How Much Cash Should I Bring on a Carnival Cruise?

By Anna Duncan

Going on a Carnival Cruise is an exciting experience, and one of the most common questions that people ask is, “How much cash should I bring?” It’s important to have some cash on hand for tipping, shopping, and other expenses that may arise during your trip. Here are some tips to help you determine how much cash to bring on your Carnival Cruise.

What Expenses Should I Consider?

Before you can determine how much cash to bring, you need to consider what expenses you may encounter during your trip. Some expenses to keep in mind include:

  • Tipping: Carnival Cruise Line recommends tipping between $12 and $13 per person, per day for dining and cabin staff. This means that a couple on a week-long cruise should budget around $336 for tips.
  • Shore excursions: If you plan on participating in shore excursions, be sure to budget accordingly.

    Excursions can range from $50 for a city tour to hundreds of dollars for activities like zip-lining or scuba diving.

  • Alcoholic beverages: If you plan on enjoying alcoholic beverages during your trip, be aware that they can be expensive. A cocktail can cost anywhere from $8-$15.
  • Spa treatments: If you plan on indulging in spa treatments like massages or facials, be prepared to spend upwards of $100 per treatment.
  • Casino: If you enjoy gambling, set aside a specific amount of money for the casino.

How Much Cash Should I Bring?

The amount of cash that you should bring will depend on how much you plan on spending during your trip. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that each person brings around $50-$100 per day for onboard expenses.

If you plan on participating in shore excursions or indulging in spa treatments, you may want to bring more cash. Similarly, if you don’t plan on drinking or gambling, you may be able to get by with less.

Other Considerations

In addition to considering your expenses, there are a few other things to keep in mind when deciding how much cash to bring. For example:

  • Many onboard expenses can be charged to your room, so you don’t necessarily need to have cash on hand for everything.
  • If you plan on using your credit card while onboard, be sure to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees that may apply.
  • Consider bringing small bills and coins for tipping and small purchases.

In Conclusion

When it comes down to it, the amount of cash that you should bring on a Carnival Cruise will depend on your individual spending habits. Be sure to consider all of the expenses that you may encounter during your trip and budget accordingly.

And remember, many expenses can be charged to your room or paid for with a credit card, so you don’t necessarily need to have cash on hand for everything. Happy cruising!