Plan $100–$200 per person per day in spending money beyond the base cruise cost. Most onboard spending goes on a room account (credit card), but port days with independent excursions, shopping, and local food add up quickly.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
One of the most common questions from first-timers: how much extra money do you actually need beyond the cruise fare?
Onboard spending: cashless on the ship
Everything on the ship goes on your onboard account (also called a folio). You register a credit card at check-in and your room key doubles as your charging card. You're not carrying cash on the ship — you're charging everything to your account, which is billed at the end.
The exception: the casino deals only in cash or casino chips.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
What costs money on the ship (that isn't pre-paid)
- Drinks (if no package): $9–$14 per cocktail, $3–$8 per non-alcoholic
- Specialty dining: $30–$75/person
- Spa services: $80–$200+ per treatment
- Retail shopping: ship boutiques sell jewelry, clothing, duty-free liquor
- Shore excursions booked onboard: full price, no discount
- WiFi (if not pre-purchased)
- Photo packages: $200–$400 for digital download of professional photos
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Port day spending
This is where cash becomes useful. Most ports have vendors, local restaurants, and taxis that prefer cash.
Cash recommendation per port day:
- $50–$100 per person if you're doing independently arranged activities
- $20–$50 per person if your excursion is pre-paid and you're just exploring
Currency tip
In Caribbean ports, US dollars are widely accepted (sometimes required). In Mexico, pesos give you better rates but USD is fine. In European ports, bring Euros or have a no-foreign-fee debit card.
Total spending money guideline
| Trip style | Daily spending (per person, beyond cruise cost) |
|---|---|
| Budget, minimal extras | $50–$80/day |
| Average cruiser | $100–$150/day |
| Treat yourself | $200–$300/day |
For a 7-night cruise, that's $350–$2,100 per person in spending money beyond the base all-in cost. Cruise first-timers are frequently shocked by this number — plan for it upfront.