Going on a cruise is fun. But tipping can be confusing. This guide will help you understand how much to tip on a cruise.
Why Tipping is Important
Tipping shows you appreciate good service. Cruise staff work hard. They deserve tips for their efforts. Tipping also helps them support their families.
Who to Tip on a Cruise
Several people on a cruise deserve tips. Here are the main ones:
- Cabin steward
- Dining staff
- Bar staff
- Shore excursion guides
- Spa staff
Should You Tip Room Service Attendants on a Cruise Ship?
When you’re on a cruise, enjoying breakfast in the comfort of your cabin can feel like a luxurious experience. However, it’s essential to remember the hardworking room service attendants who make this possible. A considerate practice is to offer a tip to these individuals, as they often go above and beyond to enhance your cruising experience.
When guests leave tips on a cruise, the money is thoughtfully distributed among key service teams to ensure fair compensation for their hard work. The funds are primarily split between two main groups: the dining service staff and the cabin steward team.
- Dining Service Team: This includes servers, assistant servers, and others involved in delivering a dining experience. Their efforts in providing meals and attending to guest needs are recognized through this pooling system.
- Cabin Steward Team: These are the individuals tasked with keeping guest accommodations clean and comfortable. Their dedication to maintaining a pleasant living environment is essential to a positive cruise experience.
Historically, cruise passengers had a consistent waitstaff assigned to their table for the duration of the trip. Nowadays, most cruise lines offer more flexible dining options. Guests can choose when and where they dine, making a pooled tipping system essential. This approach ensures all staff members who contribute to guest satisfaction receive a portion of the tips, reflecting the collective nature of service on a cruise ship.
How Much to Tip?
A small gesture can go a long way. A tip of $1 to $2 per delivery is suggested, especially when attendants bring extensive trays to your room. This not only acknowledges their effort but also shows appreciation for their service.
By tipping, you contribute to maintaining a positive service culture aboard the ship, ensuring both crew satisfaction and a memorable journey for everyone.
Are there any cruise ship staff members who should not be tipped?
Absolutely. While tipping is a common and appreciated gesture on cruises, there are specific crew members for whom tipping is neither expected nor customary. Here’s a quick guide:
- Captain and Senior Officers: The ship’s management, including the captain and senior officers like the hotel director, cruise director, and executive chef, typically do not receive tips. These individuals, often considered the top-tier staff, are already well-compensated.
- General Entertainment Staff: While the entertainment team as a whole doesn’t usually accept tips, an exception might be made for individual performers, like a piano player at a bar, who may set up a bowl for tips and song requests.
- Youth Counselors: Those who oversee activities in kids clubs generally don’t expect gratuities. However, if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service, offering a tip is entirely up to you.
Understanding who to tip can help you navigate your cruise experience smoothly, ensuring gratitude is shown where it truly enhances the crew’s effort and your enjoyment.
How Much to Tip Each Person
When considering gratuities on a cruise, it’s important to understand the nuances of tipping etiquette for different staff members. For instance, members of the entertainment team are generally not tipped directly. That being said, there is one notable exception. You might come across a piano player at a bar who has set out a bowl for tips and song requests—this is a common and accepted practice.
As for youth counselors who take care of children in onboard kids’ clubs, tipping is not typically expected. However, if you feel that the service provided was exceptional, offering a gratuity is at your discretion and is always appreciated.
Understanding these guidelines can make your cruise experience more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on relaxation without the added pressure of tipping etiquette.
Knowing how much to tip each person is important. Here is a list to help you:
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Cabin steward | $3 to $5 per day |
| Dining staff | $10 to $15 per person per day |
| Bar staff | 15% to 20% of the bill |
| Shore excursion guides | $2 to $5 per person |
| Spa staff | 15% to 20% of the bill |
Remember, tipping is a personal choice and should reflect your satisfaction with the service provided. Flexibility in tipping allows you to reward exceptional service and ensure you contribute positively to the experience of those who made your excursion memorable.
Is It Common to Tip Cruise Ship Bartenders Separately for Better Service?
Tipping on a cruise can be a bit of a conundrum, especially when it comes to bartenders. The general practice is indeed at the passenger’s discretion, and decisions often depend on whether superior service is received.
