Do Cruise Lines Cash Travelers Checks Here Is What You Need to Know

Most major cruise lines no longer cash travelers checks, as they’ve shifted to digital and card-based payment systems for convenience and security. It’s essential to verify directly with your cruise line before sailing, as policies vary and some may only accept checks issued by affiliated banks or for onboard credit. Always have backup payment methods to avoid disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Most cruise lines no longer cash travelers checks due to declining use and banking changes.
• Notify your cruise line in advance if you plan to use travelers checks onboard.
• Exchange checks at port before boarding for better rates and wider acceptance.
• Carry a government-issued ID to verify identity when cashing checks.
• Use credit/debit cards or cash instead for easier, more reliable transactions onboard.
• Contact guest services early to confirm check-cashing policies on your ship.

The Traveler’s Dilemma: Do Cruise Lines Cash Travelers Checks?

For many travelers, the allure of a cruise is undeniable—sunsets over the open ocean, gourmet dining, luxurious spas, and excursions to exotic destinations. But behind the glamour lies a practical concern: how to manage your money while onboard and ashore. In the digital age, where credit cards and mobile payments dominate, one financial instrument from the past still lingers in the minds of seasoned travelers: the traveler’s check. Once a staple of international travel, these paper-based guarantees of payment are now relics for most, yet they remain a trusted fallback for some—especially older travelers, those wary of digital fraud, or those visiting remote ports with limited banking infrastructure.

But here’s the critical question: Do cruise lines cash travelers checks? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. While traveler’s checks were once universally accepted, the cruise industry has evolved, and so have its financial policies. Understanding whether you can use them onboard, at the front desk, or in port can mean the difference between a seamless vacation and an unexpected cash crunch. This guide dives deep into the current state of traveler’s checks on cruise ships, what you need to know before boarding, and how to plan your finances wisely in an era where plastic and pixels rule.

What Are Traveler’s Checks and Why Do They Still Matter?

The History and Purpose of Traveler’s Checks

Introduced in the late 19th century by companies like American Express, traveler’s checks were designed to provide a secure alternative to carrying large amounts of cash during international travel. They function as pre-paid, guaranteed checks that can be cashed or used for purchases in foreign countries. Each check has a unique serial number and requires dual signatures: one at the time of purchase and another when cashed. If lost or stolen, they can be replaced—often within 24 hours—making them a safer option than cash.

Historically, traveler’s checks were widely accepted at banks, hotels, restaurants, and even onboard cruise ships. They were especially popular among retirees, business travelers, and those visiting countries with unstable currencies. For example, in the 1980s and 1990s, it was common to see cruise passengers using them to pay for excursions, spa services, or souvenirs in ports of call.

Why Some Travelers Still Prefer Them

Despite the rise of digital payments, traveler’s checks haven’t disappeared entirely. Here’s why:

• Security: Unlike debit or credit cards, traveler’s checks can’t be cloned or hacked. If stolen, they’re easily replaceable.
• Budget Control: They force travelers to stick to a pre-determined budget, reducing overspending.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Many traveler’s checks are denominated in USD, EUR, or GBP, avoiding the 2–5% fees charged by banks for currency conversion.
• Backup for Digital Failures: In areas with poor internet or power outages, traveler’s checks can be a lifeline.

For instance, a 70-year-old couple from Ohio might feel more comfortable carrying $500 in traveler’s checks than relying solely on a credit card, especially when visiting a remote island in Southeast Asia where ATMs are scarce and card readers malfunction.

The Shift in Traveler Behavior

However, the landscape has changed. A 2022 survey by the U.S. Travel Association found that only 8% of international travelers still use traveler’s checks, down from 42% in 2005. The decline is due to:

• The widespread adoption of contactless payments and mobile wallets.
• The increasing reliability of credit card networks globally.
• The closure of many banks and agencies that issue or cash traveler’s checks.

Yet, for niche travelers—such as those on luxury river cruises in Europe or expedition voyages to Antarctica—traveler’s checks remain a viable option, particularly when visiting countries with limited banking infrastructure.

Do Major Cruise Lines Accept Traveler’s Checks Onboard?

