Embarking on a Princess Cruise presents an opportunity to experience the high seas with comfort and luxury. This article explains Princess cruise tipping etiquette, including recommended daily amounts for staff and tips on expressing gratitude.
Princess Cruises automatically adds a gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per day, per guest to the onboard account, which covers dining and cabin staff. Additional tips are at guests' discretion for exceptional service.
Navigating tipping on a cruise can be perplexing. This guide focuses on Princess Cruises' tipping etiquette but also touches on general practices that apply to other lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
Most cruise lines, including Princess, add an automatic service charge to your onboard account that covers general tipping. This daily rate per person takes the guesswork out of how much to tip, but you can still offer cash tips for exceptional service.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic Gratuity | Convenient and evenly distributed among service staff. |
| Cash Tip | Personalized and given directly to staff for exemplary service. |
Each cruise line has its own set of tipping policies. Princess automatically adds a service charge to your bill, while other lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have similar practices. It's important to check the specifics for your chosen line and adjust your budget accordingly. For a better understanding of industry-standard rates and gratuity practices, a good resource is available regarding tips on a cruise.
| Cruise Line | Daily Gratuity Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Princess | $14.50 to $16.50 |
| Carnival | $13.99 to $15.99 |
| Royal Caribbean | $14.50 to $17.50 |
When you embark on a Princess Cruise, expressing your gratitude through gratuities acknowledges the impeccable service you receive from a dedicated crew. The daily crew appreciation fee covers various services, ensuring that those who go above and beyond for your comfort are rewarded.
Crew members in the dining areas work tirelessly to provide you with memorable meal experiences. It's expected to pay a service charge which is shared among the wait staff and personnel you might not see directly, such as kitchen crew and others who contribute to your dining enjoyment.
Your housekeeping team ensures your cabin is a clean, welcoming space throughout your voyage, and room service provides the convenience of refreshments in the comfort of your quarters. Although the daily gratuity includes these services, personal recognition for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Specialized crew members, such as spa technicians or butlers, may not be covered under the standard gratuity charge. In cases of spa services, personal tips are recommended to acknowledge the individual care you receive. Tips for the entertainment staff are less common but are a thoughtful gesture for exceptional enjoyment.
When enjoying the vast array of services on a Princess Cruise, understanding when and how to tip for those extra perks can enhance your experience and show appreciation for exceptional service.
Beverages:
Specialty Dining:
Casino: Feel free to tip dealers and service staff if they've contributed to a great casino experience. This is not mandatory but can be done at your discretion.
Spa Services:
Excursions:
Port Assistance:
When cruising with your family or in a group, tipping can reflect appreciation for the personalized attention you receive. Here's how to navigate gratuities in a way that feels generous and appropriate for larger parties.
When you're traveling with your family, particularly with kids, the crew's extra efforts to ensure everyone's comfort can be significant. Establishing a standard tip for the room steward is important, and you might consider a higher amount for a family of four staying in balcony cabins, owing to the likely increased workload.
For those cruising as a group, pooling tips can be an effective approach. This is particularly manageable for groups such as couples traveling together. Collectively decide on the gratuity to allocate for consistent services received during the cruise.
By understanding these tipping practices, you ensure that the exceptional service provided to your family or group doesn't go unrecognized.
When embarking on a luxurious cruise with premium lines like Princess Cruises or Silversea, understanding tipping policies enhances your voyage experience. These policies vary across companies and may include all-inclusive packages that cover gratuities.
Many luxury lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea, offer all-inclusive packages. These typically roll gratuities into the overall fare you pay, simplifying your experience.
When opting for these packages, you won’t have to worry about tipping staff directly, as service charges are already taken care of.
Despite all-inclusive fares, you may encounter occasions where additional tips are appreciated.
Remember, while tipping policies vary, acknowledging exceptional service is always a kind gesture.
When cruising with Princess, you have the option to handle gratuities according to your preference and manage onboard expenses with ease. This section will guide you through the nuances of prepaying gratuities and maintaining your onboard account.
Setting Up Your Onboard Account:
Understanding Charges:
Remember, when it comes to tipping and managing your onboard expenses, you have control and options that suit your personal preference and budgeting style.
