Magellan_5

Hi - My parents are going on a Princess cruise to Mexico. This is the first time they've ever taken a cruise or a trip outside of the U.S.

I've traveled a great deal, but I've never been on a cruise myself, so I can't answer this question for them.

<b> Should they wear a moneybelt while on the cruise? </b> I can't seem to find out if their particular room has a safe deposit box. I would imagine they would need a money belt for when the disembark and go into the Mexican towns, but I'm not sure about what they should do while on the ship itself.

To me this seems like a no-brainer (I would wear one), but my parents far more relaxed about such things than I am. Can anyone offer advice - what have you done on cruises? Thanks!

Magellan_5

My mom just brought up a good point: you can't exactly wear a moneybelt while wearing a swimsuit on a the boat! What do folks do?

Thanks for helping!

spurs

Pretty much every ship has safe boxes, and you don't need cash while on ship. I leave all valuables in the cabin safe box. In ports, I wouldn't wear money belts either, for one reason not to draw thieves attention. Put cash in pocket.

gail

Cruises are cashless - they do not even want to accept cash for anything. All you need is the room key card, which doubles as the charge card. All charges are totalled up and are charged to credit card at end of trip - you can view statement anytime you want during the cruise.

If they choose to have cash of any significane on board (I wouldn't; I would just use ATMs as needed, get cash from desk on ship, charge stuff when off ship), I would just hide it someplace reasonable in the cabin - even in a locked suitcase.

April

I've never worn a money belt on a cruise ship.

traveller69

Every cruise I have been on there has been a safe in the cabin. We always keep our charge cards, passports and cash in it. When we go ashore we usually just take small small bills and a charge card in our pocket (front pocket) so there is nothing to attract theives. If you use the casino you don't even need cash for that - they give you the cash and charge it to your room. Unless of course you win big you will have have to carry all that money back to your cabin!!!!!

swaymock

Just a footnote to say that on Princess, if you charge your gambling to your room account, they will charge you 3%.

That may or may not be more than the ATM fee, which I think was about $5 last time I sailed.

Also, they will need picture ID to get back on the ship (yes I know sometimes just the sign and sail card are enough, but sometimes not), so they will have to take a purse or wallet into town or carry their picture id's in the front pockets also.

I've never talked to anyone who carried a moneybelt on a cruise, but if it makes them more comfortable - why not.

Yes, all Princess ships have in-room safes (they are tiny, half the size of a shoebox maybe).

Magellan_5

Wow - this is all really great information. Thanks everyone! I would have never thought of these things (not ever having been on a cruise), so I really appreciate all of the suggestions. - M

Cruiseryyc

You don't need a moneybelt on the cruise, just a pocket for your cruise card. As everyone has stated, you can put all your valuables in the cabin safe. As for when you're off the ship, while I've never used one in the Caribbean or Mexico, if you are more comfortable using one, then do so.

gail

They also sell things to wear around your neck to carry cruise card and ID - a little cheesey, but since your parents are thinking money belt, they may like it as a gift - sold in luggage stores.

I have also seen people punch a hole in the cruise card and wear it on a wrist thing or necklace - I imagine you would have to be very careful where you punched the hole and can not imagine who travels with a hole punch - just commenting on things I have seen.

traveller69

The cruise lines have now developed a cruise card that has your picture ID right on it so you just need one card. The procedure is to put it in the slot of the scanner when you disembark and when you reboard.
Security can then identify you by matching the picture to you. It also establish that every passenger is back on board by matching the exit and returning times.