Wondering how to handle tipping on your next cruise? In our guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about gratuities at sea.
You’ll learn how automatic tips work, who you should tip, when to do it, and how much is appropriate.
Read about tipping policies across different cruise lines and learn how to budget for tips without overspending. By the end, you’ll know how to handle even the trickiest tipping situations with ease.
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Quick facts about Tipping and Gratuities
- Daily gratuity rate: You’ll typically pay $14-$20 per person daily for gratuities, depending on your cabin type.
- Automatic gratuities: Your cruise line will likely add automatic gratuities to your onboard account.
- Adjusting gratuities: You can usually adjust or remove automatic gratuities at the guest services desk if you prefer.
- Main recipients: Your room steward and dining staff will receive the largest portion of your gratuities.
- Specialty dining: When you dine at specialty restaurants, you’re often expected to tip 15-20% on top of automatic gratuities.
- Drink tips: You’ll see a 15-18% tip automatically added to your drink bills for bartenders.
- Spa services: If you enjoy spa treatments, remember that gratuities aren’t typically included in the price.
- Cruise line differences: You’ll find tipping policies can vary significantly between luxury and mainstream cruise lines you choose.
- All-inclusive cruises: If you book an all-inclusive cruise, you might find gratuities are already included in your fare.
- Extra appreciation: Even with automatic gratuities, you can still give cash tips for exceptional service if you wish.
- Shore excursions: When you go on shore excursions, remember that tipping is separate from your onboard gratuities.
- No-tipping policies: On some cruise lines, especially luxury ships, you might encounter a “no tipping required” policy.
- Holiday cruising: If you’re cruising during holidays, consider tipping more due to the increased workload for staff.
- Per-person charges: You’ll be charged gratuities for each day of your cruise, for every guest in your party, including children.
- Booking incentives: When booking, look out for pre-paid gratuities sometimes offered as an incentive.
Understanding Cruise Tipping Culture
When you step onto a cruise ship, you’re entering a whole new world of tipping culture. Trust me, it’s nothing like tipping at your local restaurant! Whether it’s your first time cruising or you’re a seasoned pro, the whole tipping thing can still be a bit of a head-scratcher.
Here’s what you need to know: a lot of the awesome crew members who’ll be making your trip amazing, well they’re counting on tips to beef up their paychecks.
And tipping can be totally different depending on which cruise line you’re sailing with, where you’re headed, and what kind of fancy extras you’re splurging on. Some ships just tack on automatic tips to your bill, while others leave it up to you to hand out cash.
Getting the hang of all this isn’t just about keeping your budget in check (though that’s important too!). It’s about showing some love to the hardworking folks who are bending over backwards to make your cruise awesome.
Automatic Gratuities vs. Traditional Tipping
| What It Is | Automatic Gratuities | Traditional Tipping |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | A set amount is automatically added to your bill each day by the cruise line. | You give cash tips directly to the staff when you receive their service. |
| When You Pay | Automatically included in your daily onboard account or final bill. | Tipped whenever you get good service, usually with cash. |
| How Much | Fixed daily rate per person, usually between £10 and £15. | You decide the amount based on how you feel about the service. |
| Ease of Use | Super easy since you don’t have to think about it every day. | You need to carry cash and remember to tip each time. |
| Who Gets the Tip | Cruise line distributes the money to all the crew members. | You can choose exactly who to tip and how much they get. |
| Fairness | Everyone gets a standard amount, which keeps things fair. | Tips can vary, so some staff might get more than others. |
| Flexibility | Not much flexibility since the amount is fixed. | You can adjust your tips based on how great the service is. |
| Budgeting | Easy to include in your overall cruise costs. | It can be tricky to budget since tips can add up based on your spending. |
| Cultural Fit | Might not match local tipping habits if you visit different countries. | You can tip according to local customs when you’re on shore excursions. |
| Service Quality | Ensures all crew members are thanked, which can lead to better service overall. | Direct tips can motivate staff to provide top-notch service. |
| Extra Tips for Awesome Service | You can add extra tips, but it usually requires an extra step. | Easy to give additional tips on the spot if someone goes above and beyond. |
| How You Pay | Charged to your onboard account or added to your final bill. | Mostly cash, but some places might let you tip with a card. |
Who Should You Tip on a Cruise?
