You never use your credit card on board to purchase anything. Purchases are signed for using your cruise card and charged to your credit card when you check out. You get a copy of your final bill the night before you leave the ship.
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If you want to let loose and have fun, it will add hundreds (and maybe thousands) to your cruise fare. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend between 30-40% of your cruise fare in onboard spending. That’s around what the cruise companies show as the amount earned in onboard spending in their financial reports. Onboard SpendingThink you’re done spending money after you buy your cruise fare? Once on the ship there are lots of extras that you will likely want to purchase that add to the cost of your cruise. Another major cruise destination where dollars are widely accepted is Mexico.
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One thing I do recommend is bringing small bills so you don’t have the awkward moment of asking for change for a $20 when tipping the porter $2. I still find using a local ATM is cheaper than using a currency exchange office if you want local currency, as their fees can be ridiculously high. Have some local currency to pay for a restroom break just in case. You will only need a few coins or small bills in most cases. 1% – 3% in foreign transaction fees might not sound like a lot, but if you do a lot of shopping in port it can add up fast. I often like to leave a cash tip in the cabin as well, along with a note of appreciation.
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Paying for gratuities in advance means you do not need to think about tipping on board. Alternatively, you can also pay on board when you check out and pay your final bill. If you are a guest that likes to tip individual service personnel on board, then that is probably the only time you will need actual cash on the ship. You may also see packages only meant for email and social media usage. In any case, the fees will add up (especially if you want streaming and high-download access), so be sure to choose wisely.
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While most premium lines and mega-ships offer pre-paid packages and fares may include more than just stateroom and meals, most do charge for a majority of items that luxury lines typically include. You’re welcome to use a credit or debit card to make purchases in ports of call whenever possible. However, you’ll want to make sure you’ve notified your bank that you will be out of the country. While you pay daily gratuities before your cruise ($16 per person, per day in most staterooms), many cruisers like to give something extra. Whether $2 to a bartender, $20 to your waiter, or $50 to your stateroom attendant, it’s common to tip crew members extra for excellent service.
Transport from ship to shore
Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. The length of your cruise dramatically affects how much cash you’ll need. You don’t need to bring as much spending money on a three-day getaway to the Bahamas compared to a two-week European voyage. Each cruise line has a set per-person, per-day amount that it will charge to each cruiser's onboard account, based on the type of cabin in which they're staying. That amount doesn't increase or decrease based on when the gratuities are paid.
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Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy, especially on vacation. The popular Johnny Rockets fast eatery on board some of the Royal Caribbean ships comes at an extra charge; a sample menu can be seen here but remember prices are subject to change. While food standards differ between cruise lines, there is almost always something to suit everyone. Some guests never use a professional photographer; others use their cruise vacation as an opportunity to get great family portraits done. After all, sometimes families cannot get together and this is a great time to get professional photos. Gratuities are a fixed cost and are decided by the cruise line.
Your Shopping Habits
Use the safe to store cash, travel documents, credit cards, jewelry, and valuables when you’re not using them. But all cruise lines have their signature restaurants and specialty restaurants that are not included in the price of your basic cruise fare. These can be a great way to get your drink on without spending a fortune. Holland America Line still offers daily happy hours in the Ocean Bar, for example. If you plan on eating at specialty dining restaurants, sipping cocktails every day, enjoying spa services or taking excursions in every port, you’ll probably spend more. If preferred though, you can certainly choose to use cash in most situations on a cruise - bars, spa, casino, excursions, shops, etc.
We aren't shoppers and I usually prefer to pay cash if we do buy something. For Euros I usually order them from my bank, sometimes 2,000-3,000 depending on how many tours we will need Euros for. Since I travel to Europe frequently, I nearly always have a couple hundred euros on hand to start out with. I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. I took my first cruise when I was 11 and I’ve been hooked ever since.
In some countries, public transport and taxis may only be payable by cash, but most have moved to cards since the Covid pandemic. In a survey of 850 cruisers, 71% stated that they took over $100 per person per day when cruising. If you booked a tour of some kind it’s recommended you do tip the tour guide or driver a few dollars. It might be anywhere from $2 to $10 and it’s not mandatory, but it’s a good way of thanking the local workers for their expertise.
$15-$20 per person per day is typically what is added to your bill for gratuities on a cruise. A common question from first-time cruisers is, “How much cash should I bring on my cruise? But for others, taking cash on a cruise isn’t even something they consider. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Additionally, the type of cabin and amenities chosen can also impact spending.
Port fees and taxes aren’t technically part of your cruise fare, but they are included in what you pay before you board. From these public reports, we know that the average cost of cruise fare runs from about $150-$245 per person, per day (depending on cruise company). Rates vary across cruise lines, but are usually around $15 per person, per day.
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