Can you use your debit card on a cruise ship?
Can you use your debit card on a cruise ship? Can you use a debit card on a cruise? You can't use a debit card on a ship to pay for items – everything has to be paid onto your onboard account. But you can use a debit card instead of a credit card to link to your onboard account – the money will be taken from your debit account at the end of the cruise.
Do you always need a passport for a cruise?
We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.
Should you bring water bottles on a cruise?
Bring your favorite water bottle with you that can keep your beverage cool all day (we love HydroFlask and Swell bottles). The cruise water at the buffet is perfectly safe to drink. If you don't like the taste, throw a lemon or a few strawberries into it.
Will I get charged for using my phone on a cruise ship?
Typically charges will appear on the next monthly bill, but depending on your carrier it may occasionally take up to 60 days for charges to appear on your phone bill. Please note that most cell phone carriers do not allow their unlimited rate plans to apply to cellular calls, texts or data used while onboard ships.
Do cruises look through your luggage?
Luggage screening is a thorough process that involves scanning all checked bags using X-ray machines and metal detectors. During the screening, cruise line staff looks for any prohibited items, such as weapons, drugs, and alcohol, that exceed the permissible limit.
How do you avoid tipping on a cruise?
If you plan to remove tips from your onboard bill, you will need to plan in advance to bring enough cash for personal tipping, then wait in a potentially long line at the guest services desk to remove the auto-gratuities and chase down all the crew members you wish to thank on the last evening.
How do you pay for drinks on a cruise?
To buy drinks on the ship you don't need cash or a credit card. In most cases you simply hand over your room keycard, which acts as a charge card for your onboard account. (Sometimes you simply give your room number and the staff charges your account that way.)
How do you avoid cell charges on a cruise?
To ensure you are not charged by your phone company on your cruise, you have two choices: Turn off your phone as soon as your cruise ship leaves port, or, if you want to use offline applications, put your phone into airplane mode.
What do you have to pay extra for on a cruise ship?
Activities on Cruise Ships Activities That Cost Extra on Cruises: Bingo, casino play, arcade games, escape rooms and golf simulators will all cost you extra on most ships. Additionally, hands-on cooking classes, wine and liquor tastings, and a few other courses require an extra charge outside your fare.
How to get cheap data on a cruise?
You can find nominal savings on a wifi package if purchasing it before your cruise. Typically most cruise lines give a 10%-15% discount if you book a wifi package before you get on the ship.
What is the best way to pay for things on a cruise?
How do I pay for purchases onboard? All onboard purchases are paid for using your cruise card, which doubles as your room key. This card is set up before boarding and serves as your ID to get on and off the ship, provides you access to your cabin and makes for easy swiping when you decide you need a pina colada.
Is food on cruises free?
Food on Cruise Ships Free Food on Cruises: Meals are free of charge in cruise ship main dining rooms, buffets and select specialty venues such as Princess' International Cafe, Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint, Royal Caribbean's Park Cafe and Boardwalk Dog House and Norwegian's O'Sheehan's.
Should I use debit or credit card on cruise?
I generally recommend using credit cards when traveling. Find out if your card has any foreign transaction fees. Also, when you contact the customer service line you should notify them of your travel dates and countries you plan on visiting so any charges do not get flagged as potentially being fraudulent.
How much is the ATM fee on a cruise ship?
Cruise Ship ATM's Charge Fees This can sometimes be as much as $5 or $10 per transaction. If you do find that you have to use onboard ATMs it's usually better to take out a greater amount of money rather than making multiple smaller transactions.
Is it better to tip cash on a cruise?
How much should you tip cruise waiter? The cruise gratuities cover the wait staff, so you're not obligated to give them any more of a cash tip. However, if you received outstanding service from a waiter and would like to show them your appreciation with a cash tip, $5 per day per passenger is the suggested amount.
Should I go on a cruise without a passport?
DOS recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book in case of emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable.
How do you tip cash on a cruise?
If you want to pay extra, we suggest simply handing cash directly to the people you want to recognize for their service. This happens regularly for passengers feeling generous or thankful for the staff's work during their trip. In fact, your cruise line might leave a few envelopes in your room exactly for this purpose.