Traveler's Checks?

[pamgar55]

We're about to leave for our cruise (we sail Sunday). We plan to use a credit card for our Sign & Sail card and for any "major" purchases in the various ports, and, of course, we'll have plenty of small bills for tips.

Any advice on whether we should get wome Traveler's Checks versus carrying a few hundred dollars in cash for restaurants in port or for non-Carnival excursions. I know there's always a risk in carrying cash, but I'm not sure it's worth the hassle of getting traveler's checks and not sure how easy they'd be to use in the ports anyway. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Pam
Conquest 7/11/04



Post Edited (07-08-04 10:46)

i asked this same question once...I leave tomorrow for Miami and then Saturday on the Triumph...My choice was to just take cash, because ive heard the power of a U.S. Dollar is very great. And in poorer places like Jamacia might not have anywhere to cash them. I know its probably smarter to take travelers checks but id rather not run the risk of having someone not take them. Hope this helps a little!

[David W]

Pam,
I never carried any Travelers checks personally. I usually don't carry but about $500.00
with me in extra cash, and the wife and I split that between us. Since its just the wife and I, and we too put our S & S card on our credit card , that works out pretty good for us.

You are going to love the Conquest ! We sailed on her last August, and had great service and food and a wonderful cruise, not to meantion the tropical storm that followed us from Cozumel back to New Orleans.Even with all the rain, we still had a great time.
If you got a special occasion at the time of your cruise, try the supper club up stairs. its truely a 5-star dining expierance.

Happy cruising;
David

[pamgar55]

Kristy and David, thanks for the input. My husband pretty much said the same thing, but I was curious about what others had done or were going to do.

David, we definitely plan to try the supper club. Someone suggested making reservations pretty quickly. In fact, I think our cabin is on the same deck if I'd read the maps right. Also, I've been watching the weather pretty closely....no tropical depressions or anything our there right now, so maybe we won't bring one home with us.

Thanks again!

Pam

Depends on how much money you want to bring with ya. Personally I usually bring travelers checks plus enough cash for tips and places that prefer cash. All up to how comfortable you feel.

[David W]

Yes, make your Resv. as soon as you know what night you are planning on dining in the Point Super Club. You'll be surprised how fast they will book up.
If by chance you think of it, See if you can get a drink called a Ocean Wave. It was reccommended to me here on this site. It is a fine drink. its blue in color, and is imported from Australia. See if Lauren Meyers is still a bar tender or waitress on the Conquest.
Tell her we said hello !

Hope you have a great trip and a wonderful cruise;
david

Pam,
I always carry travelers cheques. I use them on the ship (putting money in my account) and off the ship because if a pick pocket hits you most of the time you never know when it happened and there is no recourse with cash it is just gone.
Happy Sailing!

[Scotts]

May not be right about this, but I think you can cash your travelers check on board before going to the ports at the pursers desk and as well at the cashiers window in the Casino. At no charge.

Someone correct me if I wrong, but seems like I read this somewhere before our last cruise.

[dusty]

make sure you have called the credit card co and tell them you will be using the card on the ship and in the ports. they might think it is being used by someone else and block any purchases. i took cash and travelers checks . the pursor was very nice and cashed them for me.

Bring cash for tips, I used $2.00 bills, had to order them from bank. I also brought travelers checks, before going on shore I cashed them on ship, no problems.