If there’s one thing I always forget to do before I go on a cruise, it’s stop at the ATM. Cruise usually operates on a cashless system, so traveling without cash is not a big deal. You attach a credit card to your onboard account and use your key card to make purchases on board.
But sometimes you need dollar bills or foreign currency. Fortunately, in those cases, you can find ways to earn money on many cruise ships.
Occasionally, I need a few US dollars to tip my waiter, tour guide or room service person, and I always leave an extra tip to my room manager, beyond the automatic payments. Also, in some places abroad, merchants only accept money in the local currency. If you’re hoping to make a purchase while in port, you’ll want to have some cash.
The best time to get cash is before you leave home, either at an ATM (if you need US dollars) or at your local bank, which may get you foreign currency at a better rate than the airport currency exchange counter. Local ATMs in foreign countries are also a solid option; complete the transaction in local currency instead of US dollars to avoid negative exchange rates.
But, if – like me – you happen to forget or run out of time in your rush to get to the airport, you can still get cash after boarding your cruise ship.
At an indoor ATM
Most large ships have ATMs on board, and they are a quick and easy way to hold cash while sailing. The main result is that they often charge exorbitant fees – more than $10 per transaction. If you must withdraw cash, calculate how much you will need for the entire trip so you only need to withdraw once.
At the front desk
If you’re on a ship that doesn’t have an ATM, ask the front desk if they can give you cash and charge the amount to your onboard bill. In most cases, the transaction will be sent as a credit card transaction instead of a cash advance, so you won’t have to worry about additional charges from your card issuer or bank. Be sure to double check with guest services if you are concerned.
This is only an option on certain ships, so don’t count on every cruise ship offering cash at the front desk.
In the casino
Another option for getting cash on a cruise is an onboard casino if your ship has one. (And, no, I’m not talking about gambling for money.)
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Go to the cashier and ask to pre-load the money you need on your key card, or give it to you in chips, depending on how your ship handles gaming. Find an inexpensive slot machine or table game, play a very small amount of credits, and when you’re done, go back to the desk to cash out.
Because you may lose the amount you play on the slot machine, this is a strategy that you should use sparingly.
Bottom line
Although sailing is a cashless activity, you may need paper money in certain situations. It’s a good idea to withdraw cash from your bank or a fee-free ATM before going to your destination, but that’s not always possible. If you need cash for tips or shopping at the beach, these options may work out for you if you don’t mind the potential fees and other charges.
Learn more about cruising with these TPG resources:
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