Gratuities can often be a source of confusion for those embarking on a cruise vacation, leading to questions about how much to tip cruise staff. This complete guide explains who to tip and recommended amounts for each crew member.
Cruise lines typically suggest gratuities of $14 to $20 per person, per day, which are shared among the ship's service staff. This amount can be automatically added to your onboard account. For exceptional service, additional tipping is at your discretion Cruise Critic.
When sailing the high seas, understanding tipping etiquette is essential for showing appreciation to cruise staff who work tirelessly to ensure your vacation is memorable.
| Service Provided | Automatic Tip Amount | Additional Tip for Exceptional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Steward | $3.50-$5.00 per person per day | N/A - Included in automatic tips |
| Dining Room Services | Included in automatic tips | N/A - Included in automatic tips |
| Specialty Restaurants | 18-20% of the bill additional | N/A - Specific to restaurant charge |
| Personal Attendants | Included in automatic tips | $5-$20 extra for a week |
| Bar Service | Included in automatic tips | $1-$2 per drink additional |
Automatic tips are often added directly to your onboard account, which simplifies the process of rewarding the crew's service. Expect to see daily charges that can range from $15 to $20 per person, covering the efforts of your cabin steward, the dining room staff, and personnel behind the scenes. These gratuities are shared among the staff, ensuring that all who contribute to your experience are recognized.
Although automatic tips take care of the basics, you may feel inclined to offer extra gratuities for exceptional service. Additional cash tips can be given directly to those crew members who go above and beyond, such as your favorite bartender or a particularly attentive waiter. Consider an extra $1-$2 per drink at bars or $5-$20 extra for a week to personal attendants, depending on the level of service received.
When setting sail on a cruise, it's important to know who and how much to tip for their dedicated service throughout your voyage.
Your cabin stewards and housekeeping staff ensure your room is spotless and comfortable. A typical gratuity is around $15-20 per passenger for a seven-day cruise. If they provide exceptional service, you may consider a higher tip.
The dining and bar service crew members are central to your onboard experience. For these staff members:
These include services like spa treatments, where tipping is customary. For spa staff, a 15-20% gratuity of the service cost is typical if you're pleased with the service. It's a kind gesture for the personal attention you've received.
When cruising, understanding the tipping policies of the cruise line ensures that you effectively acknowledge the crew's service.
Cruise lines often prefer automatic gratuities, ensuring that tips are evenly distributed to the staff. This amount is typically charged to your credit card on file and covers various service personnel. If you prefer a more personal touch, you can give cash tips to staff members who go above and beyond.
Automatic Gratuity Advantages
Cash Tips Advantages
Different cruise lines have their own set of guidelines when it comes to gratuities. Here's a quick look at a few popular ones:
| Cruise Line | Daily Gratuity Fee (per person) | Policy Features |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Varies by ship class | Automatic; can be adjusted |
| Carnival | Standard rate for all ships | Automatic; can be altered |
| Norwegian | Fixed rate; varies by cabin | Automatic; includes service charge |
By understanding these details, you can budget appropriately and ensure that your appreciation for the cruise staff is expressed in line with the expectations of each cruise line.
When cruising, you'll find that tipping practices can differ significantly between luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Azamara, and Seabourn, and more budget-friendly options. Understanding these differences ensures you can show your appreciation appropriately and according to service expectations.
Luxury Cruises: Expectations run high, as do the staff’s commitment to impeccable service. Your experience on lines such as Silversea, Azamara, or Seabourn often includes not just standard service, but personalized attention and care.
Budget Cruises: While service is professional, staff on budget cruises may handle a larger volume of guests and primarily earn through tips.
Your understanding of these tipping practices not only aids in budgeting your cruise but also ensures a harmonious journey respecting the efforts of all those who make your experience enjoyable.
While cruise lines often include basic gratuities in your fare, recognizing exemplary service can enhance the experience for both you and the crew members who go above and beyond their duties.
On a cruise, it's customary to offer additional tipping to staff who have provided exceptional service. If someone, like your cabin steward or waiter, makes your stay more enjoyable through special attention or fulfilling extra requests, consider providing an extra tip to express your gratitude.
Envelopes are commonly used on the final day of the cruise to give these tips, allowing you to personally thank those who've made your trip memorable.
While money is universally appreciated, sometimes gifts or other non-monetary tokens also serve as thoughtful expressions of gratitude. Items that may not be readily available on the ship or from their home countries can be particularly treasured.
Remember, these tokens are supplementary to, not a replacement for, cash gratuities, especially for staff who heavily rely on tips as part of their income.
When planning your cruise budget, consider
When embarking on a cruise, the world of gratuities can seem like uncharted waters. Your understanding of tipping practices might need adjustment, especially on cruises that follow alternative tipping systems or when cruising in regions with different cultural norms.
Some cruise lines incorporate gratuities into your fare, creating a non-tipping environment. This means that you are not required to tip cruise crew separately, as their service is compensated within your initial payment. Examples of these are luxury cruises which promote an all-inclusive experience, and they clearly state their no-tipping policy upfront. Crucially, this ensures a worry-free stay where the service quality remains high without the need for extra tipping.
Understanding cultural differences in tipping is essential when cruising in international waters. Depending on where the ship is registered or the destination it's sailing to, tipping customs can vary greatly. For example:
Being aware of these nuances will enhance your interactions with the crew and ensure a smooth sailing experience respecting the diverse tipping etiquette of your fellow passengers and the staff onboard.
