Mediterranean Cruise: Does NCL Have Currency Exchange Booths On Board?

[ajtraveler66]

I was curious if NCL had any currency exchange areas onboard its ship for converting dollars to Euro's?  We will be on the NCL Star in April (Venice to Lisbon).

 

I have read that most restaurants, etc. do accept Visa/Mastercard.  However, I realize that it might be convenient to have a few euro's on hand for who knows what..

 

Your comments/suggestions are appreciated.

[debenson0723]

I believe you can exchange them at Guest Services but the rate will not be favorable. Best to use a foreign transaction fee free card and an ATM at a local bank on land.  There is another thread about this topic just a few below this one.

[mapleleaves]

When we sailed out of Venice (Trieste) last Sept I saw a sign at Guest Services for currency exchange.  As noted above, the rate will be terrible. 

I assume you'll spend a day or 2 in Venice prior to boarding so you'll need Euros as soon as your arrive. You can either order some euros from your bank, or, use a bank ATM in Venice ( not a stand alone ATM machine)

I've done both.  I had a private driver lined up at one port which was 400 cash, so I ordered it from my home bank.  I always have 20-40 euros left over from a previous trip and used that for the bus fare from the airport to town.  Bought snacks, drinks and pastries from various little places around Venice and Id rather pay cash to those little mom/pop vendors.  Stopped at a bank ATM to replenish before boarding the train to Trieste.

 

[Alan C]

The best way to get local currency is a service free debit card at the ATM's right on the docks.  You get the best exchange rate that way. 

[MeHeartCruising]

Some ships will have an ATM on board where you can withdraw money from your own bank account, but it doesn't convert existing cash you have.  Sometimes the ATM will distribute the currency in USD or Euros.  Either way, there is a very high service charge added.  Best to use a land-based ATM to get Euros as needed.  Purchase a SMALL amount from your own bank (for a fee) before leaving if you are uncomfortable landing with no cash to spend.  Then visit the ATM to get more when you land.

[mapleleaves]

I forgot to mention ..... the foreign ATM will ask if you want to be charged in your home currency.  Say no.  You have no idea what exchange rate they are using, so say no.

 

[JGmf]

As others have said, be sure to use a bank ATM, rather than, say, an ATM that is street side in some shopping district...like the one I use in Copenhagen that skimmed my information and resulted in over $800 in fraudulent charges (weeks later returned to my account, but what a hassle).  Ugh.

[complawyer]

guest services can change your currency, but they have a limited amount. so if a number of passengers want to exchange $$$ for euros, they wont all be able to satisfy them all

 

best advice is to exchange prior to departure