Is Cruise Cash Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide to the Pros and Cons

Is Cruise Cash Worth It?

Cruise cash is a pre-paid currency that can be used on board a cruise ship to purchase goods and services. It can be purchased in advance of your cruise or onboard. But is it worth it?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at cruise cash to see if it’s a good value for your money. We’ll compare the cost of cruise cash to the regular onboard currency, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using cruise cash.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of cruise cash and you’ll be able to decide if it’s worth it for you.

Pros Cons
  • No need to carry cash
  • Can be used at any participating cruise line
  • Can be used for onboard purchases, shore excursions, and spa treatments
  • Can be expensive
  • May not be accepted at all vendors
  • May have fees associated with use
Whether or not cruise cash is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you don’t want to carry cash, don’t mind the potential fees, and are confident that you’ll be able to use it at all the vendors you want, then cruise cash may be a good option for you.

What is Cruise Cash?

Cruise Cash is a prepaid card that can be used to pay for onboard purchases on a cruise ship. It can be used to buy anything from drinks and souvenirs to shore excursions and spa treatments. Cruise Cash is typically sold in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, and can be purchased at most travel agencies and cruise line websites.

There are several benefits to using Cruise Cash. First, it can help you to budget your spending on your cruise. You can load the card with the exact amount of money that you plan to spend, and you won’t be able to spend more than that. This can help you to avoid overspending and racking up debt.

Second, using Cruise Cash can save you money. Many cruise lines offer discounts on onboard purchases when you use Cruise Cash. For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers a 5% discount on all onboard purchases when you use Cruise Cash.

Third, using Cruise Cash can be more convenient than using a credit card or debit card. You don’t have to worry about carrying around your wallet or credit cards, and you don’t have to worry about your cards being lost or stolen.

If you’re planning a cruise, I highly recommend that you consider using Cruise Cash. It’s a great way to budget your spending, save money, and make your cruise more convenient.

How to Get Cruise Cash

Cruise Cash is available for purchase at most travel agencies and cruise line websites. You can also purchase Cruise Cash at the onboard gift shop on your cruise ship.

To purchase Cruise Cash, you will need to provide your name, address, and credit card information. You will also need to choose the denomination of the card and the amount of money that you want to load onto the card.

Once you have purchased Cruise Cash, you will receive a card with a unique PIN number. You can use this card to make purchases on your cruise ship.

You can also use Cruise Cash to make purchases at certain retailers outside of the cruise ship. However, you will not receive any discounts on these purchases.

Here are some tips for using Cruise Cash:

  • Only load the amount of money that you plan to spend.
  • Keep your Cruise Cash card in a safe place.
  • Use your Cruise Cash card before the expiration date.
  • If you lose your Cruise Cash card, you can call the cruise line and they will cancel the card and issue you a new one.

Cruise Cash is a great way to pay for onboard purchases on your cruise. It’s a safe, convenient, and affordable way to make your cruise more enjoyable.

Cruise Cash is a prepaid card that can be used to pay for onboard purchases on a cruise ship. It offers several benefits over using a credit card or debit card, including the ability to budget your spending, save money, and make your cruise more convenient. If you’re planning a cruise, I highly recommend that you consider using Cruise Cash.

Benefits of Using Cruise Cash

Cruise cash is a prepaid card that can be used to make purchases on board a cruise ship. It can be purchased before your cruise or at the cruise terminal. There are several benefits to using cruise cash, including:

  • Convenience: Cruise cash is a convenient way to pay for your onboard purchases. You don’t have to carry cash or worry about exchanging your currency. You can simply use your cruise cash card to pay for everything from drinks to souvenirs.
  • Security: Cruise cash is a secure way to pay for your onboard purchases. Your card number is not stored on the ship’s computer system, so your information is protected.
  • Flexibility: Cruise cash can be used at any location on the ship that accepts credit cards. This includes the casino, duty-free shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also use your cruise cash to make purchases at shore excursions.
  • Savings: You can often save money by using cruise cash. Some cruise lines offer discounts on onboard purchases when you use cruise cash. You may also be able to earn points or miles on your cruise cash card.

Drawbacks of Using Cruise Cash

There are a few drawbacks to using cruise cash, including:

  • Fees: Some cruise lines charge a fee to purchase cruise cash. The fee is usually around $5.
  • Interest: If you don’t use all of your cruise cash, you may be charged interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate is usually around 18%.
  • Lost or stolen cards: If you lose or steal your cruise cash card, you will need to cancel it and get a new card. This can be a hassle, especially if you’re in the middle of your cruise.

