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How much cash should we bring?


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I always bring $100 for extra gratuities.  I do prepaid/sea pass gratuities, but like to reward great service with a little something extra.  I also like to tip the concierge if I use those services.  Plus about $100 per ports of call.  We do not do much local shopping or dining off the ship.  On average between $300-$500 cash.

There is an ATM on most ships.

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Honestly only you can answer that question?  Do you gamble?  Do you buy more than 1 tshirt at port?

I don't like to charge in ports but sometimes there is something you just fall in love with....sand stone earrings, blown glass dolphin, Rum cakes, sun dress, wind chimes....so I like to bring enough to cover those eventualities  ?

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For us it all depends on what we do, I know the wife loves the casino, I shy away, we book a few shore excursions but typically from start to finish we bring about $4-500 total on each cruise.  That is not to say that we use it all but better to have it in hand than get ripped off and have to use their ATM out at sea!  Wife did that ONCE and we both learned from that experience, the fee they charge is pretty hefty! 

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It'll be hard for someone to tell you to bring $x amount - because there are so many different scenarios.  For, it will range between $2k - 4k - depending on the cruise length

* Make sure bring some small bills so you will have some for tipping on the spot - if you need.  I usually have 20-40 in small bills.  this covers tipping at the airport, porters with your luggage and tipping for excursions - oh, make sure to save some for the return trip also. 

* Also, you might want to factor in maybe another $100/200 to give as an over-and-beyond tip.  if you spend a lot of time at a specific bar, and the bartender takes awesome care of ya'll - toss them an extra tip. 

* Another thing I do is hide about $100.  When walking around at ports, IF you happen to not have enough cash for something - this will come in handy if they don't take cards ? 

* Also, try to keep a dedicated card for all your purchases at port.  This will make it easier to review later.   

* Keep an eye on your on board spending - it's extremely easy to rack up a hefty after cruise bill - make sure to try and stay within a budget. 

* As for the casino, we budget about $100-200 a night.  If it goes fast, it's an early evening, if we win we get to keep staying out late - lol.  

Have a great cruise!

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3 hours ago, TheHobbys said:

* Keep an eye on your on board spending - it's extremely easy to rack up a hefty after cruise bill - make sure to try and stay within a budget. 

I agree with this.  The Sea Pass system can get you into deep pockets territory quick.  After our first cruise in 1999 I thought we would have to join the crew to work off our bill.  

We have done better every trip since sticking to a budget.  

Also you can now see you charges on your in cabin T.V. on most if not all ships.  This is very helpful.  In 1999 they just put the bill in your room the last day to further your leaving the ship depression.  

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For a 7 day cruise I usually take about $600.00 and usually come home with about $300.00 

Ill tip our MDR server $50.00

our favorite Bartenders $20.00 a piece

Room attendant gets $50.00 

And if the Piano player in Schooner is good.. ill tip him $10.00 a night.. 

 

If I can keep my Wife away from the Kate Spade store, ? we usually spend about $100.00 on our Sea Pass account.. 

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On 4/28/2019 at 10:51 AM, RickinSTL said:

For a 7 day cruise I usually take about $600.00 and usually come home with about $300.00 

Ill tip our MDR server $50.00

our favorite Bartenders $20.00 a piece

Room attendant gets $50.00 

And if the Piano player in Schooner is good.. ill tip him $10.00 a night.. 

 

If I can keep my Wife away from the Kate Spade store, ? we usually spend about $100.00 on our Sea Pass account.. 

My husband might have to keep me out of Kate Spade store too! hahaha

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