So, you are planning the cruise vacation of a lifetime! You are considering all of the details, including gratuities.
But, what is considered proper tipping etiquette on a cruise vacation?
First and foremost, it's important to note that most cruise lines have a mandatory gratuity fee that is automatically added to passengers' bills.
Mandatory Gratuity
This fee is typically around $15 or more per person per day, and it covers a variety of crew members who work behind the scenes to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
These individuals include the room stewards, dining room waitstaff, and other support staff who work hard to keep the ship clean and well-maintained.
While this mandatory gratuity fee may seem like a significant amount, it's important to keep in mind that many crew members on board the ship rely on tips and gratuities as a significant portion of their income.
In fact, many cruise ship employees earn very low wages and rely heavily on tips to make ends meet.
As such, it's customary to tip additional crew members who have provided exceptional service throughout your vacation.
Gratuities can be paid on your post cruise bill.
But, many passengers opt for prepaid gratuities.
Prepaid Gratuities
Prepaid tips are another option that some cruise lines offer, which allows passengers to pay their gratuities in advance.
This can be a convenient option for those who prefer to have all expenses paid upfront, and it also ensures that crew members receive their gratuities even if a passenger forgets to leave a tip at the end of the trip.
However, it's important to keep in mind that prepaid tips are often divided among all crew members, regardless of the level of service they provided. As such, it may still be a good idea to tip additional crew members in cash for exceptional service.
Additionally, some cruise lines do not allow you to adjust or remove prepaid tips, so it's important to read the fine print and understand the policies before selecting this option.
Tipping On Your Cruise Vacation: Do's And Don'ts
One of the most important aspects of cruise ship etiquette is tipping.
But, how much should you tip?
Who should you tip?
When should you tip?
Here are some do's and don'ts of tipping on your cruise vacation.
Do: Check your cruise line's tipping policy.
Before you set sail, make sure to read your cruise line's tipping policy.
Some cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, while others have a suggested gratuity amount that you can adjust up or down based on the level of service you receive.
Some cruise lines even have a no-tipping policy and include gratuities in the upfront cost of your cruise.
Understanding your cruise line's tipping policy can help you plan ahead and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Don't: Forget To Tip Additional Crew Members.
Even if your cruise line has a mandatory gratuity fee, it's always appreciated to tip additional crew members who have provided exceptional service throughout your vacation.
This includes your room steward, dining room waitstaff, bartenders, spa and salon staff, and any other crew members who have gone above and beyond to make your vacation memorable.
While the amount you choose to tip is up to you, it's recommended to tip between $3 and $5 per day, per person for your room steward and dining room waitstaff, and between 15% and 20% of the total cost for bartenders and spa and salon staff.
Do: Tip In Cash For Exceptional Service.
If you want to show your appreciation for exceptional service, consider tipping in cash.
Many cruise ship employees are not allowed to accept tips while on duty, so it's best to wait until the crew member is off duty or on a break to hand over your tip.
Alternatively, you can leave an envelope with your tip in your cabin for your room steward or at the front desk for other crew members. Tipping in cash also ensures that your tip goes directly to the crew member who provided exceptional service, rather than being divided among all crew members.
Don't: Remove Gratuities Without A Valid Reason.
Some passengers may be tempted to remove gratuities from their onboard account as a way to save money.
However, it's important to understand that gratuities are a significant portion of many crew members' income.
If you do choose to remove gratuities, make sure you have a valid reason, such as poor service. In this case, it's recommended to speak to the crew member or their supervisor first to try and resolve the issue.
If you're still unsatisfied, you can then request to have the gratuities removed.
Do: Tip Crew Members Who Work Behind The Scenes.
While your room steward and dining room waitstaff may be the most visible crew members on your cruise vacation, there are many other crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your vacation runs smoothly.
This includes the galley staff who prepare your meals, the housekeeping staff who keep the ship clean and well-maintained, and the technical staff who keep the ship running.
While it's not expected to tip these crew members directly, a portion of your mandatory gratuity fee goes towards supporting them. You can also show your appreciation by leaving a note or card for the crew members you don't interact with directly.
Don't: Assume All Crew Members Are Treated Equally.
