On-board spending money | P&O Cruises (2024)

FAQs

What is onboard spending money on a cruise? ›

On-board credit is money that can be used during your cruise for extras such as Shore Excursions, Spa Treatments, Speciality Dining or Gift Shop purchases etc. In plain English On-board credit is like 'free money'! This is basically a credit of money which is automatically deposited into your onboard spending account.

And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.

Onboard credit is free money you can use to buy things on your cruise ship. It's a financial credit to your shipboard account; the amount of your onboard credit will be deducted from your final bill of purchases made on board during your cruise. If you've never cruised, know that a cruise ship is a cashless society.

Pick An Inside Cabin

Another factor that greatly influences your cruise fare is your choice of cabin. Advertised fares are almost always for inside cabins. While they lack windows or balconies, inside cabins offer all the comforts of higher-tier cabins often at a substantially lower cost.

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.

The easiest and preferred method of payment would be by credit card, however it is possible to pay in cash with some cruise lines.

When you miss a ship at a port of call, go to the port staff first. Each cruise line has a port agent who can help. The line's agent can hand over your passport and can help you contact your ship to make arrangements to meet up in the next port. The next call should be to your travel insurance provider.

You Might Be Allowed to Use Onboard Credit for Crew Gratuities Onboard credit is an ideal way to pay the daily tips that are usually added to your stateroom bill. Using onboard credit for tips is allowed on all lines, but check before the start of your cruise so you can plan accordingly.

The Onboard Credit is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

I suggest no more than $50 (max $100) -worth of euros, and that more for the comfort of carrying local currency than needing it - your fee-free credit cards will give you a far better exchange rate than buying any foreign currency.

How much should I budget for a 7 day cruise? ›

A brief three to four-night cruise can start at a price as low as $200-$300 per person for an inside cabin, whereas a seven-day cruise can cost anywhere between $500-$1500 per person, depending on the cruise line, destination, and cabin type.

Euros are the preferred currency in most ports of call. Ambassador – Ambassador use the British Pound (GBP £) on board. All purchases will be charged to your onboard account, which will then be settled at the end of the cruise.

An Onboard Expense Account, also known as your SeaPass® onboard account, is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services.

Onboard credit can also be called shipboard credit, onboard spend, OBC or some variation of the four. It's essentially a monetary amount provided to passengers by the cruise line or agency who they book through.

Daily service charges are not the only cruise tips you will pay on board. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments. The included tip amount varies by cruise line but is typically 15% to 20% of the bill.

Onboard prices are in US dollars, with the exception of some Australian-based cruises where the onboard currency is in Australian dollars. Cunard – Transactions onboard the cruise ships are in US dollars, all of which are charged to your onboard account, which will be settled at the end of your holiday.