Remember that awkward moment on your last vacation when you weren’t sure how much to tip? Cruises can be particularly confusing when it comes to gratuities. Understanding how gratuities work onboard can save you stress and ensure you’re showing appreciation appropriately. This guide will clear up any confusion surrounding cruise gratuities, helping you budget effectively and enjoy a smoother sailing experience.
Understanding Gratuity Policies
Cruise lines typically include automatic gratuities in their pricing structure, covering various services. This section explains how these automatic charges work and what they encompass. It also clarifies whether additional tipping is necessary or expected in certain situations.
Automatic Gratuities
- Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity per person to your onboard account. This typically covers your cabin steward, dining room staff (waiters, assistant waiters, and bussers), and sometimes other service staff.
- These charges are automatically added to your account, and you’ll see them reflected daily on your statement. You can usually adjust the amount (or opt out completely, although this may be frowned upon) prior to the cruise’s end.
- It’s important to note that automatic gratuities do not usually cover all services onboard. For instance, bartenders, room service staff, and spa staff typically expect additional tips.
The amount varies by cruise line and the type of cabin you have. For example, a luxury suite might have a higher daily gratuity than an inside cabin. This is usually disclosed upfront during the booking process.
Many passengers are unaware that these charges exist until they see them on their final bill. Understanding this beforehand reduces unexpected costs.
While automatic gratuities cover the main service staff, the amount is often standardized and doesn’t reflect the quality of service received. Many passengers still choose to add extra tips for outstanding service.
Additional Tips
- Beyond the automatic gratuities, there are other opportunities to show your appreciation for excellent service. For example, exceptional service from your cabin steward could justify a higher tip beyond the automatic amount.
- Bartenders and bar staff are commonly tipped. Standard tipping practice in bars generally applies, typically around 15-20% of your bill.
- Room service staff often appreciate a small tip for each delivery. This is especially true for larger orders or special requests.
Consider leaving a small extra tip for exceptional service. A few dollars per day is a nice gesture. It should be kept separate from the automatically added gratuities.
The tipping culture varies globally, and it’s important to be mindful of the local customs. In some cultures, tipping might be less common or even considered offensive.
Remember to factor in the cost of these extra tips when planning your cruise budget. These minor charges can easily add up over the course of a multi-day trip.
Gratuities for Specific Services
This section will provide detailed information on appropriate tipping practices for various services onboard a cruise, including dining, bar service, and specialty services.
Dining Room Staff
- As previously mentioned, automatic gratuities generally cover your main dining room staff, but a small extra tip for consistently excellent service is always appreciated.
- If you dine in specialty restaurants, you may want to tip additionally for exceptional service. The automatic gratuity usually does not cover specialty dining.
Consider a small additional tip of a few dollars per day for consistently exceptional service. This is a gesture of appreciation that goes beyond the automatic gratuity.
Many specialty restaurants have higher prices, so higher tipping amounts might be considered appropriate.
Bar Service
- Tipping bartenders is customary and typically involves 15-20% of your bill. This is separate from the automatic gratuities.
- For consistent excellent service from a particular bartender, consider a larger tip for a better reflection of their service.
Keep in mind that drinks on cruise ships can be expensive. A small tip, even on a lower-priced drink, is a nice gesture.
The automatic gratuity covers some services but typically doesn’t extend to bar staff, who depend largely on tips.
Specialty Services
- Spa treatments, shore excursions and other specialty services usually warrant a separate tip. Check with the service provider for typical tipping practices.
- For shore excursions and other specialty services organised through the cruise line, tipping depends on the service provided and the level of satisfaction. A small tip for excellent service is appreciated.
Spa treatments commonly involve a tip of 15-20%, similar to other services, but it’s important to check what’s customary and expected.
Tipping practices for shore excursions might vary widely depending on the excursion type and provider, so do some research beforehand.
Cruise Line Policies on Gratuities
Each cruise line has its own unique policies regarding gratuities. This section will offer guidance on navigating these different policies and understanding how they may impact your overall cruise experience.
Variations in Gratuity Amounts
| Cruise Line | Typical Daily Gratuity per Person |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | $15- $18 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | $14-$16 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $13-$15 |
Note: These amounts can vary based on cabin type and length of cruise. Always check your cruise documents for the most accurate figures. This table is illustrative of typical ranges only. It’s crucial to check the specific amounts for your cruise line and cabin class.
Opting Out of Automatic Gratuities
While possible, opting out of automatic gratuities is usually discouraged and may be seen negatively by the crew. Some cruise lines may impose stricter policies on this.
Adjusting Gratuities
Many cruise lines allow you to adjust the automatic gratuity amount before the end of your cruise. This provides flexibility if you’ve received exceptional or poor service.
Common Myths About Cruise Gratuities
Addressing misconceptions about cruise gratuities ensures transparency and helps you make informed decisions. This section will dispel some common myths surrounding cruise tipping.
Myth 1: Automatic Gratuities Cover Everything
This is false. Automatic gratuities typically only cover your cabin steward, dining room staff, and sometimes other service staff. Bartenders, room service, and spa treatments generally require additional gratuities.
Myth 2: Tipping is Optional
While technically you can opt out of automatic gratuities, it is not recommended. Crew members heavily rely on gratuities for a significant portion of their income, and declining gratuities can negatively impact your experience.
Myth 3: All Crew Members Receive the Same Amount
This isn’t true. The automatic gratuity is divided among the crew members involved in your service, with different roles receiving different portions.
FAQ
How are gratuities added to my bill?
Gratuities are usually added to your onboard account daily, and you can see the running total on your stateroom account statement. The final amount is included in your overall settlement at the end of the cruise.
Can I pay gratuities in cash?
While some cruise lines may allow cash tips, most prefer that gratuities are added to your onboard account for efficient tracking and distribution.
What if I receive poor service?
Most cruise lines allow you to adjust or reduce the amount of your automatic gratuity if you’re dissatisfied with the service. Report any issues to guest services to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Are gratuities tax deductible?
Generally, gratuities paid on cruises are not tax deductible. They are considered personal expenses. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.
What happens if I forget to tip someone?
Forgetting to tip is unfortunate but may be easily remedied in many cases. Contact guest services and let them know about the service you want to add a tip to.
How much should I tip for room service?
A standard tip for room service is $2-$5 per delivery, depending on the size and complexity of the order.
Is tipping expected for shore excursions?
Tipping for shore excursions depends on the type of excursion, but a small tip is usually appreciated for excellent service. Always check with the tour guide for appropriate local tipping practices.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the complexities of cruise gratuities is essential for a positive and financially responsible cruise experience. By familiarizing yourself with automatic charges, appropriate tipping practices for various services, and cruise line-specific policies, you can travel with confidence, knowing you are showing appreciation for exceptional service while managing your expenses effectively. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your cruise if you have any uncertainties about gratuity policies.