Yes, most cruise ships have ATMs, but they charge fees and may run out of cash

Most large cruise ships operated by major lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and others—have at least one ATM on board. The machine is usually located near the purser's office, guest services, or in a central area like the atrium or casino. However, these ATMs are not run by the cruise line itself. They are operated by third-party financial companies, which means they charge out-of-network fees on top of whatever your own bank charges. A single withdrawal can cost $3 to $5 in fees alone.

The bigger problem is that ship ATMs can run out of cash, especially on longer voyages or when the ship is at sea for several days. Once the machine is empty, you cannot withdraw money until the ship reaches port and the operator refills it. This is why many experienced cruisers bring cash from home or plan their withdrawals carefully.

Key Takeaways

  • Most cruise ships have at least one ATM, usually near the purser's office or guest services, but it charges out-of-network fees of $3 to $5 per withdrawal.
  • Ship ATMs can run out of cash during long stretches at sea, leaving you without a way to get money until the next port day.
  • Bringing cash from home, using the purser's office to exchange currency, or withdrawing money at ports before boarding avoids ATM fees entirely.
  • If you need cash while at sea and the ATM is empty, the purser's office can sometimes advance small amounts against your onboard account, though policies vary by cruise line.

How onboard ATMs work and what they cost

When you use a cruise ship ATM, you are withdrawing from your home bank account just as you would on land. The transaction goes through the ship's internet connection, which is slower and less reliable than shore-based networks. This delay means the ATM may take 30 seconds to a minute to process your request, and occasionally the connection fails and the machine rejects the transaction even though your bank later charges you a fee.

The fees stack up quickly. Your own bank charges an out-of-network fee (typically $2 to $3), and the cruise ship ATM operator charges a surcharge on top of that (usually $1.50 to $3). Some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, have negotiated slightly lower fees for their passengers, but you still pay more than you would at a bank branch or an in-network ATM on land. If you withdraw $100 five times during a week-long cruise, you could spend $25 to $75 just on ATM fees.

Why ship ATMs run out of cash and what to do about it

Cruise ship ATMs are refilled only when the ship is in port, and the operator does not stock them heavily because space is limited and cash sitting in a machine is a security risk. On a seven-day cruise that spends only two days in port, the ATM may empty by day four or five, especially if many passengers withdraw money at once. Once it is empty, it stays empty until the next port day—sometimes 24 to 48 hours later.

If you find the ATM is out of cash and you need money, contact the purser's office when ready. Many cruise lines will advance a small amount of cash (usually $50 to $200) against your onboard account, though they may charge a fee or require you to sign a note. Some lines do this without hesitation; others treat it as a last resort. Policies vary, so ask as soon as you realize the ATM is empty rather than waiting until you are at a restaurant or shop.

Bringing cash from home instead of using the ship ATM

The simplest way to avoid ATM fees is to bring enough cash from home before you board. Most cruisers withdraw money at their home bank a day or two before departure, which costs nothing if they use their own bank's ATM. Figure out how much you will need by thinking about what you typically spend on tips, drinks, excursions, and shopping. A week-long cruise for one person might require $300 to $600 in cash, depending on your habits and the ports you visit.

Keep your cash in your cabin safe, not in your wallet or pocket. Cruise ships are generally safe, but theft does happen, and you do not want to lose a week's spending money. If you run short, you can always use your onboard account (which charges to your room key) or a credit card at most shops and restaurants. Many passengers use a mix: they bring $200 to $300 in cash for tips and small purchases, and they charge larger expenses to their room account.

Using the purser's office to exchange currency

If you are cruising to international ports and need local currency, the purser's office can exchange dollars for the local money at a rate that is worse than you would get at a bank on land, but better than using a port ATM in some countries. The purser's office charges a percentage fee (usually 2 to 4 percent) on top of the exchange rate. This is more expensive than planning ahead, but it is convenient if you did not exchange money before boarding.

A better strategy is to exchange money at your home bank before you leave, or to withdraw local currency from an ATM at the first port using your debit card. Port ATMs in major cruise destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada usually charge lower fees than ship ATMs, and you get a better exchange rate than the purser's office offers. If you are visiting multiple countries, exchange only what you need for each port to avoid carrying large amounts of foreign cash.

Which cruise lines have ATMs and where they are located

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess all have ATMs on their ships. Smaller lines and river cruise operators may not have ATMs at all, so check with your cruise line before you board. On ships that do have them, the ATM is almost always in one of these locations: near the purser's office or guest services desk, in or near the casino, in the atrium or main lobby area, or on a deck with shops and restaurants.

When you board, ask a crew member where the ATM is located so you know where to find it if you need cash. Also ask whether the machine has been recently refilled and how often it is serviced. If you are boarding on a port day when many passengers are coming aboard, the ATM may be busier than usual, so plan to use it early in the day or late at night to avoid lines.

Credit cards and onboard accounts as alternatives to cash

You do not need much cash on a cruise ship because most onboard purchases can be charged to your room key, which is linked to a credit card or cash deposit you provided at check-in. Restaurants, bars, shops, casinos, and most services accept this system. The only places where cash is essential are tipping (though some lines now allow card tips), vending machines, and small independent vendors at ports.

Using your room account instead of cash has advantages: you do not carry large amounts of money, you have a record of every purchase, and you avoid ATM fees. The downside is that you may spend more freely when you are not handling physical cash. Set a daily budget for yourself and check your onboard account balance each evening if you are concerned about overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my credit card instead of cash on a cruise ship?

Yes. You can charge almost everything to your room account using your room key, which is linked to a credit card or cash deposit. Cash is only necessary for tips (though many lines now accept card tips), vending machines, and some independent vendors at ports. Most passengers use a combination of cash and their room account.

What happens if the ATM is broken or out of cash and I need money?

Contact the purser's office when ready. Most cruise lines will advance a small amount of cash (usually $50 to $200) against your onboard account. Some charge a fee for this service, and policies vary by cruise line, so ask as soon as you realize the ATM is not working.

Should I exchange money at the purser's office or wait until I reach port?

Wait until you reach port if possible. Port ATMs and banks offer better exchange rates and lower fees than the purser's office. If you need local currency before the first port day, the purser's office can help, but plan ahead and exchange money at your home bank before boarding whenever you can.

Do I need to bring cash if I am paying for everything with my credit card?

You should bring at least $50 to $100 in cash for tips, even if you charge everything else to your room account. Crew members who provide good service expect tips, and cash is the traditional way to tip them. Some cruise lines now allow card tips, so ask at check-in about your line's policy.

Are there ATMs at cruise ports?

Yes, most major cruise ports have ATMs near the cruise terminal or in nearby shops and restaurants. Port ATMs usually charge lower fees than ship ATMs and offer better exchange rates if you need local currency. Arriving early on a port day and withdrawing cash at a port ATM is often cheaper than using the ship's machine.