Currency for Multiple Foreign Ports
 

I'm going on my first cruise, a 16-day holiday cruise aboard the QEII. What's the best way to get cash for various foreign ports? Do I load up on British, Portugese , Spanish , and Senegalese currency prior to my cruise or is there always some sort of currency booth at cruise ship docks?

You can exchange money onboard the ship at the purser's desk. It might be a little bit less than you would get
at a bank, but you don't want to waste your port time looking for a good exchange rate. Generally you don't
really need much money. Remember, every time you exchange, you lose money. If you eat in a nice restaurant
or buy something in a shop, you most likely will use your credit card - which usually provides the best exchange rate.
If you run short of cash while walking the port - just look for a bank or cambio (money exchange). Some places might
even take American (is that where you are from?). The ship will give you much info on that as well as maps, suggested
sites, shops and restaurants, etc.

Thanks for the info, Connette. I'm glad I have one less thing to worry about before leaving the States.

You are welcome. Have a great cruise. Bon Voyage.

Portugal and Spain both use Euros.

Most of the cash we used in ports were for cab fares and for small purchases(drinks, pastries, postcards, etc.), anything any bigger went on the credit card. If you want to get cash, you should be able to find an ATM easily near the port, and someone on ship should know where they are. I would be a little leary of exchanging USD for local currency at a cambio or other exchange -- I have heard that they don't usually give the best rate and tack on a surcharge on top of that.

If you don't want to chance finding an ATM once on shore, you can check with your bank here to see if you can get some currency before you leave. I've done that when travelling overseas just to have some amount of cash, in case the Airport ATM is out of service.

In a couple of airports, and on at least one cruise ship, I've seen a donation box for an international charity, where you could donate any leftover currency if you were so inclined. Or, you can always hold on to any leftovers for your next trip!