Bring less cash than you think you will need
Most cruise lines want you to use a cabin charge card — a payment method linked to your stateroom — rather than cash. You swipe it at the bar, the gift shop, the spa, and the dining venues that charge extra. The ship holds your card details when you board and bills everything to your account at the end of the voyage. This means you do not need to carry large amounts of cash onboard.
A practical amount is $50 to $100 in small bills for the few places that still take cash only: tips to housekeeping staff, tips to dining room servers if your line does not auto-add gratuity, and vending machines. Some passengers also carry cash for ports of call, though that depends on where you are going and what you plan to do there.
The cabin charge card system exists partly for your safety — you are not walking around with a wallet full of money — and partly because the cruise line prefers to track spending. Either way, it is the default payment method on every major cruise line.
Key Takeaways
- Your cruise line will issue you a cabin charge card at boarding that you use for nearly all onboard purchases, so you do not need much cash.
- Bring $50 to $100 in cash for tips, vending machines, and small purchases that a few venues may not accept cards for.
- Ports of call are separate from the ship — you will need cash or a card for those, depending on the country and what you want to buy.
- Traveler's checks and prepaid cards work onboard, but they are slower to use than a cabin charge card or cash.
- Your cabin charge card bill comes due at the end of the cruise, charged to the payment method you provided when you booked.
How the cabin charge card works
When you check in at the cruise terminal, the line will ask for a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. They link this to your cabin number and issue you a key card that also functions as your onboard payment method. From that moment until you disembark, you use this card for everything — restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment fees, anything that costs money on the ship.
You do not see a bill until the final night of your cruise. On your last evening, an itemized statement appears under your cabin door or is available on the ship's app. You review it, dispute any charges if needed, and then the total is charged to the payment method you registered. If you used a credit card, it goes on that card. If you used a debit card, it comes out of your bank account.
This system means the ship does not handle much physical cash. Staff do not carry change, and most venues do not keep a cash drawer. A few exceptions exist — some crew members accept tips in cash, and a few onboard shops or bars may take it — but cash is not the primary currency.
Where you will actually need cash
Gratuities are the biggest cash expense for many passengers. If your cruise line does not automatically add gratuity to your bill (most do, at roughly $15 per person per day), you may want to tip housekeeping, dining room servers, or other staff in cash. Housekeeping staff especially appreciate cash tips left in your cabin, usually $1 to $2 per person per night. If you plan to do this, bring enough small bills.
Vending machines on some ships take cash for snacks and drinks, though many now accept cards. Laundry facilities sometimes require coins or cash. A few specialty restaurants or bars may not have card readers working at a particular moment, though this is rare. The gift shop, spa, and main dining room all take the cabin charge card without question.
Ports of call are a different story. Once you leave the ship, you are in a foreign country or a U.S. port city, and the cabin charge card does not work there. You will need cash in the local currency or a credit card accepted in that location. How much depends entirely on where you are going and what you plan to do.
Cash for ports of call
Each port has its own payment landscape. Some Caribbean islands use U.S. dollars, so you can use cash you brought from home. Others use local currency — the Bahamas uses Bahamian dollars, Mexico uses pesos, and so on. You can exchange money at the cruise terminal before you leave the ship, though the exchange rate is usually not favorable.
Many ports now accept credit cards widely, especially in tourist areas. A restaurant, shop, or tour operator in a major port city will likely take Visa or Mastercard. Smaller vendors, local markets, and taxis may demand cash only. The safest approach is to bring a mix: some U.S. dollars if you are visiting the Caribbean, a credit card for larger purchases, and a small amount of local currency if you know where you are going.
Ask your cruise line or check their website for information about each port. They often publish guides that say whether U.S. dollars are accepted, what the local currency is, and whether ATMs are available near the port. This helps you decide how much cash to withdraw before the cruise or exchange at the terminal.
What not to bring onboard
Traveler's checks are outdated and slow. Few places onboard accept them, and the process of cashing one takes time. A credit card or debit card is faster and more widely accepted.
Prepaid cards and gift cards work onboard if they are Visa or Mastercard branded, but they function the same way as a credit card — they are not faster or easier than using your cabin charge card. The only advantage is if you want to limit your spending by loading a fixed amount onto the card before the cruise.
Large amounts of cash are unnecessary and risky. Cabins have safes, but theft does happen, and carrying a wallet full of money makes you a target in ports of call. Stick to the $50 to $100 range for onboard use and bring only what you need for each port.
How to handle your payment method
Before you board, make sure the credit or debit card you registered with the cruise line is active and has available credit or funds. The ship will attempt to charge your final bill to this card, and if it declines, you will have to settle the balance at the purser's desk before you leave — a hassle on your last day.
If you are worried about fraud or overspending, call your credit card company before the cruise and let them know you will be traveling. Some companies flag international charges as suspicious, and a call ahead prevents your card from being declined onboard. If you are using a debit card, check your daily withdrawal limit with your bank — some banks cap daily ATM withdrawals, and you want to know that before you need cash in a port.
Keep your cabin key card safe. If you lose it, the purser can issue a replacement, but you will be without your payment method for a while. Do not leave it in your cabin unattended, and do not share your cabin number with strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card as my cabin charge card?
Yes. Most cruise lines accept debit cards for the cabin charge account. Make sure your debit card is Visa or Mastercard branded and that your bank account has sufficient funds, since the ship will charge your final bill directly to your account.
What happens if I run out of cash at a port?
Look for an ATM, which most ports have near the cruise terminal or in the town center. You can withdraw local currency or U.S. dollars depending on the ATM and your bank. Bring your passport or ID. If no ATM is available, ask a shop owner or your tour guide where the nearest one is.
Do I have to tip in cash?
No. You can add tips to your cabin charge card bill on the last night of the cruise. Many passengers do this instead of carrying cash. However, some crew members, especially housekeeping, prefer cash tips left in the cabin.
Can I use my cabin charge card in the ports?
No. Your cabin charge card only works onboard the ship. Once you leave the ship, you need cash in the local currency or a credit card accepted in that country. Plan ahead for each port.
What if my credit card is declined onboard?
Contact the purser's desk when ready. They can try a different payment method, call your bank to resolve the issue, or work out a temporary arrangement. Do not wait until the last night to discover a problem.