When planning your cruise vacation, understanding the tipping policies is essential. Many cruise lines include a daily gratuity fee in your bill, which is meant to cover the service you receive from the staff. This article explains tipping etiquette on cruises with pre-paid gratuities.
When a cruise includes gratuities, additional tipping is not required but may be offered for exceptional service. Guests may give extra to staff who exceed expectations, with any amount being at the guest's discretion.
When cruising, your fare typically includes a set service charge, but you might wonder about additional tipping. This section will guide you through navigating service charges and when to consider extra gratuities for crew members.
| Situation | Suggested Tip or Gratuity |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Personal Service | Additional tip at guest's discretion |
| Specialized Staff Service | Extra tip for outstanding service |
| Personal Services (Spa, Room Service) | 15% - 18% customary gratuity |
| End of Cruise | Tips for crew members who enhanced experience |
Service charges on a cruise are not the end-all when it comes to gratuities. They're often distributed among many crew members who ensure a seamless travel experience for you. Here are specific situations when you might consider offering extra tips:
Understanding tipping etiquette on cruises is essential for showing your gratitude without awkwardness or social faux pas. Here's a concise guide:
When embarking on a cruise, understanding the gratuity policies is key to managing your vacation budget and ensuring service staff are properly rewarded for their hard work. Gratuities on cruise ships are typically either a service charge added to your account or a discretionary tip you can give based on your satisfaction level.
Mandatory Gratuities: These are also known as automatic gratuities or service charges. Most cruise lines add these daily charges to your bill to cover tips for the crew. The typical range is 15%-20% of your bill, which goes to the staff providing you with service throughout your voyage. For insight into specific rates, visit the cruise ship tipping guidelines.
Discretionary Gratuities: Despite the automatic charges, there’s often an opportunity to tip at your discretion for exceptional service or for staff not covered by the automatic gratuity. Remember that these are entirely optional, and you should only feel compelled if the service exceeds expectations.
Some luxury cruise lines include gratuities in their fares, with no additional tipping expected. Others offer the option to pre-pay gratuities before your cruise, which may suit travelers wanting to have a clear picture of their vacation costs upfront. Not all lines follow the same policy, so checking with your chosen line or reading through their terms can help you budget accurately for your next getaway.
When embarking on a cruise, it's essential to understand your onboard account and how to control additional costs, such as tips and special packages.
Your onboard account is essentially a tab that accumulates expenses over the course of your cruise. This includes automatic gratuities for staff, which are typically charged daily per person. For Princess Cruises, these charges are distributed among the crew. Apart from tips, other expenses like beverages or spa and salon purchases are also linked here.
Managing your budget on a cruise is about being conscious of the extra expenses. Be aware that once initial gratuities are covered, anything extra is at your discretion.
Remember, while gratuities are often included, any additional tips you choose to give based on the level of service you feel you have received should be accounted for in your budget planning.
When you're sailing the high seas, understanding tipping policies can enhance your cruise experience. Different cruise lines have distinct guidelines regarding gratuities, and it's important to know these before you embark.
Luxury Cruises: In general, luxury cruise lines such as Azamara, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Silversea Cruises often include gratuities in your fare. This means you don't have to worry about tipping staff members directly, as it's all taken care of.
Mainstream Cruises: On the other hand, mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian typically have a set gratuity fee added to your account daily, which you can adjust at the ship's customer service desk if necessary.
Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean adds a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account, covering dining and room steward services.
Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival suggests a per-day gratuity rate per person, which is automatically charged to your account but can be modified.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Similarly to others, Norwegian charges a daily service fee to your account.
Celebrity Cruises: Gratuity guidelines here follow a daily added charge, ensuring your service providers are compensated.
MSC Cruises: MSC adds a daily service charge to your onboard account that covers all your service needs.
In cases where cruise lines set a daily gratuity charge, it's always up to you if you'd like to give additional tips for exceptional service. Just remember, your gratuities go a long way in showing appreciation to the crew that makes your voyage memorable.
When gratuity is included, you might wonder if additional tipping is necessary for the services you particularly enjoy on a cruise. Here's a detailed look at how to handle tipping for specific services and amenities aboard.
When sailing the seas on a cruise vacation, understanding regional tipping customs can make a significant difference in how you approach gratuities, particularly if they're included in your cruise fare.
Caribbean & Bahamas:
Hawaii:
Australia:
Shore Excursions:
Cruise Lines:
Remember to check your cruise line’s tipping policies and consider these regional practices as you embark on your voyage.
When cruising, you have the opportunity to acknowledge great service with cash tips and decide whether to give more than the predetermined gratuities included in your cruise package.
By considering these points, you can help ensure that those who make your cruise special feel appreciated.
Navigating the world of cruise tipping can be complex, especially with varying policies and expectations. Here we address your top concerns and equip you for a gratuity-inclusive voyage.
Is gratuity already included in my cruise fare?
Often, your cruise fare includes a service fee that covers gratuities for the staff, typically between 15% to 20% of the bill. However, a receipt may show an additional tip line — this isn’t mandatory if a gratuity has already been charged.
Should I tip beyond the included gratuity?
While not obligatory, additional tipping is a courteous gesture for outstanding service. Extra tips are particularly appreciated by those who go above and beyond in enhancing your cruising experience.
Budgeting for Extra Tipping
If you wish to reward exceptional service, set aside a budget for additional tips beyond the included gratuities. Even small amounts are a token of your appreciation.
Understanding Service Fees Services not covered by the gratuity, like spa treatments or special dining, often add a service fee. Check if these are included or additional to your cruise fare.
Additional Costs on the Ship
Remember, other onboard services such as Wi-Fi may incur separate charges. Ask guest services for details on what's included in your package.
Tipping Etiquette
Use bold or italic formatting to discreetly hand an envelope with cash to individuals you wish to tip extra, ensuring they receive your direct appreciation.
