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

Most cruise ships operated by major lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and others—have at least one ATM on board, usually located near the purser's office or in a central area like the atrium. The ATM accepts cards from major networks (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Plus, Cirrus) and dispenses cash in the currency of the ship's home port or the local currency of ports you visit.

However, shipboard ATMs charge a fee for each withdrawal—typically $3 to $5 per transaction on top of any fee your own bank charges. The exchange rate is also set by the ATM operator, not your bank, so you may pay more than you would converting money on land. During busy travel days or when the ship is at sea for several days, the ATM can run out of cash, leaving you without a way to withdraw funds until it is restocked.

Key Takeaways

  • Cruise ships have ATMs, but each withdrawal costs $3 to $5 plus any fee your bank charges, making them expensive for frequent use.
  • You can link your onboard account to a credit or debit card at check-in, then charge purchases directly to your cabin without using cash.
  • Bringing cash from home in small bills and converting it before boarding avoids ATM fees and gives you a backup if the shipboard ATM runs out.
  • Some ports have ATMs on the dock or in nearby towns, and you can withdraw cash there at rates closer to what your bank offers.
  • Notify your bank before you sail so it does not block your card as fraud when charges appear from the ship or foreign ports.

How onboard charging works instead of using cash

Most cruise lines let you link a credit or debit card to your cabin account during check-in. Once linked, you can charge meals, drinks, shore excursions, and onboard purchases directly to your room without carrying cash or using the ATM. At the end of your cruise, you settle the bill with that card.

This system is convenient and avoids ATM fees entirely. You only need cash for tips (if you prefer to tip in cash rather than add it to your bill), small purchases at ports, or vendors who do not take cards. Many passengers find they use little to no cash this way and never need the ATM at all.

Bringing cash from home and exchanging before you board

The cheapest way to have cash on a cruise is to exchange money at your bank or a currency exchange service before you leave home. Bank rates are usually better than what you will get from a shipboard ATM, and you avoid the per-transaction fee.

Bring cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10) so you can tip crew members, pay for small purchases at ports, and avoid breaking large bills. If your cruise visits multiple countries, ask your bank which currencies you will need and exchange them all before boarding. Keep your cash in a money belt or cabin safe, not loose in your pocket.

Using ATMs at ports instead of on the ship

Many cruise ports have ATMs on the dock or within walking distance in the port town. These ATMs are often run by local banks and may charge lower fees than the shipboard ATM, especially if your bank has a partnership with that bank's network. You can withdraw local currency as you arrive at each port, which also means you do not have to carry large amounts of cash on the ship.

The downside is that you have limited time at each port—usually four to eight hours—and you may not want to spend it hunting for an ATM. If you are on a port day, plan to visit the ATM early so you have cash for the rest of your time ashore. Check your cruise line's port guide or ask at the purser's desk for the nearest ATM location before you disembark.

Notifying your bank before you sail

Tell your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling on a cruise and the dates you will be gone. Include the countries or regions you will visit. Banks monitor for fraud, and charges from a ship or foreign country can trigger a block on your card if the bank thinks it is stolen.

A quick call or online message to your bank takes two minutes and prevents your card from being declined when you try to use it at a port or on the ship. If your card does get blocked while you are away, you will have a hard time getting it unblocked from the middle of the ocean, so this step is worth doing before you board.

What to do if the shipboard ATM runs out of cash

If you need cash and the ATM is empty, go to the purser's office. Many cruise lines will cash a personal check or process a cash advance on your credit card, though they may charge a fee for this service. Some lines also let you exchange currency at the purser's desk, though the rate will be worse than what you would get at a bank.

The purser's office is usually open during business hours and sometimes has extended hours during sea days. Ask a crew member for the location and hours if you cannot find it on your cabin information card. Having a backup plan—like carrying some cash from home—means you will not be stuck if the ATM fails.

Tipping and cash on a cruise

Cruise lines add a gratuity (tip) to your final bill automatically, usually $12 to $15 per person per day depending on the cabin type. You can adjust or remove this charge if you prefer to tip in cash or tip less. Many passengers tip housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew members in cash, which is why having some bills on hand is useful.

If you plan to tip in cash, bring small bills from home. Crew members appreciate cash tips, and you will not have to worry about the ATM being out of money or paying a fee. If you do not carry cash, you can add tips to your final bill instead, and the cruise line will distribute them to staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card on the ship the same way I use it at home?

Yes. Link your debit card to your cabin account at check-in, and you can charge purchases to your room just like you would with a credit card. The charge will appear on your debit card statement after the cruise ends. Make sure your bank knows you are traveling so it does not block the card.

What if I run out of cash at a port and the ATM is broken?

Most ports have multiple ATMs, and your cruise line can direct you to the nearest one. If you cannot reach an ATM, use your linked credit or debit card to pay for purchases—most vendors at ports accept cards. You can also ask the purser's office to process a cash advance on your card, though a fee may explore.

Do I need to exchange money before I board if I am only visiting one country?

Not necessarily. If your cruise stays in one region and you plan to use your card for most purchases, you can get cash at a port ATM when you arrive. If you prefer to have cash on hand from the start or want to avoid ATM fees, exchanging at your bank before you leave is cheaper.

Are there ATMs in the casino on a cruise ship?

Yes, most ships with casinos have ATMs nearby. Casino ATMs typically charge the same fee as other shipboard ATMs and may have daily withdrawal limits. If you plan to gamble, bring cash from home or plan to use the ATM early in your cruise.

Can I use traveler's checks on a cruise ship?

Traveler's checks are rarely accepted on modern cruise ships. The purser's office may exchange them for cash, but the process is slow and the rate is poor. Bring a credit or debit card and some cash instead—both are faster and more widely accepted.