How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

We are taking a RC cruise in February and was wondering how much cash we should bring along. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! We are so excited

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

Cash you really don't need alot of since you can't use cash on the ship! When we were in ports, we mostly used our credit cards. I would say we really didn't carry more than $200 in cash with us.

They will give you a "charge" card that's linked to your credit card when you board the ship. This is what you use for all items that are not included in the cost of you cruise (soft drinks, alocholic drinks, gift shop, etc). At the end of the cruise you will get a bill that shows how much will be charged to your card, OR if you want to pay cash, how much you will need to pay. Have fun!

Also, what we found helpful was we were able to have our tips automatically charged to our room/card instead of having to have enough cash at the end of the trip to dole out for the room steward, matrie'd, waiter, etc... you will get vouchers for each person that "requires" a gratuity and then just hand them to that person in an envelope at the end of the cruise.

Message edited 12/26/2008 10:59:15 AM.

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

I do not think any cruises allow you to pay in cash any more. You will get a sail-n-sign card when you check in. That card will be used to make any purchases on the ship along with any excursions that you make go on. They will hook it up to a credit card which they will charge at the end of your trip. also, tips for our cabin steward and waiters will also be charged to your cabin (and totalled at the end of the trip)

Of course you will need cash when you get off of the ship in port but on the ship, no cash needed (except in the casino - which you can also charge to your cabin)

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

We do bring cash just to keep our expenses under control. We go to the front desk and will pay our sign and sail card off with cash. I will only charge a certain amount on my credit cards. I actually will bring cash to pay on the islands, the tips and etc. But that is just our way of making sure the trip is paid for once we get off the cruise ship. I am not big on credit card usage and debt. I would say $200.00 is enough. On our very first cruise we brought $500.00 cash and put way too much on the credit card.

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

I prefer not to put any money on the credit card. I bring what I want to spend for the trip (Drinks, excursions, gifts, gambling, etc.) and then I pay off my tab in cash.

P.S. I dated a cabin attendant and they prefer cash

Re: How much to bring on a 5 night cruise? First time cruiser here...

Thanks for the tips girls! I'm so excited!!!