2 ?s: One re: elec. outlets on TP; another re: check cashing, money changing on Princess.

[mlbcruiser]

First, I know the Tahitian Princess was orig. built for Renaissance Cruiselines. Will regular American electrical appliances such as curling irons or dryers fit into the cabin plugs?

Also, does the purser's desk change money to local currency and back? Is there a limit on how many traveler's checks they will cash and will they cash any personal checks?

Thanks for any info. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[NitaBcruising]

I used my reg. curling iron and blow dryer on the TP.
I don't believe they will cash personal checks onboard. I couldn't on the only ship that I tried. I'm not sure about how many traveler's checks, but can't think of a reason for a limit!

Nita

[KAJOKG]

I don't believe that any cruise line will cash personal checks, however, they do cash travelers checks. When we cruised the Med., Princess had ATM machines on board to convert to Euros. Best to check with Princess before you leave.

KATY

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[Toto2Kansas]

Princess USED to cash ONE personal check onboard, if memory serves me correctly it was for only $200 or $250. Not sure, they may have changed that policy in the last few years.
This is one case I might give Princess a call at 1-800-Princess and see if they have changed that rule.

Tahitian Princess 10/14/04
RCI-Legend of the Seas 3/27/05 Panama Canal.
One Phantom Booking still open with Princess.

[Bob & Barb]

We sailed the TP on 5/7/04. We never changed a penny the whole trip and never had a problem. We used credit card (VISA) when we could and dollars the rest of the time. At no time did anyone refuse dollars at the same rate they were charging for FPF (French Polynesian Francs). Those that changed money lost on both directions due to charges assessed by the bank or other facility to convert money. Bring plenty of $$$dollars! It is an expensive area. Like full buffet breakfast for $32 and dinner for $70 (PP) at the hotels and major restaurants. You can pay less if you look around.

Until Caribbean Princess Sails November 13, 2004

[KAJOKG]

Bob and Barb -- Yes, you can use dollars at all of the islands. But you must either charge or use Euros when traveling in Europe. And your charge card will be charged in euros, which the cc company converts to dollars when they send you the statement.

KATY

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[FredS]

The Princess site still says they will take personal check up to $250. There is no mention of how many they will take nor is there any mention of a fee for this.

[mlbcruiser]

Thanks everyone. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Yes, the $200 or $250 rule for a personal check is used on RCCL, which we've cruised many times but we are new to Princess. I like to bring one "just in case". We, too, like to always use our credit card, but from things I keep reading on the board and in various guidebooks (I have 3 new ones!), I am getting all sorts of feedback saying this island will take dollars; that island won't; this tourguide will; that one won't, etc. My DH is notorious for never bringing enough CASH on trips. I bring a little stash to make up for it, along w/traveler's checks (which he also thinks is stupid due to the avail. of ATMs, which I've heard are not easy to find or reliable on islands outside of Tahiti.) But calling Princess is indeed the right thing to do. Thanks again.