Cruise Ship Payments

[markieboy]

Any advice on best way to settle, the end of trip, on-board expenses, are any extra transaction charges incurred if you settle by credit card, or is it better to pay by travellers cheques, or inded cash. If it's relevant the cruise is for the Caribbean.

[sddsddean]

Firstly, whether you are filling in forms on line,or when you embark you MUST MAKE SURE you tick the box which says you do not want your cruise line to do the currency conversion. They will give you an absolutely cr@p rate. Check any form you sign for this box, as they are really sneaky about it!

Second, whenever we go cruising we always pay off as much as we can the night before disembarking with cash or travellers cheques. It works out a fair bit cheaper, although I must say I usually get a pretty good exchange rate on Barclaycard. They do not normally charge a handling fee or commision, but I don't know about other cards.

Have a fun cruise.

[dzug]

I usually get a pretty good exchange rate on Barclaycard. They do not normally charge a handling fee or commision
They do - 2.75% - it's just hidden in the exchange rate so unless you read the small print you don't know it's happening. That rate is still way better than you'd get using cash or TCs (around 5% loading) though.

Minimum costs (no loading) on Nationwide CC/DC or Post Office CC or (Europe only) Liverpool Victoria CC.

[auntiebertie]

Most cruise ships take credit cards or cash - some take small denominations of US$ travellers cheques. Debit cards are not taken.
If you have not already visited - suggest you go to http://www.cruisecritic.com - half way down the front page there is a little box with 'Read Members Reviews' - find your ship and see what previous travellers have had to say.
Then at the top there is a link to Boards - you have to sign up to read the section on your cruise line [easy to do and free] - otherwise there is a section called Ports of Call so you can read what to do in each port you visit.
A mine of valuable information. You did not say who you were cruising with but hope you enjoy!