Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Europe, especially Visa and MasterCard. Cards allow you to get the best and most accurate exchange rate on a purchase or transaction. However, credit card purchases also come with interest rate charges that add up if you do not pay down your balance the next month. Also, several vendors in Europe, especially those near cruise ship ports, require a minimum total when using credit card, usually around $30. Cruise ships often give you a cruise card that functions like a credit card for on-board purchases. These cruise cards are tied to your credit card, so ultimately, you are using your credit card when you make a purchase with a cruise card. Contact your card company in advance and let them know you will be using your card abroad so they do not shut off the card when they see foreign transactions.
Many countries in Europe now accept the Euro as their main currency. This is advantageous as you do not have to exchange your cash in every country, like you used to have to do before the Euro was introduced in Europe. ATMs are the best way to withdraw money (as opposed to currency exchanges), and most cruise ships have ATMs on board as well. Keep in mind that you will likely pay a few different fees: regular ATM fee, a conversion fee, a bank commission fee and a transaction fee from your bank. So, it is best to withdraw larger amounts less frequently to pay fewer fees. Again, notify your bank about your upcoming trip so they do not place a hold on your card after withdrawals from ATMs in Europe.
Cruise ships all have a shopping area for passengers to browse and buy souvenirs. Most ships offer items from countries the ship stops in. One idea is to browse the shops at the beginning of your cruise to get a base price, then compare to prices offered in each city. If the cruise ship has the best price, make your purchases in the cruise ship store. Shopping on the ship is also more reliable; it is easier to return a damaged item to a cruise ship shop than to a European street vendor or a shop after you've left the country it's in. Cruise ship shops tend to be more limited in their selection; they often carry the most popular items from each country, but to find the real gems, you likely will have to shop in the country for greater variety. Many items on cruise ships are also duty free, meaning you do not pay tax.
