The automatic tips are put on your sail and sign account. Are you using a credit card for that? If so, you won't need to have it in cash. You will also put any tours, gift shop items, spa appointments and alcohol on that card. Just FYI. I only carry enough cash to do an occasional bonus tip if someone reallly goes overboard (so to speak), and for buying small items in ports.
Re. hurricanes, you will be at the very tail end of the season. While it is possible to have one in October, the odds are pretty low. I live 5 blocks from the Gulf, so I have to pay attention to hurricane patterns! :o
Marty