How much cash on the cruise?

[Spyderbear]

My friend and I are leaving in a few weeks for an eight night cruise in the Caribbean. Everything we've read says to take plenty of cash along. But how much is enough? We don't want to walk around with large amounts of money on our persons, but we also know that resorting to the cruise ship's ATM will carry enormous charges. So what's the right amount? Anyone with experience?

 

[luludoodie]

Everything on the ship is billed to your own board account. Cash is not allowed/accepted. You register your credit card early in cruise and get the invoice on the last night. If OK (it will always be MUCH MORE than you expect due to compulsory gratuities etc.) do nothing and you get final PAID confirmation.

So cash is only needed for ashore. Expensive souvenir shops will accept c/cards so you just need enough cash for "holiday" purchases. Assuming you are on a big US ship calling at all the usual islands (some with their own currency) they all have accept USD as 99% of the visitors are US.

So leave "bulk" dollars in your cabin safe and take c/card and - say - $100 for drinks etc. Assuming you have taken a ships excursion the cost is billed to your ships account, you just need cash for drivers/guides.

Spread the money ( and therefore risk of loss) between you. For women it is safer to have money belt, do not have any valuables in a handbag! NEVER use/take an expensive looking handbag!