Cruise Tipping Etiquette: A Guide to Gratuities at Sea

When you're enjoying the high seas, understanding gratuity guidelines ensures you appreciate the hardworking crew in a way that aligns with cruise culture. This guide explains everything you need to know about cruise gratuities.

Cruise tipping etiquette generally includes automatic daily gratuities ranging from $14 to $18 per person, per day, covering service personnel like cabin stewards and dining staff. Additional tipping for exceptional service is optional and at the guest's discretion.

Tipping Customs

Tipping not customary $ 15 $ 14 - $ 18

The Basics of Tipping on a Cruise

Navigating the etiquette of tipping on a cruise can seem complex, but understanding a few key points will help you manage this aspect of your cruise experience with ease.

Understanding Cruise Tipping Policies

Cruise lines establish their own tipping policies which can differ, so it's important for you to review the guidelines provided by your cruise line ahead of time. Typically, these policies outline the service charge or automatic gratuities that will be added to your account daily, covering services provided by staff like your room steward and dining team.

How Much to Tip on a Cruise

The amount you should tip depends on the cruise line's standards but often ranges from $14 to $20 per person, per day. These are split among the service personnel who make your stay comfortable. If you receive exceptional service, additional tipping is always appreciated. For more clarity on typical amounts, checking a comprehensive guide can be helpful.

Prepaid vs. Onboard Tipping

You have two primary tipping options on a cruise - prepaid or onboard tipping. Prepaid tipping allows you to pay all the gratuities upfront, often at the time of booking or before the sailing date. This can simplify your budgeting process. Onboard tipping, on the other hand, automatically adds gratuities to your bill throughout the cruise. Some cruise lines also charge a standard service charge on spa treatments and drinks, typically around 15-20%.

Remember, while tipping policies may vary, adhering to them is considered a part of cruise etiquette and ensures that those servicing your vacation are adequately compensated for their efforts.

Cruise Lines and Their Tipping Policies

When planning your cruise vacation, understanding your cruise line's tipping policy is essential to ensure you budget appropriately and reward service staff adequately.

Mainstream Cruise Lines

Cruise Line	Daily Tips/Service Charge	Additional Tips/Gratuities	Bar and Specialty Service
Carnival Cruise Line	$13.99 to $15.99 per person/day	Distributed among service teams	N/A
Royal Caribbean	$14.50 to $17.50 per day	Encouraged for exceptional service	N/A
Norwegian Cruise Line	$15.50 to $18.50 per person/day	Extra for concierge and butler	N/A
MSC Cruises	Varies by destination	15% service charge on beverages	N/A
Princess Cruises	$14.50 to $16.50 per day	15% for bar, 18% for spa	Included in purchase
Holland America	$14.50 to $16.00 per day	Included in purchase price for drinks and dining	N/A
Disney Cruise Line	Suggested amounts in envelopes	15% for bar, salon, and spa	N/A
Celebrity Cruises	$15.50 to $20.00 per person/day	At discretion for extraordinary service	N/A
Seabourn	No tipping required or expected	All-inclusive fare	N/A
Silversea	Gratuities included in fare	Luxury experience without additional tips	N/A
Azamara	All tips included in fare	Specialty services may incur costs	N/A
River/Exploration Lines	Gratuities typically included	Additional tipping at guest discretion	N/A

Carnival Cruise Line

• Daily Tips: Automatically charges $13.99 to $15.99 per person, per day
• Hospitality Staff: Gratuities distributed among dining and cabin service teams

Royal Caribbean

• Gratuities: $14.50 to $17.50 per day, depending on cabin class
• Additional Tips: Encouraged for exceptional service but not mandatory

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Service Charge: $15.50 to $18.50 per person, per day
• Specialty Service: Extra gratuities for concierge and butler services

MSC Cruises

• Daily Charge: Varies by destination; ranges from 10 to 12.50 euros per day
• Bar Service: 15% service charge added to all beverage purchases

Princess Cruises

• Standard Gratuity: $14.50 to $16.50 per day
• Bar and Spa: 15% and 18% service charges, respectively

Holland America

• Suggested Tips: $14.50 to $16.00 per day
• Drinks and Dining: Service charge included in purchase price