Remember, some of these staff members may be covered by automatic gratuities, but additional tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated.
- Room Steward: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining your cabin
- Dining Room Waiter: Your main server for meals in the main dining room
- Assistant Waiter: Supports the main waiter, often handling drinks and bread service
- Headwaiter/Maître d’: Oversees the dining room and may assist with special requests
- Bartenders: If you frequently visit the same bar
- Sommelier: If you receive wine recommendations or service
- Spa Therapists: For treatments not included in your cruise package
- Fitness Instructors: For personal training or specialized classes
- Kids’ Club Staff: If your children frequently use the service
- Room Service Attendants: When delivering to your cabin
- Luggage Porters: When embarking or disembarking
- Casino Dealers: If you win big or spend significant time at the tables
- Specialty Restaurant Staff: In addition to cover charges
- Shore Excursion Guides: For tours not included in your cruise package
- Concierge: If you’ve used their services extensively
- Butler: On luxury cruises that offer butler service
Recommended Tipping Amounts for Different Staff
- Remember, these amounts can vary depending on your cruise line, the level of service you receive, and your personal preference. Keep in mind that exchange rates may fluctuate, so you should check current rates. Always review your specific cruise line’s guidelines before you travel.
- Room Steward: $3-5 (£2-4) per day per person
- Dining Room Waiter: $3-5 (£2-4) per day per person
- Assistant Waiter: $1-2 (£0.80-1.60) per day per person
- Headwaiter: $1 (£0.80) per day per person
- Bartenders: 15-18% of drink cost (often automatically added)
- Spa Therapists: 15-20% of treatment cost
- Room Service: $2-5 (£1.60-4) per delivery
- Luggage Porters: $1-2 (£0.80-1.60) per bag
- Shore Excursion Guides: $2-5 (£1.60-4) per person for half-day tours, $5-10 (£4-8) for full-day tours
When to Tip: Daily vs. End of Cruise
| What It Means | Daily Tipping | End of Cruise Tipping |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping It Consistent | Tip a little each day so the crew sees your appreciation regularly. | Wait until the end to decide how much you want to tip based on the whole trip. |
| Building a Connection | Helps you build a friendly vibe with the staff, making your service even better. | You might not get as close with the crew since tips come all at once. |
| Immediate Thanks | Your gratitude is felt every day, making your interactions more positive. | You show your thanks after the cruise, so daily interactions stay the same. |
| Flexibility | You stick to a set amount each day, which is straightforward. | You can adjust the total tip based on how your cruise went overall. |
| Ease of Managing | You need to remember to tip daily, which might be a bit of a hassle. | You handle all your tips at once, which can be simpler if you don’t want to manage it daily. |
| Personal Style | If you like showing appreciation every day, this is the way to go. | If you prefer keeping things simple and handling tips in one go, this works better for you. |
Cash vs. Charging Tips to Your Onboard Account
This table breaks down the differences between using cash and charging tips to your onboard account in a straightforward and friendly way. Think about what matters most to you – whether it’s having control, enjoying convenience, or adding a personal touch – to decide the best way to handle your gratuities on your cruise holiday!
| What to Think About | Cash | Onboard Account |
|---|---|---|
| How Easy It Is | You need to carry cash and keep some handy for tipping. | Tips are automatically added to your account, so no need to carry extra money. |
| Flexibility | You can choose exactly how much to tip each person based on their service. | Gratuities are usually fixed, so you have less control over the exact amounts. |
| Personal Touch | Handing cash directly to staff feels more personal and shows immediate appreciation. | Tips go into a pool, which is appreciated but less personal. |
| Convenience | Carrying and managing cash can be a bit of a hassle. | Super convenient since everything is handled for you automatically. |
| Safety | There’s a risk of losing cash or having it stolen, so you need to keep it safe. | No worries about losing money because everything is charged electronically. |
| Who Gets the Tip | You can tip specific people who provided great service, making your thanks clear. | Tips are pooled, so individual staff might not see your personal thanks. |
| Budgeting | It might be harder to keep track of how much you’re tipping each day. | Easier to budget since gratuities are included in your overall cruise costs. |
| Adding Extra Tips | Easy to add extra tips for outstanding service whenever you want. | Some cruise lines let you add extra tips to your account, but it’s less spontaneous. |
| Local Customs | Handy if you’re visiting ports with different tipping customs, letting you adjust accordingly. | Stays the same no matter where you dock, which might not match local practices. |
Tipping in Specialty Restaurants
When you decide to dine at a specialty restaurant on your cruise, tipping works a bit differently than in the main dining areas. These spots often have their own tipping policies, so it’s a good idea to check if gratuities are already included in your bill. If they’re not, you might want to leave a bit extra to show your appreciation for the unique dining experience.
