Most of your cruise fare is already paid, so you need cash mainly for drinks, tips, and shore excursions
Your cabin, meals in the main dining room, and basic entertainment are covered by your cruise fare. What you bring cash for are the things the cruise line charges separately: alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, spa services, casino gambling, photos, and tips for staff. On port days, you'll also need cash or a card for shopping and meals ashore. The amount depends on your habits and how many days you're at sea versus in port.
Most cruise lines let you charge almost everything to your cabin account using your room key or a linked card, so you don't have to carry large amounts of physical cash. However, some ports and smaller vendors accept only cash, and having some on hand prevents you from being caught short.
Key Takeaways
- Plan for $15 to $40 per day for onboard spending if you drink alcohol, use the spa, or gamble; $5 to $10 per day if you stick to included amenities.
- Port days require extra cash depending on whether you're buying souvenirs, eating off-ship, or booking excursions—budget $50 to $200 per port stop.
- Bring a mix of cash and a credit card; most onboard charges go to your room account, but some vendors and tips work better with cash.
- Tipping staff (housekeeping, dining room servers, bartenders) typically runs $12 to $15 per person per day, and many lines now add this automatically to your bill.
- Notify your bank before you leave so your card won't be blocked for foreign transactions if your cruise visits international ports.
Onboard spending: drinks, tips, and extras
Beverages are the biggest onboard expense for most cruisers. A soda costs $2 to $3, a beer $6 to $8, and a cocktail $10 to $15. If you drink one or two alcoholic drinks a day, budget $60 to $100 for a seven-day cruise. Many lines offer drink packages ($60 to $200 for the whole cruise, depending on the line and package tier) that cover unlimited beverages; if you plan to drink regularly, a package often saves money.
Specialty dining—restaurants beyond the main dining room—costs $15 to $40 per person per meal. Spa services (massage, facial, thermal suite access) run $100 to $300 per treatment. Photos taken by the ship's photographer cost $20 to $30 each, though you can usually view them free and buy only the ones you want. Casino play is entirely optional and depends on your comfort level.
Gratuities (tips) are a significant line item. Most cruise lines now add a daily gratuity of $12 to $15 per person automatically to your bill—roughly $84 to $105 for a seven-day cruise for one person. You can adjust this amount at guest services if you wish. If you want to tip additional staff (bartenders, specialty restaurant servers, spa staff), budget $5 to $10 extra per day.
Port days: shopping, meals, and excursions
What you spend in port depends entirely on your plans. If you stay near the ship and eat lunch at a casual restaurant, you might spend $30 to $50. If you book a shore excursion (snorkeling, zip-lining, guided tour), costs range from $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity and port. Some excursions are booked through the cruise line and charged to your room; others you book independently and pay cash on the spot.
Shopping for souvenirs, jewelry, or local goods can add up quickly. Set a budget per port and stick to it. In Caribbean ports, US dollars are widely accepted. In Mexico, the Mexican peso is standard but US dollars work at tourist shops. In Europe, you'll need euros or the local currency. Some ports have ATMs, but they charge fees; it's cheaper to exchange money before you leave or withdraw cash at your first port.
Meals ashore are often cheaper than onboard specialty dining, especially in ports like Mexico or the Caribbean. A casual lunch might cost $10 to $20 per person. Fine dining ashore can run $40 to $100 per person. Budget $50 to $150 per port day for food and shopping combined, more if you're booking excursions.
How much cash to physically carry
You don't need to carry all your spending money as physical cash. Most onboard charges go to your room account, which you settle at the end of the cruise using a credit card or debit card. This is safer than carrying large amounts of cash and easier to track.
Bring $100 to $200 in cash for the entire cruise as a backup and for situations where cards aren't accepted: tipping housekeeping in cash (recommended but not required), small vendors in port, or a taxi that doesn't take cards. If you're visiting multiple ports, bring an extra $50 to $100 in small bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips and small purchases.
Carry your cash in a money belt or divided among pockets rather than in one wallet. Leave most of your cash and your passport in your cabin safe. Cruise ships are generally safe, but theft does happen, especially in shared areas and ports.
Credit cards and onboard charging
Link a credit card or debit card to your cabin account when you board. This card is charged for everything you buy onboard—drinks, dining, excursions booked through the ship, photos, spa services. You'll receive an itemized bill at the end of the cruise showing all charges. Review it before you leave the ship to dispute any errors.
Debit cards work for onboard charging, but credit cards are safer because they offer fraud protection. If your card is declined, you'll need to contact your bank or find another payment method before you can leave the ship. Notify your bank and credit card company before you travel, especially if your cruise visits foreign ports, so they don't block your card for suspicious activity.
Some cruise lines require a credit card to hold your account, even if you plan to pay with cash at the end. Check your cruise line's policy when you book.
Currency and exchange rates for international ports
If your cruise visits ports outside the United States, you'll encounter foreign currency. The exchange rate you get from your bank or an ATM is usually better than the rate at a currency exchange booth or onboard. Withdraw cash at an ATM in your first port rather than exchanging money before you leave home.
Cruise ships often have a currency exchange desk onboard, but the rates are poor—typically 5 to 10 percent worse than bank rates. Use it only if you're desperate. Many tourist shops in Caribbean and Mexican ports accept US dollars, though you may get change in the local currency at an unfavorable rate.
Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in major ports, but small vendors, taxis, and market stalls often want cash only. Carry a mix of the local currency and US dollars. If you have leftover foreign cash at the end of your cruise, exchange it back at your bank at home rather than at the airport, where rates are worst.
Sample budgets for different cruise styles
| Cruise Style | Daily Onboard | Per Port Day | 7-Day Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious (no alcohol, no specialty dining) | $5–$10 | $30–$50 | $300–$450 |
| Moderate (one drink per day, occasional specialty dining) | $20–$30 | $75–$125 | $665–$1,015 |
| Active (multiple drinks, spa, excursions) | $40–$60 | $150–$250 | $1,330–$2,120 |
These figures are per person and do not include the cruise fare itself. Gratuities are included in the onboard totals. Port spending varies widely depending on whether you book excursions through the ship or independently, and whether you eat onboard or ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tip on a cruise?
Most cruise lines add gratuities automatically to your bill—typically $12 to $15 per person per day. You can adjust or remove this at guest services, but crew members depend on tips as part of their income. If you remove automatic gratuities, consider tipping housekeeping and dining staff in cash.
What if I run out of money during the cruise?
Contact guest services. You can arrange a cash advance against your credit card or debit card, though there may be a fee. This is why notifying your bank before you leave is important—if your card is declined and you can't reach your bank, you'll be stuck.
Can I use my phone to pay for things onboard?
Some newer cruise ships accept mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) linked to your room account, but this varies by cruise line and ship. Check with your cruise line before you board. Most onboard purchases still require your room key card or a linked credit card.
Is it safe to carry cash on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships are generally safe, but theft does occur. Use your cabin safe for most of your cash and carry only what you need for the day. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public areas or ports. Keep your valuables out of sight in your cabin.
What currency should I bring for a Caribbean cruise?
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Caribbean ports. If your cruise stops in Mexico, bring pesos or US dollars. If you visit other countries, research the local currency and exchange money at an ATM in port rather than before you leave home.