Disney Cruise Line

• Recommended Tips: Distributed in suggested envelopes
• Service Charge: 15% for bar, salon, and spa services

Luxury Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruises

• Automatic Gratuity: $15.50 to $20.00 per person, per day, based on stateroom
• Additional Tips: At guest discretion for extraordinary service

Seabourn

• No Tipping Policy: Tips not required or expected
• All-Inclusive: Gratuities included in cruise fare for all services

Silversea

• Tipping Not Required: Gratuities included in the cruise fare
• Personalized Service: Staff ensures luxury experience without additional tips

Azamara

• Inclusive Gratuity: All tips included in the cruise fare
• Onboard Services: Specialty services may incur additional costs

River and Exploration Cruise Lines

(These typically offer all-inclusive fares where tips are either not expected or included in the overall price.)

• Tip Inclusion: Smaller and expedition ships tend to have gratuities included; however, additional tipping for exceptional service is at the discretion of the guest.
• Service Excellence: High-level service is standard and the gratuity policy reflects the all-encompassing experience.

Tipping for Specific Services on Board

When cruising, understanding the tipping guidelines for various on-board services can enhance the experience for both you and the crew serving you. From room service to specialty dining, proper tipping ensures acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of the staff.

Room Service and Cabin Stewards

• Room Service: It's customary to provide a small gratuity, such as $2-$5, directly to the server upon delivery.
• Cabin Stewards: An integral part of your experience, cabin stewards should receive daily tips, ranging from $3.50 to $5.50 per person, depending on the cruise line recommendations.

Dining Staff and Specialty Dining

• Main Dining Room Staff: You're usually charged a daily gratuity fee, which is shared among the dining staff. However, exceptional service can be recognized with an extra $1-$2 per person, per day.
• Specialty Dining: For dining outside the main dining areas, an additional 15-20% of the bill is standard when gratuities aren't included.

Onboard Activities and Staff

• Entertainment Staff: While not typically tipped individually, a portion of your daily gratuity fee contributes to their appreciation.
• Activity Leaders: For personal classes or sessions, a $5-$10 tip is appropriate depending on the length and type of activity.

Spa and Fitness Services

• Spa Treatments: An 18% gratuity is frequently added to the bill, but for exceptional service, feel free to add more at your discretion.
• Fitness Instructors: If taking a private class or personal training session, a tip similar to land-based protocols, around $10, is suitable.

Port Assistance and Excursions

• Porters: When you receive assistance with your luggage, $1-$2 per bag is a kind gesture.
• Excursion Guides: If a tour guide enhances your excursion, tipping them $2-$5 for a half-day or $5-$10 for a full-day tour is a thoughtful recognition of their efforts.

Handling Tipping on International Cruises

When sailing across different international waters, you'll find that tipping customs can vary widely. Understanding these can help you navigate etiquette with ease.

Cruise Tipping in European Waters

In Europe, the culture around tipping can differ from what you might be used to. Service charges are often included in the cruise fare, but additional gratuities are always appreciated for exemplary service. Observe these practices:

• Gratuities Included: Check if your cruise line includes gratuity in the total bill.
• Additional Tips: For personal service by room stewards or dining room staff, consider adding a little extra.

Cruise Tipping in Alaska

Alaska, while part of the United States, often attracts international cruise lines with varied tipping practices. Keep these points in mind:

• Cultural Expectations: Tipping is expected, with many staff reliant on gratuities for a significant portion of their income.
• Suggested Amounts: $10-12 per person, per day is a general guideline, spread among the crew.

Cruise Tipping in Caribbean and Beyond

The warm waters of the Caribbean see a mix of cultures and customs from various cruise operators. Follow these suggestions:

• Tipping Policies: Policies can vary, from prepaid gratuities to voluntary envelopes.
• Service Recognition: If a crew member goes above and beyond, an additional cash tip is a common way to show appreciation.

Tipping Etiquette for Families and Kids

When cruising with your family, it's important to consider the specific tipping guidelines related to services used by your family and kids, such as special stateroom accommodations and youth programs.

