Taking a cruise is one of the best ways to see the world. There’s something about travelling through different countries (and even continents) while enjoying the luxuries of a big ship that makes cruising so appealing.
While waking up in a new port every day on a floating luxury vessel is easy, it can be hard to figure out which currency to bring with you, especially if you’re going on a world cruise or visiting ports with different onshore currencies.
That’s why we’ve prepared a handy guide to currency exchange on cruise ships so you can set sail, stress-free.
We’ll also show you a handy alternative, the Wise card. It’s designed for low-cost spending around the world, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency at a fair mid-market exchange rate*.
Learn more about the Wise card 💳
Can you exchange money on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships usually have one or more currency exchange facilities.
However, depending on the destination or the cruise line, the range of currencies and the availability of cash is not always guaranteed and varies.
Are there ATMs on cruise ships?
Most cruise ships have at least one ATM available to the guests. Large ships often have multiple. If you’re not sure where to find one, they’re usually located somewhere by the reception desk or in the atrium.1
Reasons not to exchange money on a cruise ship
Exchanging currency on cruise ships is often a last minute necessity rather than a choice. If possible, it’s best to try to avoid this, or at least avoid relying on it throughout your whole trip.
Here are some reasons to not exchange money on a cruise ship:
Limited currency and limited cash
Cruise ships only have a set amount of currency on hand. The estimates are created based on the number of passengers, so you won’t have unlimited amounts of cash at your disposal. They also might not have the currency you need, since it’s common for them to keep one or two major currencies.2
What currency is used onboard?
Cruise ships usually have their official onboard currency (OBC) that they charge you in. Here are some main cruise lines and the currencies they use:
- P&O Cruises - Pounds sterling3
- Disney - US dollar4
- Norwegian Cruise Line - US Dollar5
- Royal Caribbean - US Dollar6
- Fred Olsen - Pounds sterling7
Poor exchange rates
Even though exchanging money on the cruise ship is the easiest option, the exchange rate is often rather bad. This also applies to cruise ship ATMs and their conversion rates.
Some cruise lines don’t offer currency exchange
It’s possible that you won’t even be able to exchange currency onboard. Some cruise providers, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, no longer offer currency exchange services.8
High cruise ship ATM fees
The cruise ship company and the ATMs on board can both include their own fees. And just like many things at sea, such as internet or phone coverage, this can also be pretty costly.1
Cruise lines that offer onboard currency exchange and ATMs
Not all cruise ships will have the same money exchange and withdrawal services. Here are some popular providers and what they offer:
| Cruise line 🚢 | Currency exchange onboard? | ATM onboard? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes3 | ❗ Yes, on Australian cruises9 | |
| Celebrity Cruises | ✅ Yes10 | ✅ Yes10 |
| Disney Cruises | ✅ Yes1 | ⛔ No12 |
| Norwegian Cruise Lines | ⛔ No8 | ✅ Yes13 |
| Royal Caribbean | ✅ Yes14 | ✅ Yes14 |
| Princess Cruises | ❗ Yes, on European and selected itineraries15 | ❗ Yes, on European and selected itineraries15 |
| Carnival Cruises | ❗ Only on domestic USA cruises16 | ✅ Yes17 |
How to avoid cruise ship currency exchange and ATM fees
You should only use cruise ship ATMs and currency exchange services when you absolutely must.
Here’s how to not spend a fortune on fees:
Exchange currency before your cruise
Exchanging currency before travelling will save you the most money. Since you’ll have enough time, you’ll be able to find the best exchange rate available.
Use currency exchanges on land
When your cruise ship stops in a port, you can try to locate a currency exchange facility there.
Use bank ATMs on land
Try finding an ATM with a decent exchange rate and low fees in one of the places you visit. Maybe you’ll even find your bank’s ATM. Do your research before you embark, to make sure you don't get caught off guard.
To help you get started, why not check out our ATM guides in these popular cruise destinations:
- ATMs in Greece
- ATMs in Italy
- ATMs in Norway
Use the onboard casino to convert
You could try cashing out funds that are in your onboard account at the casino. However, cruise casinos sometimes have rules about how quickly you’re allowed to cash out, so the guests wouldn’t use them as ATMs. Make sure you check with your cruise operator beforehand.
Spend on your card
You could also skip cash altogether. You’ll be able to use your debit or credit card in most ports, anywhere from local shops to public transport. However, if you’re travelling outside Europe, make sure you check whether your cards are accepted.
Your Wise card can be used for any international payments, including all your travel expenses.
An alternative to high fees on the high seas
Most large cruise ships have currency exchange facilities or ATMs. However, you should try to avoid them, since you can end up dealing with hefty fees and bad exchange rates.
In order to avoid high exchange fees on the cruise ship, you could try using the Wise card. It automatically converts the currency with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.
If you do end up using your cruise ship’s ATM, make sure you only withdraw in their main currency. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary fees. If that’s not possible, your Wise card can convert the money in your Wise account to the right currency whenever you withdraw cash, whether onboard or on land, all at the mid-market rate*.
Even better, with your Wise card, you can make 2 free withdrawals each month up to 200 GBP, so you can relax and enjoy your cruise without worrying.
Order your Wise card today 💳
So that’s our guide to cruise ship currency exchange, all that’s left is to wish you ‘Bon voyage’!
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Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 10-May-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
