How Much Money To Take On A Cruise is a common question for first-time and seasoned cruisers alike. Money-central.com is here to help you navigate the financial waters of your next cruise, ensuring you’re well-prepared to enjoy every moment without overspending. Understanding the costs associated with cruising, from onboard expenses to shore excursions, will empower you to create a realistic budget and make the most of your vacation. Cruise budgeting, onboard spending, and shore excursion costs are key factors to consider.
1. What Do Things Cost on a Cruise?
The cost of things on a cruise can vary widely, depending on the cruise line, the ship, and your personal preferences. If you plan to indulge in specialty dining, cocktails, spa treatments, and frequent shore excursions, expect to spend more. Conversely, if you prefer relaxing by the pool and avoiding extra indulgences, you’ll likely spend less. Here’s a breakdown of potential onboard expenses:
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Specialty Dining: Expect to pay between $23 and $110 per person for specialty dining experiences, depending on the restaurant and cruise line. These restaurants offer unique menus and elevated service compared to the main dining room.
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Spa Treatments: Massages typically cost $120 to $250, with more exotic treatments costing more. Spa day passes can range from $25 to $40 per day, with multi-day packages available.
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Laundry Services: Self-service laundry generally costs $3 to $7 per item, while full-service laundry can be more expensive, ranging from $2 to $35 per load.
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Babysitting: Babysitting services typically cost around $6 to $20 per hour, depending on the cruise line and the age of the children.
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Alcohol and Specialty Drinks: Cocktails are generally $8 to $15, while beer and wine are $7 to $20 per drink, depending on the package.
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Additional Food Items: Snacks or other non-included food items can cost $5 to $15 per item, similar to land-based prices.
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WiFi/Internet: Prices for WiFi range from $17 to $31 per day per device.
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Casino Gambling: Costs will vary depending on individual gambling choices.
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Onboard Activities: Activities like bingo or poolside games generally range from $5 to $25 per event.
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Photography: Professional cruise photos typically cost $20 to $45 per photo, with package deals sometimes available.
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Shore Excursions: Excursions can cost anywhere from $40 to $300 per person, depending on the activity and location.
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Gratuities: Daily gratuities range from $18 to $21 per person per day, though this can vary slightly depending on the cruise line.
According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, the average cruise passenger spends an extra 80 to 90 dollars a day.
2. How Much Cash Should You Take on a Standard Cruise?
While onboard, you likely won’t need much actual cash. Most cruise lines operate on a cashless system, where purchases are charged to your onboard account, linked to a credit card. Even casinos often have cashless credit systems these days. At the end of the cruise, you’ll receive an itemized bill detailing all your expenses.
However, cash is essential for certain situations, particularly in port. Smaller establishments, street vendors, and local markets may not accept credit cards. Having cash on hand can also save you on foreign transaction fees charged by credit card companies.
- In Port: You will most likely need cash while you’re off the ship, especially in foreign ports.
- Credit Card Use: For on-shore purchases over $10, paying with a credit card is recommended.
- Small Purchases: Pocket change or local currency can be used for sweets, sodas, and souvenirs.
3. How Does the Cruise Line Affect How Much Cash You Need?
The cruise line you choose significantly impacts how much cash you’ll need. Premium and mega-ship lines often offer pre-paid packages, but may still charge for many items that luxury lines typically include. Luxury lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, and Silversea, often offer all-inclusive fares that cover stateroom, food, drinks, onboard entertainment, and even extras like WiFi, gratuities, and select shore excursions.
- All-Inclusive Lines: On all-inclusive lines, it’s technically possible to go the entire trip without using cash.
- Additional Expenses: Shopping, souvenirs, spa treatments, and casino gambling are generally not included.
4. What Are the Best Ways to Access Cash on a Cruise?
Cash access is limited on cruise ships. Some small ships and river vessels don’t have ATMs, and while most ocean ships do, the transaction fees are typically higher than on land. U.S. dollars can often be used in popular cruise destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. However, for other destinations, you may need foreign currency.
- ATMs in Port: Using an ATM in port to withdraw the money you need is typically the most cost-effective option.
- Currency Exchange: Avoid exchanging currency onboard, as the rates are usually less favorable.
5. How Much Should You Budget for Tips and Gratuities?
Crew members on many cruise lines rely on tips to supplement their income. While some cruise lines include tips in the fare, on others, it’s customary to tip. Gratuities are typically $14 to $21 per day per passenger on lines where they are not included.
- Standard Cruise: For a standard 7-night premium cruise with no pre-purchased package, a couple should budget between $196 to $294 for tips.
- Luxury Lines: Higher-end luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn have no-tipping policies, as gratuities are built into the fares.