Since specialty restaurants usually offer more personalised service, handing cash directly to your server can be a nice way to say thanks. Alternatively, you can add the tip to your onboard account if that’s easier for you.
Keep in mind that these restaurants often have smaller teams, so your tip can make a big difference and help ensure you get excellent service every time you visit.
How to Adjust or Remove Automatic Gratuities
If you want to tweak or remove the automatic gratuities on your cruise, it’s simple to do once you’re onboard. You can head to guest services or use the ship’s app to adjust your gratuity settings.
If you prefer to handle tipping yourself, you can even remove the automatic gratuities entirely as soon as you board—it’s a normal practice and not unusual at all.
Whether you want to lower the daily rate because you’re not using certain services or would rather tip in cash, it’s totally your call. Don’t worry, removing automatic gratuities doesn’t affect the crew’s morale, as they understand it’s a personal choice. You can always leave personal tips if you prefer to reward excellent service directly.
Currency Considerations for International Tipping
When cruising internationally, it’s important to think about the currency you’ll need for tipping at different ports. While it’s pretty common for most cruise ships to charge gratuities in US dollars, no matter where your cruise started, tipping off the ship is often done in local currency.
Make sure you have small bills or coins in the local currency when heading ashore, as it makes tipping easier and more appreciated.
If you’re unsure about local tipping customs or amounts, ask the crew or do a quick search beforehand to avoid any confusion. Having the right currency ready shows respect and helps you have a smoother experience.
How to Show Appreciation Without Monetary Tips
If you’d like to show your appreciation for great service on your cruise without giving monetary tips, there are plenty of other ways to do it. These small but meaningful gestures can show your appreciation without involving money and still make a big impact.
- Say Thank You: A sincere, heartfelt thank-you can brighten a crew member’s day and show your appreciation.
- Leave Positive Feedback: Mention specific crew members in the ship’s feedback form to help them get recognition from their supervisors.
- Write a Personal Note: A handwritten note expressing your gratitude is a thoughtful way to show you care.
- Give a Small Gift: Something like a small treat or souvenir from a port stop can be a meaningful gesture.
- Share Praise in Reviews: Leave a positive review online or in the cruise line’s app, mentioning crew members who made your trip special.
- Social Media Shout-Outs: Post a shout-out on social media, tagging the cruise line and specific crew members, which can get them even more recognition.
The Debate: Should Cruise Tipping Be Mandatory?
When thinking about the debate over mandatory cruise tipping, it’s good to remember that tipping customs vary a lot around the world. If you’re from somewhere like the UK, where tipping isn’t as common, you might feel that staff should be paid fairly without needing tips to top up their income.
This view sees it as the employer’s job, not the customer’s, to make sure workers earn a living wage. But on cruise ships, you’re in an international setting, with crew members often coming from countries with different economic situations. The tipping system helps balance these differences.
While you might think tips shouldn’t be necessary, many crew members do rely on them for a big part of their income. This mix of cultures and expectations can make the tipping debate tricky. As you form your opinion, think about both your own beliefs about tipping and the unique setup on cruise ships.
Whatever you decide, make sure to check and budget for your cruise line’s tipping policy so there are no surprises!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tipping on a Cruise
- Don’t forget about automatic gratuities: Check your account so you don’t accidentally tip twice.
