cruising

pdiddie

which is the best/cheapest credit card to register with a cruise line (ie; Holland America) where $ is the only accepted currency? I have used cash $ before, but Holland America insist on $60 a day, which if I don't spend, the refund is $ cash, which I may not need again for a long time...

JohalaReewi

One that doesn't charge commission on foreign currency transactions like Post Office or Saga. Other people use the Halifax Clarity card but I don't have experience of that one.

luci

The Halifax Clarity or Post Office credit cards give you full Interbank rates with no fees or loading.

lisyloo

Make sure when you sign the checkin form that you ask to be charged in dollars.
Holland America will offer to convert to £s for you - for a nice hefty commission charge.
If you get charged in $s then you credit card company does the conversion preferably at 0% if you have such a card.

Read the declaration carefully.
It's almost certain the hardest to find option and phrased confusingly.
You always want to be charged in foreign (local) currency and have your bank convert. The same in shops. Don't let them convert for you, they will charge you (handsomely for it).
Be careful to check all transactions on credit card terminals for currency. The shop staff may not be aware and sometimes they automatically do it without asking.
It's called dynamic currency conversion.
Happens in shops, at ATMS and on cruise ships.
From memeory you sign paperwork at checkin about how you are going to be charged.