Do I Need Cash on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

For some, the thought of not having to carry around cash while on vacation is a dream come true. In today’s world of mobile payment solutions, it’s easier than ever to pay with a card or smartphone. However, many people still wonder if they need cash on a cruise ship.

The short answer is no, you don’t necessarily need to bring cash on your cruise ship. Most ships now accept credit and debit cards for all purchases onboard, including drinks and excursions.

You might also be able to use your room key card as a form of payment in some places. That said, there are still certain places where cash may be beneficial.

For starters, not all shops and restaurants onboard accept credit or debit cards. Some may only accept cash, so it’s important to have some on hand for those times.

Additionally, using cash can be helpful for tipping the staff or buying souvenirs from ports of call. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough cash for any applicable taxes or fees at each port.

Bottom Line: While you don’t necessarily need to bring cash on your cruise ship, there may be times when it is beneficial. Be sure to check ahead of time if the shops and restaurants onboard accept credit cards or other forms of payment before leaving home.

Conclusion: Even though most ships now accept credit and debit cards for purchases onboard, you might still want to bring some cash with you on your cruise just in case there are places that don’t accept it as payment. Additionally, having enough cash can be useful when tipping staff or buying souvenirs from port cities.