Best way to get Cash (or bring it)

[sbnuggie]

Howdy,

 

Cruising in a couple weeks. What's the best way to handle the cash situation for paying of independant excursions, going to the casino and buying stuff at ports of call (Gifts, Lunch, Beers et al....).

 

I seem to recall from my first cruise when going to the Casino you could get cash from your S&S card but there was like a %3 surcharge or something like that (Also does that count as a cash withdraw on your Credit Card or do they ring it up as a purchase, usually with cash withdraw its some ridiculous interest rate charge).

 

What about bringing Travelers Checks (Do they still have those??)? Will the pursers desk cash them?

 

I'm not one who likes to carry a lot of cash around so was looking for a good alternative.

 

Thanks all

[nancydee]

I know they have ATMs on board

[cuyahoga11]

Howdy,

 

Cruising in a couple weeks. What's the best way to handle the cash situation for paying of independant excursions, going to the casino and buying stuff at ports of call (Gifts, Lunch, Beers et al....).

 

I seem to recall from my first cruise when going to the Casino you could get cash from your S&S card but there was like a %3 surcharge or something like that (Also does that count as a cash withdraw on your Credit Card or do they ring it up as a purchase, usually with cash withdraw its some ridiculous interest rate charge).

 

What about bringing Travelers Checks (Do they still have those??)? Will the pursers desk cash them?

 

I'm not one who likes to carry a lot of cash around so was looking for a good alternative.

 

Thanks all

 

You can get money thru the slot machines without the surcharge and yes they will also cash travelers checks on the ship but dont sign them in advance (you must do it in front of them)

[brown_eyedgal]

I suggest NOT bringing a wad of cash like we did. Got stopped at customs by the dog. My husband had a whopping $900 on him ($50 in $1's) and we got the lecture from customs agents about how much $ you can leave and bring into the country...was kinda funny looking back on it...:D

[bonnys]

For a 7 day cruise we take $1000 in chas for the four of us. I will not pay fees ro us a land ATM, much less the high fees on the ship. And while you can get cash from the casino you have to win it first to not be charged a fee for getting cash. We just carry the cash we will use and leave the rest in the in room safe. Haven't had any problems yet.

[NCTribeFan]

I'm going to have to take way more cash than I normally do for our upcoming Victory cruise, and I don't like the idea.

 

I'm doing independent excursions in every port and need to pay cash there (for DD & I). Plus tips. Plus any spending money. Plus pre and post-cruise spending money in San Juan. Plus my gambling allowance.

 

I asked a couple of times and no one responded to this question: Can I purchase Funship dollars NOW (we sail in less than 3 weeks) and have that money available to pull out (via a wd in the casino) without incurring any charges? No one has given me a definitive answer. Many say that you can only use those funds for on-board purchases. Some say you can use them for anything. What I don't need to do is buy $500 or $1000 and find out that I can't pull it out in cash as I need it to pay for those excursions! :eek:

 

As to using the ATM or cashing a personal check at the pursers desk, you'll find that there are ridiculous fees to do so. Just have a look at the FAQ section "Access to Money on Board."

 

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/FAQLanding.aspx

 

I haven't used Travelers Checks in ages, but I just may do that for this particular cruise, as that seems to be the only way to get cash without incurring fees.

 

Another option is to use my credit card in the casino, pull the cash out there and have it go to my S&S, and pay the charges when I get home. That way, I earn points on my credit card as well.

 

I'm just really not sure what to do. We'll be gone 10 days and most of the expenses will need cash. :(

[keishashadow]

we were victims of CC fraud while aboard our 1st cruise! found out when card was declined in Nassau:eek:evidently, i had tried to purchase $13K worth of jewely in spain the day before, during a sea day:rolleyes:. Interestingly, the credit line would've handled the purchase, just red flagged as i had called the CC issuer to alert them of the various spots we'd be visiting during this trip...glad i did!

 

CC company was willing to have new/replacement card awaiting in next port of call, didn't bother as we had a backup card; still very upsetting

 

i have taken to converting the cash i'd be using to pay off our CC charges when we return to traveler's checks & bringing along jik...makes me feel better;); then i just deposit and pay off the card.

[jayscore]

For our seven day cruise, I bring $500 in TC's(S&S account), and about $1000 in cash (with a lot of small bills) for paying off private excursions, tips, and other stuff. For two of us, it worked out well.

It all depends on what you drink, and eat, and drink.....;)

[gatrbait]

I had planned on using the ATM on my Victory trip a few years back and I want to say it was the 3rd day and the ATM was empty and they weren't going to refill it until they were back in NY...I was forced to pay stupid fees and write a check. If you are going to use the ATM use it early :rolleyes:

Micky

[cruiserNC]

For a 7 day cruise we take $1000 in chas for the four of us. I will not pay fees ro us a land ATM, much less the high fees on the ship. And while you can get cash from the casino you have to win it first to not be charged a fee for getting cash. We just carry the cash we will use and leave the rest in the in room safe. Haven't had any problems yet.

 

Last week on the Valor they did not charge us for moving money from our sail and sign card to our 'players bank' then cashing the 'players bank' to get cash in the casino. If I am not mistaken that is the only way you can get your money from your 'players bank', you can't actually move it back to your sail and sign.

[recyclelady]

I go "old school" and use travellers checks. I can get them for free through AAA. They are easily cashed in at the pursers desk.

 

A couple of years ago we were travelling in west Africa and then on to Egypt (not a cruise that time). Luckily, my TA had warned me that my Discover Card would probably not work there, and to have another card to use. I have both VISA and MasterCard, but I would not have known this otherwise.

[crzndeb]

Add me to the list of "old school"...I usually have about $200 in cash and the rest in Traveler's Checks. I get them free thru my credit union. My S&S bill goes on my Airline credit card.

[sbnuggie]

Looks like Travelers Checks will be the best way. I get em free at AAA as well. Thanks all.

[Shaky44]

I bring cash in 100s and immediately put it on deposit in the casino. I play poker on the cruise, so I have it on my electronic poker card. It's safe and I have access any time the casino is open.

 

On my last cruise, they even gave raffle tickets to everyone who had money on deposit and I had several dozen tickets.

 

Shaky