Cash, travelers' checks, or ...?

[mehitabel]

We don't think we want to carry all the cash we'll need with us from the start, but we don't want to risk ATMs on the ship (have heard they often run low) or the fees from ATMs and the ship's casino. Also, we'd like to keep our shipboard account as low as possible, which we can't do if we're taking out cash from the casino.

 

Are travelers' checks still widely used? And will the purser's desk cash them without a fee? Are there alternatives we haven't yet considered? We will have a secure place to keep our funds both on and off the ship--we just don't want to travel with lots of cash at any one time.

 

What do most of you do?

[toonjie]

AAA has a re-loadable visa card that they call TravelMoney. It's like a prepaid card, except it's re-loadable and has the same protection, if lost, as their travelers checks.

[megr1125]

AAA has a re-loadable visa card that they call TravelMoney. It's like a prepaid card, except it's re-loadable and has the same protection, if lost, as their travelers checks.

 

which can't be used on the ship....if you mean the trav cheque cards...its in the docs that they can't be used....

 

OP...we take TCs and some cash...they will cash them at guest relations with no fee and no trouble

 

from the docs:

RESERVATION ID: 6xxxxx0

SHIP NAME: EXPLORER OF THE SEAS

SAILING DATE: 29 NOV 2009

STATEROOM: GTY

Please be advised Traveller Cheque Cards from any credit card company

are not accepted, for the purpose of settling onboard charges on the

SeaPass account.

[cb at sea]

We use cash for tips and gambling...the rest goes on our credit card (we get points!!!)...we NEVER, EVER use credit for gambling expenses...that's "throw away" money....if you're not willing to lose it, you shouldn't bet it!

We don't charge the tips, either....the folks who serve you PREFER cash in hand over getting it in their paycheck.

Your room has a safe...perfectly fine to keep excess cash in.....bring large bills...not as bulky as small denominations. You can break the large bills down, as needed.

[goofygame]

Our last cruise we had a hard time finding travelers checks. Bank of America does not carry them any more. My credit union had them but said when they run out that is it. :(

[mehitabel]

Yep, the cash is mainly to pay for our excursions (only one could be prepaid, and the others want cash), random gratuities (ship gratuities are prepaid), taxis, miscellaneous food not eaten onboard, and whatever shopping we decide to do.

 

We'll likely bring one "emergency only" credit card--the fewer we take, the less likelihood of card fraud or overuse. Spending cash or travelers' checks will keep us much more aware of how much we're spending.

[phoenix1181]

We use a bit of everything. Cash & travelers checks are for the casino, tips, and small purchases in port. Our RCCL credit card is used for our SeaPass and any large purchases. We've never had a problem cashing the travelers checks onboard and in the casino, they even take them at the tables.

 

Aside from the fact that the ship doesn't accept the travelers cards, I've always wondered what happens if it's lost or stolen. I understand they're protected by the issuer but losing the card isn't quite like losing a couple of the travelers checks. Lose the card and you've got nothing until you get home. With cash or travelers checks, it's unlikely that you'll be carrying all of your funds with you (except on your travel days of course) so if you lose your wallet, there's still money/travelers checks in the safe.

[Tigers2]

We use all three cash, Travelers checks and RCCL VISA credit card!

We normally have OBC that we use on the ship, cash for the islands and Travelers checks for back up!

 

Good Luck!

[monn_a]

I carry cash for the casinos and tips...and leave the rest on my card...I get points too....I have a little wallet I bought on the Sovereign years ago that clips to my belt or waist with the zipper turned inwards (invisible)...I keep my cash and credit cards in that everything else I may need (i.e sanitizer, lotion, etc)...i keep in a wristlet. If i lose it i haven't lost my money or card

 

Cash is also good in ports...