Can I exchange currency on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise?

If you’re considering going on a Norwegian Cruise Lines trip, you’re probably thinking about your travel budget as well. Cruises are one of the best ways to see the world, but it’s hard to know what currency to bring with you, especially when embarking in multiple countries or going on a worldwide cruise.

That’s why we’ve prepared a quick guide to exchanging currency on a Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise 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*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Can you exchange money on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship?¹

As of February 2024, currency exchange on Norwegian cruise ships is no longer possible. This means that you’ll need to obtain the currency used onboard before embarkation.

Since this may inconvenience their passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line has issued some recommendations. For example, they say their passengers should carry enough foreign currency that they will use in foreign ports.

How does money work on a cruise ship?²

All of your cruise expenses will be charged to your onboard account. When checking in, you’ll provide them with your credit card. Cards accepted include:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover, JCB Card
• Diner's Club.

Debit cards are also accepted, but not recommended, since Norwegian always obtains pre-authorisation funds which the bank can hold for up to a month.

You can also use traveller’s checks or cash, but you have to place a deposit in advance. At the moment, the accepted deposit is as follows:

• $150 for cruises that last less than 7 days
• $300 for 7 day trips
• $450 for anything longer than 7 days.

You can deposit more money throughout the cruise, but your account will be closed once you exceed the deposit.

Can you use cash on Norwegian Cruise Line cruises?

You can place a cash deposit in advance and use that for your onboard expenses. All your onboard expenses will be charged to your account. However, you can’t use cash for paying for onboard services as you spend.²

What currency is used on Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships?

The currency used on all Norwegian Cruise Line cruises is the US dollars (USD).³

Are there ATMs on Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships?

Yes, all Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships have ATMs.⁴ In general, cruise ship ATMs are usually located close to the guest registration desk or the casino.

How to avoid Norwegian Cruise Line currency exchange fees

Cruises are known for unfavourable exchange rates and conversion fees at their ATMs, similar to airport ATMs.

However, exchanging currency on a cruise is often the most convenient option for the passengers onboard.

If you want to avoid Norwegian cruise currency exchange fees, here are some tips:

• Exchange currency in advance - before getting on your cruise ship, visit a currency 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 - search for a currency exchange facility in the places you’re visiting
• Use your debit or credit card - let your card do the conversion instead

Since Norwegian Cruise currency exchange is no longer possible, it’s important to prepare in advance. For instance, make sure you bring enough of the foreign currency you’ll need for foreign ports. Depending on your cruise route, you might even be going around the world and exchanging currency multiple times.

Set sail, stress-free with a smarter alternative

Want to avoid high conversion fees and exchange rates during your Norwegian Cruise Line cruise? Try using the Wise debit card. It automatically converts the currency with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

And don’t forget, when using the ATM aboard your Norwegian Cruise Line ship make sure you only withdraw in US dollars. If that’s not possible for some reason, your Wise card can quickly and easily convert the money in your Wise account to the right currency whenever you withdraw cash, all at the mid-market rate*.

Even better, with your Wise card you can make 2 free withdrawals each month up to 200 GBP, so you won’t have to worry about how you’ll pay on land. So sit back, order yourself a cocktail or two and enjoy stress-free sailing.

Apply for a Wise card today 💳

So that’s our short guide to cruise ship currency conversion aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines - we wish you a ‘Bon voyage’ and happy cruising, wherever your cruise route takes you!

Sources used:

1. Cruise Hive - Norwegian Cruise Line discontinues currency service
2. Norwegian Cruise Line - How do I pay for onboard expenses?
3. Norwegian Cruise Line - What about currency?
4. Norwegian Cruise Line - Is there an ATM on board?

Sources last checked on date: 07-May-2024