Cruise cash can be a convenient and secure way to pay for your onboard purchases. However, there are some drawbacks to using cruise cash, such as fees, interest, and the risk of lost or stolen cards. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use cruise cash is a personal one. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks to decide what’s best for you.

Here are some additional tips for using cruise cash:

  • Purchase your cruise cash in advance. This will give you the best exchange rate and avoid any fees that may be charged at the cruise terminal.
  • Use your cruise cash wisely. Don’t overspend, and make sure to use all of your cruise cash before the end of your cruise.
  • Keep your cruise cash card safe. Don’t carry it around with you all the time. Store it in a safe place in your stateroom.
  • Be aware of the fees and interest rates. Make sure you understand the fees and interest rates that apply to your cruise cash card.

By following these tips, you can avoid any problems and make the most of your cruise cash.

Is Cruise Cash worth it?

Cruise Cash is a pre-paid currency that can be used on board a cruise ship to purchase goods and services. It is offered by many cruise lines as an alternative to using cash or credit cards.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not Cruise Cash is worth it for you.

  • The exchange rate. Cruise Cash is typically sold at a slightly higher exchange rate than the U.S. dollar. This means that you will get less Cruise Cash for your money than you would if you exchanged it at a bank or currency exchange.
  • The fees. Some cruise lines charge a fee to purchase Cruise Cash. This fee can range from $5 to $10.
  • The convenience. Cruise Cash can be convenient if you do not want to carry a lot of cash on board your cruise ship. It can also be used to make purchases at any time of day or night, even if the ship’s stores are closed.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Cruise Cash is a personal one. If you are concerned about the exchange rate or fees, you may be better off using cash or credit cards. However, if you value the convenience of Cruise Cash, it may be worth the extra cost.

What are the benefits of using Cruise Cash?

There are a few benefits to using Cruise Cash on a cruise ship.

  • Convenience. Cruise Cash can be used to make purchases at any time of day or night, even if the ship’s stores are closed. This can be especially convenient if you need to buy something in a hurry or if you want to avoid waiting in line.
  • Security. Cruise Cash is a safe way to make purchases on a cruise ship. You do not have to worry about carrying a lot of cash or having your credit card stolen.
  • Flexibility. Cruise Cash can be used to purchase a variety of goods and services on board a cruise ship, from souvenirs to drinks to meals. This gives you the flexibility to choose the things you want to buy without having to worry about carrying a lot of cash or credit cards.

What are the drawbacks of using Cruise Cash?

There are a few drawbacks to using Cruise Cash on a cruise ship.

  • The exchange rate. Cruise Cash is typically sold at a slightly higher exchange rate than the U.S. dollar. This means that you will get less Cruise Cash for your money than you would if you exchanged it at a bank or currency exchange.
  • The fees. Some cruise lines charge a fee to purchase Cruise Cash. This fee can range from $5 to $10.
  • The expiration date. Cruise Cash has an expiration date, typically 12 months from the date of purchase. This means that you need to use it up before it expires or you will lose your money.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Cruise Cash is a personal one. If you are concerned about the exchange rate or fees, you may be better off using cash or credit cards. However, if you value the convenience of Cruise Cash, it may be worth the extra cost.

How much Cruise Cash should I bring on my cruise?

The amount of Cruise Cash you should bring on your cruise depends on a few factors, including:

  • The length of your cruise
  • The number of people in your party
  • Your spending habits

As a general rule, you should bring enough Cruise Cash to cover your daily expenses, such as meals, drinks, and souvenirs. You should also bring some extra money in case of emergencies.

If you are unsure of how much Cruise Cash to bring, you can always ask your cruise line for advice. They can help you estimate how much you will need based on your individual needs.

Can I use Cruise Cash at all stores on the ship?

Cruise Cash can be used at most stores on the ship, including the gift shop, duty-free shop, and onboard restaurants. However, there are a few exceptions. Some specialty restaurants and bars may not accept Cruise Cash, and some items, such as alcohol, may only be purchased with cash or credit cards.

It is always a good idea to check with the ship’s staff before making a purchase to make sure that you can use Cruise Cash.

What happens if I have unused Cruise Cash at the end of my cruise?

If you have unused Cruise Cash at the end of your cruise, you can either:

  • Refund it. Some cruise lines allow you to refund your unused Cruise Cash at the end of your cruise. The refund process may

    Cruise Cash is a valuable tool for those who want to save money on their cruise vacation. It can be used to cover a variety of expenses, including onboard purchases, shore excursions, and spa treatments. However, it is important to weigh the benefits of Cruise Cash against the associated fees before making a decision about whether or not to use it. If you are planning to make a lot of onboard purchases, Cruise Cash can be a great way to save money. However, if you are only planning to make a few small purchases, you may be better off using a credit card or debit card.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.