How to Not Waste Money on a Cruise

I remember once on an MSC cruise getting an unpleasant surprise. In an effort to be financially responsible, and avoid credit card debt, I had used my debit card for stateroom charges. And I was shocked to find that I got hit with an international transaction fee for these charges. Why? Because MSC is a European-based cruiseline, and even though the cruise was out of the US and returned there, I still got charged the fee. 

This is when I realized that I was doing it all wrong when it comes to travel expenses. And I know many other folks make this, and other accidental financial mistakes.

And it's easy to make financial blunders with things like finances. Because when we're planning a cruise, it's easy to focus on the fun parts, like choosing excursions, packing (okay, maybe not that part), and anticipating that first sail-away frozen drink on the lido deck.

However, one often overlooked aspect of cruise travel is the boring practicalities of money. Whether you’re shopping in port, withdrawing cash at an ATM, or figuring out the best way to pay for your onboard charges, planning and taking the right precautions can help you avoid unnecessary spending, fraud and unnecessary financial stress.

How Much Money Should You Bring on a Cruise?

One of the great things about cruising is that your expenses on the ship are mostly covered in advance. Cruise lines operate on a cashless system, meaning your onboard purchases, including things like drinks, photos, excursions, or specialty dining, are charged to your cruise account, which is linked to a credit card.

That said, you’ll still want to carry some cash for various expenses at cruise ports. While it’s impossible to give you an exact number of how much cash to bring on a cruise, since everyone’s spending is so variable, here’s how to determine how much to bring:

• Tipping: While gratuities are often prepaid or automatically added to your onboard account, you may want cash for extra tipping, such as room service or exceptional service from crew members. I bring lots of singles and even two dollar bills for this purpose (I have to order the two dollar bills from my bank in advance).
• Local Purchases: Many vendors in cruise ports accept credit cards, but smaller vendors, taxis, and street markets may only take cash. And while many take both cash and cards, you up your negotiation power when paying cash. 
• Small Expenses: Drinks at a beach bar, local food stalls, and souvenirs may require small amounts of cash, and most popular cruise destinations will accept US currency. Note, however, that US currency may be rejected at Caribbean port destinations if your bills are overly worn, marked up, or torn.
• Emergency Fund: Having some emergency cash in case of lost or stolen cards (or accidentally maxing out your cards) is always a good idea.

A reasonable amount to bring is $50–$150 per port, depending on your planned activities. If you’re booking major excursions, those are typically prepaid through the cruise line or a trusted tour provider, reducing the need for extra cash.  Just be sure to remember to bring extra cash for even your prepaid excursions, as tipping tour providers and guides is the norm.

Related Video: How Much Money Do You Need on a Cruise?

Preventing Fraud at Cruise Ports

Cruise ports are popular tourist destinations, and unfortunately, that also makes them prime spots for scammers and fraudsters. Thankfully, it's never happened to me, but I've heard plenty of stories from other cruisers.

Here are some key tips to protect your finances while exploring ports of call:

Avoid Using Your Debit Card

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is using a debit card while shopping or withdrawing cash at a cruise port, and this is the dumb thing I did with my MSC international transaction fee snafu. Here are some other reasons why I recommend not using a debit card for cruise charges:

1. Less Fraud Protection: Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not offer the same level of fraud protection. If someone gains access to your debit card, they can drain your checking account, and recovering those funds can take time.
2. Immediate Fund Access: When fraud occurs on a debit card, the money is immediately taken from your account, which can cause financial headaches while you're still traveling.
3. Potential Holds on Funds: Some businesses and ATMs in foreign countries place temporary holds on debit card funds, which can be inconvenient when you need quick access to cash.

Related to that third one, I was once on a Carnival cruise, stupidly using my debit card, when my bank locked my card as a fraud prevention measure. Carnival immediately shut down my ability to charge to my stateroom account, and I was unable to call my bank even with cruise ship Wi-fi.

I had to wait until I was at the next port of call, and had to pay for international phone use, to call my bank to get the hold lifted. It was kind of a mess.

Use a Travel-Friendly Credit Card

A credit card with travel perks offers significantly better fraud protection. Here’s why a good travel card is a smart choice:

• Zero Liability Protection: If your credit card is compromised, fraudulent charges can be disputed, and you won’t be held responsible.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Some credit cards charge 3% per transaction on foreign purchases. A travel card with no foreign fees saves you money. Side note, I once paid for my onboard expenses on an MSC cruise with my debit card, and got hit with an international transaction fee because MSC is an Italian company, even though I cruised out of Florida.
• Built-in Travel Perks: Many travel credit cards offer perks like purchase protection, travel insurance, and rewards on travel-related purchases.
  