Tipping for Family Staterooms

Typically, family stateroom attendants go the extra mile to accommodate the unique needs of families. Here are the recommended tips to show your appreciation:

• Stateroom Attendant: $3-5 per person, per day
• Suite Butler (if applicable): $4-6 per person, per day

Remember, these are standard amounts; you might consider increasing the tip for exceptional service or if you are traveling with small kids that may require additional attention.

Youth Programs and Child Care

Youth counselors and childcare providers make the cruising experience enjoyable for both you and your kids by offering a range of activities and services.

• Youth Counselor: Tipping is usually at your discretion. If gratuities are not automatically included, $1-2 per hour, per child, is a good starting point for exceptional service.
• Babysitting Services: If you use in-cabin babysitting, consider $2-3 per hour, per child, as a thank you for the caregiver’s time and care.

For both of these services, always check with your cruise line's tipping policy for guidance as policies vary. Your generosity helps acknowledge the dedicated service your family receives, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Understanding Additional Tipping

When you're enjoying a cruise, you may find occasions where the standard tipping policy doesn't fully express your gratitude for excellent service. In such cases, additional tipping can further acknowledge the hard work and special attention you've received.

When to Offer Extra Gratuities

• Exceptional Service: If a crew member goes above and beyond, consider giving an extra tip to reflect your satisfaction.
• Special Requests: When a crew member fulfills specific requests that enhance your cruise experience, it's a nice gesture to offer a supplementary gratuity.

Rewarding Exceptional Service

Recognizing exceptional service with additional tips can be a personal and direct way to say "thank you" to those who've made your trip memorable.

• Identifying Excellence: Keep an eye out for crew members who show dedication, provide personalized service, or make your stay remarkably enjoyable.
• How Much to Tip: While any amount is appreciated, consider the level of service when deciding on the sum. An additional $5-$20 can make a significant difference to a crew member.

By understanding and participating in the practice of extra tipping, you're not only rewarding stellar service but also encouraging the continuance of high-quality hospitality on your cruise.

Cruise Gratuity Myths and Misconceptions

When cruising, understanding your automated gratuities and what they mean for crew members is key to respecting cruise tipping etiquette.

Truth About Automated Gratuities

Automated gratuities are often viewed with skepticism, with some believing they don't reach the crew. The truth is, these gratuities are generally divided among the ship's service staff.

• How it works:
  • A gratuity fee is automatically added to your bill.
  • The fee is distributed to the crew to ensure fair compensation.

Transparency:

• Many cruise lines provide a breakdown of how these fees are allocated.
• You can request this breakdown at the service desk to understand where your money goes.

Myths Surrounding Tipping Crew Members

There are several misconceptions about tipping crew members that can alter your view on the service received.

Myth: Tipping more results in better service.

• Reality: Crew members are committed to high standards of service, regardless of extra tips.

Myth: Crew salaries are sufficient without tips.

• Truth: Many crew members rely on gratuities as a significant part of their income.

Remember, while tipping is discretionary, it rewards the hard work of those dedicated to making your cruise experience enjoyable.

Final Considerations Before Your Cruise

Embarking on your cruise vacation should be stress-free and exciting. To ensure that, understanding the tipping practices before you set sail will help you sail smoothly through your journey.

Preparing for Tipping on Your First Cruise

As a first-time cruiser, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with tipping etiquette onboard. The key personnel who will enhance your cruising experience typically include your room steward and dining staff. Many major cruise lines suggest tipping guidelines for these essential services. A cruise tipping guide can be an invaluable tool to help you navigate these customs.

Setting a Tipping Budget

To avoid surprises on your final bill, set aside a portion of your budget for gratuities. Consider the length of your cruise and the number of staff you'll interact with daily. The recommended tipping amounts vary, but a general guideline is between $3 and $5 per day, per person for various services.

Gratuity Budget Estimate:

Service	Daily Tip per Person
Room Steward	$3.50
Dining Staff	$3.50
Other Services	Variable

The Importance of Understanding Tipping Policies

Each cruise line has its own tipping policies; therefore, it's vital to research before your trip. Some lines include gratuities in your fare, while others will charge them to your account. Understanding these policies will help you manage your onboard expenses and ensure you're appropriately thanking those who make your cruise a memorable experience.