- Additional Tipping: Consider tipping for cabs, transfers, tour guides, wait staff, and other service providers. Calculate an additional 15 to 20 percent of the total price to tip these individuals.
6. How Can You Protect Your Funds on a Cruise?
Walking around with large amounts of cash is generally not advisable while traveling. Cruise lines are often considered a “cashless society,” where your room key or ship ID is used to charge items to your cabin. If you prefer, you can use cash in most situations onboard, such as bars, spas, casinos, excursions, and shops.
- Safe in Stateroom: Leave most of your cash in the safe inside your stateroom, along with important documents, passports, credit cards, and IDs.
- Credit Card for Purchases: Use credit cards for larger purchases to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry.
- Monitor Onboard Account: Keep track of your onboard spending to avoid any surprises at the end of the cruise.
7. How Can You Create a Cruise Budget Effectively?
Creating a cruise budget involves estimating all potential expenses, including pre-cruise costs, onboard spending, and shore excursions. Pre-cruise costs include transportation to the port, pre-cruise hotel stays, and any necessary travel documents.
- Pre-Cruise Expenses: Factor in flights, hotels, and travel insurance.
- Onboard Expenses: Estimate costs for dining, drinks, activities, and gratuities.
- Shore Excursions: Research and budget for desired shore excursions.
- Contingency Fund: Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
8. What Are Some Money-Saving Tips for Cruises?
There are several ways to save money on a cruise, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank. Booking in advance, traveling during the off-season, and taking advantage of onboard promotions can all help reduce costs.
- Book in Advance: Booking early often secures lower fares and better cabin choices.
- Travel Off-Season: Cruises during the off-season are typically less expensive.
- Onboard Promotions: Take advantage of onboard discounts and promotions.
- Drink Packages: Consider purchasing a drink package if you plan to consume multiple alcoholic beverages per day.
- Free Activities: Take advantage of the free activities and entertainment offered onboard.
9. What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Budget Travelers?
Several cruise lines cater to budget travelers, offering affordable fares and a range of amenities. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are popular choices for those seeking value-packed cruises.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its lively atmosphere and affordable fares.
- Royal Caribbean: Offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Provides flexible dining options and a variety of itineraries.
10. How Can Money-Central.Com Help You Plan Your Cruise Budget?
Money-central.com offers a wealth of resources to help you plan your cruise budget effectively. From detailed guides on cruise costs to money-saving tips and cruise line reviews, our website provides the information you need to make informed decisions. Our budgeting tools and calculators can help you estimate your expenses and create a realistic budget.
- Expert Advice: Access expert advice on cruise budgeting and money management.
- Budgeting Tools: Use our budgeting tools and calculators to estimate your expenses.
- Cruise Line Reviews: Read reviews of various cruise lines to find the best option for your budget.
Planning a cruise can be an exciting but also financially challenging endeavor. Money-central.com is dedicated to providing you with the tools and information necessary to manage your finances effectively and enjoy a stress-free vacation. By understanding the costs associated with cruising, setting a realistic budget, and taking advantage of money-saving tips, you can create unforgettable memories without overspending.
For more info or specific answers regarding how much cash you should take on a cruise and the typical expenditures you can expect both onboard and in port, speak to the experts at CruiseInsider!
We will help you plan your vacation (and your budget) every step of the way. Give us a call at +1 (212) 998-0000 for more information or visit our office at 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States! Check money-central.com today.
FAQ: Cruise Cash Considerations
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How much cash should I bring on a 7-day cruise?
The amount of cash you should bring on a 7-day cruise depends on your spending habits and the cruise line. For a standard cruise, $300-$500 per person is a good starting point.
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Can I use my credit card for everything on a cruise ship?
Yes, most cruise lines operate on a cashless system, allowing you to charge purchases to your onboard account linked to a credit card.
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Are there ATMs on cruise ships?
Yes, most ocean cruise ships have ATMs, but transaction fees are typically higher than on land.
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Do I need cash for shore excursions?
Yes, cash is often necessary for shore excursions, especially in smaller ports or for purchasing from local vendors.
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What currency should I bring on a cruise?
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many cruise destinations, but it’s a good idea to have some local currency for smaller purchases.
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Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?
Gratuities are included on some luxury cruise lines, but on most standard cruise lines, they are charged separately.
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How much should I tip on a cruise?
If gratuities are not included, a general guideline is to tip $14 to $21 per person per day.
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Can I exchange currency on a cruise ship?
Yes, you can exchange currency on a cruise ship, but the exchange rates may not be as favorable as those on land.
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What are some hidden costs on a cruise?
Hidden costs on a cruise can include specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
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How can I save money on a cruise?
To save money on a cruise, book in advance, travel during the off-season, take advantage of onboard promotions, and limit your spending on extras like alcohol and specialty dining.
