How much money should you bring on a cruise?

For a typical 7-day cruise, bring $300-$500 in cash for tips and port spending, plus a credit card for onboard charges/emergencies, but the exact amount depends on your habits; pre-pay tips, use your onboard account for most ship expenses, and focus cash on in-port expenses like taxis, souvenirs, and local meals, carrying $100-$150 per port day for those activities, notes this Reddit thread and another Reddit thread.

What's a good amount of cash to take on a cruise?

That's a great question! A good rule of thumb for a 7-day cruise is to bring around $50 to $100 in cash for tips. You might want to consider having a mix of denominations: maybe 10 to 20 $1 bills for small tips, 5 $5 bills for mid-range tips, and a few $10 bills for larger services.

What is the 3:1:1 rule on a cruise?

The 3-1-1 rule on cruises refers to the TSA's carry-on liquid guidelines for flights to the port: 3.4-ounce (100ml) containers, all fitting in 1 quart-sized clear bag, with 1 bag per person, but this rule only applies to airline security, not the ship itself, where full-size toiletries are allowed in checked luggage or carry-ons once onboard. 

Can you go on a cruise for $500?

For a cruise costing around $500 per person, consider mini sailings (3-5 nights) on budget-friendly cruise lines like Carnival or MSC. These lines offer deals on interior cabins for cruises to destinations like the Bahamas from Miami or short jaunts from Los Angeles.

Why did Carnival charge me $100 before my cruise?

“Why did Carnival charge me $100 before my cruise? Carnival may place a $100 hold or pre-authorization on your card to secure your booking or your onboard spending account ✮✈ +1-855-387-4014 ✵✈ . This is not an added fee; it's an initial hold that is adjusted once your final bill is calculated.

CASH!! How Much Cash Should You Take on a Cruise? (Tips to Figure Out YOUR Amount)

Can you refuse to pay gratuities on a cruise?

You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms.

Why is Carnival charging me $$200?

The most frequent reason for a $200 transaction is a temporary pre-authorization hold 1-866-829-1280 . When you set up your Sail & Sign account during check-in 1-866-829-1280 , Carnival places a hold on your credit or debit card to verify that funds are available for onboard spending 1-866-829-1280 .

What is the average cost of a 7 day cruise?

A 7-day cruise averages around $1,800 to $2,000 per person, but costs vary wildly from under $1,000 for budget Caribbean trips to thousands for luxury or peak season sailings, including base fare, food, and basic entertainment, with extra for drinks, excursions, and Wi-Fi. Expect prices from about $400 to $4,000+ depending heavily on destination (Caribbean cheaper than Alaska), cruise line, cabin type, and time of year.
 

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

The cheapest months to go on a cruise are typically September, early December (between Thanksgiving and Christmas), and January (after the holidays through early February), which fall into the cruise industry's "off-peak" or "shoulder seasons" when demand is lower. You'll find better prices by avoiding peak times like summer, Spring Break, and Christmas/New Year's, as lower demand leads to significant price drops and potential extra perks like drink packages or upgrades. 

Is Royal Caribbean cheaper than Carnival?

Yes, Carnival is generally cheaper than Royal Caribbean for similar sailings, offering lower base fares, especially on shorter trips and older ships, making it a budget-friendly choice, while Royal Caribbean often costs more due to its newer, larger ships with more premium amenities, though both prices depend heavily on dates, ships, and itineraries. 

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't require pills to be in original bottles, so pill organizers are fine, but for international travel, original containers with labels are strongly recommended by the CDC and State Department to avoid issues with customs and varying local laws. While the TSA allows unlimited solid medication in carry-ons, having a doctor's note and keeping meds in original bottles (especially for international trips) provides clear proof of legitimacy and helps with potential questions from officers, particularly for controlled substances. 

What is the Jones rule for cruising?

When a cruise goes from one U.S. port to another, the Jones Act mandates that the ship only docks at US-built and operated harbors, ensuring they don't pick passengers up from a Mexican port or any other foreign country before their final destination.

What's not allowed on cruises?