It's important to remember that not all crew members on a cruise ship receive the same wages or benefits.
Some crew members, such as room stewards and dining room waitstaff, rely heavily on tips as a significant portion of their income. Other crew memberssuch as those working in the technical or housekeeping departments, may receive higher wages but may not have the same opportunities to earn tips. As such, it's important to keep in mind that some crew members may rely more heavily on tips than others.
This doesn't mean that you should tip one crew member more than another simply based on their job title, but it's important to understand that each crew member's situation may be different.
Do: Express Your Gratitude In Other Ways.
While tipping is an important way to show your appreciation for exceptional service, it's not the only way to express your gratitude.
You can also leave a note or card for your room steward or dining room waitstaff, compliment a crew member to their supervisor, or participate in any feedback surveys provided by the cruise line.
These small gestures can go a long way in showing your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the crew members who make your cruise vacation possible.
So, Who Should You Tip And How Much Should You Give?
It can be difficult to know where to start, so here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Room Steward: Your room steward is responsible for keeping your cabin clean and tidy throughout your stay. They also often go above and beyond to make your stay ascomfortable as possible, from leaving towel animals on your bed to providing extra amenities such as pillows or blankets. It's customary to tip your room steward between $3 and $5 per day, per person. If you're traveling with a family or in a larger group, you may want to consider tipping a bit more.
Dining Room Waitstaff: Your dining room waitstaff is responsible for taking your orders, serving your meals, and ensuring that you have an enjoyable dining experience. It's customary to tip your waitstaff between $3 and $5 per day, per person. If you have a particularly attentive or exceptional server, you may want to consider tipping a bit more.
Bartenders: If you frequent the ship's bars throughout your vacation, it's customary to tip your bartender between 15% and 20% of the total cost of your drinks. Many cruise lines will automatically add a gratuity to your bar bill, but it's always appreciated to leave a little extra for exceptional service.
Spa and Salon Staff: If you visit the ship's spa or salon for any treatments, it's customary to tip your service provider between 15% and 20% of the total cost of your service. Some cruise lines will automatically add a gratuity to your bill, but it's always appreciated to leave a little extra for exceptional service.
Other Crew Members: If you receive exceptional service from any other crew members on board the ship, such as a concierge, a casino dealer, or an activity coordinator, it's always appreciated to leave a small tip to show your gratitude. In general, a tip of $1 to $2 per service is appropriate.
Guidelines Are Just Guidelines For Cruise Vacation Tipping
It's important to note that these guidelines are just that - guidelines.
Ultimately, the amount you choose to tip should depend on the level of service you've received and your personal budget. If you can't afford to tip as much as you'd like, it's always appreciated to leave a note or card expressing your gratitude instead.
One question that often comes up when it comes to tipping on a cruise ship is whether or not you should tip in cash or on your bill.
The answer to this question largely depends on your personal preference and the policies of the cruise line you're traveling with.
Some cruise lines allow you to add additional gratuities to your onboard account, which can be paid via credit card or cash at the end of your trip. Other cruise lines require that you tip in cash directly to the crew member.
If you choose to tip in cash, it's important to keep in mind that most cruise ship employees are not allowed to accept tips while on duty.
Instead, you should wait until you're off the ship and the crew member is on their break or has finished their shift before handing over your tip. Alternatively, you can leave your tip in an envelope in your cabin for your room steward, or at the front desk for other crew members.
If you choose to add additional gratuities to your onboard account, it's important to check the policies of your cruise line to see how these tips are distributed.
Some cruise lines pool all gratuities and distribute them evenly among all crew members, while others allow you to specify which crew members you'd like to receive your tip.
If you have a specific crew member who has provided exceptional service throughout your trip, it's always a good idea to let the cruise line know so they can ensure that your tip goes directly to that individual.
It's also important to keep in mind that not all cruise lines have the same policies when it comes to tipping and gratuities.
Some cruise lines have a no-tipping policy and instead include all gratuities in the upfront cost of your cruise.
Others have a suggested gratuity amount, but allow you to adjust this amount based on the level of service you've received.
So, in conclusion, consider the do's and don'ts of tipping, and the guidelines of your cruise line.
And above all else, have an fantastic and memorable cruise vacation!
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