Understanding the Gratuity System
On large cruise ships, gratuities are generally pre-included for services like spa treatments. This means an automatic charge of around 20% is added to your bill. However, when enjoying a cocktail at the bar, these auto-gratuities might not apply, leading some passengers to tip separately to acknowledge excellent service.
The Case for Separate Tipping
While you might not be required to tip bartenders over and above the standard included fee, many passengers choose to do so. A separate tip can serve as a way to ensure personalized and attentive service throughout your voyage.
- Why Tip Separately?
- Appreciation for Outstanding Service: If a bartender goes out of their way to craft your favorite drink or remembers your preference, a separate tip can show your appreciation.
- Building Rapport: Regular customers who tip often enjoy quicker service and the occasional complimentary upgrade.
What About Small Ships?
Smaller vessels might not include any gratuities upfront, making it important for passengers to carefully check their bar bills. If a gratuity isn’t included and you receive exceptional service, a tip of 15–20% of your drink tab is generally considered appropriate.
Special Dining and Service Areas
For specialty dining experiences where meals come at an extra cost, gratuities are typically bundled into the price but not always. Clarifying what’s included in your bill is key. Even if gratuities are covered, you can add extra for exceptional service, extending this practice to bartenders in exclusive areas.
Final Thoughts
While tipping is ultimately a personal decision, offering a little extra to cruise ship bartenders can enhance your experience. It’s about acknowledging superior service and ensuring that you enjoy every sip of your vacation. Always consider the individual cruise line’s policy, as practices can vary widely.
When to Tip
Tipping timing matters. Here is when to tip:
- Cabin steward: At the end of the cruise
- Dining staff: At the end of the cruise
- Bar staff: When you receive your bill
- Shore excursion guides: After the tour
- Spa staff: After your treatment
Prepaid Gratuities
Some cruises offer prepaid gratuities. This means you pay tips before your trip. Prepaid gratuities can make tipping easier. You don’t have to worry about tipping during the cruise.
Automatic Gratuities
Some cruise lines add automatic gratuities. This means tips are added to your bill. Automatic gratuities usually cover cabin stewards and dining staff. You can adjust these tips if needed. Talk to guest services to change the tip amount.
Understanding Cruise Tipping Policies
Cruise lines are generally straightforward about their tipping policies. If you’re not on an all-inclusive cruise that includes gratuities in the fare, it’s recommended to tip the crew. This is made easier as major cruise lines provide clear guidelines.
Convenience and Options: Some cruise lines automatically add a suggested gratuity to your onboard account, simplifying the process. Others even allow you to prepay tips before your journey begins, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the details.
Purpose of Gratuities: Tips serve as a significant part of the income for the international crew members, much like the tips you give at a local restaurant. While not mandatory, these gratuities are generally expected.
Flexibility: No matter the suggested amount, you can visit the purser’s desk to adjust your gratuities based on the service you received. If you’re impressed by the service, you might choose to increase the amount.
With these options, you can manage your tipping preferences to suit your experience on the cruise.
Extra Tips for Special Service
Sometimes, you receive extra special service. In these cases, consider giving extra tips. This shows your appreciation. Extra tips can make a big difference for the staff.
Cash or Card?
You can tip in cash or by card. Cash tips are often preferred. They are easy to give and receive. But, card tips are also accepted. Choose the method that works best for you.
Tipping in Different Currencies
If you are on an international cruise, tipping can be tricky. Different countries have different tipping customs. Always tip in the local currency. This makes it easier for the staff to use the money.
Final Thoughts on Tipping
Tipping on a cruise does not have to be hard. Follow this guide to know how much to tip. Remember to appreciate the staff’s hard work. Happy cruising!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should You Tip On A Cruise?
Tipping on a cruise generally ranges from $10 to $15 per person per day.
Are Tips Included In Cruise Prices?
Most cruises add a daily gratuity to your bill. Check with your cruise line.
Is Tipping Mandatory On A Cruise?
Tipping is usually expected, but you can adjust it at your discretion.
Can You Remove Gratuities On A Cruise?
Yes, you can adjust or remove gratuities by visiting guest services.