Use of Money
Aboard Ship is Limited

Cruise lines maintain a cashless system. While aboard ship, money usually does not exchange hands.

You could, however, incur expenses for goods and services not normally included in your package.

Liquor, spa services, pictures, and even tours are things your cruise package may not include.

You pay these additional expenses by charging them to a shipboard account, similar to charging expenses you incur in a hotel to your hotel room.

Cruise lines refer to these shipboard accounts by different names.

The common denominator is that you must fund your account by providing the cruise line (before departure) with a credit card, cash, traveler’s checks, or a debit/check card, to cover all your onboard charges.

Of course, your credit card or debit/check card will have a hold placed on it for the amount you authorize. It is critically important that you use a method that has sufficient funds to handle all charges.

On the last morning of your cruise, you receive an itemized statement delivered to your stateroom. Carefully check all line items, especially the bar charges.

In fact, if you enjoy drinking, you may want to check your bar tab regularly.

Third party cards are not accepted.

On some cruise ships, an exception to using cash on board ship is when you visit the casinos.

Another exception to using money is when you are ready to tip your cabin steward and other ship personnel.

However, cruise lines do allow you to include standard tips as part of your cruise package.

By including tips as part of your package you do not have to worry about having cash at the end of your cruise.

Click this link for information on cruise tipping.

Money - Return to Cruise Basics
Facts, Advice and Tidbits of Info