Current Policies of Top Cruise Lines

The short answer: Most major cruise lines no longer cash traveler’s checks, but a few still allow limited use. Here’s a breakdown of policies from leading operators:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Does not cash traveler’s checks. Guests must use onboard accounts (charged to a credit/debit card) for purchases. However, you can deposit traveler’s checks into your onboard account if they’re made payable to you and endorsed. The cruise line may charge a fee for processing.
• Royal Caribbean: No cashing of traveler’s checks at the guest services desk. However, like Carnival, you can add them to your onboard account. Royal Caribbean recommends using credit cards or pre-paid cruise cards instead.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Does not cash traveler’s checks onboard. Guests must rely on credit/debit cards, cash, or pre-paid gift cards. NCL’s website explicitly states that traveler’s checks are “not accepted for payment or cashing.”
• MSC Cruises: Similar to others, MSC does not cash traveler’s checks. However, they may be deposited into your onboard account with a processing fee (typically $5–$10 per check).
• Princess Cruises: One of the few lines that still offers limited cashing. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at the front desk only if they are in USD, made payable to the guest, and endorsed. A 5% fee applies. This policy is subject to change based on the itinerary and port regulations.
• Holland America Line: No cashing of traveler’s checks. Guests are encouraged to use onboard accounts linked to credit cards or pre-paid cruise cards.

Why the Decline in Acceptance?

The shift away from traveler’s checks is driven by several factors:

• Cost of Processing: Cruise lines must verify the legitimacy of each check, which involves contacting the issuing bank. This is time-consuming and costly, especially for a declining number of users.
• Liability Risks: If a check is fraudulent, the cruise line bears the loss. With credit cards, chargebacks are easier to manage.
• Digital Integration: Modern cruise ships use integrated payment systems (e.g., RFID wristbands) that link to credit cards, making traveler’s checks incompatible.
• Bank Partnerships: Many cruise lines partner with banks to offer onboard ATMs and currency exchange, reducing the need for paper-based instruments.

For example, on a Royal Caribbean ship, your “SeaPass” card—used for everything from drinks to shore excursions—is linked to a credit card. There’s no system in place to scan or process a traveler’s check.

Exceptions and Workarounds

While most lines don’t cash traveler’s checks, there are exceptions:

• Luxury and Expedition Cruises: High-end lines like Regent Seven Seas or Lindblad Expeditions may still offer limited cashing, especially on longer voyages or in remote destinations. Always contact them directly before departure.
• Onboard Account Deposits: As mentioned, some lines allow you to deposit checks into your account. This is useful for paying gratuities or excursions, but you won’t get cash in hand.
• Port-Side Banks: In some destinations (e.g., Caribbean ports like Nassau or St. Thomas), banks may cash traveler’s checks if you have ID and the check is in a major currency.

Pro Tip: If you must use traveler’s checks, purchase them in the same currency as your onboard account (usually USD for U.S.-based lines) to avoid conversion fees.

Can You Use Traveler’s Checks in Ports of Call?

Acceptance Varies by Country and Port

Even if your cruise line doesn’t cash traveler’s checks, you might still use them ashore. However, acceptance depends on the country, local banking infrastructure, and the type of establishment. Here’s what to expect:

• Caribbean and Mexico: Many banks and hotels in popular ports (e.g., Cozumel, Montego Bay) still accept traveler’s checks, especially in USD. For example, a bank in St. Maarten may cash a $100 American Express check with a 3% fee.
• Europe: Acceptance is declining. In countries like France or Italy, banks often refuse traveler’s checks, but high-end hotels or exchange bureaus (e.g., Travelex) may cash them for a fee.
• Asia: In countries like Japan or Thailand, traveler’s checks are rarely accepted. ATMs and credit cards dominate. However, in rural areas of Vietnam or Indonesia, a bank might cash them if you have a passport.
• South America: In Peru or Chile, some banks (e.g., Scotiabank) still offer cashing services, but fees can be high (up to 10%).

Tips for Using Traveler’s Checks in Port

To maximize your chances of success:

• Carry a Valid Passport: Most banks require ID to cash traveler’s checks.
• Use Major Brands: American Express, Visa, and Thomas Cook checks are more widely accepted than lesser-known issuers.
• Check Denomination: Smaller checks ($20–$50) are easier to cash than $100+ checks.
• Plan Ahead: Research the port’s banking hours. Some banks close early or don’t operate on weekends.
• Ask the Cruise Line: Your ship’s concierge may know which ports have banks that cash checks.

Example: On a cruise to the Greek Islands, a traveler with $200 in traveler’s checks might visit a bank in Mykonos, where the local branch of Alpha Bank cashes them for a 4% fee. In contrast, a bank in Santorini may refuse due to low demand.

Alternatives in Port

If traveler’s checks fail, consider:

• ATMs: Widely available in most ports. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Charles Schwab).
• Pre-Paid Travel Cards: Loaded with local currency, these cards work like debit cards and avoid ATM fees.
• Local Currency Exchange Bureaus: Often found near ports, but compare rates to avoid scams.

