If you are making a large purchase such as jewelry then definetely use a credit card. Carry small bills for other purchases that don't cost much. All the islands accept US dollars.
We always take $400 cash, and never spent that much. We use our credit card for most purchases. Make sure you have small bills for tips. We always go the night before our cruise.
Keep in mind if you use a debit card, that some times the businesses will place a hold on your account before that actual purchase is run through which could leave you short of accessible cash. Especially if you use your debit card for your on board account. The cruiselines will place a hold on a certain amount of money but not actually charge the card until the end of the cruise. Example, they might place a hold for $500.00 on your card, then at the end of the cruise run the actual amount you charged, but not release the hold until 2-3 days after the cruise.
I had clients this happened to, after leaving the ship they got ready to put gas in vehicle and did not have access to their money between the charge and the hold, spent hours on the phone with the cruiseline trying to get it released, they couldnt get home without the extra funds.
i just figured we would use the debit for gas and food on the drive down, the credit card for the on board account and cash for small purchases as cruise fanatic suggested. sound good?
Sounds like a workable plan! I have separate credit cards for cruise account and shopping!I save the debit card for small spot purchases and emergencies!
taking lots of small bills....that's a great idea! i wouldn't have thought of that. Luckily my boyfriend and i both work in a restaurant and so we have plenty of those lying around...lol
Linear Mode