You can't bring weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol (mostly), candles, irons, steamers, extension cords/surge protectors, drones, hoverboards, and hazardous chemicals on a cruise, as these pose safety risks or fire hazards. Items like knives, large aerosol cans, and pets (except service animals) are also banned, though exceptions exist for small personal fans, hair tools, and specific medical items; always check your cruise line's specific policy.
 

How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise?

For a 7-day cruise, pack versatile, mix-and-match outfits: about 7-10 casual daytime outfits (shorts/t-shirts/sundresses), 2-3 dinner outfits (nicer tops/pants, 1-2 dressier options for formal nights), 2 swimsuits, and layers for evenings or cool weather, aiming for ~2-3 bottoms and 4-5 versatile tops to maximize looks. Don't forget activity-specific wear like workout clothes or water shoes, and remember you can re-wear items or use ship laundry services to pack lighter, say cruise experts on Facebook.
 

Is it illegal to carry $10,000 in cash?

No, it's not inherently illegal to carry $10,000 cash in the U.S., but you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when traveling internationally, or face seizure and penalties; domestically, there are no limits but large amounts can trigger suspicion and potential seizure under civil asset forfeiture laws, and businesses must report large cash receipts to the IRS. 

When to avoid a Caribbean cruise?

You should avoid Caribbean cruises during Peak Hurricane Season (August-October) for weather risks and itinerary changes, Major Holidays/Spring Break (Dec-April) for high prices & crowds, and potentially Winter Months (Jan-Feb) if you dislike cooler water/rougher seas, though this varies by region, with the Southern Caribbean (ABC Islands) generally being a safer bet year-round. 

What month are cruise ships least crowded?

The best time to go on a Mediterranean cruise for mild weather and manageable crowds is May, early June or September. This shoulder season offers a blend of pleasant temperatures, active shore excursions and fewer tourists. You'll find better prices and more availability, especially if you book early.

What days do cruise prices drop?

Tuesday and Thursday are the most reliable days for big cruise lines to offer great promotions like slashed fares, discounted amenities, and onboard perks. To score even lower fares on these days, there are a few things you can do.

What is the dress code for a cruise?

Cruise dress codes vary but generally follow Casual (shorts, tees, sundresses for day), Smart Casual (collared shirts, dresses, nice pants for dinner/lounges), and Formal/Elegant (suits, gowns for special nights) categories, with specific rules about swimwear in dining areas; always check your cruise line's policy, but expect themed nights and optional dress-up opportunities. 

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

For generally the cheapest cruise line, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line consistently rank at the top, offering low per-night rates, especially on short Caribbean or Bahamas trips, with Royal Caribbean also being a budget-friendly option, though often slightly pricier than Carnival. Costa Cruises is also very cheap, but sometimes has mixed reviews on quality compared to price.
 

Are Costco cruises all inclusive?

Costco cruises aren't inherently all-inclusive like some resorts, but they bundle significant value, including most meals, entertainment, accommodations, and often extra perks like Costco Shop Cards, specialty dining credits, or beverage packages, depending on the cruise line and specific promotion. While basic cruises cover food and fun, luxury lines and select Costco packages add more beverages (alcohol), Wi-Fi, and gratuities, making them closer to truly all-inclusive. 

Do you still tip if you prepay gratuities?

You absolutely do not need to give any additional gratuities...the prepaid is enough. Obviously you can tip extra to any crew member who you feel deserves it. Any drinks purchased will include an automatic tip. Miscellaneous additional tipping may be involved if you go to the spa...

What are the most common cruise complaints?

23 Things Cruisers Love to Complain About

• Cruise Ship Size. Boardwalk on Oasis of the Seas (Photo: Cruise Critic) ...
• Cruise Fares. ...
• Cruise Line Gratuities. ...
• Extra-Fee Items. ...
• Embarkation. ...
• Alcohol. ...
• Canceled or Changed Itineraries. ...
• Cabins.

What meals are free on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival cruises include a wide variety of food in your fare, primarily in the Main Dining Room (MDR) for sit-down meals and the Lido Buffet, plus casual spots like Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the Pizza Pirate for quick bites; expect unlimited access to basics like tea, coffee, water, and juices, with extra costs for specialty restaurants, premium drinks (alcohol/soda), and some 24-hour room service items.