Can You Use Cash on a Cruise Ship?
Taking a cruise is an excellent way to explore the world and have a great time. But, many people wonder if they can pay with cash on these trips. The answer is yes, you can use cash on most cruise ships, but the ship’s policies for using it vary.
Most major lines allow you to use cash onboard, either in the form of US dollars or in the cruise line’s own currency. However, there are some restrictions as to how much cash you can carry and where you can spend it. Some ships also have ATM machines onboard that accept major credit cards and allow you to withdraw money in various currencies.
Onboard purchases such as drinks, souvenirs and spa treatments usually require payment in cash or with your shipboard account. Some ships may also accept credit cards for those purchases, but you should check with the individual cruise line before embarking on your voyage. Some cruises even offer discounts if you pay with cash instead of using a credit card.
You can also use your shipboard account for other onboard expenses such as shore excursions, onboard activities and casino gaming. Most ships will require that you open an account before boarding and that you deposit at least a certain amount of money into it before using it for purchases or gaming activities. This money can be deposited either in cash or by credit card when booking your cruise or at the port prior to your departure.
When disembarking from the ship at the end of your voyage, any remaining funds in your shipboard account will be refunded to you in either US dollars or in the currency used by the cruise line. So although you may not be able to pay for everything with cash while onboard, any remaining funds will be refunded when disembarking from the ship.
In conclusion, while not all purchases on board a cruise ship may be made with cash alone, most major lines allow passengers to use both US dollars and their own currency while on board as well as open up a shipboard account which allows them to make additional purchases during their voyage.