Money question

[finest14]

I haven't cruised in about 20 years, so pardon my ignorance. What's the best way to bring spending money for a cruise? Travellers checks? Thanks in advance for the always great advice.

Justin

[RuthC]

A combination of a small amount of cash, Travelers' Checks, a credit card, and an ATM card are plenty.

I take a credit card to register at the Front Desk, and in case I want to make a major purchase. The Front Desk can also cash the Travelers' Checks and break large bills.
Cash is handy for tips while on shore excursions, and for minor purchases.

Depending on your itinerary sometimes there is a foreign exchange booth set up near the Front Desk where you can purchase foreign currency (for a large fee! :eek: )

[Orcrone]

Justin,

Just about everything you spend on the ship will be put on your sign and sail card. Your tips, drinks, pictures, meals at the Pinnacle, items purchased in the shops, etc. will be placed on the sign and sail card. Generally, you give them a credit card at embarkation which they will preauthorize for $70 per day per person. Some people choose to use a debit card or cash instead. You will receive an itemized statement the last day of the cruise and if there are no problems it will be charged to your credit card.

As far as money spent in ports I take some cash and supplement it with traveler's checks.

[jhannah]

Personally, I don't care for traveler's checks. I don't carry lots of cash either. I use my credit card for everything I can, and have some cash (generally in local currency when we're overseas) available for incidental purchases. ATMs are everywhere these says, and I find that they work best for me.

[RuthC]

A word to the wise about Travelers' Checks. If you are a couple do get the checks that can be used by both on an either/or basis. If you get the original kind---the kind with only one signiture---and you are not able to sign them it becomes a major problem when your partner can't either.

[dakrewser]

We haven't used travellers' checks in many years. A small amount of cash (for first day expenses), credit card for the ship and major purchases and an ATM card for currency (the ATM machines are available in airports and near ship's berths in most countries).


A good alternative to Travellers' checks is the new TravelFunds card from American Express (click here (http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp)for details) which looks like a credit card but is "pre-loaded" with a set amount for purchasing. It can be "re-filled" if necessary...

[jckvpa0]

We haven't used travellers' checks in many years. A small amount of cash (for first day expenses), credit card for the ship and major purchases and an ATM card for currency (the ATM machines are available in airports and near ship's berths in most countries).


A good alternative to Travellers' checks is the new TravelFunds card from American Express (click here (http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp)for details) which looks like a credit card but is "pre-loaded" with a set amount for purchasing. It can be "re-filled" if necessary...

If you loose this card can anyone use it?

[dakrewser]

If you loose this card can anyone use it?

Doesn't matter, but probably not (it does have a signature on it). Still, as Amex says, "When cash leaves your hands (or your suitcase), it can mean the end of your vacation. If your TravelFunds Card goes missing, your available funds at that time of loss or theft will be refunded, wherever you are, usually within 24 hours."

[ekerr19]

We used to take Travellers checks and deposit them on our shipboard account to avoid a high credit card balance at the end of the cruise... it's too much trouble anymore. Now we just take a couple of credit cards, an ATM card and some cash.

I like the idea of the Amex TravelFunds card for our oldest son - his credit card is usually close to maxed when we cruise and I end up having to put his charges on mine...

[gbc]

I use a credit card to cover my shipboard account; take a small amount of cash and my ATM. I prefer to use an ATM when traveling in foreign countries. The conversion rates are generally the best and if you need multiple currencies you can take out a small amount each day. Check with your bank before you leave - you don't want the bank's security suddenly turning off your card when it starts getting used in unusual places. Also check to see if your bank has a relationship with any bank at your destination. I traveled to Germany (land) recently and was told that if I use Deutchebank ATM's there would be no serive fee (and there wasn't!).