September 2025

I remember getting an unpleasant surprise on a cruise once. Trying to be financially responsible and avoid credit card debt, I used my debit card for stateroom charges. Big mistake. I ended up getting hit with international transaction fees. Why? Because many cruise lines are registered in other countries—even if your cruise leaves from and returns to the US, the charges can still be processed internationally.

That’s when it hit me: I was totally mishandling my travel expenses. And I know I’m not alone—plenty of people make this and other accidental money mistakes when they travel.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun stuff when planning a cruise—picking excursions, packing (well, maybe not the packing), and dreaming of that first sail-away drink on the lido deck. But one thing that often gets overlooked? The not-so-fun money details. From shopping in port and using ATMs to paying for things on the ship, a little planning can save you from unnecessary fees, fraud, and a whole lot of financial stress.

How Much Money Should You Bring on a Cruise?

One of the best parts about cruising is that most of your expenses are taken care of upfront. Cruise ships run on a cashless system, so anything you buy onboard—like drinks, excursions, specialty dining, or photos—is charged to your cruise account, which is linked to your credit card.

Still, you’ll want to bring some cash for when you’re off the ship. It’s hard to say exactly how much you’ll need since everyone spends differently, but here are a few things to consider when deciding how much to bring:

Tipping: Gratuities are usually prepaid or automatically added to your account, but it’s nice to have cash on hand for extra tips—especially for things like room service or exceptional service from crew members. I always bring a stack of singles and even some two-dollar bills (which I have to order ahead from my bank).

Local purchases: While many shops and vendors in port take credit cards, smaller spots—like taxis, street markets, or beach vendors—might only accept cash. Even if they take cards, paying with cash can sometimes give you more room to negotiate.

Everyday expenses: Whether it’s a drink at a beach bar, a snack from a food stall, or a handmade souvenir, having a bit of cash makes life easier. Most popular cruise destinations accept US dollars, but heads up: in the Caribbean, bills that are torn, marked, or worn might not be accepted.

Emergency stash: It’s always smart to carry some backup cash in case your cards get lost, stolen, or maxed out.

A good ballpark is $50 to $150 per port, depending on what you’ve got planned. If your excursions are already booked through the cruise line or a trusted provider, that cuts down your need for cash. Just don’t forget to bring a little extra for tipping your tour guides—even on prepaid excursions, it’s standard to tip.