How Much Cash Should You Bring on a Cruise?

If you're considering taking a cruise you might be wondering how much cash you'll actually need. During this video we will look at how much I budget for the following things:

- Taxis
- Tickets
- Souvenirs
- Tips
- Toilets
- Onboard Expenses

Let me know in the comments how much cash you typically bring on a cruise!

Video Filmed On:

[bbergs]

Since I always need wheelchair assist while cruising - I need cash for tipping (although not mandatory - I appreciate the help I get)! And I tip shore excursion drivers & guides! And my last few Caribbean cruises I was visiting islands that had been hit by hurricanes & I truly tried to help the local economies - bought many t-shirts & fridge magnets & gifts for friends/family at home - just to help the locals of St. Thomas & St. Martin!! I’ve cruised with friends who not only spent cash in the casino on the ships - but also went into the casinos in the ports - and they would put $10.00 bills or $20.00 bills into the slot machines!
I generally bring about $100.00 per day in cash - but I also usually come home with cash - and I do use my credit cards in the ports (if I decide to buy jewelry)!

[johndittmer]

Emma, as an American who has lived in Europe, I appreciate your understanding about American tipping habits. It really is a different aspect of our culture.

[tarniaadams]

Our cruise is our time not to use the internet ( it’s used so much in our daily lives ) so we just go in a cafe in a port and let home know where we are and check all ok and that’s it - no internet - honestly it’s amazing

[ivarnordlkken]

Most toilets in central areas in Norway don't take coins any more, you need a credit card to access it. Count on 10-20 NOK. (1-2 USD/EUR).

[bugsm]

Number one take away tip from this one always research your ports. I've saved so much money by doing that. There is one in Norway, p&0 do that do an 'excursion' which is basically a coach trip to a the top of a fjord, there is a bus stop that takes you up and back down again for less and you can spend more or less time there depending on how you feel.

[nancym.]

I usually cruise the Caribbean and bring @$700 for a 7 day cruise. I don’t gamble, maybe the husband might splurge $20 a night. I love to spend some $at port to help out the locals.

[SmallLab]

While Tipping is expected in the US ( don't get me started on tipping, i'm not a fan). 20% is standard for dinner. 15% is completely fine for lunch. Plus we're talking about sit-down meals. There's no reason to tip if you're buying from a fast food place or getting a coffee.

[andreagriffiths]

Last cruise, out of Australia, I went in with a friend, we left $200 each for the room stewards. It seemed a good amount for 14 days

[davidlarcher]

While not on a cruise, I prefer using cash. I am feeling old.
Thank you. Just as I typed that above, You said “be there or be square”. I do not feel as bad now. Thank you again.

[maobfh]

I allow myself a specific budget at a casino. Not being a big gambler, I typically play the machines (slots, poker) and allow 20 or 40 in coin. The most I have won was around 40k and the biggest loss was around 15. I get bored over time and stop. I don't spend significant winnings but if I gain a handful of coin and having fun then I will toss it in the cup and keep playing. But I do not go over my limit. If I had a lot of disposable cash. I would buy someone shoes or a coat or a meal or put a new roof on someone's house. I have fun in the casino and doing other things, too. But when the time is up there are plenty of things to go do.

[RizZaTV]

I love those fridge magnets 😁 i always end up buying one

[GeometricMason]

I typically bring $50-$100 for the cabin steward (depending on cruise length), $50-$100 for the solo host, about $50 for the dueling pianos show, and about $100 in small bills for incidentals like refrigerator magnets in port. On top of that I bring about $1, 000 for the casino. I would add that even though I put a credit card on my account, I usually take some casino money to the customer service desk on the last day and pay-off my account with cash. This is usually not too much, about $200.

[CruiseandTravelBP]

Definitely paying to use toilets is very key to traveling, unfortunately! Great tips in this video!

[authunhx]

I discovered to my horror, that the loo in the tourist office in Bergen, Norway, only took a credit/debit card. There was a sign on the door, "No Coins". I'd left my card on the ship becase I still had a couple of hundred kronor to use up on the last day of the cruise!

[wendykoek]

We have the gratuity added already on our fares in Australia and if there is outstanding service been done usually they are tipped more individually then

[JulieWallis]

Lol, my last visit to the on board casino I got £100 in chips, I gambled for about an hour, then I counted out my original £100 and just splurged the rest. Plenty of fun, the thrill that I might win a few hundred and at zero cost. It’s the only time I visit casinos.

[daniellarsson]

Yes, Norway is notoriously expensive. Many friends off mine took advantage off that when we where younger and went to Norway and worked for a few months, bringing food with them from Sweden, so they didnt have to eat the expensive food in Norway and could enjoy the big salary entierly when they came home :P

[MrRamyon]

In terms of tips if you book in Australia on an Australian or New Zealand departing cruise then tips are already included already in your fare for most

[gailkoursari]

This video is so helpful. It’s really hard to get information about pricing, what’s included, gratuities etc so this video really helped. Never been on a cruise so planning for next year. I’m about 50 Emma Cruises videos in so feel like I’ve sailed the world :)

[travelingwithmikeandpam]

The Netherlands & Germany you need 50 cents to use the toilet. It was rude awakening my 1st time in Europe. I don't know about London, our trip was canceled in 2020. Maybe next year!? It's good to have cash for a backup, just in case.