What currency should a cruise traveler bring? Most of the ports at which cruise lines typically stop in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, including Mexico, will accept currency from the United States.
A cruise can literally transport travelers to many different and exotic locales. Cruise destinations have a lot to offer travelers - delicious regional cuisine, unique goods, rich cultures, gorgeous landscapes, fun adventures - and potentially dozens of different currencies. How does a cruise traveler prepare for all of the different currencies of the various countries to which he or she will be traveling?
"That depends on the destination," according to Emily Motycka, a travel agent with AAA Travel in Omaha NE. Ms. Motycka, who considers cruising to be one of her specialties, continued, "For the Caribbean cruises, which are the most common, there is really no need to bring anything other than US currency." Most of the ports at which cruise lines typically stop in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, including Mexico, will accept currency from the United States, said Ms. Motycka.
In European ports, travelers must pay with the Euro for European Union countries, and with local currency for non-European Union countries. Most other cruise destinations require local currency, as well.
Many cruise lines are happy to help their travelers with currency-related issues. "If US currency is not accepted at any particular port of call, the cruise line will typically provide cruisers with an opportunity to exchange money right at the pier, or at the purser's desk before disembarking," advised Ms. Motycka. Many cruise lines can exchange currency using traveler's checks, credit cards, or cash. The exchange rates on ship may not be the most favorable, and you may pay a small fee. However, the convenience of exchanging your money right on the ship may be worth the extra cost.
Cruise lines - regardless of whether they offer shipboard currency exchange - will also usually provide currency-exchange information, such as the current rate of exchange and a list of locations where travelers can go to exchange currency, in the shipboard newsletter, which is usually delivered to each stateroom daily. In addition, travelers can readily locate currency exchange offices, which are typically situated near the docks. The best exchange rates, though, may be at a bank that accepts your ATM card, suggested Ms. Motycka.
For any cruise, with any destination, "the best thing is to try to use a credit card most of the time," recommended Ms. Motycka. This is because "a credit card protects you more than cash, and most cards will do the rate of exchange right at the time of purchase." Most credit cards are accepted worldwide, but Ms. Motycka suggests checking with the cruise line or a travel agent in advance of a cruise just to make sure.
Additionally, if there are any uncertainties about currency in port, it is a good idea to double-check with the cruise line or travel agent for guidance.
Most travel agents recommend that travelers, regardless of their destination or mode of travel, bring only the minimum amount of cash and traveler's checks that are necessary. On a cruise, not much cash is needed, in general, because of the all-inclusive nature of the cruise itself.
Additionally, most cruise lines offer a service that allows cruisers to charge onboard - and some in-port - purchases directly to their personal on-ship account. At the end of the cruise, the purser's office provides a statement, and the total amount is then charged to your credit card.
