Adequate Cash on Hand for 1st Time Cruising Family?
Jul 23, 2014, 8:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 387
Adequate Cash on Hand for 1st Time Cruising Family?
We (hubby, 18 year old daughter & me) are planning our first cruise next May: 3 days to the Bahamas, leaving from Miami and sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy. After prepaid gratuities and placing the minimum $300 cash deposit on our Sail ‘n Sign account, I believe $700 cash on hand will be enough. At this moment, we have no OBC, but may change when we book at the Early Saver rate in 2 weeks. The $700 cash will be used for our round-trip transportation from the hotel to the port (then the port to MIA airport), food off the boat, and other fun stuff. We’re not planning any excursions…heck, we may not even get off the ship! Also, we do not gamble.
Based on this, do you believe $700 cash on hand is enough?
Based on this, do you believe $700 cash on hand is enough?
Jul 23, 2014, 7:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 5,210
For 3 days? I take that for 7 days for the 4 of us, and I like to go to the casino. I do have my credit card set up for the shipboard account. What you are basically saying is you are taking $1000, and putting $300 down on the account. Unless you do lots of drinking, I think they give you money back from that, let alone touching your $700.
I do recommend getting off the ship though. You are in Nassau all day and overnight. Go do something there.
I do recommend getting off the ship though. You are in Nassau all day and overnight. Go do something there.
Jul 23, 2014, 7:19 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 387
For 3 days? I take that for 7 days for the 4 of us, and I like to go to the casino. I do have my credit card set up for the shipboard account. What you are basically saying is you are taking $1000, and putting $300 down on the account. Unless you do lots of drinking, I think they give you money back from that, let alone touching your $700.
I do recommend getting off the ship though. You are in Nassau all day and overnight. Go do something there.
I do recommend getting off the ship though. You are in Nassau all day and overnight. Go do something there.
Thanks for responding...we do not want to have TOO little cash on us.
Jul 24, 2014, 10:38 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LGA - JFK
Programs: UA, AA, DL, B6, CX, KE, Latitude, VIFP, Crown & Anchor, etc.
Posts: 2,589
OP's is flying in from OH so I understand the needs to plan ahead - are you arriving a day early (suggest reading the other thread here) - using miles & points ? Bahamas' main shopping district is 5 minutes off the ship, fancy stores selling pricey high-end goods along with your typical tourist tees & magnets, etc. but it's cool to walk around, especially early/mid morning & late in the day when it's not as hot (temps could be in the 80's to 90's in May) It's fine to explore a bit & put "sea legs" on solid ground a bit, maybe pickup some soda to bring back to the ship or at least a few photos for posting online, LOL.
We've been there too many times but still try to get off the ship a bit, and evening walk along with pier/docks inside the secured area, look across to Atlantas & city lights, etc. Hilton has a private breach with day passes & some liked it over gambling on land, and sometimes, the ship is quieter & even the pools aren't crowded - so yeah, peace & tranquility. Checkout the forum & roll call, and ports of call for lots of useful info at CruiseCritic dot com.
Keep checking for price drops like this year, as you are way out from final payment - get reduction/adjustment in prices and/or "free" OBC or upgrade to better category of cabins. The market has plenty of inventory & more mega ships joining the lines so everyone is "coasting" off Florida, Bahamas & the Carib's.
If you don't plan to shop duty-free (smoke & liquor) and/or on land, and buy on impulse, and spurge on shore excurison & tours, that's more than enough for a short cruise. Bring a credit card for the onboard account instead of cash for deposits/daily service charges, etc to free up some cash. THEN, use cash to settle the account on the last evening - CCL has automated kiosk to simplify this, or, you can stand in line (long, sometimes) to see CSR at the hotel/reception/front desk to pay the exact amount due.
Enjoy your cruise.
We've been there too many times but still try to get off the ship a bit, and evening walk along with pier/docks inside the secured area, look across to Atlantas & city lights, etc. Hilton has a private breach with day passes & some liked it over gambling on land, and sometimes, the ship is quieter & even the pools aren't crowded - so yeah, peace & tranquility. Checkout the forum & roll call, and ports of call for lots of useful info at CruiseCritic dot com.
