Can you get cash on the ship?

[ptcbass]

I am trying to budget for tips (room service, porters, etc..) and wondered if I run out of cash is there anywhere on the ship you can get more?

We also plan on bringing cash for the taxi in Nassau and possibly lunch at Nassau. Is there anywhere else we would need cash?

 

[ludari]

Yes, you can go to the front desk for cash.

 

[Lisa Lisa]

I went go guest services on the Dream this past September and was told that I could not get cash there. Maybe it was just the CM I asked? Her badge said she was in training...

 

[ptcbass]

I thought maybe there was a ATM machine that would charge high rates or something.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

Nope, no ATMS.

Guest Services used to cash small checks, under $50 I think, but they may have stopped that.

I know you can get change for larger bills at Guest Services as well.

 

[ptcbass]

Ok, I guess I better take plenty but I don't like traveling with a lot of cash. Oh well.

 

[bliscum]

If you are thinking that you need cash for your gratuities you do not. They are added to your OBA.

 

[ptcbass]

If you are thinking that you need cash for your gratuities you do not. They are added to your OBA.

Yeah, I added those to my account already. I was just wanting to make sure I am covered for porters, room service, taxi in Nassau and anything else I might need cash for. I would be so embarrassed if I needed to tip someone and didn't have cash.
Since this is our first cruise I want to make sure I am prepared.

 

[Minniemiss]

Guest services has cashed Traveler's Checks for us.

 

[shoes99]

Yeah, I added those to my account already. I was just wanting to make sure I am covered for porters, room service, taxi in Nassau and anything else I might need cash for. I would be so embarrassed if I needed to tip someone and didn't have cash.
Since this is our first cruise I want to make sure I am prepared.

Not in the Caribbean, but on the Baltics cruise I was running out of cash on the last port day, but we had a private tour, and the driver stopped at a bank/atm and the guide went with me to the ATM to get some cash. I didn't need much, but wanted to tip the driver when we got back to the ship from Berlin, and the porters at the airport. Did OK and used a card that didn't charge foreign transaction fees.

 

[MouseMomx2]

I would also recommend an ATM in Nassau. Just make sure you let your bank know you will be traveling.

 

[SuperDry]

I would also recommend an ATM in Nassau

Do they dispense Bahamian dollars or US dollars? I realize that the exchange rate is always exactly $1.00 = $1.00, but Bahamian dollars are not spendable in the US. In most situations, an ATM in a foreign country is going to dispense only the local currency, but Nassau may be the exception.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Do they dispense Bahamian dollars or US dollars? I realize that the exchange rate is always exactly $1.00 = $1.00, but Bahamian dollars are not spendable in the US. In most situations, an ATM in a foreign country is going to dispense only the local currency, but Nassau may be the exception.

I am sure they dispense Bahamian dollars. I was thinking the OP would use that cash for the expenses in Nassau (taxi, etc.) and use her US cash for the porters at Port Canaveral.

I would definitely only get a little cash if going through the ATM. A little bit of leftover change makes a nice souvenir...too much left over change is just a waste.

 

[ptcbass]

So can I pay for the taxi and lunch with American money in Nassau? Should I just plan on using a debit card for lunch? I have already told my bank I will be traveling and give them the details.

Thanks!

 

[DahliaRW]

On the Fantasy this past January they would cash a personal check at guest services. I cashed $100, but I think they said they go up to $200.

 

[ptcbass]

Good to know. Thanks! I never carry checks anymore but I will make sure to pack a couple.

 

[MouseMomx2]

So can I pay for the taxi and lunch with American money in Nassau? Should I just plan on using a debit card for lunch? I have already told my bank I will be traveling and give them the details.

Thanks!

I would not use a debit card, except for any ATM withdrawals. You are not as protected with a debit card as you would be with a credit card. If you do not have a credit card I would plan on using cash. They will accept American money in Nassau.

 

[SuperDry]

They will accept American money in Nassau.

Yes, as it's a town dominated by American tourists, especially from cruise ships visiting for the day. And, unlike other countries' currency, 1 Bahamian dollar always equals exactly 1 US dollar, so merchants don't really have a choice but to accept them at par. In any other country, if merchants accept USD for payment, they almost universally do so at an unfavorable exchange rate, adding an extra 5-10% profit for the convenience of accepting USD. In those cases, you're better off getting local cash from an ATM, where you know in advance what your bank will charge you (which is usually 3%).

 

[robin19871]

Guest services can also give you change for tips for people that do not have envelopes.. (Concierge bartenders for example.) They broke down a larger bill for me so I could give him money.. No problem.. FWIW, there was no one in line at Guest services early in the morning before everyone is awake..

 

[ptcbass]

Thanks. I got enough out to cover all tips and taxi and food in Nassau. The only place I might use my debit card would be in the Dooney shop or gift store at Atlantis or something like that. I actually found out yesterday that my card has been compromised at a retailer (they wouldn't tell me who) and they are sending me a new one.
It's always something huh?

Now that I think about it I think I will check into one of those Visa TravelMoney cards to use on vacation. Crazy how nothing is safe anymore.