Never been on a cruise before and wondering how much money to take on a cruise? How much cash should you bring? Should you take your traveler's check or should you go with your credit card? These are some of the typical questions asked when going on your first cruise.
You should be having fun and not worrying about the money, but it's really important to plan and manage all of your expenses so you can be sure that you're not just giving the cruise your money.
Please take a note of this -- Cruise lines are very good at persuading you to empty your wallets while on board.
Being on a cruise is almost like marching into a giant, floating Las Vegas casino.
The ship's structure, the colors, the music...
almost everything is designed to get you to spend more money.
Now that you're aware of that, let's discuss some of the things that you have to pay for: Gratuities Generally this will cost less than $13 for each individual in your cabin per day.
When you arrive at the pier they will set up an account for you to cover anything you buy inside the ship.
A card will be given and this will be the key to your cabin and pass to get around the ship.
After the trip they will total the tip to your bill and you can choose to pay with your plastic or cash.
Alcohol and soft drinks Your cup of java, tea, milk, juices and punch are all supplied for FREE but you must shell out for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
And yes, there is a 15% gratuity to each order.
Photographs Ship personnel will take lots of pictures of you and these will cost you $15 - $26.
The cost will go in your cruise account.
Excursions Booking excursions is optional, but cruise lines will entice you with a lot of tours and these will cost at a maximum of $100 for each person.
Collectibles Same thing here.
Collectibles that you purchase inside the ship will be charged into your account.
Spa services Prices for their spa services is a little high compared to an average spa salon.
As usual you will have to pay if you need some massage or any services offered at spas.
Internet Ships now have WiFi access but there is a fee if you want to surf the Web and it will cost you like $50 per hour.
Try using the Internet on the shore because it's a lot cheaper and faster compared to the ship's bandwidth.
Considering all of the above, it would be reasonable to bring $200 to $300 and you can get more from an ATM if you really need it.
You can take this budget on a 7 day cruise and sometimes not spend them all.
You should be having fun and not worrying about the money, but it's really important to plan and manage all of your expenses so you can be sure that you're not just giving the cruise your money.
Please take a note of this -- Cruise lines are very good at persuading you to empty your wallets while on board.
Being on a cruise is almost like marching into a giant, floating Las Vegas casino.
The ship's structure, the colors, the music...
almost everything is designed to get you to spend more money.
Now that you're aware of that, let's discuss some of the things that you have to pay for: Gratuities Generally this will cost less than $13 for each individual in your cabin per day.
When you arrive at the pier they will set up an account for you to cover anything you buy inside the ship.
A card will be given and this will be the key to your cabin and pass to get around the ship.
After the trip they will total the tip to your bill and you can choose to pay with your plastic or cash.
Alcohol and soft drinks Your cup of java, tea, milk, juices and punch are all supplied for FREE but you must shell out for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
And yes, there is a 15% gratuity to each order.
Photographs Ship personnel will take lots of pictures of you and these will cost you $15 - $26.
The cost will go in your cruise account.
Excursions Booking excursions is optional, but cruise lines will entice you with a lot of tours and these will cost at a maximum of $100 for each person.
Collectibles Same thing here.
Collectibles that you purchase inside the ship will be charged into your account.
Spa services Prices for their spa services is a little high compared to an average spa salon.
As usual you will have to pay if you need some massage or any services offered at spas.
Internet Ships now have WiFi access but there is a fee if you want to surf the Web and it will cost you like $50 per hour.
Try using the Internet on the shore because it's a lot cheaper and faster compared to the ship's bandwidth.
Considering all of the above, it would be reasonable to bring $200 to $300 and you can get more from an ATM if you really need it.
You can take this budget on a 7 day cruise and sometimes not spend them all.
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