Keep checking for price drops like this year, as you are way out from final payment - get reduction/adjustment in prices and/or "free" OBC or upgrade to better category of cabins. The market has plenty of inventory & more mega ships joining the lines so everyone is "coasting" off Florida, Bahamas & the Carib's.
If you don't plan to shop duty-free (smoke & liquor) and/or on land, and buy on impulse, and spurge on shore excurison & tours, that's more than enough for a short cruise. Bring a credit card for the onboard account instead of cash for deposits/daily service charges, etc to free up some cash. THEN, use cash to settle the account on the last evening - CCL has automated kiosk to simplify this, or, you can stand in line (long, sometimes) to see CSR at the hotel/reception/front desk to pay the exact amount due.
Enjoy your cruise.
Jul 24, 2014, 8:46 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 71
You should consider using a credit card instead of cash particularly for your onboard account. There is petty crime in Nassau which hasn't stopped us from going there over 20 times!!!!!!
It is much easier to manage your on board account if you use a credit card. You can keep up with your account via the cabin tv. Settling the account with cash will take standing in line, which is not fun on your last night on the cruise.
The Ecstasy is probably the oldest in the Carnival fleet and it's been so long since we have been on her that I can't remember anything about the ship but do book at least an ocean view cabin especially if you don't plan on spending much time on the island.
If you went to my favorite haunts in Nassau your budget would be inadequate but if you just want something from the straw market or trinket shops it will be fine.
Beach chairs and drinks at a couple of the beaches would be well within your budget unless you went to the Atlantis on Paradise Island. You can catch a public bus or grab a cab outside the straw market for any beach. You can walk up the street to the Hilton. It's a very old historic hotel which is interesting in itself and it does have a small beach where you can rent a chair and it's at a very quiet part of downtown.
Cabs, your best choice for MIA to POM will be about $35 each way. The ship's shuttle will be more. Plan your arrival at MIA no later than noon.
Do be aware that you must be onboard 90 minutes before the ship sails. This is a Homeland Security requirement administered by the cruise line. On your day of disembarkation do not book a flight before 11:30 - noon at the earliest. MIA is a mess of an airport and lines, both for check in and TSA are not user friendly. The listed time on your itinerary refers to docking time not disembarkation time.
For much more information join us on Cruise Critic.
It is much easier to manage your on board account if you use a credit card. You can keep up with your account via the cabin tv. Settling the account with cash will take standing in line, which is not fun on your last night on the cruise.
The Ecstasy is probably the oldest in the Carnival fleet and it's been so long since we have been on her that I can't remember anything about the ship but do book at least an ocean view cabin especially if you don't plan on spending much time on the island.
If you went to my favorite haunts in Nassau your budget would be inadequate but if you just want something from the straw market or trinket shops it will be fine.
Beach chairs and drinks at a couple of the beaches would be well within your budget unless you went to the Atlantis on Paradise Island. You can catch a public bus or grab a cab outside the straw market for any beach. You can walk up the street to the Hilton. It's a very old historic hotel which is interesting in itself and it does have a small beach where you can rent a chair and it's at a very quiet part of downtown.
Cabs, your best choice for MIA to POM will be about $35 each way. The ship's shuttle will be more. Plan your arrival at MIA no later than noon.
Do be aware that you must be onboard 90 minutes before the ship sails. This is a Homeland Security requirement administered by the cruise line. On your day of disembarkation do not book a flight before 11:30 - noon at the earliest. MIA is a mess of an airport and lines, both for check in and TSA are not user friendly. The listed time on your itinerary refers to docking time not disembarkation time.
For much more information join us on Cruise Critic.
Jul 25, 2014, 1:44 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 387
"You should consider using a credit card instead of cash particularly for your onboard account."
Thanks, but we prefer to use cash exclusively for for our onboard account and miscellaneous tipping, and will budget accordingly. Standing in a long line to settle our account doesn't scare us
"The Ecstasy is probably the oldest in the Carnival fleet and it's been so long since we have been on her that I can't remember anything about the ship but do book at least an ocean view cabin especially if you don't plan on spending much time on the island."