- Overlooking behind-the-scenes staff: Crew like cabin stewards work hard, even if you don’t see them all the time.
- Not understanding local customs: Do a quick check on tipping expectations when you’re in port to avoid awkward moments.
- Assuming all-inclusive covers everything: Some services might still need an extra tip, even if you’re on an all-inclusive package.
- Forgetting to budget for tips: Plan for gratuities ahead of time to avoid any surprises later.
- Tipping in the wrong currency: US dollars are usually preferred on most cruise ships, so keep that in mind.
- Skipping tips on shore excursions: Don’t forget to tip guides and drivers when you’re off the ship.
- Forgetting to tip for room service or special requests: These often require a little extra for the added service.
- Tipping too little in specialty restaurants: The service here is usually top-notch, so make sure to tip appropriately.
- Assuming pre-paid gratuities cover everything: Some services might not be included, so check ahead.
- Not tipping after spa treatments: These prices usually don’t include gratuities, so plan to tip separately.
- Letting cultural differences stop you from tipping: Even if tipping isn’t common where you’re from, it’s a big part of cruise culture.
- Not having small bills for porters and drivers: You’ll need them for handling luggage or for transport during excursions.
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11 responses
Hi Gemma, I think that’s a great idea, a letter box would be good.
I have only been on one cruise so far – Christmas/New Year and I must say I tipped my Valet on Christmas day and before leaving and also the Restaurant and Bar staff and cleaner.
Frankly therefore I prefer to do my own tipping.
This means though, that not all the appropriate staff receive a tip.
Frankly I think you should have a letter box and provide tipping envelopes in the rooms and the guests put what they can afford.
Let’s get it right. Tipping should be to enhance the crew pay, not make it up.
If passengers wish to tip then by all means let them do so, but to the crew members who they think deserves it not whom the cruise line choose.
This argument has gone on for years. Some cruise lines make out they are doing passengers a favour including the gratuities in the price of the cruise.
They would be even more generous of they paid the crew real wages in the first place. Let passengers just pay the cost of the cruise and that’s it.
Cruise lines get enough money out of passengers one way or another when on the ship without adding more to the bill by adding gratuities.
I believe that the cruise line should pay their staff a proper wage out of their large profits.
Having spent my working life in the hospitality industry I would say tipping should be at the discretion of the customer and not mandatory.
Companies should charge the requisite amount in the sales price to ensure the staff are adequately paid and the customer is satisfied. I would support a non tipping policy unless I chose to reward exceptional service or kindness.
I strongly object to being told how much to tip and to the way that said tips are distributed.
In the past we have “opted out” and give tips to those that we thought deserved them ie the cabin staff, waiters etc who we think work extremely hard and should be rewarded.
The last cruise however which was with Croisieres de France we approached the purser and reception staff, who informed us that the opting out scheme was no longer in existence.
We were told in no uncertain terms that we had no option but to pay the tips that they were charging. They also said that other companies are now doing the same thing.
It is a sticky subject. I worked for the NHS for 43 years and I personally have saved many lives.
I have had thank you,s and we would not be able to accept a tip or expect one. If you are employed to do a job you do it well to the best of your ability or you should not be in the job .
A tip is personal for the service but it should not be demanded.
Have done 40+ cruises, some automatic tipping I opt out of at the pursers desk, when asked cruise workers prefer to be personally tipped although they say that they should not have told you the information of preference.
I always tip the the cabin steward, waiter and assistant waiter, you pay tips automatic to your bar service each time.
For anyone else who may receive a tip from me, it depends on the circumstances.
On our last few cruises we paid as part of the deal, so on the last night we were the only people on our table who didn’t pass the dreaded envelope at goodbye time.
But we prefer to tip in cash at the end of the cruise, how can you actually tip in advance?
How do you know that the service you get will be worth the tip?
We have always paid by the way but should the service fall short we would withdraw the tips.
I am getting ready to go on my 3rd cruise. I opt out of prepaid tipping I tip where I feel It is deserved.
I think it is obscene that cruise staff need money gifts to have a decent wage. Shame on the cruise lines. To tip is to perpetuate this indignity of the crew.