Long time since last cruise and first European cruise

[oferiniowa]

My wife and I will be taking the Westbound Transatlantic cruise on the Dream in October 2024. It will be our second cruise, the first being on the Fantasy in 2014. In 2014, it was a splurge for us and we scrapped enough money for the cost of the cruise and not much else. The trip in 2024 will be a little different. We're planning on doing things we couldn't last time and want to make sure we are prepared.

We are planning on taking advantage of prepaying for gratuities but how does tipping for things like room service, bar tenders, etc work? Since most room service items are included with the cruise, their is no bill to add the tip to. Is room service cash only? Is it better to top for drinks with cash to make sure the tip goes tot he right person and not shared?

When it comes to cash for tipping, do I need to bring a bunch of smaller bills or can you get change at customer service or somewhere else on the ship?

Speaking of money. This will be our first trip to Europe and will be going to London for a few days prior to the cruise starting. Any advice for shopping in the UK as well as Spain and Portugal. Do we need Euros and Pounds? When should we get them? Is it possible to just charge everything on a credit card? Is the Dollar accepted?

I'm sure there will be more questions over the next 483 days. Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[happycamper47]

We are planning on taking advantage of prepaying for gratuities but how does tipping for things like room service, bar tenders, etc work? Since most room service items are included with the cruise, their is no bill to add the tip to. Is room service cash only? Is it better to top for drinks with cash to make sure the tip goes tot he right person and not shared?

When it comes to cash for tipping, do I need to bring a bunch of smaller bills or can you get change at customer service or somewhere else on the ship?

All bar drinks have an automatic 18% added that is shared. Any additional you add, whether on the tab or in cash goes directly to the server or bartender/barista who waited on you. For room service you can write it in on the tab which still comes with the order or give the person cash. Yes you can get change at guest services. Personally we always tip room service with cash and write in the additional for all beverage service.

 

[Travel60]

With 15+ cruises, I've never used room service so I can't help you there ....I'd guess cash. Everything else is on final tab. For bars, they add 18% to bill automatically, you can add more or not. Settle bill at end of cruise. The amount you prepay for tips gets applied against tab - it's really just a general prepayment.

For London, Spain, Portugal you may want a few Pounds and Euro - tips to porters or tour guides, etc. where credit wouldn't be possible. We usually ask our bank to get us a small amount ($25-50/day) - give them a couple of weeks notice. Or, you can use a bank ATM in the country. Don't use one in a store - terrible exchange rate. Most everything can be charged - make sure you have a credit card that doesn't charge a fee for foreign exchange transactions. Charge in the local currency for best rate. I wouldn't use dollars - locals will give you terrible exchange rate because they have to take it to the bank to exchange. It also plays into the "ugly American" rhetoric.

I'm sure many will chime in with more. Have a great time!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You get a bill to sign at the bars (with gratuity added) and for room service (no charge, but you can add tip). All charges, of course, get billed to your onboard account.

When going to Europe, it's always a good idea to have some cash, but credit cards are accepted everywhere. Just make sure you get one that doesn't charge you a foreign transaction fee.

 

[auntlynne]

Maestro/Master Card or VISA, with no foreign-exchange fee for most things, especially touristy things. Small shops may prefer cash.

I have a separate account for my debit card - used for ATMs. My credit union refunds the fee for out-of-network fees (about 5 times/month).

Landing at Heathrow, taking the Express train to Paddington, the Tube further in and then a hotel - none of that required cash. Trains and subway tickets are often automated machines. (Possibly pre-purchased train ticket).

(Ahead of time, do a rough estimate if subway use; it will make buying a pass - the Oyster card - an easier process than trying to figure it out on the fly).

Others report getting currency exchanged on the ship.

Tips - the only cash I need onboard is for Room Service. I haven’t tried the method of signing a ticket - I don’t remember it being an option when I started cruising, so haven’t gotten in the habit.

A bar bill has a line on it for additional tip.

You will want to hold back some small €s for the porters in Barcelona. (I didn’t need much cash in that city, either.)

Such fun awaits - have a great time planning and dreaming.

 

[hmsTigger]

Maestro/Master Card or VISA, with no foreign-exchange fee for most things, especially touristy things. Small shops may prefer cash.

I have a separate account for my debit card - used for ATMs. My credit union refunds the fee for out-of-network fees (about 5 times/month).

Landing at Heathrow, taking the Express train to Paddington, the Tube further in and then a hotel - none of that required cash. Trains and subway tickets are often automated machines. (Possibly pre-purchased train ticket).

(Ahead of time, do a rough estimate if subway use; it will make buying a pass - the Oyster card - an easier process than trying to figure it out on the fly).

Others report getting currency exchanged on the ship.

Tips - the only cash I need onboard is for Room Service. I haven’t tried the method of signing a ticket - I don’t remember it being an option when I started cruising, so haven’t gotten in the habit.

A bar bill has a line on it for additional tip.

You will want to hold back some small €s for the porters in Barcelona. (I didn’t need much cash in that city, either.)

Such fun awaits - have a great time planning and dreaming.

I read where you can "tap" your Mastercard on any transportation? Rather than purchase an Oyster card.
Is this true? It will save the extra step of buying an Oyster card. Thanks in advance!

 

[iona]

I read where you can "tap" your Mastercard on any transportation? Rather than purchase an Oyster card.
Is this true? It will save the extra step of buying an Oyster card. Thanks in advance!

You can certainly use UK issued contactless credit cards in that way (as long as you’re in the Oystercard zone - it wouldn’t, for example, work for a train ride down to Southampton). I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for a US issued card with contactless functionality, but I don’t know for sure.

 

[hmsTigger]

Just found this on line

Your card is used the same way as an Oyster card – you tap in and out at the tube or train station ticket barriers or tap the yellow card reader when you get on a bus.

The main difference is that you don’t have to top-up your Oyster card with money, the fare is taken from your debit card or credit card the following day.

You need one contactless debit or credit card per person. You can’t pay for two or more people with one card.

That is inconvenient when travelling with a family

 

[gilsan]

Just found this on line

Your card is used the same way as an Oyster card – you tap in and out at the tube or train station ticket barriers or tap the yellow card reader when you get on a bus.

The main difference is that you don’t have to top-up your Oyster card with money, the fare is taken from your debit card or credit card the following day.

You need one contactless debit or credit card per person. You can’t pay for two or more people with one card.

That is inconvenient when travelling with a family

You can order a zip oyster card for children and they will pay a discounted rate. It isn't difficult to get and it can really save some money if you will be on the tube a lot, there are details here.