Definitely! We are booking one of their Grand Suites with the Extended Balcony.
Cabs, your best choice for MIA to POM will be about $35 each way.
And UberX will cost us far less one way (about $25).
"Plan your arrival at MIA no later than noon.
Do be aware that you must be onboard 90 minutes before the ship sails. This is a Homeland Security requirement administered by the cruise line. On your day of disembarkation do not book a flight before 11:30 - noon at the earliest. MIA is a mess of an airport and lines, both for check in and TSA are not user friendly. The listed time on your itinerary refers to docking time not disembarkation time."
We are flying down the morning and staying at a Marriott property adjacent to MIA. Our flight back on the day of disembarkation leaves at 4pm.
Thank you, fredjr, for your comments and help!
Thanks, but we prefer to use cash exclusively for for our onboard account and miscellaneous tipping, and will budget accordingly. Standing in a long line to settle our account doesn't scare us
"The Ecstasy is probably the oldest in the Carnival fleet and it's been so long since we have been on her that I can't remember anything about the ship but do book at least an ocean view cabin especially if you don't plan on spending much time on the island."
Definitely! We are booking one of their Grand Suites with the Extended Balcony.
Cabs, your best choice for MIA to POM will be about $35 each way.
And UberX will cost us far less one way (about $25).
"Plan your arrival at MIA no later than noon.
Do be aware that you must be onboard 90 minutes before the ship sails. This is a Homeland Security requirement administered by the cruise line. On your day of disembarkation do not book a flight before 11:30 - noon at the earliest. MIA is a mess of an airport and lines, both for check in and TSA are not user friendly. The listed time on your itinerary refers to docking time not disembarkation time."
We are flying down the morning and staying at a Marriott property adjacent to MIA. Our flight back on the day of disembarkation leaves at 4pm.
Thank you, fredjr, for your comments and help!
Jul 25, 2014, 3:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: USA
Programs: SA Air, Air Canada, KLM, BA,Lufthansa, United, AA, Hawaiian, Air New Zealnd, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic
Posts: 777
You should be fine!
I usually take a minimum of $1,000. and I use a credit card for the ship, but for just 3 days it should work.
Most of all, have fun!!
I usually take a minimum of $1,000. and I use a credit card for the ship, but for just 3 days it should work.
Most of all, have fun!!
Jul 25, 2014, 5:31 pm
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Escondido CA USA
Programs: AS, UA, HY, Hil, Merr
Posts: 3,207
Tours, shopping, tips, spa, specialty dining, gambling and drinking are the main costs on board...all can be put on credit card.
Lots of cost off ship possible, again most on cc.
Pre and Post transport, hotel, food, etc can add up, again mostly on cc.
Pick your poison, and plan accordingly.
Note some small bills are often useful for tour tips, misc "vendor" purchases off ship and in much of the world..."to get into a bathroom"
Enjoy.
Lots of cost off ship possible, again most on cc.
Pre and Post transport, hotel, food, etc can add up, again mostly on cc.
Pick your poison, and plan accordingly.
Note some small bills are often useful for tour tips, misc "vendor" purchases off ship and in much of the world..."to get into a bathroom"
Enjoy.
Jul 26, 2014, 3:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 5,210
Using cash shouldn't be an issue for the shipboard account. I'm not sure if they still let you make that deposit at checkin in the terminal (same as they swipe our credit card), but if not, a quick stop by guest services when you board shouldn't be too bad. You don't have to do anything the last night with it unless you still owe money. If you have a refund coming, they will give you a check, attached to your statement they leave at your cabin overnight.
You also have the option of securing your account with a credit card to start with, and then just going down the last night and paying the account off with cash. I did that once where I had a good week in the casino. I swung by the desk on our way to dinner, when there was very little line, paid my account off with cash, and just let the last few drinks we had that night get charged to my credit card.
You also have the option of securing your account with a credit card to start with, and then just going down the last night and paying the account off with cash. I did that once where I had a good week in the casino. I swung by the desk on our way to dinner, when there was very little line, paid my account off with cash, and just let the last few drinks we had that night get charged to my credit card.