Is it possible to go on a cruise with no spending money?

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Kristina L

You can and I have. When money was too tight I just enjoyed the free part of the cruise and explored the ports on my own. On the ship, I avoided the casino, snuck my own alcohol on board, and didn't shop. It was fun and relaxing and really low key. However, it's way more fun with money, even just a little.

Except the tips - still paid the gratuity.

Julie T

To help you budget...here are a few of the "extra costs"-
- Bar drinks - $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity
- Soda - by the can - $1.75 plus 15% gratuity
- Soda fountain card - $38.50 plus 15% gratuity
- Photos - $7.99 to $21.99 (depending on size and style)
- Shore excursions - $50-200 per person per excursion.
- Spa treatments - $50-200 per treatment (but there were many specials on this last trip as many people were skipping the spa...)
- Casino. Use cash in the casino to avoid 3% fee for using card.
- Bingo cards - $5-20...depending on day and games
- Goument coffee - $3.75 and up
- Internet - 75 cents per minute
- Ship to shore phone - $7.99 per minute
- Parking at the port
- Tips for luggage porters - $1 per bag
- Tips - $10 per day per guest

With the exception of tips and parking at the cruise terminal, all of the above is optional.

trinityinn

You should bring at least a little spending money for souvenirs. When sailing with Princess cruise, they usually charge the tip (service charge) on your credit card unless you would like to settle your bill by other means such as cash. You can pretty much get by without at lot of money especially if you're going to eat on board and take food with you when you go to ports, or just return to the ship for lunch or snack. But, if you want alcohol, you will ended up spending some.

Time travler

You can get by not spending any money except for tips if you want. I have seen little old ladies do this, but they do not have too much fun either. Shore excursions, alcohol,tips, souvenirs all cost money. I do know that with Princess cruises, you only need cash for souvenirs. The rest is put on a credit card including your tips that you give them at the beginning of your cruise. They call it cashless cruising. We bring very little cash with us when we sail with Princess.

dustycat

that's it.

Have fun!

dan

it is possible, with drinks you can take plastic flasks and you can go on a cruise which includes food and drinks, but for alcohol, you def need to bring some on board. they over charge on the drinks, i've used these before

annshani

Yaa you need money for the tips...it averages about $10 a day for all the people you have to tip at the end....and you want to do this, I had a friend that ran out of money and didn't and they were looking for him over the loud speaker!! And the only drinks included are water and the free lemonade, orange juice etc they have in the cafeteria, at dinner you may want more then water which you need money for!!

Morgan C

I am going on the Mariner on Sunday my 12th on RCCL.. I am not recently familiar with other cruise lines. BUT>>>>

On RCCL:

If you gamble you should probably bring cash or traveler's checks because they will charge 3% to get cash in the casino.

All lines:

If you plan on taking a taxi, you should bring money.

spunky96

NO way!!! First of all food is included and as far as drinks go only water, iced tea and cofee are included in drinks that are free. You have to pay for soda and alcohol and for that you can buy a soda or alcohol card in the beginning of your cruise. You have to also tip your cabin steward at the end of the cruise and your waiters and head waiters at the end of the cruise. Depending on the ship there may be restaurants onboard that are NOT included in your cruise and you will need cash for that. Most importanly is the tips because the cabin stewards and waiters make an effort to remember what you like to drink and always do their best to cater to you as best as they can. Most cruise lines dont allow you to pay cash for things purchased on the ship. Your purchases are charged to your room and you pay your bill at the end of your cruise with either a credit card or cash. You will also need money for any excursions you do and if you want to purchase any souveniers for the places you visit.
Oh another hidden expense i found out on my last cruise. Check with your cell phone carrier. You are able to use you cell phones on most ships BUT you charged high fees (i had a $500 cell phone bill cuz i told my kids to text me to let me knwo where they were, my text messages are paid for on a monthly basis bUT i was out of the US so there were extra charges) so check with your carrier on that and with the cruise line.
Happy Sailing

Mark The Latin Travel Dude

Tips for the cruise ship staff are often more than just subtly suggested.

finished

You don't need to spend any more.

But your supposed to tip at the end of the cruise.

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