Welcome aboard, Laura!
My adventures with
Disney Cruise Line in Europe were some of the most magical memories of my whole life. The experiences offered through Disney not only on the ship but in all of the exciting European ports made for one really special trip! I'm excited to hear that soon your family will be departing for this adventure as well!
It's a good idea to have some local currency to use in the ports of call. To be honest, most places accept credit cards, so that's the easiest way to make purchases when you're exploring the ports. I always alert my credit card before I travel overseas so they know to expect charges and don't put a hold on my card out of suspicion for unusual charges. So, keep that in mind as you prepare to depart. Credit cards certainly are the easiest way to make purchases overseas, but, some local small vendors may only accept cash. I like to find the best exchange rate at home and get some starter currency in Euros for our trips overseas prior to departure, but the
Guest Services desk on the ship can exchange small amounts for you as well for a decent exchange rate. ATMs are another popular way to get local currency in the ports of call.
Now, onboard, you won't need cash for anything as all shipboard charges are made to your
Key To The World Card, which puts the charge on your stateroom account. It couldn't be easier, Laura! No need to keep any cash or credit cards with you around the ship. Just your Key To The World Card, and you're all set. Since this serves as your stateroom key also, you'll already have it with you each time you leave your stateroom, so there really isn't anything extra to remember.
Have such fun planning for this magical adventure overseas with Disney, Laura!
Marcy