Bring less cash than you think, because the ship handles most charges
Most cruise lines let you charge nearly everything to your cabin account — meals, drinks, excursions, spa services, and onboard purchases. You link a credit card to your room key when you board, and the ship bills that card at the end. This means you do not need to carry large amounts of cash for daily spending.
What you actually need cash for is small, specific: tips to room cleaners and dining staff (if you prefer cash), purchases at ports where credit cards are not accepted, and emergencies. For a week-long cruise, most people bring between $100 and $300 in cash. The exact amount depends on how many ports you visit, whether you plan to tip in cash, and how much you spend on excursions.
Bring at least one credit card and keep it separate from your cash. If your card is lost or compromised, you still have cash to get by. If your cash is lost, you can charge to your cabin account or use a backup card.
Key Takeaways
- The cruise line charges most onboard expenses — food, drinks, activities, and shopping — directly to your cabin account, so you do not need cash for daily spending.
- Bring $100 to $300 in cash for a week-long cruise, mainly for port purchases, tips, and unexpected needs.
- Carry at least two payment methods: one credit card linked to your cabin and a second card or cash kept separate in case the first is lost.
- Some ports and small vendors do not accept credit cards, so having cash prevents being stuck without a way to pay.
- Notify your credit card company before you leave that you will be traveling, so the card does not get blocked for suspicious activity.
What gets charged to your cabin account
Your room key acts as a payment card for almost everything on the ship. Restaurants, bars, the casino, the gift shop, spa treatments, fitness classes, photos, and specialty dining all charge to your cabin. Some cruise lines also charge for internet, laundry, and babysitting this way.
The one major exception is gratuities. Most cruise lines add a daily tip (usually $12 to $16 per person) to your final bill automatically, but you can adjust or pay in cash instead. If you want to tip your room steward or dining staff in cash, you need to bring that money with you.
Excursions booked through the cruise line also charge to your cabin. If you book a shore excursion directly with a local operator at the port, you may need to pay cash or a credit card on the spot, depending on the vendor.
Port spending and where cash matters
Ports vary widely in how they handle payment. Large cruise ports in the Caribbean and Mexico usually have vendors and shops that take credit cards. Small ports, local markets, street vendors, and independent restaurants often do not. If you plan to shop at a local market or eat at a small restaurant, bring cash.
The currency matters too. If you are visiting ports outside the United States, you may need local currency. Some vendors will take US dollars, but the exchange rate they offer is usually poor. Withdraw local currency at an ATM on the dock if possible, or bring some before you leave home. Avoid exchanging money at the cruise terminal — the rates are typically worse than at a bank or ATM.
Budget roughly $50 to $100 per port day for shopping and meals if you plan to leave the ship. If you book all your meals and activities through the cruise line, you can spend less.
Tipping: cash versus charging to your account
Cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your final bill — typically $12 to $16 per person per day. You can reduce this amount, remove it entirely, or pay in cash instead. If you want to tip your room steward and dining staff in cash, plan on $5 to $10 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and the level of service.
Some passengers prefer cash tips because they go directly to the staff member. Others charge tips to their cabin account for convenience. There is no wrong choice, but if you choose cash, bring enough to cover the full week. A seven-day cruise with two people could mean $70 to $140 in cash tips if you tip daily.
Specialty staff — spa therapists, bartenders, and activity leaders — are not included in the automatic gratuity. If you use these services, tip them separately, either in cash or by adding to your cabin charge.
Credit cards and backup payment methods
Bring at least one major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) linked to your cabin account. This covers all onboard charges. Bring a second card as a backup in case the first is lost, stolen, or declined. Keep the backup card in a separate location — your cabin safe, a money belt, or a different bag.
Before you leave home, call your credit card company and tell them you will be traveling. Provide the dates and ports so the company does not block your card for suspicious activity. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally or to unfamiliar ports.
Some cruise lines also accept debit cards, but credit cards are safer because they offer fraud protection. If someone uses your debit card fraudulently, the money comes directly from your bank account. With a credit card, the issuer investigates the charge and you are not liable for unauthorized use.
How much to budget for the whole trip
Your total spending depends on what is included in your cruise fare and what you choose to add. Most cruise fares include the cabin, meals at main dining rooms and buffets, and basic entertainment. They do not include alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, spa services, or casino use.
For a week-long cruise, budget roughly $100 to $300 for cash and incidentals. Add the cost of any excursions you want to book (typically $50 to $200 per excursion), specialty dining ($15 to $50 per meal), drinks if you do not have a beverage package ($6 to $15 each), and spa services ($100 to $300 per treatment). If you book these through the cruise line, they charge to your cabin. If you book them at the port, you pay separately.
Keep receipts or check your cabin account online during the cruise to track spending. Most cruise lines let you view charges through their app or website. This prevents surprises when you get the final bill.
Safety and storing your money
Use your cabin safe for cash, credit cards, and important documents. Most cabins have a small safe you can lock with a code. Store your backup credit card and most of your cash there, and carry only what you need for the day in your wallet or money belt.
Do not leave cash or cards on deck chairs, in the cabin, or unattended anywhere on the ship. Cruise ships are generally safe, but theft does happen. Keep valuables with you or locked away.
If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your credit card company when ready. Most cruise lines can also flag your cabin account so no one else can charge to it. If your cash is lost, you can charge to your cabin or use a backup card, so having multiple payment methods protects you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring cash if I have a credit card?
You should bring some cash even with a credit card, because not all port vendors accept cards. Small shops, street vendors, and local restaurants often take cash only. Bring $100 to $300 for a week-long cruise to cover these situations and tips if you prefer to pay that way in cash.
What happens if I run out of money during the cruise?
You can charge almost everything to your cabin account, so running out of cash is not an emergency. If you need cash, you can usually withdraw it from an ATM at the port or ask the front desk about options. Some cruise lines allow you to transfer funds to your cabin account by phone or online if you need more spending money.
Should I exchange money before the cruise or at the port?
Exchange money at an ATM at the port if possible, because ATM rates are usually better than exchange rates offered at the cruise terminal or currency exchange booths. If you exchange money before you leave home, do it at your bank rather than an airport kiosk. Avoid exchanging at the cruise terminal — the rates are typically the worst option.
Are drinks included on a cruise?
Most cruise fares include water, coffee, tea, and juice at meals. Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and drinks at bars charge to your cabin account. Some cruise lines sell beverage packages that cover drinks for the entire cruise, which can save money if you drink regularly. Check your cruise line's website to see what is included in your fare.
Can I use my phone to pay on the ship?
Most cruise lines do not accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay onboard. You need your room key card or a credit card to charge purchases. At ports, some vendors accept mobile payment, but it is not may provide. Bring a physical credit card and cash as backup.