  

Additional Fraud Prevention Tips

• Use ATMs Inside Banks: If you need cash, avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas. Instead, go inside a bank to withdraw money.
• Beware of Card Skimmers: Some ATMs and card readers are tampered with to steal card information. Look for loose or suspicious parts on machines before inserting your card.
• Enable Credit Card Alerts: Many credit cards allow you to set up real-time alerts for transactions, so you can monitor your spending and detect fraudulent activity quickly.
• Carry a Backup Card: If one card gets lost or compromised, having a backup ensures you’re not stranded without a payment method.
  
  

The Best Travel Credit Card for Cruisers

If you’re looking for the best credit card to use on a cruise and while traveling, I highly recommend the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This card is designed with frequent travelers in mind and offers a host of benefits that make it an excellent choice for cruisers.

I’ve tried several travel cards, and have spent hours researching the best options (and also using various cards through trial-and-error), and in my opinion, this one is hands-down the best.

Full disclosure: I receive a small referral bonus if you sign up for this card using my referral link, but this comes at absolutely no cost to you and helps support my content, which I provide for free. I also never let things like this bias me or influence my recommendations. 

Key Benefits for Cruisers:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a must for international cruise ports (or when cruising non-US based cruise lines like MSC), saving you from extra charges on every purchase.
• Airport Lounge Access: Get free access to Priority Pass lounges, perfect for relaxing before or after your cruise flights. I have a Priority Pass lounge at CVG, my home airport, and it’s lovely. I get free snacks and drinks and a comfortable spot to chill before my flights.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Covers trip delays, lost baggage, and rental cars, giving you peace of mind.
• Global Entry/TSA Precheck Credit: If you’re a frequent traveler, this perk saves you time at airports.

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance : Get reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your flight is delayed by six hours or more, receive compensation for meals, lodging, and transportation.
• Lost Luggage Coverage: Get reimbursed if your checked or carry-on bags are lost or damaged by the airline.
• Primary Rental Car Insurance: Decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver and be covered for theft or damage.
• Emergency Travel Assistance: 24/7 support for medical and travel emergencies while you're away.
• Earn Miles on Every Purchase: Earn unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, plus 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Why the Capital One Venture X is the Best Card for Cruisers

The main thing I love about this card is its versatility. Once upon a time, I juggled three airline cards and two hotel cards, to try to earn points for free travel. This was inefficient, and difficult to maintain that many cards, so I wanted one card that would allow me to book all types of travel using points, across multiple suppliers.

One of the standout features of this card is its travel portal, which provides a seamless way to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more using earned miles. Unlike airline- or hotel-specific credit cards that restrict you to a single loyalty program, this card allows you to redeem rewards across multiple travel providers.

This flexibility eliminates the effort of juggling multiple cards for different brands, making it easier to manage and maximize your travel rewards. And having just one central hub to redeem points and book travel is super convenient and ensures you get the most value out of your miles.

Annual Fee Consideration

The $395 annual fee may seem high, but if you travel often, the benefits more than outweigh the cost. Between lounge access, travel credits, and robust rewards, this card pays for itself for frequent cruisers. Plus, the $300 annual travel credit covers much of this fee, and is super easy to redeem when booking travel through the portal.

After I got my card, I immediately booked a flight to Barcelona for a Mediterranean cruise, and when booking through the Capital One portal, it instantly applied my travel credit, so it was super easy.

Who Should Get This Card?

• Frequent Travelers: If you take multiple cruises or flights per year, the travel perks are well worth it.
• People Who Want Travel Perks: The lounge access, insurance, and no foreign transaction fees make travel smoother.
• Those Who Earn Credit Card Rewards: If you maximize point redemptions, you can easily offset the annual fee.

However, if you only cruise once every few years or don’t travel internationally much, a no-annual-fee travel card is probably a better fit.

Final Thoughts

Cruising is an amazing way to travel, but protecting your finances should be part of your planning. By bringing the right amount of cash, using a travel-friendly credit card, and avoiding debit cards in ports, you can reduce the risk of fraud and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

For frequent cruisers, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option, offering top-tier travel benefits and fraud protection. While it’s not for everyone due to the annual fee, the perks make it a smart choice for those who love to travel. Stay safe, spend wisely, and enjoy smooth sailing on your next cruise!