A few questions before we go...

[NewportJulie]

Some things I'm still wondering:

1) Can I cash a personal check onboard in case we need extra cash, or is there an ATM?

2) Is the tap water safe to drink or can I buy bottled water on board?

3) I'm perplexed about packing for the Mexican Rivieria. My hubby thinks its going to be all about the tropics, but that's because we have gone during the spring/summer in the past. I figure we will probably be chilly for the first few days until we get down south. I'm in Newport Beach now, which is similar weather to San Diego and its cool here! Will I need an even mix of warm/cool weather wear?

Thanks in advance, you all have been wonderful. I would have been totally lost on this cruise without you ;)

[doone]

I am not sure about the weather you will encounter, but I do know you are not able to cash personal checks onboard, nor is there an ATM. You can get a cash advance on your charge card at the front desk for a fee. There is a way to get money at the casino and put on your shipboard account, but someone else here will have to tell you exactly how to do it as I have never done it before, but would be interested, just in case.

Have a wonderful cruise.

[localady]

Julie-

A light sweater or maybe a waterproof windbreaker would probably work. The water on the ship is fine to drink and they also sell Evian. I believe you can cash a personal check for some amount in the casino. I have never done it, but I know it can be done.

Have a great first cruise!!:)

[NewportJulie]

How much cash do you recommend for 2 adults, 2 children? Do we need cash for the casino, or can you charge it to you account - scary! I can just see my hubby going crazy on the craps table! :D

[tiffnco]

Hi Newport Juile!

Greetings from Orange! Mere neighbors...anyway, we're going on the Oosterdam in November so I'll be anxious to hear your review when you return.

One alternative to cashing checks and worrying about how much cash to bring is traveller's checks. You can bring those on board with you and those you can cash at the front desk. Also, what ever you don't spend, you can bring back, cash and deposit them back in your account.

Just a thought.

Also, I'm sure there will be ATMs available once you're in port at a local bank...but then you're dealing with exchange rates and foreign currency.

[dakrewser]

The first night and the last night will be cooler than San Diego. Other than that it's pretty warm during the day (80 + or - 5 degrees) a light jacket or sweater should be sufficient.

Everyplace in the ports will take dollars (except post offices) but using pesos (from on shore ATMs) is usually a better deal.

Cash travellers checks at the front desk if you need to.

The Casino takes cash, but will advance chips against your on-board account (for a 3% fee).

The casino and any addtional tipping (such as in the Pinnacle Grille) are the only place you'll need cash, but I found that Pesos work just as well for tips as dollars do (after all, these folks will be in Mexico for months).

Enjoy!

[KAJOKG]

Neither the ship's purser nor the casino will cash a personal check. Both will cash travelers checks with no fee. You can get cash from the casino for a 3% fee and they will charge the cash amount and the fee to your on board account. By the way, if you use a charge card as your on board account, the cash advance that you get from the casino is NOT treated as a cash advance by the credit card bank - it's charged as a purchase. We always bring travelers checks AND an abundance of one dollar bills for tips...for the porters when you board ship, for room service waiters and for drink servers around the ship.

[trinidad]

We went to the Sea of Cortez last year about this time and it was cooler than I remember Mexico being. The first 2 days and last 2 at sea days were very cool and overcast on board. It was too cold to sit out in a bathing suit and very windy. In Mexico the air temperature was warm, not hot, but very comfortable for shorts. The water was COLD. We could not stay in to snorkle more than 10 minutes. You can check the weather forcast on-line at Yahoo.
Have a great time and Happy Anniversary!!

[slackerlida]

It's cool and windy on the last day back, just because of the way the ship is heading into the wind. At least a light windbreaker, if not a sweatshirt and jeans or khakis.