Financial Tech Company Brings New ATM Services to Cruise Lines

Brightwell, a financial technology company, has launched a new ATM program for cruise lines. The program will provide cruise ships access to a range of ATM services, including cash withdrawal, deposit, and balance inquiry. 

Several cruise lines already work with Brightwell to organize crew payroll, and with the new offering, the company is expanding its services in the cruise industry. 

ATM Services to Access Cash in Challenging Locations

Although most cruise lines have ATMs onboard, they are typically tied to one specific bank or financial institution and can be incredibly expensive. According to Brightwell, launching its ATM program for cruise clients is a response to the increasing demand for ATM services in the cruise industry. 

Brightwell’s ATM program is part of the company’s broader efforts to provide financial technology solutions to the cruise industry. The company offers a range of products and services, including payment processing, e-commerce, and mobile banking. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line use Brightwell for their crew payroll systems. 

Brightwell’s ATM service is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing cruise companies to customize their ATM services to suit their unique needs and requirements. The program includes various features and benefits, including cash withdrawal, cash deposits, and balance inquiry.

The program will also give cruise companies access to a dedicated support team, who will be available to assist with any queries or issues related to the ATM program, should someone have an issue onboard. In addition, Brightwell will offer training and support to ensure cruise companies can effectively manage and use their ATM services.

Brightwell is partnering with NCR, the largest provider of ATM software applications and hardware, and Travelex, the worldwide currency company most known for its offices in airports worldwide where you can exchange your foreign currency. 

“Working with Brightwell since 2019 has allowed us to move money safely and efficiently to new markets — further expanding our global reach,” said Angela Smith, Director of Wholesale Banknotes at Travelex. “As a leading supplier of wholesale banknotes, it’s paramount that we continue to build and develop excellent working relationships with organizations like theirs,”

Why Would You Need Cash Onboard?

Although most cruise lines are cashless and paying onboard through a card or medallion is the standard, sometimes cash is king. This is especially true when sailing to challenging locations where the use of credit cards is not fully developed, such as the Chilean Fjords or even small villages in Greenland and Norway. 

Many guests also still choose to give crew members cash gratuities instead of adding it to their onboard account, especially when those crew members have performed an outstanding service and deserve something extra. In those cases, having access to a reliable source of cash onboard is essential. 

Overall, Brightwell’s ATM program for cruise clients is a welcome addition and is likely to be well-received by cruise companies looking to streamline their operations and improve customer experience.