Can I exchange currency on a Marella cruise?

If you’re going on a Marella cruise soon, you’re probably in the middle of packing and doing some last-minute shopping. However, one of the trickiest parts of preparing for a cruise is knowing which currency to bring, especially since ships often stop in different countries.

Depending on the cruise itinerary, sometimes your pounds sterling won’t be the best currency you could bring with you. That’s why we’ve prepared a guide to Marella cruise currency exchange and your best options onboard.

We’ll also show you a handy alternative, the Wise debit 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 for a low, transparent fee*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Can you exchange money on a Marella cruise ship?¹

Yes, you can exchange currency on a Marella cruise. This service is available at the reception.

They carry currencies for the ports they stop in, with the exception of any closed currency. These are the currencies you can only exchange in the country itself.

How does money work on a cruise ship?²

Marella cruises are cashless and everything you spend will be charged to your cabin account. You can settle your expenses with your credit or debit card, but also using cash. When it comes to cards, they accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, as well as Delta debit cards.

If you decide to use cash to pay at your cruise, you’ll be asked to leave a £200 deposit per cabin per week.

Can you use cash on Marella cruises?²

Marella cruises are completely cash-free, with the exception of the casino.

The only other situations when you can use cash is buying foreign currency at the reception desk or settling your account at the end of the journey.

What currency is used on Marella cruise ships?²

The official currency onboard Marella cruises is the pound sterling (GBP).

Are there ATMs on Marella cruise ships?

Most cruise ships have at least one ATM that guests can use. Larger ships often have multiple and they can be found around the reception or casino area.

There’s no information available online on the exact number or location of ATMs onboard Marella cruise ships. Make sure you contact them directly, since they should be able to provide you with precise ATM info for your cruise ship.

How to avoid Marella currency exchange fees

Cruise ships have a bad reputation for having unfavourable exchange rates at their desks and ATMs. However, this is often the most convenient option for the onboard passengers.

If you want to avoid high cruise currency exchange fees as much as possible, here are a few tips:

• Exchange currency in advance - before embarking on your cruise ship, visit an exchange facility and get the currency you need
• Use an ATM while on land - try to make time for finding an ATM during your port days
• Exchange currency on land - try to find better rates in the places you’re visiting and search for a currency exchange facility there
• Use your debit or credit card - let your card do the conversion instead

Cruise your way to a smarter currency exchange alternative

Want to avoid high exchange fees and unfair exchange rates during your Marella cruise? Consider the Wise debit card as an option. It automatically converts the currency with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

And remember, when using the ATM at the Marella cruise ship, make sure you only withdraw in GBP. If that’s not possible for some reason, your Wise card can auto-convert the money in your Wise account to the right currency whenever you withdraw cash, all at the mid-market rate.

Not only that, you can make 2 free withdrawals each month up to 200 GBP, so you can sit back, relax and make the most of your cruise without worrying how you’ll pay on land.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

So that’s our guide to cruise ship currency conversion aboard Marella - happy cruising! 🚢

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

1. TUI UK - exchanging currency on Marella cruises
2. TUI UK - paying on a Marella cruise ship

Sources last checked on date: 31-July-2024