My last cruise was amazing, but the final bill surprised me! I hadn’t fully grasped the system of gratuities on cruises. This post will help you avoid that surprise and understand exactly what to expect regarding cruise ship gratuities, so you can budget accordingly and enjoy your vacation stress-free. You’ll learn about how gratuities are calculated, what they cover, and how to handle special situations, ultimately ensuring a smoother and more financially transparent cruise experience.
Gratuity Structure on Cruise Lines
This section explains the standard structure of gratuities on most major cruise lines. It clarifies the typical daily amount, how it’s applied to your account, and what services it covers. Understanding these basics is crucial for managing your cruise budget effectively.
Daily Gratuity Charges
- Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge per person to your onboard account. This typically ranges from $12 to $18 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line and the level of service (e.g., inside cabin vs. suite). This covers your dining room staff, cabin stewards, and other service personnel.
- The daily charge is automatically added, and it will be clearly stated in your cruise documents.
Services Covered by Gratuities
- Your daily gratuity covers the service provided by your cabin steward (cleaning, turning down service, etc.), dining room staff (waiters, assistant waiters, and bussers), and other service staff you may regularly encounter.
- Some cruise lines may also include gratuities for other services like bar staff, but this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to check the specifics on your line’s website.
Automatic vs. Manual Gratuity Addition
Nearly all cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. However, some may allow you to adjust this or opt out entirely. This will usually happen before your departure, allowing you time to adjust the amount.
Adjusting or Waiving Gratuities
This section explores the options available to you if you want to adjust or waive the automatically added gratuities. It covers different cruise lines’ policies and provides guidance on the process.
Modifying Your Gratuity
- Some cruise lines allow you to increase or decrease the daily gratuity amount. This is often done via your onboard account or by contacting guest services.
- Increasing the gratuity demonstrates your appreciation for exceptional service. Decreasing it might be an option if you felt the service was subpar. Remember to document issues appropriately before making a change.
Waiving Gratuities
- While less common, some cruise lines offer the option to entirely waive automatic gratuities. This is usually only possible before the cruise or shortly after the departure begins. However, this is generally discouraged unless you have strong justification.
- It’s important to note that waiving gratuities may impact the level of service you receive; this is not guaranteed but possible depending on the cruise line.
Communication is Key
If you have any issues with the service you receive, it’s always best to address them directly with your waiter, steward, or guest services. This allows the cruise line to resolve the issue during your cruise.
Gratuities Beyond the Automatic Charges
This section dives into gratuities beyond the standard daily charges, focusing on situations where additional tipping might be appropriate and on understanding the different types of services that may or may not include automatic gratuities.
Specialty Dining and Bars
- For specialty dining or premium bars, gratuities are often included in the price, but not always. Double check your bill to be sure.
- If the gratuity isn’t already included, a 15-20% tip is generally considered appropriate.
Other Services
- For services like room service, shore excursions or spa treatments, gratuities are often not included in the initial cost and may be added separately. Check with these individual services to understand their policy.
- The appropriate gratuity amount will vary depending on the service provided and the level of satisfaction.
Excursions and Shore Activities
When booking shore excursions through the cruise line, gratuities are usually not included in the advertised price. The guides on shore excursions usually work independently of the cruise line, meaning gratuity practices may differ.
Understanding Your Onboard Account
This section will guide you on how to monitor your onboard account to ensure transparency concerning your gratuities on cruises and other charges. It’s important to understand where your money is going throughout your vacation.
Checking Your Daily Statements
- Your onboard account statement will show your daily gratuities. Reviewing it regularly will help prevent any unexpected charges.
- Check the statement daily to catch any errors or discrepancies immediately. You can generally access it through a terminal or through the cruise line’s app.
Addressing Discrepancies
- If you find an issue with your bill, contact the guest services desk immediately. They can usually resolve these issues quickly and efficiently. Providing documentation is essential to resolve any problems.
- Be polite but firm when addressing your concerns, providing as much detail as possible regarding the charges.
Final Bill Review
Thoroughly review your final bill before disembarking the ship. Ensure that all charges are accurate, including the daily gratuities and any additional tips you may have added.
Common Myths About Cruise Gratuities
This section debunks some common misunderstandings surrounding cruise ship gratuities.
Myth 1: Gratuities are optional.
While you can often adjust or waive automatic gratuities, it is not truly optional as they are included in the vast majority of cruise fares.
Myth 2: You must tip in cash.
Almost all cruise lines use an onboard account system to manage gratuities. Cash tips are generally less common and less trackable, though always possible.
Myth 3: Gratuities are only for dining staff.
Gratuities generally cover your dining staff, cabin steward and other service personnel, not just those in the dining room.
FAQ
What is included in the daily gratuity?
The daily gratuity typically covers your dining room staff, cabin steward, and other service personnel. The specific services covered can vary by cruise line.
Can I adjust my daily gratuity amount?
Yes, many cruise lines allow you to adjust the daily gratuity amount. However, policies on the ability to adjust or waive this can differ significantly between cruise lines.
What should I do if I have a problem with the service?
If you have a problem with the service, contact guest services immediately. Addressing issues promptly is key to obtaining a positive resolution.
Are gratuities included in the price of shore excursions?
No, gratuities are generally not included in shore excursions unless stated otherwise. It is wise to consider additional gratuity payments when participating in shore excursions.
What happens if I waive the automatic gratuity?
Waiving gratuities might impact the level of service you receive. However, policies on waiving gratuities differ between cruise lines, and some may not even allow it.
How can I review my onboard account statement?
You can typically review your onboard account statement daily through terminals located around the ship or via the cruise line’s mobile app.
Should I tip for every service?
While daily gratuities cover many services, extra tips for exceptional service or for services like room service are always appreciated but not strictly mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Understanding gratuities on cruises is essential for a smooth and financially transparent vacation. By reviewing your onboard account regularly, adjusting your gratuity as needed, and tipping appropriately for exceptional service, you can make the most of your cruise while staying within budget. Remember to review your final bill carefully before disembarking to ensure accuracy. Happy cruising!