Faster and smarter in the app... Download now

Cruise ships sometimes seem as if they are islands themselves, with their own facilities, activities and food supplies. However, when it comes to paying for different products, this is, unfortunately, not the case.

Due to the range of countries you'll be visiting, it can be difficult to understand questions about payment on board, especially if you're visiting countries with different currencies.

What currency will I need?

The currency on board will usually be the currency of the country you set sail from i.e. U.S. cruises travelling to the Caribbean will use the dollar on board.

However, you need also need to take extra currency if you're planning to spend any money in the ports that you stop at. This must be the currency of the country that you're travelling to. Then, if you're visiting four countries with four different currencies, you must ensure that you take some of each currency with you. You can insure yourself against currency loss and theft by taking out comprehensive cruise travel insurance.

Many cruises use onboard cruise card systems which you can connect to your credit card. You'll be able to use these to pay for food, drink and extra experiences during your stay and this bill will be taken off your card at the end of your holiday.

Will my food and drink be included?

Food and drink available at the meal-time buffets and dinners is considered free, as well as the drinks from dispensers around the cruise ship. Generally, if you're travelling on a luxury cruise or have a pre-paid plan, whereas extra food and drink are not included outside of meal times.

Related content.

If you found the tips and insights into cruising useful, then check out our other helpful articles on this topic.

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 828848.

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is provided by Taurus Insurance Services, an insurance intermediary licenced and authorised in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission under Permission Number 5566 and authorised to passport general insurance intermediary services into the UK and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK under registration number 444830.

The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE. Great Lakes Insurance SE is a German insurance company with its headquarters at Königinstrasse 107, 80802 Munich. UK Branch office: 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, EC3M 5BN, company number SE000083. Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, is authorised and regulated by Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht. Deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number: 769884. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.