How to Use Traveler’s Checks Onboard (If Accepted)

Step-by-Step Guide to Depositing Checks

If your cruise line allows deposits (e.g., Carnival, MSC), follow these steps:

1. Endorse the Check: Sign the back of the check in front of a crew member.
2. Visit Guest Services: Submit the check with your room number and ID.
3. Wait for Processing: It may take 24–48 hours for the funds to appear in your account.
4. Check Your Statement: Review your onboard account to confirm the deposit.

Note: Some lines charge a processing fee (e.g., $7.50 per check on Carnival). Ask about fees before submitting.

Using Deposits for Purchases

Once deposited, you can use the funds for:

• Onboard purchases (drinks, spa, shops)
• Shore excursions booked through the cruise line
• Gratuities (though cash is still preferred for staff)

Pro Tip: Deposit checks early in the cruise to avoid last-minute issues. If you’re on a 14-day voyage, do this by Day 2 or 3.

What If the Check Is Rejected?

If the cruise line refuses to cash or deposit your check:

• Ask for Alternatives: Can they exchange it for a pre-paid cruise card?
• Use It in Port: Save it for a bank in the next port.
• Contact the Issuer: American Express offers emergency check replacement services at select ports.

Alternatives to Traveler’s Checks for Cruise Travelers

Modern Financial Tools for Cruises

While traveler’s checks have their niche, modern alternatives are often more practical:

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Credit Cards	Widely accepted, no foreign fees (if using a no-fee card), fraud protection	Interest on cash advances, potential card cloning	Most cruise travelers
Pre-Paid Cruise Cards	No fees, easy to use onboard, budget control	Limited to cruise line purchases	Families, budget-conscious travelers
Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)	Fast, secure, no physical card needed	Not accepted everywhere, requires phone	Tech-savvy travelers
ATMs & Debit Cards	Access to local currency in port	ATM fees, withdrawal limits	Port excursions
Traveler’s Checks	Secure, replaceable, no fees	Declining acceptance, processing delays	Backup, niche travelers

Hybrid Approach: Combining Methods

The smartest strategy? Use a mix of tools:

• Use a no-fee credit card for onboard purchases and port dining.
• Withdraw local currency via ATM in each port for small vendors.
• Keep traveler’s checks as a backup (e.g., $100 in USD) in case of card issues.

Example: A family on a Mediterranean cruise uses a credit card for onboard expenses, withdraws euros in Barcelona for a tapas tour, and keeps $200 in traveler’s checks for emergencies.

Final Thoughts: Should You Bring Traveler’s Checks on Your Cruise?

After exploring the current landscape, the verdict is clear: traveler’s checks are no longer a primary payment method for cruise travel, but they can still serve as a valuable backup. While most cruise lines won’t cash them at the front desk, the ability to deposit them into your onboard account (with fees) provides a safety net. Ashore, acceptance varies widely—research your ports in advance to avoid frustration.

For most travelers, the best approach is to embrace modern tools while keeping traveler’s checks as a contingency. A no-fee credit card, pre-paid cruise card, and digital wallet should cover 90% of your needs. But for that 10%—when the ATM is broken, the card reader fails, or you’re stranded in a remote village—traveler’s checks can save the day. Just remember: carry them in small denominations, keep a record of serial numbers, and always have a Plan B.

In the end, the goal is peace of mind. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at sunset or bargaining for a souvenir in a bustling market, knowing you have flexible, secure options ensures your cruise remains the stress-free escape you deserve. So pack your bags, check your policies, and set sail with confidence—your money matters, and now you’re equipped to manage it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines cash travelers checks onboard?

Most major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, will cash travelers checks at the guest services desk, often for a small fee. However, availability and limits may vary by ship, so it’s best to confirm before sailing.

What types of travelers checks do cruise lines accept?

Cruise lines typically accept well-known brands like American Express, Visa, or Mastercard travelers checks in USD. Some may reject older or foreign-currency checks, so check with your cruise line ahead of time.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash with travelers checks on a cruise?

Yes, most cruise lines impose daily or per-check cashing limits (e.g., $200–$500). Larger amounts may require advance approval or be declined entirely—always ask the guest services team before relying on this option.

Do cruise lines charge fees to cash travelers checks?

Many cruise lines charge a service fee (usually $2–$10 per check) to cash travelers checks. This fee varies by line, so factor it into your budget if you plan to use this payment method onboard.

Can I use travelers checks to pay for onboard expenses?

While cruise lines rarely let you directly pay for drinks, excursions, or spa services with travelers checks, you can cash them and apply the funds to your onboard account. Confirm the process with your specific cruise line.

Are travelers checks still worth using on a cruise?

Travelers checks are becoming less common, but they can be a secure backup for emergency cash. Most travelers now prefer credit cards or debit cards, but if you’re asking “do cruise lines cash travelers checks,” the answer is usually yes—with limitations.